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“You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.”   -Desmond Tutu

This quote demonstrated the life of the young Alexis Peralta, a boy who went viral 2 years ago because a netizen posted a photo of him and his younger brother. This Facebook post had touched the hearts of many people all throughout the Philippines last 2018. Because of his heart-warming story, Alexis life was featured on two TV programs in GMA Network which inspired many people to give help in terms of food, clothing and other needs.

The boy lived at the province of Dagami, Leyte, and was studying at  Hinabuyan Elementary School. Everyday, Alexis would carry his 4-year old brother to school which is 3 kilometers away from where they live and his younger brother’s weight is almost 15 kilos. Imagine, an 11-year old, carrying his dear brother everyday to school? It was because AJ has a difficulty in speaking and moving around by himself which is the reason why Alexis needs to carry him. “Minsan merong nagpapasakay, sumasakay nalang ako para di ma-late.” he said. Because of financial incapacity, they couldn’t get to see a doctor for his brother to be checked. 

Alexis' love for his brother was heartwarming, he'd take care of him while he was studying. The teacher of the young boy said, “Magaling naman po si Alexis sa klase at di naman po nakakaapekto yun sa pag-aaral niya kaya bilib na bilib po kami sa kaniya. Siya po ay desididong mag-aral po kahit na po ganyan yung kalagayan niya.” Alexis' love for his little brother was indeed great because according to him, no one would take care of his brother except him. He had no one to trust to take care of AJ. This indicates the depth of his love for his brother.

When his situation reached the school head, she let them stay in the Principal’s office so that it would be easier for him at least. 

You’re maybe wondering who is the kid beside him. That is his 9-year old brother, Aljur. I know you’re also thinking how many siblings does Alexis has. Welp, there are 5 of them. Well then, where are the other two? Where are their parents? Why are they suffering all by themselves? These questions will be answered later. 

The principal's office served as the bedroom for the siblings. Whenever his brothers gets hungry, he usually cooks something for them in the school's cafeteria. For AJ to be able to eat properly, Alexis would carry and feed him. Looking at him makes my heart emotional because to be honest, I’ve always wanted to have an older brother. Since I’m also the eldest child, he became one of my inspirations to become the “best ate” my younger sister could ever wish for. 

After school, his classmates usually gets picked up by their parents to take them home, but Alexis will do their laundry while his other brother is looking after AJ. He took responsibility for his brothers and never left them even how hard life gets the three of them. “..mahal na mahal ko po si AJ..” as those words came out of his mouth, you could see how happy his little bro because of his bright smile. Even though he can’t speak clearly, his eyes were communicating, speaking thousands of words, a thousand thankyou’s, and thousands of I love you’s, appreciating his brother’s efforts and love.

Their leftovers during lunch will serve as their dinner and after that, they will arrange the chairs and tables to get ready for bed, using the comforters donated to them. 

Back to our question, where are their parents? Their other siblings? And how did they get into this situation?

Their father already left them 7 years ago because of illegal drugs, while their mother is working in Manila with their two other siblings for almost 5 months. According to Alexis’ mother, they were supposed to be taken care of their stepfather, the father of AJ and his 2 other siblings. Unfortunately, their step-dad used to hit, abuse, and let them starve because of its excessive drinking. Because of its unbearable behavior, Alexis decided to stand as parent for his siblings and left their stepfather. 

Some children wish for toys, dresses, gadgets, sweets, and many other expensive things but for Alexis, his only wish is to reunite with his mother and feel her warm embrace once more. 

The next day would probably be just a normal and tiring day for Alexis without knowing that his mother is coming and will see him after his class. “Si Mama!” Alexis jumped out of joy and became emotional as he rushed and gave her the tightest embrace. 

See how happy they were as they reunited once again. It seems like all their sorrows, grief, and problems just...faded away. Alexis’ smile has never been that bright before, for his face shows how grateful he is, now that he saw his mother again. 

We have witnessed how deep Alexis’ love for his siblings is. No matter how hard life gets he would still continue to fight for his family. We should noticed the love and care he showed. Think about your family, when is the last time you told them that you love them? Though some of you are not used to it, trust me, hearing those words is like a calming music to anyone that sooths the soul, especially when hearing it from a special someone. 

Always remember to be nice and spread the love! <33

Patintero, tumbang preso, chinese garter, and tagu-taguan.  As if recently, this is where we all waste our time. Under the sun, chasing each other, dying out of laughter because every little thing seemed funny, and worrying about nothing. But have you ever thought of your childhood friends? How have they been? Are you sill in contact with them? Do you miss them? After all, they’ve all been a part of our childhood—our lives. 

