WATCH: Berlin, Germany


Here is my video of my short trip to Berlin, Germany.



For more blogposts about Berlin, click below.

Berlin Part 1
Berlin Part 2


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Bullying: A Part of Filipino Culture?

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Bullying became a hot topic in Norway today after a young teenager died of emaciation due to eating disorder that was primarily linked to anxiety from bullying at school. This was quite taboo in this Scandinavian country, given the nation is very keen on respecting socio-cultural differences and on protection against any form of discrimination. Discussions have been made on how to handle and prevent bullying and who takes the responsibility in these cases, whether the family, school or the State. Personally, I was not reacting in anyway as my mind says the concept is remote and almost impossible to happen in the Philippines. Perhaps, I was referring it to death, but not to bullying. However, after several days I was quite uneasy on the topic and further asked myself if I was ever bullied before and what it has caused me in the long-term basis. To my surprise, bullying was a crucial point in my childhood. My coping skills allowed me to hide in my consciousness what had happened...
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Filipino Body Language

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Non-verbal communication is an essential part in a society, as well as understanding the values the community believe in. This reflects a good overview of how communication and tradition have evolved through time. These expressions are never constant, such that meaning changes from time to time, and is greatly affected by the events or the kind of environment one belongs in. Filipinos, being a society with mixed Asian and Western influences have unique facial and body expressions. These are the focus of this blogpost. 1. Silent stare Stares could mean evil look for Filipinos. It may indicate sarcasm or manipulation. It is considered rude to this, especially when in a conversation because it may also indicate disinterest or disrespect. 2. Lip/Eye pointing This is quiet funny gesture common not just in the rural areas, but also in urban communities. It is quiet hard to explain the direction in verbal language, so it is better to point them vaguely, interestingly with the use of lips,...
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Noblesse Oblige: A Guiding Principle

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Some ideas refuse to disappear, even when the world changes around them. One of them is the French expression Noblesse Oblige. It simply means that privilege comes with responsibility. If life has given you education, opportunity, influence, or success, then you have a duty to use those gifts for something greater than yourself. It is an old idea, perhaps even an unfashionable one, but I think it still deserves a place in the modern world. I have thought about this a lot over the past few years. When I left the Philippines and moved to Norway, I did not arrive with privilege. Like many immigrants, I started almost from the beginning. I had to learn a new language, adapt to a different culture, rebuild my career, and prove myself again. Nothing was handed to me. Every step forward came through long shifts, sacrifices, studying after work, and refusing to give up when life became difficult. Today, I live a life that my younger self could only imagine. ...
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Vigelandsparken, Oslo Norway: Celebrating Human Spirit

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The world's largest collection of sculptures in a park is attracting one million people every year. The art pieces, which were made from bronze, granite and iron features the appreciation of the human spirit of Norway's most renowned sculptor Gustav Vigeland. Click the link below: http://vimeo.com/65900073 Visiting Vigelandsparken makes one realize things in life, inspired from the different sections of the park: the Main Gate, the Bridge, the Fountain, the Monolith and the Wheel of life. The main gate is very simple but elegant. It features a long pathway towards the main section of the park. It gives the visitor the feeling that life requires a pathway and direction where one should follow through. That direction is the person's purpose in his or her life, that will guide all his or her actions, no matter what situations the person will be experiencing and whoever the person will be meeting. The bridge is one of the most dramatic part of the park, which...
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Once upon a time... Summa Cum Laude

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Cebuano: The Language and The People

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Living in Norway for over 2 years, I have often encountered questions about the languages I speak. I usually answered I speak Norwegian, English and two Filipino languages. Then, people start asking if the second Filipino language is a dialect of the other. Given my mother tongue is Cebuano, the second language referred, I abruptly debunk the misconcept that it is a mere dialect. My most common explanation is that all Filipinos speak the Filipino language, but those who only learn to speak Filipino have difficult time understanding or communicating with one speaking Cebuano. Throughout the span of my childhood, I got to grasp the political and cultural differences of Filipinos speaking Filipino language or Tagalog as referred by most, and those coming from the Southern Philippines speaking Cebuano. The language in itself has become the boundary between the two groups of people. Due to their innate differences, misunderstandings result, not because of mere language confusion, but of cu...
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In a world where life seems to be a never-ending race, a moment of respite is a precious gem. Enter "Pahiluna," a beautiful Cebuano word that embodies the essence of unwinding, letting go, and savoring the art of relaxation. It's like discovering a hidden treasure chest of tranquility in the midst of life's chaotic seas. This is the focus of this blogpost. First things first, let's demystify this word. Pahiluna isn't just a word; it's an experience, a state of mind, and a lifestyle all rolled into one. It's that moment when you throw your cares to the wind, kick back, and embrace the now. Pahiluna is the ultimate antidote to the relentless pace of modern life. Let's paint some vivid examples of Pahiluna in action. Imagine yourself on a pristine Cebu beach, your toes luxuriating in the soft sand, and a freshly cracked coconut in hand. As the sun gracefully dips below the horizon, you immerse yourself in Pahiluna, serenaded by the soothin...
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There are words that stay with us long after the people who spoke them are gone. For me, one of those words is the Cebuano phrase: “Padayon lang.” These simple words describe my life motto. It is short, almost ordinary. It does not shine with poetry. Yet it has a quiet strength, the kind that you don’t just think about but actually feel deep inside. Literally, it means “just continue” or “keep going.” But in Cebuano life, padayon lang is less of a command and more of gentle encouragement, just a soft pat on the shoulder, a light that shows you the way in the dark. I first heard it as a child, when I struggled with school and say, “Padayon lang sa imong pagtuon.” Keep studying. It is not a word of triumph. It does not promise success. Unlike congratulations or I’m proud of you, padayon lang accepts that life is hard, that the road is tiring, and yet it reminds us that moving forward, even slowly, even step by step is still worth it. It is the Cebuano spirit of resilience, no...
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