Before She Wore The Sablay

When my youngest daughter, Yeye, struggled through what was supposed to be her final year in UP Los Baños, I had already accepted the possibility that graduation would have to wait.

The numbers against her were overwhelming: three subjects with a grade of 4—strict pre-requisites. A sudden case of chicken pox right before the removal exams. Twenty two units left to take, meaning overload. And, they were all Math subjects.

Beyond “TMI!”

"TMI!!!" What is this?

I first heard the expression from my children many years ago when they were still young. Whenever my husband and I shared stories about our little moments of lambingan or added amusing details to our stories, they would immediately cover their ears and shout, “TMI! "TOO MUCH INFORMATION!"

Think Twice! (Or Thrice?)

These thoughts came to me just after a short morning discussion with Ningning about things to do—and some things-to-do from years ago that still haven’t been done (my fault). 😅

Growing Older, Growing Stronger

⏳ Author’s Note (2026)

I wrote this in 2017 as a journal entry. At fifty-eight, I thought I was simply trying to stay fit enough to enjoy life with my children and grandchildren. Looking back now, I realize I was giving my future self a gift. I had no idea life would ask much more of me in the years that followed, but I’m grateful I listened to those quiet words that came during prayer: “Love yourself.”

Who Is Affected?

“His ex is pretty.”

It shouldn’t be a problem. You’re beautiful.

Then again… it’s true. His ex is pretty.

I have always been the kind of mother who worries about what my children might be feeling—often even before they realize they are feeling it themselves. So, the moment those words left her mouth, out came my complete litany of motherly advice: