Serendipity

    When I was just 6 years old, I remember gazing at the night sky from the window seat of a bus on our way back to Manila after visiting my grandparents in Masbate. The full moon shone brilliantly, with only a few clouds to adorn it. I wondered if the same moon graced the skies of Manila and if the dragon had forgotten to take a bite, leaving it full that night. Makati Skyline as seen from Poblacion Makati Over 20 years later, during the Lunar (Chinese) New Year, I found myself atop a 30-story building in Poblacion, Makati drinking cocktail. The bustling music contrasted with the serene ambiance, and the breathtaking view of the Makati skyline filled me with inspiration. As I was gazing with the towering buildings I feel more motivated and reflect on what I want in life. The soothing cocktails and clear sky added to the unforgettable night. As the gentle breeze caressed my skin, I couldn't help but wonder if we were looking at the same sky.

                           "Give me some sunshine, give me some rain,           Give me another chance. I wanna grow up once again." -3 Idiots As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the journey it has been this year. Mentally, financially, and socially, I've experienced growth. Stepping out of my comfort zone, I've met new people, explored different places, tried new things, and witnessed the world through a different lens. The pandemic has ended after two years, similar to Luffy's decision to reunite with his crew before sailing to the new world, aware that they are still unprepared for more challenging seas. Now, at age 27, I stand ready to navigate this new world after two years of being secluded in my comfort zone. Losing connections, especially with those you care about the most, is undoubtedly challeng...

       Ang pinakamayaman na lugar raw sa mundo ay ang sementeryo hindi dahil sa laki o dami ng materyal na bagay na naipundar ng mga nakalibing ruon kundi dahil sa pangarap, yaman,ideya, potensyal, kinabukasan  at talento na di na naisasakatuparan dahil natapos na ang kanilang paglalakbay.       Walong taon na din pala simula ng nawala ang kapatid ko, di ko mawari kung paano ang isang umaga ay magbabago sa takbo ng aming mundo, kung paano ang isang umaga ay magiging only child na lang ako ni mama, kung paano ang isang umaga ay di na maririnig ang iyong tawa, kung paano ang isang umaga ay di ka na makikita pa.       Walong taon na din pala ang lumipas ng ikaw ay namahinga, dalawang buwan na lang sana ay ika-14 na taon mo na. Walong taon na din ang lumipas simula ng huling nakalaro sa basketball, umulan man o umaraw. Walong taon na din ang lumipas simula ng huling beses kong narinig na tawagin mo akong kuya. Walong taon na pala ang lu...

'Tong alay kong harana, para sa dalagang Walang kasingganda, amoy-rosas ang halimuyak Kung nanaisin ng tadhanang mapanlinlang 'Di hahayaang mawala pa 'Tong liham na umaasang mata mo ang makabasa Handang gawin lahat, maging pamilya'y liligawan Ngayon lang nakadama ng wagas na pagkamangha Hiling ko lang naman na Tayo na sanang dalawa ang siyang huli at ang umpisa Papatunayang ang unang pag-ibig ay 'di mawawala Nakailang tula na, ba't tila 'di napupuna? Ang tangi kong hiling, hanggang dulo, ikaw ang kapiling Kung puwede lang, hanggang pangmagpakailanman Hinding-hindi na papakawalan kailanman Ang dating tamis ng pagsasama, nasa'n na? (Hinahanap-hanap ka, whoa) Ba't sa 'ting dal'wa, ako na lang ang natira? (Sana'y magkita pa) Tinig mong kay ganda, maririnig pa ba? Handang tahaking mag-isa kahit wala ka na Kung nasa'n ka man, nawa ay masaya ka na (palalayain ka, whoa) Kahit na 'di na tayo magsasama pa (mahal pa rin kita) Dinggin mo lang...

                                                         Sunset at MOA Bay area                        "Every new beginning comes from some  other beginning's end"                                               -Closing Time by Semisonic

 

    In moments when we feel lost, weak, doubtful, or scared, a powerful whisper can arise from within: "Courage, dear heart." This phrase, inspired by C.S. Lewis, is more than just words. It's a lifeline, a gentle reminder that even in unfamiliar territories, we've faced similar challenges before and triumphed. "Courage, dear heart" -C.S. Lewis, Voyage of the dawn threader    The journey of life is punctuated with peaks and valleys, light and shadow. There might be times when we stand at crossroads, unsure of which direction to take. Or moments when the weight of the world seems unbearably heavy on our shoulders. Yet, if we pause and listen closely, the whisper returns, "Courage, dear heart."      Remember, this isn't our first rodeo. We've navigated choppy waters before and have always found our way back to shore. It's this resilience, this inherent strength within, that propels us forward.     So the next time doubt clouds your path, ...