ARTICLE | What We Talk About When We Talk About La Union

There’s a particular kind of exhaustion that doesn’t come from long bus rides or late-night drinks—it comes from showing up for people who don’t show up for you. I didn’t know that would be the takeaway when I said yes to a spontaneous Labor Day trip to La Union. All I knew then was that my last few weeks had been a blur of overpriced cocktails, chaotic group chats, and the kind of emotional whiplash that only comes from partying too hard and trusting too easily. Bangkok. Puerto Galera. And now, apparently, the beach town of La Union. I said yes because I always do. Because the idea of another weekend spent “recovering” felt more suffocating than spending it in a car full of vague plans and flaky friends. Because there’s always the hope that this time, the chaos will be worth it. Spoiler: it wasn’t. But also—maybe it was. In a different way.

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.

ARTICLE | The Complex Grief of Loss: Reflecting on the Passing of Maggie Smith

Today, the world was met with the heartbreaking news of Maggie Smith's passing. Known for her immense talent, spanning decades of exceptional performances, Smith left an indelible mark on both stage and screen. Her presence graced the likes of "Downton Abbey", "Harry Potter", and my personal favorite "Marigold Hotel" - a treasure trove of theater productions. Yet, beyond her iconic roles, this loss brings with it that familiar pang of sorrow that arises whenever someone passes away—whether it’s a celebrity or someone from the periphery of our own social circles.