Through the Spectacles

The year 2026 feels like a fresh start. Every new year brings change, and for many people, that change comes in different forms. Some begin new jobs, some enter new relationships, and others discover new paths in life. For me, this year marks the beginning of a new and unexpected chapter—starting my journey as a PhD student. To be honest, I never thought I would study beyond my undergraduate degree. For a long time, my heart was set on working in the industry. I believed that real learning happened outside the classroom, through practice, experience, and hard work. Higher education, especially at the doctoral level, was never part of my plan. But life has a way of surprising us. Sometimes, it gently pushes us toward paths we never imagined taking. Today, I find myself fully part of the academic world. I am now teaching as an instructor in three universities, and slowly, I have learned to embrace the role of an educator and researcher. Looking back, this shift did not happen overnight...

Today marks the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila, one of the most significant religious events in the Philippines. Millions of devotees are expected to participate in the annual Traslación , the grand procession of the revered image from the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta to the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo. This event has long been regarded as a powerful expression of Filipino Catholic faith and devotion, drawing not only local participants but also pilgrims from different provinces and even from abroad. The Traslación is a spectacle unlike any other. Streets are flooded with barefoot devotees, waving towels, shouting prayers, and struggling to get close to the andas —the carriage that bears the image of the Black Nazarene. For many, even the briefest touch of the rope or the image itself is believed to be a profound spiritual encounter. It is a moment of hope, surrender, and intense personal prayer. Devotees believe that their faith in the Black Nazaren...

It is a new year once again—a time for renewal, reconnection, redirection, and new beginnings. Every new year gives us a chance to pause, look back, and look forward. For me, 2025 was a very challenging year. I had to make many decisions at work, in business, and in my personal life. There were times when everything felt heavy and overwhelming. But despite all the difficulties, 2025 taught me many important lessons. I truly believe that these lessons will help me grow and do better in the years to come. When I think about 2025 now, it feels strange how fast it went by. January felt long and slow, but after that, the months seemed to pass very quickly. Sometimes, it felt like life was moving too fast to keep up with. Before I knew it, the year was already ending. Looking back, it is amazing how much can happen in such a short time. There are three important lessons that 2025 taught me, and I would like to share them here. First, I learned to be more patient. I know that I am not a very ...

When I first entered the university, I was immediately struck by the weight of its dual purpose: it is both a sanctuary of knowledge and a crucible of personal development. It is not simply a place to earn degrees or to acquire vocational skills; it is where ideas, histories, and competencies converge to shape human lives, guiding individuals toward social responsibility, critical engagement, and professional participation. For me, the university was also a deeply personal space of self-discovery. I recall walking through its corridors as a young student, feeling both a sense of possibility and trepidation—wondering whether I could meet the expectations placed upon me while also navigating my own aspirations and limitations. Beyond the lessons contained in textbooks, I learned to question assumptions, analyze complex problems, and understand my responsibilities toward the larger society. These formative experiences now inform my perspective as a faculty member, shaping the lens through...

The Church The Catholic Church has been around for thousands of years ago, is believed to be founded by Jesus Christ himself as he laid the keys of heaven to the apostle Peter, who is also recognized as the first Pope by the Church. An institution that stood the test of time - from major schisms to sex abuse scandals and homosexuality issues amongst the clergy - the church still exists up to this modern and digital day. Dubbed a 'Pilgrim Church,' this religious institution goes smoothly to the flow of time, dominating almost all forms of communication platforms we have today. Journey and Service with the Church I am a member of the Catholic Church, my fathers, and their forefathers. We are raised in a devout family, that is active in all forms of its required ritualistic, and sacramental activities. At a young age, my sister and I were introduced to the importance of prayer, and the sacredness of things that are holy to us and to our religion. Due to this, I have this sense of ...

Manila City, Philippines, 2010. I was with my mother and my father as they accompany me through the process of enrolling at a university in which an acquaintance of mine is also a student - a graduating student at that time. I was so naive, a young boy without a hint of what it's like to be in college or how to deal with Manila traffic and so on. While filling out some pertinent documents t the registrar's office, I was asked, "what course are you going to take?" Then the registrar staff handed over a list of all the available courses that this university offers.   My first choice was Bachelor of Fine Arts major in Advertising, followed by Nutrition and Food Technology, a technical course. As an innate lover of the arts, I was drawn instantly to the name and to the anticipation of what BFA has to offer to an aspiring creative like me.  Fast forward to 2014, I finally graduated with a degree in Fine Arts. The prior anticipation and excitement during my admission days a...