It’s a familiar scene in Baguio City, one where sleep is often the first thing students give up.

[MULTIMEDIA: Photo Essay — “Midnight”]

“Mas nakaka-focus ako pag gabi.”

said a second-year student I spoke to, cradling a cup of coffee that had long gone cold.

It’s hard to disagree. Baguio at night feels different. The usual buzz of tourists fades, jeepney sounds thin out, and the city seems to exhale. In that stillness, productivity thrives — or at least, that’s what many students believe.

The rise of late-night study culture isn’t just about preference; it’s about necessity. Academic workloads pile up quickly, and for students living in boarding houses or shared dorms, daytime studying isn’t always ideal. There are roommates moving around, conversations happening, and limited personal space. Nighttime becomes the only window where everything slows down enough to think.

[MULTIMEDIA: Short Interview Clip of student sharing why they study at night]

Then there’s the environment itself. Baguio’s cool climate makes staying awake easier, almost inviting students to linger a little longer over readings or requirements. Add the accessibility of cafés near campus areas, and the setup feels complete: a warm drink, stable Wi-Fi, and just enough ambient noise to keep you grounded.

[MULTIMEDIA: Video — “A Night Study Routine” (ordering coffee, setting up laptop, typing, ambient café sounds)]

But beneath this routine lies a quieter reality — one that doesn’t always make it into Instagram stories or “study with me” posts.

Sleep is becoming negotiable.

Some students push back against it, choosing structure over spontaneity. They study earlier, log off sooner, and guard their rest like it’s part of their academic strategy.

“Hindi worth it yung puyat,” another student told me. “Kahit matapos mo yung work, pag pagod ka, wala ring pumapasok.”

Research supports this. Studies consistently show that sleep plays a critical role in memory retention, focus, and overall academic performance. In other words, the hours students sacrifice to study might actually undermine the very productivity they’re chasing (Okano, 2019).

Still, the culture persists.

In a city known for its calm and coolness, Baguio students are learning to navigate a different kind of pressure — one that trades rest for results. The lights in those cafés may eventually turn off, and the fog will always roll back in by morning. But for many students, the question remains long after the night ends:

How much sleep are we willing to lose just to keep up?

Click the Spotify link above and play the playlist as you read this.

Way home, earphones in, fingers scrolling, not looking for a song, but for a feeling. That’s usually how it starts for me; music isn’t random, it is intentional. Every track I chose to queue depends on what I feel or what I want to feel.

I play the kind of songs that feel like they’ve aged with emotion, the old-soul, late night, dim-light type. Think Jeff Buckley. His voice doesn’t just sing and says words, it LINGERS. It stretches the feeling, lets it breathe. Somehow, it’s comforting, like the song understands something I can’t explain. Studies from Harvard Health Publishing suggest music activates parts of the brain linked to emotion and memory, which makes sense. Some songs don’t just sound good — they feel familiar.

When I am stressed, I shift.

…but not randomly. I find going back to my Grade 8 self with theater music, especially Hamilton. I know the lines, the timing, the way the story moves — and there’s something about that rhythm and familiarity that helps me reset. It’s not just the music, it’s the storytelling that pulls me out of my head for a bit. And when I need to focus or feel motivated, I switch completely and go classical. No lyrics, no distractions , just clarity, THE serenity I feel. Platforms like Spotify make it easy to organize these moods into playlists, like emotional checkpoints I can return to anytime. It is a MUST to try this listening app!!! CLICK HERE: https://open.spotify.com/

But music isn’t always a solution. There are times when sad songs make me feel worse, when I replay the same track not to heal, but to stay in the feeling longer. There’s really this beauty that I cant explain of feeling the moment. It becomes less of a release and more of an escape. Research even shows that while music can regulate emotions, it can also intensify them depending on how we use it.

Still, music is part of my everyday life. I study with it, walk with it, sleep with it. It’s there in quiet moments and loud ones, especially during karaoke nights with friends, where feelings turn into shared noise and laughter. Music isn’t just something I listen to. It’s something I rely on.

Chilly air, late afternoons, city noise, I push open the gate to Hatch Coffee along Easter Road, and the familiar hum hits me first: Espresso machines, typing, low murmur of conversation. Students are sprawled across tables, headphones on, notebooks open, iced coffee within reach. Somewhere between my iPad and an Iced Spanish Latte, I realize: this is the real study hall in Baguio.

Students here aren’t just grabbing a cup of coffee — they’re living a new kind of campus culture. Instead of libraries or study spaces, cafés have quietly become the default space for studying, collaborating, and surviving deadlines.

It’s a trend that isn’t unique to Baguio. A report from Manila Forefront shows students across Manila also prefer cafés over study hubs or coworking spaces. But in Baguio, the cool air, cozy interiors, and dense café culture make this shift feel… inevitable.

Studying With a Cup in my Hand

Cafés offer something libraries often don’t: flexibility without guilt. Wi-Fi works. Outlets are everywhere. And unlike the strict closing hours of libraries, cafés stay open late enough for students.