Some people are still friends with their childhood buddies, but it’s not the same for Julienne, a teenager who has been featured on Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, a Philippine television show. Julienne posted a tiktok video and said that she was looking for her childhood bestfriend, Kenneth, whom she had not seen for almost 14 years.

Way back in 2007 in Puerto Princessa, Palawan, Julienne became friends with Kenneth, her childhood bestfriend she had been looking for. 

According to Julienne, Kenneth always visits their house to play with her. He would only go home to eat then return to Julienne’s place at noon so that they could continue playing. She said that Kenneth is timid and quiet, and even though she always annoy and pick silly fights with him, he never gets angry. 

There’s one time that Julienne or “Yen” doesn’t want to share her chocolates with Kenneth even though her dad told her to do so. “Madamot po ako sa kanya non. Meron akong chocolate, tapos sabi ni papa, bigyan ko siya pero hindi ko siya binigyan.” she added. Isn’t it adorable? They even took a video of it and their cuteness stayed in my mind rent-free.

Julienne thought that their adorable friendship would last forever until Kenneth suddenly didn’t come to their place one day. “Bigla nalang po siyang nawala.” she stated. When her father asked the owner of the boarding house for Kenneth and his mother, they found out that they already moved out. Julienne was of course, sad, for she did not even get to say goodbye to her friend. They also said that they haven’t heard of them ever since they moved out. 

This very adorable friendship became viral after Julienne posted a tiktok video and said that she was looking for her long-lost bestfriend, Kenneth. Hundreds of people, including myself, shipped those two because of their cuteness and became excited for her to reunite with her friend. “Naexcite po ako kasi naisip ko na baka mahanap na po talaga siya nung nag viral.” Yen said excitedly.

Although there are many posers pretending to be Kenneth but some of them only joined the trend, Julienne said that she just laugh at them until someone messaged her privately and told her that the one she had been looking for is in Quezon, Palawan which is only 3 hours away from her location. 

Folks, here is our 18-year old Kenneth Español, from Quezon, Palawan. According to his mother, Kenneth has this shy personality and prefers to stay at home and use his phone instead of going outside to socialize. “Nawalan na po ako ng barkada, iilan nalang.” Kenneth said. 

Her mom confirmed that they once lived at a boarding house in Puerto Princesa where he did have a playmate, which we all know, is also where Julienne lives. “Nung elementary pako, may nakakalaro akong isang batang mukhang Dora, na sipunin..” He added. As the things started to make sense, the excitement is reigning in me like my heart was about to explode as he stated the evidences that he might be Julienne’s long-lost childhood bestfriend. 

They also narrated how they got in Quezon, Palawan. After a year, they moved to Quezon because it is where his mother’s spouse lives. The sad thing was, Kenneth said that he wasn’t able to tell his “playmate” that he was leaving that time which made him really sad because he didn’t know if they will see each other again someday. “Nasasaktan ako, siya lag yung lagi kong kalaro.” he said.

Kenneth stated that he was shocked when he saw Julienne’s tiktok video that has his childhood picture in it. At first, he was hesitant to message Julienne because he felt shy. “..kasi iba na siya ngayon. Dati sipunin lang siya, ngayon, maganda na siya.” Kenneth said while restraining his emotions. 

The other reason why he hesitates to tell Juliene the truth, is because of the other guys who pretends that their the childhood friend she had been looking for. He felt insecure like what he said in a part of the interview, “Nahihiya ako kasi may mga itsura sila. Malalaki katawan, mapuputi, ‘tas ako ganito lang. Sure na’ko na walang laban.” 

Kenneth being adorable, admitted that he has a crush on Julienne since they were kids and was also one of the reasons why he hesitates to contact her thinking that she is already in a relationship because of how beautiful she is. Hearing that from him made some of us feel excited for their meet up. How will they react when they reunite.

To prove that he really is the Kenneth, Julienne is looking for, he sent his child photo with the exact same shirt Julienne’s childhood bestfriend has. 

Finally, the moment many of us had been waiting for!

As Julienne peeks out of their veranda, Kenneth showed up as he walked out of the van. Although the both of them were speechless, their eyes couldn’t hide the happiness they were feeling at that moment.

As Kenneth surprised her with chocolates which she refused to give him when they were kids, Julienne couldn’t resist her excitement about the idea. She said that she was very happy, so as Kenneth for they were given a chance to meet despite of this pandemic.

In this picture, Kenneth framed their picture wherein Julienne kissed him on the cheeks when they’re still kids.

Many people felt elated because of their reconciliation. I mean who wouldn’t? Maybe some other people but look, they haven’t seen each other for years. Many have changed. There are so many adjustments. 

