Pink Movement Posted at October 25, 2024 0 comments (+)

I've become increasingly politically aware as the Presidential election grows more critical. During that time, I felt the need to be vocal and involved because, as an adult, I finally realized that electing government officials is the collective responsibility of citizens like me. Leaders should uphold the highest integrity to deserve such a position of power.

I'll never regret supporting and holding high standards for Atty. Leni Robredo. She was the best Vice President the Philippines has ever had. To be honest, I was never previously involved in political discourse; I didn't think it mattered. But during that period, I felt a passion to become informed about these issues.

I was right. After Rodrigo Duterte took office, it felt like the Philippines began a downward spiral that hasn't slowed. It's disheartening to see fake news, trolls, and continued support for the Duterte clan. Issues like POGO, the ABS-CBN shutdown, the “fake” drug war, the West Philippine Sea dispute, and more—there are no words. It’s exhausting to keep fighting for a country where so many are misled by the temporary financial gain politicians offer, the rich keep getting richer, while the poor grow even poorer, and it’s incredibly unfair. People’s taxes are being looted, with only a few benefiting from money that isn’t even rightfully theirs. And those inept senators make my blood boil.

Political dynasties have turned public service into a family business for many politicians. Are they good at their jobs? I’d bet not. It’s the same faces, the same names, yet nothing ever changes in the Philippines. Honestly, it’s both frustrating and sad to witness.

Curse them,

To those who have disrespected Atty. Leni in any way—shame on you. I made one simple post on my Facebook, and Leisan had the nerve to comment, taking cheap shots at Atty. Leni. That was a low blow, and honestly, with what Leisan has been going through lately, maybe it's just what he deserves. Any empathy I had left is now gone. Good luck 

Labels: Leni, Philippines, political

Guilt, Lies, and the Shadows of Past Trauma Posted at October 21, 2024 0 comments (+)

 I feel like a terrible person. It's like I'm adding fuel to a fire that's already burning, only making things worse.

I feel like I'm not a good casual friend to the people around me. I admit, I've been a bit of a snitch, making fun of a certain friend and sharing his words with others. I know it's a bad habit and not the right way to treat anyone. It's definitely a toxic trait, and I realize it's something I need to work on. Sometimes I do it without even thinking, just to have something to talk about, but I know that's not an excuse. lol

On my part, when I give advice, it’s always genuine and comes from a place of honesty and concern. My advice to Leisan comes from truly concern about him, but he’s been lying and even has the nerve to say the complete opposite of what he originally said. It’s frustrating when he twists the truth like that.

It's not really about me, but more about the things Leisan said to Mike, which turned out to be completely different from his version of the story. Initially, I didn’t know who to believe—it was his word against Mike’s. But Mike had documented his side, making it clear that Leisan was lying.

What I’ve taken away from this is that people can lie right under your nose, without even realizing that the truth might come to light eventually. And knowing Leisan, his words have always been fake. The history of all his past statements completely contradicts what he’s saying now, making everything he said before totally invalid. It’s like all his past words fall apart once you realize the truth.

Leisan has never done anything horrible to me, in fact, he’s actually a nice guy to me (although I’m not sure behind me lol), though sometimes he can be a bit full of himself and seems obsessed with money. Just today, he shared a story about his teenage years during college. He was struggling financially, working outside his field, and couldn't pay his tuition fees. As a result, his school withheld his credentials, preventing him from taking the board exam. That’s really sad. He was also mistreated by his relatives, and I guess his tough upbringing shaped who he is today.

He seems terrified of being penniless again, to the point that he hoards cash—literally thousands of dollars, chained to his wallet, which is attached to his waist. It’s extreme. The way he talks to people can be really offensive sometimes. But I’m trying to see it as a lesson: people become who they are because of their past experiences, and I realize that who I am today is also a reflection of the trauma I’ve experienced in my own life.

Labels: friendship, maldives, trauma

Gratitude, Struggles, and the Unseen Blessings Posted at October 18, 2024 0 comments (+)

I really admire my cousin for being so patient, selfless, and dedicated to both her mom and brother. But it’s unfair that she’s the only one taking care of them, while her brother doesn’t even offer to help, especially since their mom is still okay after her mild stroke. He’s just so irresponsible and selfish.

She’s been struggling financially ever since. She owes me money, but honestly, I’m not worried about that—I just want her to be debt-free.