“I can’t focus in total silence” said a Communication student from Saint Louis University. “In cafés, there’s just enough noise to keep me awake and productive.”

Science backs this up (click here) : moderate ambient noise can actually boost concentration and creativity.

But honestly, you don’t need a study to tell you that the low hum of chatter, the hiss of milk steaming, and the occasional clink of cups somehow make finals week bearable.

The “Third Place” Effect?

Although, Cafés are more than just coffee and Wi-Fi. Experts actually call them “third places”. These are spaces between home and school, where people can gather, work, or just exist for a while. Personally, spending time at coffee shops, whether alone or with friends, gives me the comfort I need. So whenever I don’t feel the day, I go straight up to chill places, my favorite cafes, and call my friends for accompaniment. Indeed, a third place.

Research from University of the Philippines confirms it: cafés are modern third places where students study, socialize, and feel at ease.

Here in Baguio, the appeal is obvi:

Cafés are near universities

The cool weather makes indoor spaces inviting

Coffee culture in the city

Students can study socially without losing focus

It’s the best of both worlds: alone enough to concentrate, social enough to feel connected.

Not Everyone Studies With Coffee

Of course, cafés aren’t everyone’s ideal study spot.

Some students still chooses libraries and study areas, where the structure is strict, distractions minimal, and, importantly, it’s free. A report from Cebu Daily News notes students prefer libraries for serious work, citing quiet spaces and no pressure to spend money on drinks.

“If I really need to focus, I go to the library. But if I want to study longer without feeling stressed, I go to cafés,” said another Communication student from SLU.

📍 Baguio City Public Library: Jose Abad Santos Dr, Baguio, Benguet https://maps.app.goo.gl/1NxwVT9rwQH7HrXL9

“If I really need to focus, I go to the library. But if I want to study longer without feeling stressed, I go to cafés.” — Student, Saint Louis University

Cafés as the New Study Culture!

Student publication The Weekly Sillimanian calls cafés spaces where studying and socializing naturally overlap.

Here, it’s normal to see students editing presentations beside someone scribbling notes, while another group debates ideas over lattes. Deadlines, double shots, and dormant group chats all collide but somehow, it works.

I pack up my laptop, sip the last of my Iced Spanish Latte, and step into the foggy Baguio street. Cafés here are more than study spots — they’re little corners of life where productivity, caffeine, and connection collide.

Php150. Php180. Maybe Php200 if you’re lucky.

But lately, it is not about making the money squeeze and stretch until the end of the day. It’s about fitting it knowing that every peso in my wallet also came from sacrifices both my parent face back in my hometown.

Umuusbong na Problema: Tuition, Pamasahe, at Ulam.

For many of us studying here in Baguio, whether at Saint Louis University, or other private colleges, living costs are already tight. From jeepney fares that feel higher each month to Php100-Php150 meals near campus, it became a daily negotiation just to stay within the budget, another challenge faced by us, students, aside from all the workload given at school.

And now, students are pushing back against another squeeze: Tuition and Other Fee increases proposed by schools this semester.

Stickers and posters have been seen on bulletin boards and hallways around the campus, opposing tuition hikes and calling for better transparency and student services. In some cases, proposed fee increases of around 6.5% to 10% (click the percentage for reference) are on the table, while student groups demand real improvements in facilities before they accept ‘justified’ hikes.

It’s not just numbers, it is our future.

Every Peso Tells a Story

One student I overheard along the hallways:

“Mas mabilis tumaas presyo ng tuition, pamasahe, at pagkain kaysa sa allowance ko”

He’s not alone.

For students already juggling family contributions, part-time jobs, and baon packing every day, even a small percentage hike in tuition feels like a heavy extra peso to account for. Especially when the cost of living around Baguio keeps rising like crazy.

Walk around Session Road or near academic campuses, and you’ll see it everywhere: rent for boarding houses quietly inching, groceries that used to fit a student budget — no longer doing so, and other necessities, resulting like its a mini tuition fee of its own.

‘Na parang dalawang tuition na ang aking kailangang bayran upang mabuhay at makapagtapos nang buhay’

Diskarte ng Pinoy

As Pinoy students, we apply diskarte to survive everyday. And now, even when it comes to tuition battles.

We should:

• Bring prepared baon everyday to avoid spending on pricey cafeteria
• Baguio City is a walkable city. Walk!
• Take on part-time jobs, if keri!
• Join campus discussions to push back on tuition hikes. Makiisa!

Recently, student groups have called for transparent consultations, arguing that any fee increase should be matched with concrete improvements in campus services and facilities, not just higher fees for the sake of it.

It is not complaining. It’s organizing.

What It Means To Be a Student Now

Being a student is no longer just about attending classes and passing quizzes and exams.

It’s about: Balancing students with budgets and deciding between cost decisions. And now, watching campus groups raise their voices against tuition hikes, not in anger, but in concern about fairness and accessibility, shows that cost of living isn’t just a statistic anymore. It is our hardships.

Every peso counts.

Every hike matters.

Every student voice should be heard.

Our education shouldn’t only expand our minds, It should expand our hopes too.

