The Weekend Pages

It's already October 2024, we're almost at the end of the year, and here I am, grateful for every experience and moment. Last September 8th, I trekked Mt. Kulago in Impasug-og, Bukidnon—my mother mountain—my first peak. I was with my former workmate, Ate Deccy, and our mutual friends, Ate Rhea and RJ. I was invited by Republica after I posted my birthday camp with LJ last August 2024.  It rained so hard the minute we arrived at the jump-off location. I was scared that we'd never make it to the camp. I prayed to God that He may be forgiving enough to stop the downpour. I was thankful for the guides of Impasug-ong, Bukidnon that day. We crossed the Tagoloan River whilst it was raining. It was easy to trek Mt. Kulago when it was not sunny or too hot.  We pitched our tents and got ready for dinner. The locals set up a bonfire for us to gather and socialize. It was nice talking to different people from all walks of life. We met a talkative guide, a silent one, and more. I got th...

How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies directed by Pat Boonnitipat, was released to the theaters earlier this year. I didn't get the chance to watch it in the cinemas, and I'm thankful I didn't because I knew I'd be bawling my eyes out Fortunately, Netflix has it available for streaming, and I pressed the play button without thinking twice. Based on the Facebook posts I've seen, I already know the film will be emotional and a tearjerker. We follow M, who quits his online job ( gaming) to take care of his ill grandma. Although, M had an ulterior motive for the kindness he showed, eventually his love for his grandma took over and changed his mind. His grandmother's unconditional love touched him and it changed him forever.  When his grandmother thanked him for being there for her, my heart broke. It brought back memories of my own granny. I think the pain you feel after a loved one passes away is distinct, especially if it's your grandma. I recall how the ho...

Look at how the tables have turned Fate is against me Teaching me a lesson I've already learned Making me pay for cheating fate Foolish me For thinking I can beat you in this game But Karma caught up on me The universe seems to be watching Every step Every whisper Every decision is a dagger to my heart  Thought I tricked my way out But boy am I a fool for thinking otherwise. E. March 2024

I celebrated my silver year by camping at Pine Ridge, Malaybalay, Bukidnon last August 2-3 with my long-distance friend, LJ. The place was all we needed. It was quiet and peaceful, with no phone reception ( so we couldn't check our socials). It was my first time camping and I'm glad I finally did what I've always wanted since I was a kid, to camp.  On my way to Malaybalay, I was nervous about the weather. It was raining from Manolo Fortich all the way to Impasug-ong. I prayed for clear skies that day but God has other plans. The heavy clouds followed me to Malaybalay and it did not hesitate to pour its waters. I did not see it as an inconvenience though. It was part of my adventure. When we got to Pine Ridge, the place was straight out of  Taylor Swift's album, Folklore. It was such a beauty even though it was raining.  We talked and did some catching up, ate our no-rice dinner because we were too tired to cook, and drank our hot milk. We paid and booked AR's campsi...

I  recently felt nostalgic and somewhat melancholic when I came across a video of a valedictorian from the University of the Philippines on TikTok. It was their graduation, and as is customary, the valedictorian delivered a speech.  Jethro Sia Modequillo, who graduated with a degree in Computer Science from the University of the Philippines - Diliman, delivered his valedictory speech early this month. He spoke with such eloquence and articulated his thoughts well. I admire his rational approach to success, failure, and the pressure of expectations. I have to admit that I only saw a couple clips of his speech from TikTok because that's the only thing my deteriorating attention span can handle. However, I understood the main points, and I agree with Jethro. Some people thrive when enough expectations push them to excel in either academics or work. Some people, however, breaks down when confronted with such pressure and tough love from mentors, professors, and bosses. I understan...

It irks me whenever a 30+ something woman tries to lecture me on FaceBook about having babies as early as now. No, thanks. Not for now please. Do I want to be a mother in the future? Yes. But not now, because I know I’m going to be a bad mother. Bad mother in a sense that I’m afraid I’m not going to fulfill my motherly duties because I still have a lot of healing work to do.  How you treat your child since day one affects their entire personality and how they view the world. I’ve learned in Developmental Psychology that there are four types of parenting categories: authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and uninvolved. Let me summarize the categories for you:  (1) Authoritarian; the strict parents. (2) Authoritative; nurturing, with rules to obey, and asserts reward-and- punishments. (3) Permissive; you know Lorelai and Rory, right? Yeah. This is Lorelai’s parenting style. They impose limited rules on their children. (4) Uninvolved; best examples are my parents. So whatever...