Life can be so complicated, and everyone has their own struggles. My cousin is doing her best to survive and find happiness, and I don’t judge her for whatever makes her happy, even if others have opinions about it.

Sometimes I wonder why some people seem to do so well in life, while others struggle so much. It makes me think about how blessed I’ve been, even though my life isn’t perfect and I’ve had my own struggles. Most of the time, I feel really grateful for everything I have. But when I see people I know, or those I’ve crossed paths with, facing such difficult situations, it makes me reflect on how unfair life can seem.

I feel so lucky to have a job that pays well, even though I still dream of finding something better and aiming higher for the future. But I know that God works in mysterious ways to bless me. The rejections I’ve faced in the past turned out to be blessings in disguise.

Sometimes, I feel bad when I get overwhelmed by small things that don’t go my way. But I’ve realized those moments are just reminders to appreciate what I have and the success that God has in store for me. It’s all part of the journey.

Labels: blessing, cousin, debt, story

Stranger Posted at October 17, 2024 0 comments (+)

 This isn’t my personal experience, but it resonates with me how strange and powerful words can be. I’ve known this person for a few years. While we don’t have a deep connection as friends, I got used to talking to him, mostly through chat. He’s a bit odd, sometimes even seeming erratic, and I’ve caught myself thinking he might have some kind of personality disorder.

The way he interacts with others and the words he uses are often inappropriate and unsettling. It’s just… strange.

I’ve even tried giving him advice on how to act and treat people properly, but he insists on doing things his own way. That’s his problem—he’s stubborn. Despite his age, he’s still fearful of certain things and has a lot of personal inhibitions.

Recently, we had what I thought was a good conversation, but looking back, maybe not. He was just laid off from his job after working at the company for seven years, and I could tell he was devastated. But honestly, he brought it on himself. He’s been toxic at work, constantly talking nonsense, using derogatory language, and provoking others. When I asked him about it, he just said he was “being himself.” I couldn’t help but think, “Seriously, what the hell?”

I’ve always given him advice, but I don’t think he ever really takes it in. Now, he's planning to go to Dubai because he has no other option, but before all this, he was full of himself—constantly telling everyone he was ready to quit anytime, even cursing the company. What happened to him now feels like pure karma, needless to say. He used to show off, bragging about his thousands of dollars, completely absorbed in his own ego. I can only hope he’s learned something from all this, though I doubt it.

The ironic part is that he’s going to Dubai to try to get back with his ex. She dumped him because he couldn't make the move to Dubai on his own, and I get it—he didn’t take the risk for her, so honestly, he deserved to be dumped in the first place. Now he’s trying to fix things, but it’s hard to say if he’s realized his mistakes.

Taking this chance to be with his ex seems like a red flag. I even asked him why he didn’t take the chance earlier, and he finally admitted that he felt insecure. Her family is well-established, and he felt like he didn’t measure up because of where he is in life.

I guess I can understand him on that point, but I told him it doesn’t really matter. The important thing is that the girl was willing to be with him. His ego, though, seems bigger than his intentions, and that’s what makes the whole situation so doubtful. It seems like he’s not really into her; he’s more excited about the idea of going to Dubai and is using that as an opportunity. The situation isn’t what it appears—he’s not going there with the true intention of being with her. He’s more in love with the convenience of it all than with the person herself.

 

Labels: life, people, story, stranger

My Current Predicament Posted at October 16, 2024 0 comments (+)

After passing the NCLEX, I was eager to move on to the next step: finding an agency that could help me secure an employer and process my visa. Unfortunately, this part has been really frustrating. I’ve spoken with several agencies, but many refused to process my application simply because I don’t have clinical experience. That was a tough reality to face.

Passing the NCLEX was a huge personal achievement, especially after multiple attempts. I thought that would be the hardest part, but finding a job in the U.S. has turned out to be even more challenging. I’m grateful that IPASS introduced me to an agency, but I’m starting to have doubts about their process. The agent I’m working with doesn’t seem very helpful or reliable when it comes to giving me clear instructions, which makes me feel a bit uneasy.

What’s adding to my insecurity is hearing from Mary, who constantly talks about how great and supportive her agency is. For example, I’m still confused about the CES report, which I need for visa processing. My agency didn’t explain its purpose clearly, and I only found out more about it after they referred me to a third-party service. I thought the documents they gave me were the same as the CES report from EEEOA and CGFNS, but now I’m not so sure.

