Weird? No, I’m Unique!

Weird? No, I’m Unique!

The Pain of an Artist Despite growing up in a home full of love and acceptance, I was a creative girl who was emotionally unstable. I was filled with insecurity, self-condemnation, and unhealthy perfectionism. I thank God for giving me a creative mind. As an artist, I...
My Mom and My Wounds: A Story of Redemption

My Mom and My Wounds: A Story of Redemption

A Difficult Childhood I grew up in a household where my mom did not allow me and my siblings to play outside the house. Because of this, we would sneak out to play. Whenever my mom caught us, she would beat us black and blue. Bruises, sores, and wounds covered our...
A Job, Please—But Not on Sundays, Lord! (PART 1)

A Job, Please—But Not on Sundays, Lord! (PART 1)

The Story of Isabel Grace Villegas As told to Janina Marie Rivera A House Maid in Europe I knelt on the bathroom floor, tears flowing from my eyes. “Lord, hindi ako tamad na estudyante. Nag-aral po ako ng mabuti. Do I deserve this?” I didn’t know I...
Stubborn Love

Stubborn Love

I was born in Manila. My mom later found out that my dad was married and had a family. We left him and went to the province. My mom later married a widower who had four children– two boys and one girl. The eldest had previously left for Manila. I accepted these...
When Home Ceases to Be Home

When Home Ceases to Be Home

I woke up and I forgot where I was. A miniature panic attack took place within me for a matter of seconds 1…2…3… Slowly, I remembered. This was not my pillow; it was too squishy and round. My real blanket had embroidered details of white flowers, not...