Before anything else, I just want you to forget about those annoying deadlines. Forget about your unresponsive groupmates, loaded works, and forget about this stressful environment—just for a while. Even for 30 minutes, sit back and close your eyes. Everybody deserves a rest don’t we? Go and maybe…book a vacation? There are lots of beautiful places here in our country and there’s so many to choose from!

You may think that booking a vacation is too much and you might not have enough time and of course, money. No worries! Let this blog be your tour guide to one of the places here in the Philippines that will surely take your breath away for its breathtaking views and stunning tourists spots. Ladies and Gentlemen, the one and only—Palawan. 

Here’s a brief information about Palawan. Palawan was cited as the world's best island in the Travel+Leisure (T+L) 2020 World's Best Awards. It is endowed with species-rich, biologically diversified ecology, with teeming forests, tangled mangroves, wetlands, and vivid coral reefs. The island is home to 232 indigenous species, making it one of the world's most diverse ecosystems. 

As you all know, Palawan is known for its white sand beaches, clean turquoise waters, coral reefs, and limestone rock formations that would render you speechless. Many tourist spots can be seen in Palawan because of its amazing features and our first destination is El Nido, Palawan. Shall we?

Bacuit Archipelago, El Nido

Ah yes, El Nido, Palawan. Look how beautiful this place is!  El Nido has been named one of the best tourist destinations in the Philippines, as well as one of the top-ranked tourism destinations on so many other bucket lists throughout the world. It is known for its lagoons, 100 white sand beaches. Yes, you’ve read that one right. One hundred. And take note—WHITE SAND BEACHES. Not to mention the Bacuit Archipelago and its beautiful islands which can be seen in the picture above.

One of the beautiful beaches here in El Nido is the Seven Commandos beach. Seven Commandos Island was titled after the seven commandos who used to live there, who’s names are carved into the island's rocks. 

Seven Commandos Island, El Nido

I mean, who wouldn’t fall for its beauty? Look at those coconut trees aligned across the white sand beach. Look how the sun shines on the warm and crystal clear water. It is truly a feast for my eyes. What a nice place to have a vacation with your loved ones. Just enjoying the view and chilling, relaxing, listening to the sound of the waves, and enjoying the awesome and memorable moment.

But this doesn’t end here. Wanna do something adventurous? I know just a place. It is known for its popular underground cave. Folks, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Puerto Princesa Underground River, Puerto Princesa

A beautiful limestone karst environment with an underground river may be found in this park. One of the river's distinguishing characteristics is that it flows directly into the sea, with the lowest portion of the river vulnerable to tidal forces. In addition, the area is an important habitat for biodiversity conservation.

Puerto Princesa Underground River is the most popular tourist spot in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Those cave formations are formed from the dripping minerals above the cave. If you’re thinking if all of these would be worth the visit, oh darling I promise you that it would be an out of this world experience. As you explore deeper into the dark, the clicking of bats and the echoing droplets of water are the only sounds you would hear. Sounds cool doesn’t it? Wait till you read this amazing part of this adventure!

Firefly Watching Tour, Ihawig River

Oh, no honey. Those aren’t stars, but it’s fine. I thought so too. Aren’t they beautiful? Just to let you know, those are thousands of fireflies which can be seen in Ihawig river, in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Tourists gather in this magical place while having a sit-down supper at the Iwahig Firefly Restaurant, Ka Inato Restaurant, or District Seven Restaurant. 

Close your eyes and imagine that you are one of  the tourists adoring the beauty of this place. Taking a river excursion along the banks of the Sicsican and Iwahig Rivers and while witnessing innumerable fireflies dazzling along the mangrove trees. Ah, sounds magical. Can’t wait to witness this event someday!

If your thinking that we’re done, then you’re wrong. Let me introduce you to another place here in Palawan. Don’t worry, this would be the last destination so bare with me. I can guarantee you that you would love to know more about this location. Scuba diving. snorkeling. Beautiful lagoons. Welcome to Coron, Palawan!

Coron, Palawan

See? I told you. Coron is a tropical island in Palawan. As the island is most known for its world-class WWII wreck diving, it also has limestone karst landscapes, stunning beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and shallow-water coral reefs. 

Looking for a place to try scuba diving? How about snorkeling? Then voila! You can do it all here. Although you can also do these things in the first two cities in Palawan I have mentioned earlier, this is the best place you could those scuba diving thingies in my opinion. 

Do you ever wonder what makes Coron unique from El Nido and Puerto Princesa? Well, here’s the tea. Unlike El Nido, which is known for island hopping, and Puerto Princesa, which is known for underground river excursions, Coron is noted for its distinct tourist attractions. Coron's turquoise waters are home to stunning World War II wreckage, vibrant coral reefs, and a plethora of marine life. So what are we waiting for? Let’s explore the beauty and secrets of our last destination!

