Keth's e-Diary

On April 9, 2025, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) released Memorandum Circular 3-2025, titled “Reminder Not to Engage in Partisan Political Activities During the Campaign Period of the 2025 Midterm Elections.” This directive serves as a timely and firm reminder to government officials and employees across the Philippines: political neutrality is not just an expectation—it’s a mandate. With…

As of April 8, 2025, the Philippines finds itself at a crossroads where the battle against disinformation collides with questions of governance, free expression, and the limits of authority. Recent events in the House of Representatives have thrust these issues into the spotlight, raising critical questions for professionals, policymakers, and citizens alike: How do we balance the fight against…

This is a serious cause for concern and raises serious questions about abuse of power in public office, specifically about stifling freedom of expression. Freedom of expression is the basic right of a democratic society, enshrined in many constitutions, including the Philippines’ 1987 Constitution, Article III, Section 4, which states: “𝘕𝘰 𝘭𝘢𝘸 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘦𝘤𝘩, 𝘰𝘧…

We journeyed to PRRD’s door today, With food in hand, a humble display, For volunteers who stand in the sun’s fierce gleam, Their faces flushed, yet bold in their dream. The heat beats down, a relentless foe, But still they rise, their spirits aglow, With hearts of steel, they guard the ground, Protecting his home, their vow profound. I see their eyes, both weary and bright, A quiet…

The rain falls in relentless sheets today, a heavy curtain of gray that drapes over the city, as if the sky itself has lost the will to hold back its tears. It’s March 17, 2025, and this was meant to be a day of joy, Araw ng Davao, a holiday proclaimed to honor our city’s spirit, its resilience, its heartbeat. But the streets, usually alive with the hum of celebration, are muted, swallowed by…

I sit here, scrolling through the news at 12mn, my chest tight with a mix of anger and sadness. It’s 2025, and I’m still wrestling with this suffocating silence. I work in the government. I’m one of those people who clock in every day, trying to do right by my country. But why is it that we, people like me, with hearts and minds and voices, are gagged when it comes to speaking about the current…

In the quiet stillness of a formal courtroom, a powerful image unfolds. A testament to friendship, resilience, and dedication. This captures Atty. Salvador Medialdea, a seasoned legal mind, seated and raising his hand to say hello to FPRRD, a gesture meaning “𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚, 𝙬𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪.” On the screen before him is former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,…

Today, my heart is heavy, heavier than it has ever been. The news of FPRRD’s arrest cuts through me like a knife, and I know I’m not alone in this agony. For the Dabawenyos, for every Filipino who has stood by him, this is not just a headline, it’s a wound. Our beloved Rodrigo Duterte, the father of Davao City, the man who gave us hope when the world seemed dark, has been taken from us. And for…

My journey in taking the licensure examination.

My journey towards becoming a licensed teacher can be best described as a roller-coaster of emotions, filled with challenges, obstacles, failures, and eventual triumph. Each twist and turn has taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, faith, and the timing of life. In 2010, I graduated with a degree in AB English, unsure if teaching was my calling. Little did I know that fate would slowly…

Every day, I get up and go to a job that I do like, but it feels like I’m stuck in a loop. I like what I do, teaching and helping others, but it’s starting to feel heavy because of all the worry and stress that comes with it. When I got to take a break last week, it made me see how much I want a simpler, happier life where I can do what I love without feeling squeezed by deadlines and surrounded…

In the hushed corners of my mind, a ceaseless duel unfolds: the me of today versus the me of tomorrow. It’s a silent dance of ambition and contentment, a tango between aspiration and self-worth. This competition within me is both a gift and a curse, fueling growth while demanding perfection. It’s the echo of ambition, whispering in the night, urging me forward even when I’m on the brink of…

To my family, friends and all those who supported me along the way, thank you from the bottom of my heart.💜 Your unwavering belief in me has made all the difference.

To those who are still chasing their dreams, don't ever give up! Keep the fire of hope alive and trust that you too will achieve your goals.🙏🏻

Thank you, Lord! All for you!🥹✨

We all carry unseen scars, some etched deeper than others. The unspoken pain can feel like a heavy burden, but it's important to remember that healing takes time and patience. 🕰️🌹

I'm grateful for the strength I've found within myself and for the unconditional support from those who stand by me. 🌟💞 Remember, it's okay to heal at your own pace and in your own way. Here's to embracing our vulnerability and growing stronger together. 🌻💪

I've been working on this short story for what feels like forever, and it's long overdue. But I'm not giving up on it! Writing can be a slow and sometimes frustrating process, but I know that the end result will be worth it. I'm excited to see where the characters take me and how the story will unfold. Hopefully, I'll have it finished soon and be able to share it with all of you.

As we celebrate Easter and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, it reminds us of the hope and new beginnings that come after darkness. Just as Jesus rose from the dead and overcame death, we too can rise from our darkest moments and overcome the challenges we face.

Perhaps you have experienced some of the darkest moments in your life, feeling stuck and hopeless, but God lifted you out of the pit and gave you a new lease on life. Take this Easter as an opportunity to reflect on the blessings that have come your way and the strength you have gained from overcoming your struggles.