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LATE ADULTHOOD

“To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent— that is to triumph over old age.” —Thomas Bailey Aldrich

Live by example

According to Mrs. Josefina A. Gabule, a 76-year-old retired principal from San Vicente in Montevista, Davao de Oro, one of the most important ways to live longer is to remain content and appreciative. Throughout her life, she has faced many experiences that shaped her growth and resilience. Each morning, despite occasionally feeling stiff from the cold, she begins her day with a gentle routine—waking up, meditating, praying, fixing her bed, and doing light warm-up stretches. After this, she prepares breakfast, usually made from simple, healthy ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, and fish, which form the foundation of her balanced diet. Her days follow a calm rhythm: she eats lunch, takes a nap, and continues her activities at a relaxed pace, embracing the peace that her daily routine brings.

As she ages, Mrs. Gabule acknowledges the gradual decline in her eyesight and hearing, which makes her more attentive and careful in conversations to avoid misunderstandings. She regularly visits her doctor, wears her prescribed glasses, and practices training her eyes to focus on distant objects to reduce strain. Yet, despite these challenges, she remains deeply grateful—thankful for her long life, for God’s guidance, and for the chance to share her wisdom with younger generations. For her, happiness and relaxation are the “secret weapons” to a healthy life, freely available to anyone who chooses to embrace them. She looks at her journey with gratitude and hopes her story inspires people of all ages to appreciate life more fully.

Her philosophy is "education is life, she studies a lot to make sure she doesn't miss anything. She typically reads novels, dictionaries, or journals to get ready for the new material. At her age, she is learning how to use a sophisticated phone. Her strategy is to learn one or two easy things each day to prevent the bad things from causing harm. For new information to be retained over time, it must be maintained. She uses her cognitive abilities to solve puzzles and math issues, among other things. She has a series of schedules for her tasks so she can commit the routine to memory. We all have healthy connections, a happy family, and a clean environment.

She encourages those who are her own age to avoid pouting. One thing you have to do is gradually come to terms with reality since it is an inevitable part of life. Joining groups at local churches or the purok makes it easier for me to socialize. These days, being a volunteer, like a secretary, won't keep me out. She enjoys participating in cooperative activities like seminars since it allows her to socialize. She feels valued as a member of the community when she is welcomed by those around me, making her joyful as if she were a member of the group.

Dressing appropriately for a seminar shows respect for the occasion and the attendees, which goes beyond simple aesthetics. Carefully selecting words also demonstrates attention in our communication and helps prevent offending people. We may encourage others to be responsible, courteous, and considerate by modeling thoughtful behavior and conversation. Even so, my health demands vary depending on the location, particularly in noisy and unclean areas.

In the end, Mrs. Josefina A. Gabule’s story shows that aging with grace comes from healthy routines, lifelong learning, and emotional awareness. Her gratitude, gentle morning habits, and simple diet reflect how small choices can support a long and meaningful life. Even with challenges in her vision and hearing, she stays proactive through regular checkups, eye exercises, reading, and learning new skills. She also remains socially active through church groups, community volunteering, and seminars where she practices respect and thoughtful communication. Ultimately, her life reminds us that contentment, acceptance, and kindness help keep both the mind sharp and the spirit young.

MIDDLE ADULTHOOD

A midlife happiness for a golden age

"I used to chase dreams far away; now my dreams are right here with my family." This captures Dolor’s journey through life, where the ambitions of youth have shifted toward the simple yet profound fulfillment of raising her children and caring for her home. Her days are shaped by the quiet adjustments of aging, the challenges of memory and energy, and the deep satisfaction of seeing her family thrive.

Dolor shared that her physical strength is not what it used to be. Her energy has decreased, and her eyesight has begun to decline. To cope, she relies on herbal remedies and “haplas” to support her well-being. Despite these changes, she remains active, continuing to clean, cook, and manage daily tasks, finding that staying busy helps her body stay resilient even as certain abilities weaken.

