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An Unexpected Journey: Finding Light in "Next to Normal

  I’ll be honest musicals were never my thing. I never thought I’d be the type to sit through one, let alone be moved by it. But life has a way of surprising you, especially when someone believes in pushing you out of your comfort zone. So, when Sir Don, our department head, invited me to watch Next to Normal, I decided to take a chance. And wow, am I glad I did.   I walked in blind—no research, no expectations—just an open heart and my favorite mantra: “surprise me.” Sir Don hinted that the play explored a mother’s battle with bipolar disorder and its impact on her family. But nothing could’ve prepared me for the emotional journey that unfolded on that stage.   From the very first note, I was hooked. Nikki Valdez, who played Diana Goodman, gave a performance so raw and real that it left me speechless. Her portrayal of a mother wrestling with grief, loss, and mental illness was breathtaking. And then there was Benidix Ramos (yes, from PBB!) as the enigmatic son—...
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A Place That Shaped Me

Every time I’m in Cebu; I make it a point to visit Colonnade Supermarket in downtown Colon. This place isn’t just a store to me—it’s where my journey into adulthood began. Right after high school, this iconic supermarket gave me my first job. I was a sales associate in charge of the noodles section, and though it might sound simple, it was my first taste of responsibility.   The store back then felt massive, almost like an S&R, with towering shelves I’d climb to stack noodles and pasta, ensuring every display was full and neat. I was hired just three days before Christmas, and the rush of customers was overwhelming. I was new, unsure, and almost quit because it felt like too much. But I stayed. I pushed through the fear, the unfamiliarity, and the challenges.   Colonnade taught me that life outside the classroom is where the real lessons begin. It’s not about memorizing formulas or historical dates—it’s about resilience, determination, and finding your why. This ...

206686: A Number That Shaped My Journey

When I was given employee number 206686, it wasn’t just a digit—it was a dream come true. I had just been hired at Metro Gaisano, now known as Metro Department Store, Cebu’s most prestigious retail haven. Even as a high school student, I had always admired this iconic store, and now, I was part of its legacy.   My journey began as a bagger at the bustling Metro Supermarket. Every Cebuano knows how chaotic it can get, but I thrived in the energy. I mastered the art of packing groceries, even learning the baggers’ secret of cutting binding straws without scissors. It was humble work, but it taught me discipline and resilience.   After my first contract, I was assigned to the Furniture and Fixture Department on the 6th floor. This was where I discovered my passion for marketing and sales. Metro instilled in me a powerful mantra: “The customer isn’t always right, but they have the right to be treated right.” This became my guiding principle. Whether I was selling a luxur...

1st day of the month (Gratitude Journal)

Wow, can you believe it’s already August 1? That means we’re only four months away from Christmas! 🎄 I’m so excited for the holiday season, but first I want to take a moment to thank God for this amazing day. Here are some of the things I’m grateful for today: First of all, thank you God for the gift of life. Waking up today is such a blessing and I’m so happy to be alive. You are the source of my joy and strength. Second, thank you God for the comfortable place I live in and having access to clean water. I was able to take a bath twice today and sleep in a well-ventilated room. I know not everyone has this privilege and I don’t take it for granted. You are the provider of my needs and wants. Third, thank you God for the blessings you gave me today at work. I and my team were able to finish five job numbers today and hit our daily quota. Thank you, God, for always guiding me in my work and giving me wisdom and skills. You are the leader of my career and success. Fourth, thank you God ...

Rainy days on Monday... (Gratitude Journal entry 002)

Today, Monday the 31st of July, was a rainy day here in Makati City, but I did not let that dampen my spirits. I have so many reasons to be grateful for this day and I want to share them with you. First of all, Lord, thank you for the gift of life, for waking me up today is such a big blessing. You have given me another chance to live, love, and serve you and others. Second, thank you for the comfortable place I live in. I was able to take a bath twice today and having access to clean water and having a roof over my head is such a blessing. I know that many people in the world do not have these basic necessities and I do not take them for granted. Third, thank you for my job. I was able to work smoothly and harmoniously with my officemates. I was able to talk to them and have some good laughs. I enjoy what I do and I appreciate the opportunity to earn a living and contribute to society. Fourth, thank you to Aaron for his generosity, for sharing his blessings, and for buying some food f...

July to Remember!

Wow, what a wonderful month July has been! I am so thankful to God for all the amazing blessings He has showered upon me this month. I had so many memorable experiences that I want to share with you all. First of all, I was able to visit my parents in Cebu from July 14 to 16 and spend some quality time with them and my adorable nieces and nephew. We had so much fun together, playing games, eating delicious food, and catching up on each other’s lives. It was such a joy to see them happy and healthy. Second, I was also able to reunite with my OSD Angels family and have a lovely get-together dinner that was filled with fun, laughter, and a lot of talks till midnight. It was so nice to see my old friends again and reminisce about our good old days. We also shared our current challenges and achievements and supported each other with love and encouragement. Third, I was beyond grateful for the opportunity to visit the grave of my grandparents and loved ones after 12 long years. It was a very...

Blessed Sunday (My first Online Gratitude Journal Entry)

Hello, everyone! I am so excited to share with you that today, July 30, 2023, I have decided to start my online journal. This is something new for me, as I am not really used to writing and journaling, but I was inspired by the homily of reverend Monsignor Santos a while ago. He said that gratitude is the key to happiness and peace and that we should always thank God for the blessings we receive every day. So, I decided to start my online gratitude journal, where I will jot down all the things that I am grateful for these days and the days ahead. I hope that by doing this, I will be able to appreciate more the goodness of God and the beauty of life. For my first entry, I want to express my gratitude for the gift of life. I am grateful that I woke up today with a comfortable bed in an air-conditioned room. I am truly blessed knowing that I have a roof over my head and that I took a bath three times today. I am also grateful that I was able to eat the food I love. Lord, thank you for eve...