Personal Essays
Personal stories and reflections about life in the Philippines, including culture, travel experiences, everyday observations, relationships, and the moments that make the country memorable.
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Gulliver’s Travels
One of the most innovative inventions of human civilization is so called “novel”. It basically encourages us to tell lies under the euphemism of “imagination” and rewards us if we do it right. There are several categories to make it right, but the most important category is the degree of how entertaining it is. I…
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“This Too Shall Pass”
“There is a quiet strength in knowing that nothing—neither joy nor suffering—lasts forever.” I used to think emotional struggles were something I should simply “get over.” But as I grew older, I realized that being emotionally overwhelmed is part of being human. For many women, emotions shift with the menstrual cycle. Hormonal changes can bring…
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Reflections on Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
As a Filipina living in the Philippines, traveling to South Korea as a tourist feels like a luxury. Beyond the excitement of planning the trip, there is also the reality of applying for a visa, preparing numerous documents, and proving financial capacity simply to be allowed entry. The process itself reminds me that mobility is…
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The beginning: sharing experiences of living in the Philippines
For decades, the No.1 tourists to the Philippines was South Koreans. Now, the title has been dethrowned by Americans. Why South Koreans are not coming to the Philippines anymore? What happened to the South Koreans? The Philippines is often seen in simple ways. Some people see it only as a travel destination. Some think about…