Cognitive changes are also evident. She sometimes forgets small details, like whether she already purchased something or how much change she received. Her attention shifts quickly from one task to another. Additionally, she rarely uses her cellphone, focusing instead on planning and managing household finances. Careful budgeting and early saving ensure bills are always paid on time, avoiding shortages and stress.

Emotionally and socially, Dolor has adapted to changing relationships. Her siblings live far away with their own families, so most of her focus is on her children. She guides them with the lessons she learned, and when they resist her advice, she chooses calm, productive outlets like cleaning rather than arguing, maintaining peace in the home and within herself.

For Dolor, raising her children with the right values and providing them opportunities she did not have is the heart of her purpose. Though she did not achieve her dream of becoming a police officer, she finds fulfillment in nurturing her family. As for her this stage of life can be summed up in one word, “HAPPY.” Her happiness comes from having the family she once longed for and living a life built on patience, care, and love.

EARLY ADULTHOOD

“ A Journey to Adulthood ”

“Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly” - Chuang Tzu

19-year-old college student Mark Angelou James Aberca offers his thoughts on the transition from adolescence to emerging adulthood. He explains how his previously inquisitive and freewheeling demeanor progressively developed into a more robust sense of accountability. What started out as a drive to learn about and explore the world has developed into a readiness to make deliberate choices and accept responsibility for them. For Mark, maturing is more than simply getting older; it's about turning curiosity into a purpose and letting life's obstacles mold one's journey toward self-reliance and self-discovery.

As he looks at his current stage in life, Mark recognizes the many physical and lifestyle changes brought by his busy schedule as both a student and a dancer. Balancing academic demands and extracurricular activities often leaves him tired, with little time to rest or care for himself. Yet, like a butterfly in transition, he accepts these struggles as part of his growth. Despite exhaustion, he continues to stay disciplined—taking short jogs, eating on time, and never skipping breakfast. Through this, he has come to understand that good health is the foundation of success, motivating him to maintain balance between his studies, dancing, and overall well-being.

Transitioning from senior high school to college was also a turning point for Mark. In high school, his priorities revolved around personal interests and desires, but college life taught him to think critically and act responsibly. Managing academics, finances, and personal responsibilities on his own helped him realize that his decisions should not only serve himself but also those who depend on him, like his younger sibling. Now, he devotes most of his focus—about 60%—to his education and career, while dedicating the rest to personal development. By learning to balance logic and emotion, Mark understands that challenges can’t always be solved by feelings alone. Although it can be difficult to handle school, work, and financial pressures, his faith and discipline keep him grounded as he continues striving for both educational and personal growth.

Throughout his college journey, Mark has also seen his relationships grow deeper, especially with his friends and classmates who have become his second family while living away from home. He has learned to be more understanding, patient, and emotionally aware—qualities that help him build stronger connections and resolve conflicts calmly. While he sometimes feels annoyed or frustrated, he now tries to be more empathetic and see things from others’ perspectives. His friends provide comfort and encouragement in stressful times, and he returns that same support to them. Mark values open communication, believing that sharing one’s struggles with trusted people can ease emotional burdens. Despite his hectic schedule, he still finds time to bond, laugh, and unwind with his peers, while keeping in touch with his family and high school friends—even across time zones. To him, distance means little when effort and technology bridge the gap between hearts.

For Mark, gaining independence is an ongoing process that calls for awareness, self-control, and balance. According to him, time management is essential for stability because without it, life may easily become too much to handle. He keeps developing his maturity and sense of control by learning to balance his obligations as a student and an individual. Every time a problem comes up, Mark reminds himself that everyone has unique abilities and weaknesses and that failure is just an opportunity to grow. His parents want him to graduate and have a stable future, so they never put pressure on him to win high academic honors. This insight motivates him to keep going, maintain his discipline, and reach independence patiently and persistently.

