ON A DIFFERENT NOTE | Marriage? In This Economy?! How to Survive Love, Life, and Drama with a Sprinkle of Empathy

And just like that, two of my colleagues asked me if I was already married, and that question hit me hard—not because I hadn’t been asked before, but because it felt like a reflection of a broader societal expectation that no longer fits the world we live in. Why are people still fixated about marriage, especially in this kind of economy? It’s challenging enough to support yourself, let alone take on the responsibility of raising a family. For me, that question was not about love or relationships, but about survival in an increasingly harsh economic landscape.

When I think about starting a family, my mind immediately jumps to the financial burden it represents. How can anyone, in good conscience, commit to such a long-term responsibility if they can barely make ends meet themselves? Sure, marriage and family have been traditional milestones, but our generation has started to realize that these expectations are no longer requirements. We’ve become more pragmatic and, dare I say, a little more realistic about our future. After all, we’re all going to die at some point—so what’s the point of adding unnecessary stress by building a family you can’t even afford to support?

Some may find that perspective bleak, but it's also liberating. It’s not about rejecting marriage or family; it’s about redefining what’s necessary and what’s optional. We shouldn’t feel pressured to follow traditional paths if they no longer align with the realities of the modern world. And one of those realities is that economic capacity has to come first. The idea of starting something as significant as a family without being able to fully support it is not just irresponsible; it’s setting everyone involved up for a life of struggle. 

Why make life harder than it needs to be?

On a different note

Tonight took another interesting turn when I found myself in an awkward situation in a taxi. The driver and a fellow passenger—a Filipino man who had clearly had a rough day—ended up in a heated argument. The Filipino man was on the phone, speaking softly, but the driver snapped at him, telling him to be quiet. It was obvious the man had already reached his breaking point. He worked in a flower shop and had just had a terrible day at work, being reprimanded by colleagues over a last-minute change in orders. The stress and frustration boiled over, and the taxi driver’s reprimand was the final straw.

Watching this scene unfold, I couldn't help but think about the importance of empathy. Both the driver and the passenger were having tough days, and neither really knew what the other was going through. It’s so easy to get caught up in our own frustrations that we forget to step back and consider the other person’s perspective. The Filipino man, exhausted from a demanding day, needed understanding. The driver, perhaps on edge after hours on the road, may have simply been trying to keep his cab peaceful. Both of them were human, both of them struggling in their own way.

This encounter reminded me of a universal truth: we need more kindness in our interactions with others. We have no idea what battles the people around us are fighting, and it’s often easier—and far more productive—to offer a little empathy instead of escalating tension. In a world that’s already hard enough, why make it harder by being unkind?

Life's Big Decisions and Everyday Encounters

Whether it’s the pressure to marry or the need to exercise patience with strangers, life throws challenges at us that test our resilience and compassion. What I learned from these seemingly unrelated experiences is this: In both the big, life-defining decisions and the small, everyday moments, empathy is the key. Understanding where others are coming from—whether it's your colleagues pressuring you to marry or a taxi driver losing patience—can make the world a bit more bearable for everyone involved.

So, to anyone reading this: Be kind, be patient, and be mindful of the fact that every person you meet is carrying a story you know nothing about. And remember, the most powerful impact you can have on someone else’s life is sometimes as simple as showing them empathy.

Let’s stop trying to fit into boxes society expects us to, especially when those boxes no longer serve us. Let’s live in a way that honors our capacity—both emotionally and financially. But above all, let’s choose empathy. In a world this chaotic, a little kindness can go a long way.

Now, let’s go out there and break the cycle—kindness is the revolution we all need.

JOURNAL | The Fishy Tragedy: A Late-Night Disaster in Corporate Hell

It’s 10 p.m., and you’ve just left the office—well, “escaped” might be the better word. You’ve been there so long that the janitors have already done their rounds *twice.* And no, you’re not one of those people who carries a sleek little laptop that fits nicely into a bag. Oh no. You have a full-on desktop setup—keyboard, mouse, *the works*. Because apparently, *someone* in IT thought, “You know what this person needs? A device that weighs as much as their hopes and dreams.” 

By the time you get home, it’s 11 p.m. You’re tired, you’re hungry, and you’re dreaming of sitting down, eating your dinner, and maybe staring at a wall for an hour in existential exhaustion. 

But no. This night has other plans.

