A Journey Back in Time

It deeply saddens me to lose my mom, and even more so to be replaced in the heart of the person I love most. I was left with heavy responsibilities and promises to keep, all while facing everything alone. At first, I held onto hope and gathered all my strength to push through, thinking about my future with the one I loved. But everything fell apart when she suddenly told me it was over, and that someone else had taken my place in her heart. I could understand if I had done something wrong, but the most painful part was being abandoned at my weakest, and without any proper answer as to why she came to that decision. Honestly I lost my faith, hope, and strength. I tried to stay silent and act normal, but the sorrow became too much to bear, and eventually, those around me noticed and began to worry for my well-being. Despite my loneliness, I am grateful to the people around me who have supported me, tried to cheer me up, and showed me kindness in their simple ways. I feel fortunate to...

Many older people tend to save their money in time deposits or passbooks because they feel it is safer than using an ATM. However, what they might not realize is that if an emergency occurs and they pass away suddenly, the process of closing their account can become a significant struggle. This is exactly what happened to me. My mom was a strong, independent, and active woman, but the pandemic changed everything. She was forced to stay home for more than two years, and due to the sudden change in her routine, her health declined. The unexpected happened: she passed away in September 2023. Weeks after her death, I faced a dilemma because, aside from her personal savings account, my own accounts were under her name. I asked some family friends if they knew the process for transferring ownership of the accounts to my name. Most of them said it would be a long process and would cost a fortune due to taxes. Some even urged me to forge her signature and gradually withdraw the money little by...

Gumamela , also known as hibiscus, is a stunning tropical flower famous for its large, colorful petals. These blooms come in various shades, including red, pink, yellow, and white, making them a popular choice for gardens. Characteristics Gumamela flowers can grow up to 6 inches wide and are often used in decorations due to their striking appearance. The plant thrives in warm climates and loves full sun, making it easy to care for. Uses Beyond its beauty, gumamela has medicinal properties and is often used in herbal remedies. Its leaves and flowers can be brewed into teas or used for skin treatments. Popular Varieties Some common varieties of gumamela include: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis : The most well-known type, often found in gardens. Hibiscus syriacus : Also called Rose of Sharon, known for its hardiness. Hibiscus schizopetalus : Features unique, frilled petals resembling a lantern. Conclusion With its vibrant colors and versatility, gumamela is a beloved flower in many gardens. Whethe...

Since we all live in a world where nothing is forever except change, love itself is not immune to the forces of time and transformation. Just like the seasons, love shifts and evolves. Spring brings the blooming of new emotions and the excitement of discovery. Summer warms us with the intensity of passion and joy. As autumn approaches, love matures, growing deeper with understanding, while winter, though cold, teaches us the value of endurance and patience. No season of love lasts forever, but the cycle of change is always present, and with it comes growth. In our lifetime, we encounter people who become dear to us—people we love deeply, each relationship a journey of its own. Alongside that love, we may attach significance to material things that remind us of those special connections. However, like everything else, these material things can break or become obsolete, just like phones or gadgets. But just as we work to restore what is broken, we also choose to fight for the love that...

On June 15, 2023, when she informed me that she was in Manila, I was excited, but she told me that she had promised her mom not to meet me. I was worried, I asked her location details, and immediately searched Google Maps to check if the location was safe. Although the surroundings seemed to be in a safe area, I was skeptical since Google doesn’t have access to the exact accommodation. Since my mom had just gotten out of the hospital a few months back, I was working from home to take care of her. the next day June 16, 2023 What I did was wake up early, finish all the tasks I had at hand, and prepare all the necessary food my mom needed. Then, I suddenly asked my team, “If my love is on her way to the airport and I want to go meet her, will you cover for me at the office?” Everyone in my team said, "Go," and assured me they would manage. Knowing that my queen loves to eat, I quickly went to Wai Ying and ordered some pork siomai and a big siopao. Then I proceeded to Great G...

If Cinderella has a magical shoe and in Asia there is the red string of fate, we have a magical shoelace.    It all started in 2013 when I met a girl during one of my fieldwork trips in Cagayan who caught my attention. Since I was too shy to talk to her directly, I asked for a group picture instead. When I got back to Manila, I asked her supervisor about her, only to find out she already had a boyfriend. So, although I didn’t pursue her, but from time to time, I would purposely bring her up whenever talking to her fellow supervisor in Cagayan.   I never thought we would actually meet in person again five years later when she came to Manila for our post-Christmas and Kickoff party. I took them to a nearby fast food place for dinner, showed them to their hotel, and left. But deep down, I couldn’t explain how I felt seeing her again, even more beautiful than before. A few days later, I presented our IT plans for the coming years while wearing a pink polo shi...

Lantana is a vibrant flower known for its clusters of small blooms that come in shades of pink, red, yellow, orange, purple, and white. Native to tropical regions, this hardy plant thrives in full sun and can handle drought and poor soil, making it perfect for gardens in hot climates. Attracting Wildlife Lantana is not just beautiful; it also attracts butterflies and bees, making it a great choice for pollinator-friendly gardens. Its flowers bloom year-round in warm areas, providing a constant source of nectar. Popular Varieties There are several types of lantana, including: Lantana camara : The most common, with colorful clusters that change as they bloom. Lantana montevidensis : A trailing variety, great for hanging baskets. Lantana 'Miss Huff' : Cold-hardy, producing orange and pink flowers. Lantana 'Radiation' : Features bright orange, red, and yellow blooms. Easy Care Lantana is low-maintenance. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun, requiring minimal watering...