Kayangan Lake, Coron

Welcome to Kayangan Lake! Kayangan Lake is known as the “cleanest lake in the Philippines” and some consider it as the cleanest lake in Asia. That's why itis one of the places that you must see in Coron. The water here super clear and clean which makes it perfect for swimming. Kayangan Lake is surrounded by tall limestone formations, so if you want to take pictures of the entire area for your instagram post, all you have to do is climb a 300-step hill and you can have an instagramable shot! Although it's a bit of a hike, the sights are worth it. The lake is warm and welcoming, making it ideal for swimming. 

But if you feel like trying scuba diving, here is a place for you!

Coral Garden, Coron

Ladies and gentlemen, this is the Coral Garden, also located in Coron. You can see beautiful and colorful fishes and corals that would literally satisfy your eyes. Because of its colorful view, this is the finest area to go snorkeling. But if you want to go deeper, and you are an experienced diver, this location has depths of 131 feet and is completely filled with beautiful marine life, providing the clearest diving experience you've ever had.

The last place I would show you is something different. There are multiple shipwrecks on this island that were sunk during World War II. This place is called the Skeleton Wreck. 

Skeleton Wreck, Coron

In Coron Bay, the Skeleton Wreck is a popular snorkeling area. This little 25m long Shipwreck is also suitable for scuba diving. The Skeleton's top is 5 meters deep, with a depth of 22 meters at the stern. This is a simple dive that is great for novices. It’s like traveling back through time and space as you encounter sunken ships during the second world war. These ships and vessels has restored the growth and development of a magnificent reef. While exploring this reef, you would encounter colorful corals, black and white striped fishes, and other marine life. 

Ah, how I wish to go to these places at once! All of them are worth the visit, feast for the eyes, and would surely help you to lessen your worries and relieve stress. Every place will literally take your breath away which is also a perfect place to travel with your loved ones. If you have ever been to one of these places, you sure are lucky. You can always go back and explore to other tourist spots here, especially during summer.

Palawan is full of excitement, mystery, adventures, and most especially—water. There are so much more to visit here in Palawan. More lagoons, hot springs, reefs, and yes, beaches—white sand beaches. Many more adventures to explore and encounter! 

I just want you to always remember that it’s not selfish to pick yourself. Learn to rest when you’re already tired and continue when you’re ready. You can do this, fighting! 

May 17, 2020. It was eight in the morning, and I found myself getting ready for my morning class in Statistics. I almost dropped my phone when I saw something that made me remember about an event that everyone had been waiting for. Without hesitation, I opened the link as fast as I could just to watch the Miss Universe pageant for this year; to support our country’s representative, dashing and elegant, Ms. Rabiya Mateo.

It was amazing. Watching the beautiful women carrying their confidence and the beautiful flags of their own countries rendered me speechless. Loud cheers reigned every home as Rabiya owned the runway with her dashing smile and amazing catwalk, but those cheers were replaced with a deafening silence when Rabiya was not called for the top 10 candidates.

Rabiya Occeña Mateo, also known as “Rabiya Mateo” is a Filipino model who captured our hearts as she represented the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2020 pageant. Her journey was not that easy, but she still managed to make one her dreams come true—to be a beauty queen.

Her parents are Syed Mohammed Abdullah Moqueet Hashmi, an Indian, and Christine Mateo, a Filipina. Rabiya was born on the 14th of November in 1996 in Balasan, Ilo-ilo. She grew up without her father for he left them after her younger brother was born, Alamgir “Mokmok” Mateo. Despite this, Rabiya said that she is open to reunite with her father in the US while she prepares for Miss Universe.

At an early age she became aware of how unfair life is. She only had a 5-peso coin for her baon when she was in elementary school and wasn’t also one of those students who had complete books and school supplies to use. She continued to strive and achieve her dreams despite of the struggles and hardships that tried to bring her down.

Being the bright student that she is, Rabiya graduated as cum laude in March 2018 at Iloilo Doctor’s College in Molo, Iloilo City where she earned her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy. August 2018, that’s when she became a licensed physical therapist by passing the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) board examination.

Amazing right? But, no. I’m not done yet. Miss Iloilo Universe 2020 was crowned at the Cultural Center of West Visayas State University (WVSU) in La Paz, Iloilo on the 23rd of January 2020. Miss Smart Communications, Miss Fiesta, Miss Mags, and Best in Talent were among her other awards. She is the first woman to hold the title, and it was also her first beauty pageant.

Rabiya also worked as a physical therapy lecturer at review centers here in the Philippines before competing in Miss Universe Philippines 2020 pageant, her first national beauty contest, representing Iloilo City. Oh great, this woman never fails to impress me!