Ultimately, Mark finds happiness and pride in the moments when he proves to himself that he can overcome difficulties—especially in academics. He feels fulfilled whenever he earns high scores or finishes tough tasks under pressure, knowing that his determination pays off. Those moments when he realizes, “I didn’t think I could do it, but I did,” remind him of his strength and progress. While he values independence, he also remains deeply grateful to the people who have supported and guided him along the way. For Mark, true success isn’t just about reaching goals—it’s about growing through challenges, learning from failures, and continuously becoming stronger for the future.

ADOLESCENE

Blossom Through Change

Growing up is never easy. It is a phase filled with questions, discoveries, and new lessons to experiences that shape who we become. Adolescence, one of the most transformative periods in life, a time when young people begin to explore who they are and what they stand for. To understand this stage more deeply, I had a conversation with Lang-Lang, a young woman who shared her experiences of growing and changing about herself along the way.

She described how her body underwent noticeable changes that affected her self-perception. She said she used to get sick easily and even lost her appetite for food, which made her realize the importance of taking care of her health. Over time, she learned to eat properly and maintain good sleep habits. These moments taught her that self-care is not only about looking good but also about feeling strong and healthy. She also admitted that social media influenced her style and confidence, saying she used to love wearing dresses but later shifted to oversized shirts and pants because of what she often saw online. This demonstrated how the internet can subtly influence how young people perceive beauty and comfort.

As she grew older, Lang-Lang also noticed changes in how she thinks and makes decisions. She confessed that she used to act impulsively without considering the consequences, but now she tries to reflect more before responding to situations. She also shared how she deals with unfair treatment from others, saying that when people talk badly about her, she turns it into motivation to do better. This kind of mindset reveals maturity and the ability to see negativity as a chance for growth rather than defeat.

As the captain of her school’s volleyball team, she often deals with different personalities and learns how to lead and communicate effectively with her teammates. She said that being a leader taught her patience, responsibility, towards people. However, she also admitted that in friendships trust and loyalty can sometimes be difficult to maintain. She sometimes feels left out or doubted by friends, but she has learned that true friendship involves respect for each other’s decisions. She believes that being real is more important than pleasing everyone. For her, being true to herself matters more than trying to please others. She also shared that managing emotions like jealousy or disappointment was not easy, but she chose to focus on her academics and future goals, believing that love and happiness would come naturally when the time is right.

Lang-Lang also shared how she sometimes distances herself from her family to reflect on her emotions. She explained that independence doesn’t mean separation, but rather finding the courage to handle life’s challenges while still valuing her family’s guidance. Like many young people, she faces pressures about the future. She dreams of becoming a nurse but worries about financial challenges and the opinions of others. Still, she remains hopeful, saying that with support, she can achieve her dreams. She recognizes that societal expectations and family judgments can sometimes limit one’s confidence, yet she chooses to rise above them and focus on becoming a better version of herself.

When asked what makes adolescence meaningful, she said that this stage taught her how to make her own decisions while still listening to her parents’ advice. She sees her mistakes as lessons, saying she now takes time to think before acting. For her, adolescence is memorable not because everything went perfectly, but because every experience helped her become more independent and understanding. Growing up, as she shows, means learning from the past and embracing who you are becoming. She may take more time with her peers, but she always makes sure to make time for her family and herself.

“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” — B.B. King

Little Ladies

Middle and late childhood mark a stage of new discoveries, growing independence, and deeper connections with others. In exploring this important phase, we had the chance to sit down with a young girl whose parents preferred not to disclose her name. Through her stories, we gain a glimpse into how children at this stage begin to balance play with learning, curiosity with responsibility, and individuality with friendship. Her perspective brings to life the everyday moments and milestones that shape this unique period of development.

