
Today, I wore purple in memory of the three gay men who were killed due to discrimination to the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered) community. I grew up in a Catholic environment, and even studied in a private Catholic school, but I really do not see the reason why humans do not allow their fellows to love another just because they are of the same gender.

Rural living has always charmed me. Unfortunately, I live south of the metropolis so the urban life is something I have gotten used to. But the closest I could get to have a taste of a quiet life is early mornings, around five in the morning. The world is silent, the air is fresh, the streets more or less empty, perfect for a jog. It is in such time when the city is closest to nature. Ah, it is the picture of a perfect life.

I like the local Nescafe commercial with the tagline, “Para kanino ka bumabangon?” (Loosely trranslated as “Who are your reasons for rising up?”) The difference between “gising” (waking up) and “bangon” (rising up) is striking. Waking up means living and getting by the routine, while rising up means living more purposively, always standing back up everytime life beats you down.