Art Work By Marielle Lanto You’re frustrated not because you’re not good enough, but perhaps because you’re pushing yourself towards the wrong path. You’re investing time and exerting much effort for something that’s not really meant for you.  You’re frustrated not because you’re a failure, but perhaps because you’re measuring your success based on the achievement of other people. Always remember that the most accurate measurement for your accomplishment is based on self-satisfaction and self-fulfillment. It’s not by other people to decide.  You’re frustrated not because yo ..read more

Under the Clouds of Misfits By Marielle Lanto That's what happened when we lose confidence in ourselves after a series of failures. We overthink. Nights feel longer to maintain a good sleep. Days feel shorter to start a new beginning. Trying new things becomes our biggest fear. In our own reality, we tend to assume that the worst will always happen every time we choose to be brave. You don't always need to win to authenticate your worth. Your defeat will bring the best out of you, and it's going to be your edge to win your next battle. Your courage is enough to stay proud of your ..read more

One great thing that COVID- 19 pandemic taught me is to stay indoors and shop online. Online shopping wasn’t actually my style. I would always choose to buy my essentials in-store mainly because I have trust issues and I just love strolling around the malls to see what’s new. But since we’re in fluctuating lockdowns, I got forced to give online mobile shopping a try.  (GET DISCOUNT VOUCHERS HERE) Exactly one year ago, I downloaded the Shopee app and created my account. All I remember back then when I thought about Shopee were Kris Aquino, Jose Mari Chan, and of course, Kuya Wil. But ..read more

It's been more than a year since we first heard the term "COVID-19" which all pushed us to an absolutely new world inside our homes. Yes, staying indoors during this difficult time is the best way to remain safe from the threat of the virus. However, it doesn't mean that our health is fully guarded, especially from other kinds. We might often ignore this, but our skin is one of these body parts that becomes vulnerable to pathologic attacks this season. Staying most of our time at home is a factor, but not the primary culprit. It's perhaps the thought of disrupting our skincare routine becaus ..read more

I had a new year conversation with him and he asked me about my New Year’s resolution. I told him I honestly don’t have anything in mind. He got a bit nettled because he presumed I either wasn’t in the mood to spend time talking with him or I was hiding something. But really, it’s been many years since I stopped thinking and, probably, believing in new year’s resolution for some reason.  On a personal note, change is something sacred to me. Change, for me, takes a long-term process to decide. It’s not something that can be casually listed in just an hour or two over a sky of colorful ..read more

When my mind is occupied with overrunning thoughts, I used to write a brief poem or essay out of it. I often conceal the actual details in sleeves of artistic lines and creative words because I know I’m not that brave to openly talk about it. But despite the censorship, I can still feel so free whenever I’m doing it. It provides me a reliable channel which I can easily access whenever I’m in need of emotional release.  This kind of journaling I learned to do in my younger years is what I highly need right now, given our difficult situation with the pandemic. However, everything has chan ..read more

I’ve turned 22 years old a few days ago. The revelry was still a blast despite the pandemic but I must say that it became simpler compared to what I’d been expecting. Anyway, no biggies. It’s definitely ok— safety first for all of us. All the greetings you sent me online are enough for me to let the vibes in. I appreciate them all. Thank you! But first, I want to spare this moment to thank God for another year which I’ll consider as another chance to make myself a better man. I wish that on my 22nd year here on earth, all of us will head toward recovery and everyone will flourish once again ..read more

Unexpected volcanic eruption that resulted in million worth of damages. Swift domination of COVID-19 pandemic across the entire archipelago that claimed thousands of lives, livelihood, and made the economy crumbled so terribly. And the latest, calamitous disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes that consecutively hit the country in just a matter of days. All these adversities happened in 2020, a year that supposed to give us new starts, wonderful opportunities, and bountiful chances.  Many of you will certainly brand 2020 as the most unforgettable nightmare you ever have experienced ..read more

Crack of Thomas By Marielle Lanto You're always telling me that the people you often see on television shows we binge watch are amazingly beautiful. According to you, they have the perfect skin complexion, mesmerizing visuals, and ideal posture.  One morning while sipping my good black coffee, you dashed toward me like a little child and showed me a newspaper headline about a huge donation drive founded by a group of young individuals. From what I could see in your effervescent eyes, you were extremely delighted by the effort they willingly exerted to extend help to the vict ..read more

Five fingers down if you ever hurt someone just because he’s a boy yet he is fond of imitating Catriona’s lava walk while wearing a wig and pink long dress. With your other hand, five fingers down if you ever shout so rudely and throw the most devastating words at someone just because she’s a girl yet she refuses to play with your dollhouses then instead hang out with your bros to haunt a spider. Now, look at your hands. What do you see? I hope this quick game didn’t bring you two vicious fists before your sight. I hope that whoever reads this essay, you’re not the type of person who can easi ..read more