As children transition from early to middle and late childhood, much of their time is focused on studying different subjects and discovering interests that capture their curiosity. Beyond academics, physical activities play an important role in their daily lives. In her free time, she enjoys playing with her playmates outside the house after a long day. Leisure also includes watching sports like volleyball and badminton, which she finds enjoyable and inspiring. When her parents are late to fetch her, she makes the most of her time.

Beyond physical aspects, she emphasizes how learning new things excites her. She identified Math, English, and Science as her favorite subjects, noting that English provides opportunities for engaging activities and Science allows her to learn about the human body. When faced with difficult lessons, she explained that she manages challenges by first answering the easier parts, then returning to the harder ones, or seeking help from her teacher. Her curiosity extends beyond the classroom, as she expressed a strong interest in learning more about the world and different species. She also reflected on moments of comparing herself with classmates, acknowledging feelings of sadness but recognizing her own unique strengths and talents. These insights illustrate how children at this stage develop critical thinking and adaptive approaches to learning.

Learning how she manages her emotions is an important part of her growth. She tries to calm down and stay happy to build confidence and avoid unnecessary accidents or mistakes. She becomes more aware of facial expressions and body language, helping her better understand her surroundings and the people around her. Growing up is not always easy, especially as she approaches puberty and begins to seek more independence. Whenever she feels stressed, she takes a deep breath and continues with her tasks. Being naturally observant, she also learns to recognize which people are friendly and which are not, a skill that guides her in building connections and keeping herself safe.

The challenges she faced often came from comparing herself to her classmates, but by staying confident, she learned to recognize both her strengths and weaknesses. She wants to support her parents by trying to be more independent, showing courage while also knowing when to ask for their help. She feels proud of her achievements, especially when she excels in activities or earns perfect scores in math, which motivate her to keep improving. Although she can manage some small tasks on her own, there are still everyday responsibilities that adults handle that she finds difficult.

At this stage, she finds joy in her achievements at school, the love of her family, and the growing independence that comes with age. For her, satisfaction is not only about success in learning but also about building courage and understanding others more deeply.

“The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.” —Mark Van Doren

From Hope to Will

Early childhood is a period of rapid growth, during which children begin to explore their world with curiosity, independence, and energy. For Evelyn, a 39-year-old mother of his three-year-old child, named Wilson Jr., every milestone is a reflection not only of her child’s growth but also of her own growth as a parent.

From a physical perspective, Evelyn observed that his child has become more energetic and adventurous. “He’s very active already,” she said, describing how her little one loves climbing on chairs and exploring surroundings. His independence shines through in daily routines, such as feeding himself and attempting to brush his own teeth, though she still helps with the final cleaning. While speech development is slower compared to peers, with only simple words, she believes every child has their own pace of learning.

Cognitively, his child’s curiosity has become broader for exploration and learning. He imitates his parents’ actions, from washing dishes to tinkering with tools alongside his father. These simple imitations reveal his eagerness to understand the world around him. However, there’s always persistence when he faces difficult tasks like connecting building blocks. According to his mother, when he didn’t connect the blocks, he cried and got angry, where frustration quickly leads to tantrums or giving up. For Evelyn, these moments play an important role for his child to build patience and resilience.

She noticed how her child expresses both affection and strong emotions. Music helps calm him when upset, while hugs and playful interactions show his growing sense of empathy and connection with others. He enjoys playing with peers and even shares food with them, though at times he can also be demanding or easily angered. What warms Evelyn most is seeing how he celebrates his small victories by clapping his hands and shouting “yehey!” when he completes puzzles or plays his xylophone.

Parenthood is a lifelong journey filled with both joy and challenges, where each stage of a child’s growth reveals something new for parents to cherish and learn from. She admitted that her child’s energy often tests her patience. “He is really playful and active,” she shared, noting how even short moments of inattention can lead to a mess. Balancing independence and guidance is not easy, yet she remains determined to give him the space to grow while keeping him safe. Despite the struggles, she also finds deep fulfillment in her parenting journey. She values how her child surprises her with small acts of responsibility, such as grabbing the mop to clean after watching her. These gestures remind her that children learn best through example and that parenting is as much about modeling behavior as scaffolding.

