Through the Spectacles

I used to think a workplace was just… work. You go in, do your job, and go home. Simple.  But over time, I realized something: your workplace is basically your second home. You spend most of your waking hours there, talk to the same people every day, deal with stress together, celebrate wins (sometimes), and survive deadlines. Of course, it shapes you.  I’ve been in work environments that were supportive, light, and motivating. People helped each other. Feedback was healthy. You went home tired but not emotionally drained.  And then… there’s the other kind. The kind where tension is always in the air. Where compliments feel suspicious. Where people smile in meetings and criticize in private. Where gossip moves faster than emails. Where you slowly notice you’re becoming more guarded, more cynical, maybe even a little meaner than you used to be.  That’s when it hit me: the biggest danger of a toxic workplace isn’t just stress — it’s turning into someone you don’t even...

  Have you ever imagined owning your own business? Or dreamed of finally being your own boss? For many creatives, that dream stays exactly where it starts—in our heads. I was one of those dreamers, and in 2022, that dream became real when I launched my freelance design studio, Grafiko Commercial Art Services , or simply Grafiko . At first, everything felt surreal. What used to be just an idea during my college days suddenly became a legally registered business. I processed the paperwork, paid the fees, and eventually landed my first clients. It was exciting, fulfilling, and honestly a little intimidating. But as the initial excitement faded, the real work began. One of the biggest realities I faced was how different freelancing is from how it’s often portrayed. Movies and social media make creative work look glamorous—designers are shown as effortlessly cool, mysterious, and somehow always inspired. In real life, that image doesn’t help you survive, let alone succeed. Clients don...

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...