When God Shows You a Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

When God Shows You a Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

A rotund man walked wobblingly past me, each of his oversized hands clasping a clearly undernourished one—a little girl on the left, and a tiny boy on the right. There was a jolly procession behind them, too: other equally young children from the slums. As this guy...
Finding My Truest Self

Finding My Truest Self

When you do not know who you are and whose you are, you will succumb to almost anything. You are an open book to everyone, with no reservations and prudence. You do not have firm ground to stand on. You just go with the flow. Que sera sera as they call it. When you...
You Are Not An Orphan

You Are Not An Orphan

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” – John 1:12 Have you ever lost a father? I did. They say fathers play a significant role in our lives. Researchers have found that those who grow up...
BEAUTY FROM BROKENNESS: RESTORING A SECOND-HAND WEDDING GOWN

BEAUTY FROM BROKENNESS: RESTORING A SECOND-HAND WEDDING GOWN

Finding My Dream Wedding Dress Damaged with missing beads. A ripped inner skirt. Lace that’s old fashioned. She’s not as beautiful as the others. She’s used. And she only cost me Php3,000.  Because I was growing  emotionally attached to a cheap gown, I started calling...
Joseph the Dreamer: Then and Now

Joseph the Dreamer: Then and Now

“I am special! I am special! I am special!” If there was a scene that stood out for me in Trumpet’s musical production, Joseph the Dreamer (JTD) this year, it was when Joseph said these words while pounding on the prison floor, forcing himself to remember his value...
Remembering Venite PART 3

Remembering Venite PART 3

This is Part 3 in a 3-Part tribute to Venite Castillo, written by his friend, Inah Tolentino.  My Goodbye I already lost my father, mother, and sister, so I can say I am well-acquainted with grief. Still, I got blindsided by the grief over losing Ven. He was a best...