Talking to Mary hasn’t helped ease my confusion either. She insists that CGFNS is the gold standard for obtaining the CES report. When I looked into it, I found that EEEOA and CGFNS do provide similar documentation, but what I read claims that CGFNS is more reliable for visa applications. When I asked my agent, he told me that I didn’t need the CGFNS CES report, and that the one from EEEOA is enough for visa screening.

At this point, I feel stuck and unsure. I’m confused about what’s really required.

Maybe I should have a little more faith in my agency. They probably know the process better than I do, but it’s hard not to feel uncertain sometimes.

I’ve also decided to stop talking to Mary about anything related to agencies or the visa process, just to avoid overthinking things. Because it’s not helping me, it made me feel confused and unsure if I’m on the right path with my agency.

Labels: america, NCLEX, USA, USRN

2ne1 Posted at October 10, 2024 0 comments (+)

It's so nostalgic to hear 2NE1's music after all these years. They're going on tour, and I can only wish to experience their music live. Whenever I hear their songs, I'm transported back to my college days at OLFU, especially the times spent with Athena and Gerlyn. Those memories bring so much happiness, even though life was simple yet challenging. I was struggling in school, at home, financially, and dealing with personal issues. But for a while, escaping to Athena’s dorm, listening to 2NE1, and just relaxing was the perfect getaway from it all.

Why do I feel sadness when I listen to them now? Their music is tied to so many core memories. While I know I’m happy to hear it, there’s this underlying feeling of nostalgia and bittersweet emotions that I can’t quite explain.

Maybe I just miss Athena and Gerlyn.

Labels: memories

Our destiny is shaped not just by fate Posted at October 02, 2024 0 comments (+)

The most satisfying moment in life often comes after enduring immense effort, countless sleepless nights, racing thoughts, and the aching desire for something that feels just out of reach. It’s not that you lose faith, but the journey ahead can sometimes seem endless, as though the goal remains a distant dream no matter how hard you try. You wrestle with self-doubt, wondering if it’s all worth it. But then, after all the struggles, after all the moments where giving up seemed easier, you finally reach the goal. The sense of freedom that follows is overwhelming, as if a weight you’ve carried for so long is finally lifted.

The path to success is never smooth. It's filled with obstacles, challenges, and moments that test your resilience in ways you could never have imagined. Rejections and setbacks pile up, making you question whether the sacrifice will ever pay off. But deep down, there is this belief that someday, all of this will be worth it. Even when the road feels uncertain, the important thing is to give your best, to keep moving forward, and to show up for yourself, no matter the circumstances.

People often say, “If it’s meant for you, it will happen.” While there is some truth to this, it doesn’t mean you should sit back and wait for fate to unfold. Prayers, faith, and hard work are all intertwined. Our destiny is shaped not just by fate, but by the efforts we put in, the determination we show, and the way we navigate life’s challenges. It is our belief in ourselves, our relentless pursuit of our dreams, and the strength of our faith that move mountains.

No matter how impossible things may seem, there’s a power in believing—in knowing that with faith, perseverance, and unwavering determination, anything is possible. Prayers really do move mountains, and with each step, no matter how small, you get closer to the life you’ve been fighting for. The key is to never stop believing in the beauty of what’s possible.

The people around us play a crucial role in helping us overcome life’s challenges. Their support, encouraging words, genuine affirmation, and pure intentions are some of the most valuable sources of energy we can draw from. This positive energy fuels our determination and desire to keep moving forward, even when the road seems tough. The universe, in its mysterious ways, provides us with these connections to help propel us toward our goals.

That’s why it’s so important to be intentional about the people you surround yourself with. Choose those who genuinely uplift you, those whose presence brings out the best in you, and who are invested in your growth. It’s not about having a large circle but about having the right people in your corner—people who are aligned with your values and your journey. It’s okay if that circle is small; sometimes, a few genuine companions can make all the difference. Trust your instincts, follow your gut, and listen to your heart when it comes to building your support system.

And when you do reach that moment of success, it’s more than okay to celebrate. Many of us, myself included, sometimes hold back from fully embracing our accomplishments. We may feel a small hesitation or even guilt about taking pride in our success, as if celebrating too loudly might somehow diminish it. But the truth is, there’s nothing wrong with proudly acknowledging your hard-earned achievements. You’ve put in the work, the sweat, and the tears—it’s only right that you allow yourself the joy of that moment. Success deserves to be celebrated, and so do you.

Labels: journey, life, NCLEX