At 11:30 p.m., you stand in front of your door, the realization dawning upon you like the worst plot twist ever. You left your keys at the office. The office. The one you just hauled a desktop away from. 

You drop the fish and rice in shock (don’t worry, you save it before it touches the ground), and frantically search through your bag. Maybe, just maybe, there’s another key! But alas, it’s not your lucky day. The office now holds the keys to your kingdom.

Now, you’re faced with a grim decision: return to the cold, sterile office that you were so desperate to escape from, or spend the night in the hallway with nothing but your desktop to comfort you. Spoiler: the desktop offers no comfort.

So, you do what any rational person in the throes of a personal crisis would do—you call a cab at midnight. The cab driver picks you up and doesn’t even ask questions because it’s late, and he’s seen worse. But you’re dying inside. How did it come to this? A midnight cab ride to retrieve keys you never should have left behind, while your fish and rice sit next to you, growing colder by the second, much like your dwindling hope for this night.

At 12:30 a.m., you retrieve your keys from the office, which feels even more soul-sucking at this hour. Your desk—your desktop-less desk—sits there, taunting you. You grab the keys and leave without looking back, because honestly, if you never see that place again, it’ll be too soon.

Then, you walk home. Yes, you walk. At this point, a second cab ride feels like admitting total defeat. Your fish and rice are long cold, your feet are screaming, and your soul? It's left your body. By the time you drag yourself through the front door at 1 a.m., you’re too tired to even look at the fish, let alone eat it.

You collapse onto your bed, questioning every life choice that led you here. The fish and rice sit on the table, mocking you. It’s past midnight, your feet are in agony.

Moral of the Story: Life is a tragedy, and sometimes, even fish and rice can’t save you from the cruel, cruel fate of forgetting your keys. Next time? I’m ordering pizza. 

ARTICLE | The Illusion of Fame: Lessons from Liam Payne's Fall

We live in a world where fame and fortune are seen as the ultimate markers of success. Scroll through social media, and it feels like everyone who's “made it” must be living the dream: beautiful vacations, perfect friendships, and a life that seems nothing short of glamorous. I wanted to write about Liam Payne today, the former One Direction member, but to be honest, I'm not much of a fan. I don’t follow One Direction’s music closely, nor do I idolize the culture surrounding them. Yet, I can’t help but reflect on the haunting reality that surrounds celebrities like Payne. They have what many of us think we want: money, fame, fans. 

TRAVEL | Why Isn’t the Philippines a Top Tourist Destination for Europeans? Here’s What’s Holding It Back

Last week, I found myself chatting with some German clients who mentioned their visit to the Philippines a few years ago. While listening to them reminisce about their time in the country, it suddenly hit me—why isn’t the Philippines more popular among European tourists? The Philippines is brimming with natural beauty, from breathtaking beaches to lush landscapes, not to mention the warm, English-speaking locals. Yet, for some reason, the Philippines doesn’t seem to make it to the top of the list when it comes to European travel destinations.

It’s a question that begs an answer, especially when neighboring Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore are thriving in tourism. So, what’s holding the Philippines back from being a global tourist hub? 

THE QUIET CORNER | Endless Spiral of Distraction

Sometimes, we just need to clear our minds. It’s almost impossible to focus when there’s so much going on inside our heads. The more we think about it, the more we get lost in that spiral. It feels like trying to grab a cloud—you can’t catch it, and the more you try, the more you drift away.

We all know the routine: you sit down to focus on the task at hand, determined to be productive. But then, out of nowhere, your brain decides to take a trip—unconsciously, without your permission. "A quick break won’t hurt," you tell yourself. "Just a few minutes, right?" 

But those minutes have a sneaky way of turning into hours. Before you know it, the good part of the day has slipped away, and you’ve accomplished… nothing. Absolutely nothing. The same thing happens every day, and no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to break the cycle. It’s a frustrating loop—your mind drifts, you procrastinate, and the day fades without any progress. The spiral is real.

JOURNAL | Counting the Days: A Reflection on Life, Purpose, and the Unexpected

It’s funny how life throws us curveballs when we least expect them. We go through our routines—waking up, going to work, complaining about the mundane—and then, out of nowhere, something happens that shakes our sense of normalcy to its core. 

