The other day, I sat with Datu as he sipped his Chai tea while I gulped down my too-sweet coffee, which had more foam than caffeine. We were in a booth in Coffee Bean, both of us on a couch in the corner farthest from the entrance. After a few pleasantries, he turned to me … More What I Do When I’m Not Writing
We were arguing in the middle of the street. My younger brother, Mark, loomed over me and fixed me with a withering stare. I looked at him with incredulity. Dani, our 10-year-old sister shifted nervously between us and tried to referee. “You should stop fighting,” she pleaded. I ignored her appeal. “I brought you all … More Trouble in Hong Kong (A short travel story)
I’m lucky to have a little sister like Dani. Today, she turned 10. When she was born, my dad said that she would be the new and improved Patricia, just to annoy me. I rolled my eyes and scoffed then, but looking at her now, I can’t help but be amazed at how smart, creative, and … More A Story for Dani
So, another year has come. I keep thinking about what to say, what words would aptly describe the rollercoaster ride that was 2015. Overwhelming? Surprising? Unpredictable? But really, all of these could easily apply to the years prior to this one. Thinking about it now I realize that if I could pick just one word, it … More What 2015 Taught Me
A kid’s Christmas is the best version of Christmas. It’s bright, sparkly, magical, and just plain wonderful. The holidays bring an abundance of the most joyous things in life. There are stockings to be filled, candies to be eaten, and presents to be opened. Parols. Simbang Gabi. Tsokolate. Bibingka and Puto Bumbong. Carols. Overflowing food! I remember how … More The Work of Christmas