As for her, she acknowledges how motherhood has changed her life. Social freedom may be limited, but her focus now lies in nurturing her child’s needs.

Almost 7 months in and mama is rocking her second pregnancy! 💕 Unlike her first, this journey comes with new challenges—gestational diabetes. That means sugar checks after meals, smaller food portions, and being super mindful about what goes on her plate🍃🥗. No worries though—she's handling it like a queen👑. She shared how her body feels heavier now, gets breathless easily, and yes... those never-ending bathroom breaks🚽. Sleeping is a whole challenge too—finding that comfy left-side position every night.😴💤But despite it all, she keeps her health in check with veggies, half a cup of rice, vitamins, wheat bread only, and no coffee☕❌. After an 8-year gap since her first, this pregnancy feels like starting fresh—a mix of small sacrifice is all for one reason: a healthy, happy baby. 🌈✨Because at the end of the day, pregnancy is not just about changes in the body—it’s about growing love in the purest form. 💫

Life's Greatest Hits

“In midlife, we finally realize that pleasing everyone is impossible, but pleasing ourselves is essential.” ~Suzy Toronto

Midlife, which begins from the ages of 40-65, can usually be perceived by most people as something negative. This might be because this time of development is characterized by multiple declines, not just physically but also cognitively, such as changes in memory or slower metabolism. However, we also learned that it should be viewed as something positive because the “evening of life” teaches one about lessons of growth and fulfillment. Stability and multiple new opportunities can also be brought by this stage of development. With that, it teaches us that aging, no matter how daunting and scary, should be embraced and celebrated because, as they say, “we only live once!”

Today, we have a very nurturing, sometimes a bit nosy, but always with good intentions, “Tita,” Tita Vian. From what I can observe, she can be a very affectionate aunt who brings warmth and wisdom to the family’s younger generations. For a bit of a background, Tita Vian is 49 years old, lives with her husband, has no children, is also a “plantita”, and loves farming. She describes middle adulthood as something life-changing, in the literal sense, and beautiful. Life-changing because they had to make many adjustments and adaptations in their everyday lives, but also beautiful as they could focus more on investing in themselves.

First off, physically, Tita Vian said that she feels more exhausted quickly, with occasional pain in the joints whenever she’s out in her garden. She has become more conscious and mindful of her and her husband’s health after those experiences that impacted their daily activities. Because of that, she mentioned that to maintain her fitness, she tries to be active by simply walking early in the morning and eating more vegetables (which she also picks from her yard).

Moreover, she noticed that her memory wasn’t as sharp as it used to be, and she became forgetful on most days. To keep her mind active and occupied, she always gardens and socializes, gossiping with the neighbors to stay informed. She does not participate in any lifelong learning activities, but she does participate in community events and gets involved most of the time.

Emotionally, she thinks that she’s getting too old, but I also believe that she feels a strong sense of generativity as she always contributes to the community and the youngsters. Such relationships became very important for her well-being as they gave her a sense of belonging and joy.  To cope with significant life transitions, she continued to have a positive outlook in life and sought support from her friends and family.

When asked about her work life, she is already delighted with her stable career and income on the farm that she and her husband own. It did come up with multiple challenges, such as keeping up with new technologies in agriculture, but they also had opportunities to explore their sector. For her, it wasn’t too hard to maintain a work-life balance as she still makes time for family and self-care.

As mentioned, she may not be a parent, but that didn’t stop her maternal instinct from caring for and supporting her nieces and nephews like her own. Also, she didn’t have parents to care for anymore, so she used her time to create more memories with her husband. By supporting each other, they create and maintain a healthy marital relationship even after decades of being together.

Lastly, Tita Vian suggested that we should all embrace the changes because that simply meant that we lived life.