The other day, I got news that left me speechless. A friend of mine, not someone I’m particularly close to, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He’s in his late twenties, young and full of potential, and yet here he is, facing a challenge that no one should have to confront at that age. I couldn’t wrap my head around it. How is it that I spend so much of my energy sulking over trivial matters when people like him are grappling with life-threatening illnesses? 

HEALTH | Understanding Uric Acid: Causes, Complications, and Treatment Options

Uric acid is a natural waste product that forms when the body breaks down purines, substances found in some foods and drinks. Under normal conditions, the kidneys filter uric acid from the blood, and it is expelled through urine. However, when the body produces too much uric acid or fails to eliminate it efficiently, uric acid levels rise in the blood, leading to potential health complications such as gout, kidney stones, and in severe cases, kidney failure. This article explores what uric acid is, the potential complications caused by elevated uric acid levels, and treatment options to manage these conditions effectively.

PINK NOTES | That Thing About Group Fun

In Metro Manila and other urban areas, it's common for discreet men to seek physical gratification through various activities. While satisfaction varies from person to person, group encounters have become a popular choice for many. However, these activities don’t just come with personal or emotional considerations—they also carry significant legal implications. From privacy issues to potential legal risks associated with public indecency or solicitation, participants must be aware of the laws that govern these encounters. This article will explore the legal landscape surrounding group activities, shedding light on potential legal consequences, privacy concerns, and the protections available to individuals involved.

Related article - How to Organize Group Fun

Illegal ba ang Group Fun sa Pinas?

To answer the burning question: Illegal ba ang consensual na group fun sa Pilipinas? Ang simple answer: hindi, basta may tamang kondisyon. Sa ngayon, walang specific na batas sa Pilipinas na nagbabawal sa consensual activities sa pagitan ng mga adults, kabilang na ang group fun, hangga’t ginagawa ito sa pribadong lugar at hindi lumalabag sa ibang batas.

Dahil walang direktang probisyon sa Revised Penal Code o iba pang batas na nagsasabing bawal ito, legal ang consensual seggs sa pagitan ng mga adults (whether straight o gay) basta’t hindi ito nagiging sanhi ng public disturbance, prostitution, exploitation, o anumang ilegal na gawain. Ika nga, "What happens in private, stays in private!"

PINK NOTES | Dibah?! Hindi Lahat Ng Bekis Pare-Pareho: A Deep Dive (Or Shallow Dip) Into the Spectrum of Being Gay in 2024

Henlo, ghorl, beshies! Gather around, because today we are spilling some piping hot tea hotter than that last BGC drunk-driving fiasco or the latest Congress drama. Have you ever noticed na parang sa gay world, para kang nasa isang never-ending fashion show? Werk! Serve! Sashay! Pero, hindi lahat ay pasok sa isang standard of beauty. Akala mo ba, lahat tayo ay kailangan maging parang Calvin Klein model? Sis, hindi ganon!

Let's start with the obvious: hindi lahat ng bekis ay macho at mukhang pornstar.Yet, we live in a world where media (old and new) pushes the idea that gays should either look like a buffed Adonis. Kaloka! Traditional media, even social media, ang peg, promotes this idea that "hyper-masculine" gays get all the attention, the drinks, and... well, everything, from the club to the bathhouse to even Grindr’s thirsty DMs. Naka-influence talaga ang mga corporations na ‘yan—trying to make sure we buy their overpriced skincare, fashion, and gym memberships. They be like, “Gurl, don’t even think of showing up without looking like Piolo Pascual in a swimsuit ad.”

Read up on a related article:
The Problem with Pogi ( 29 June 2020 )

But is it really all that? Kailangan ba talaga na magka-abs at muscles galore para sumaya bilang bakla? Charot! Honestly, what we’re served on social media is a fantasy sold to us—sugar-coated in six-pack abs and Calvin Klein underwear. It’s like buying into a K-drama fantasy thinking you’re gonna end up with someone as gwapo as Park Seo Joon when, in reality, si kuya fishball vendor lang ang kakuwentuhan mo sa tapat ng tricycle terminal. 

So paano na yung mga beshies na hindi nagge-gym araw-araw? I mean, kahit si Ate Vice, pumiyok na: “Iba-iba tayo ng trip at beauty!” Kaya relax ka lang dyan sa tabi, let’s talk about how you can be the best version of yourself—kahit na walang six-pack abs, walang gym selfies, at kahit simpleng kumusta ka? lang sa Tinder.