FINAL SCORE: 91/100

August 18th felt like a normal Monday. Until my professor requested something strange–to bring a single chicken egg to class. Yes, a chicken egg on our Communication Management course. No other instructions, just to design the half of the egg’s fragile surface and to be as creative and strategic as possible with it. Suddenly, this tiny shell felt like a responsibility I have to focus on for the whole semester.

August 20th, the day we brought our eggs, everything finally made sense. Our professor explained that we’d have to take care of the egg for the ENTIRE semester, all the way until November. That’s when it clicked into me that this had to be about “management”. But the thrill didn’t end there. She then told us to exchange eggs with someone we trust and whatever score our designed egg receives, based on the criteria, goes not to us, but the original egg owner.

It suddenly wasn’t about designing anymore; it was about responsibility, trust, and hoping your egg exchange partner treats your egg as my score depends on it.

It became about handling someone else’s asset; something they invested time, effort, and creativity into. Which, honestly, added way more pressure for both of us. Now it wasn’t just an egg, it was a responsibility in the most fragile form.

As weeks passed, the egg slowly became part of my daily routine. Every single day, I checked on the egg, placed it in the safest place in my dormitory, making sure it got enough air & sunlight, placing it in a proper container, surrounding it with cotton and silica gel packs from my old shoe boxes, researched on how to preserve it, doing everything I could to keep it from cracking and rotting. Every meeting, I brought it to class tucked inside a tupperware, wrapped in my old clothes for double protection, and carefully let the OOTD stamp the back of it. It felt less like an assignment and more like a tiny responsibility I carried everywhere. And thank God it’s over.

Looking back, it is funny how something as simple as a chicken egg managed to teach me more about responsibility. This requirement slowly turned into a lesson on consistency, management, and patience. This assignment became a symbol of how we deal and strategize with responsibilities in life.

I never knew that an egg inside a tupperware wrapped in old clothes will make me realize that management is also about commitment, attention, and how well you handle something that isn’t even yours.

Responsibility really does begin in a shell.

Before responsibilities get complicated, they often start small. A shell is simple, fragile, and easy to ignore, yet what it carries inside has potential. And responsibility works the same way.

Like Joan Didion’s notebook entries on her book On Keeping a Notebook, my personal fragments are less about ‘factual’ moments and more about capturing the emotion of a particular time in my life. The author wrote down details not to preserve how it felt to her. In the same way, I looked back to some old text messages from my friends and saw more than just chat bubbles on the screen

“Gian, ‘diba magt-take ka ng medicine for college??”

“YESSSSS YAN OR NEVER HAHAHA”

“WAHH GOODLUCK!! Can’t believe magco-college na tayo in 2 years 😭”

Reading this now, turning twenty-two and taking a program very far from medicine, I can’t help myself but smile at how my sixteen-year-old self is feeling so determined. These remind me not only of the excitement but also of how much I’ve grown and how paths can change while memories and the feelings behind them remain vivid.

Some conversations remind me that ‘it’ was my personality and the way I communicated with people; it shows how I changed and how happy or sad I was, feeling the warmth of comfort. Each message carries feelings once a blur in time, yet they refocus the instant my eyes find the words again.

Photographs often feel like time skips in my life, carrying me back to dissolved moments I thought had long passed. Some are candid shots of people I adore, others are blurry stolen shots from parties, and some are selfies taken when the camera just happened to catch the moment; they’re not perfect images worthy of formal display, yet they hold the energy and rawness of life exactly as it was lived and felt. Looking at them feels like watching something once dissolved slowly take shape again, allowing me to breathe in the very atmosphere of that moment. They remind me that while I cannot bring time back, I can always return to the feeling of having lived it. These fragments reflect the state of mind I had in each moment; the thoughts I carried, the feelings I held, and the perspective I lived with. Looking back at them shows me how much I’ve grown as a person and it never fails to make me smile whenever I see them.

Just like Didion, it helped me trace the shape of my personal story, even in its most scattered form. Life made out of fragments doesn’t offer neat and sharp events; instead, it captures the essence of who we are in the only way we can truly understand.

My texts, photos, and random scraps of memory act like droplets of ink dissolving over water, blurring, spreading, yet leaving traces of the self that once was. Watching them is like watching myself dissolve, piece by piece, yet in that dissolution, I see the power of words and images to preserve not just memory, but identity.

We lived, we felt, we discovered beauty in the simplest details of life.

In these fragments, I watch myself dissolve,

and in dissolving, I remember who I am.

Sylvia’s The Bell Jar is often remembered by people on social media (especially Reddit and Facebook) as a dark and personal novel, but what really makes it resonate across generations is the ability to reflect upon the unspoken struggles of society, identity, and expectations. The book’s power lies in its brutal honesty. For me, this mix of hopelessness and humor makes the novel feel pure–it shows how, even in the darkest times, people can find irony in the situations that hurt them, like I do when I feel despair. This contrast makes me reflect on my life, where identity from societal pressures often feel overwhelming knowing that we live in a less expressive and exaggerated country.

Esther strongly speaks about identity. She is a woman with talent and opportunity but she feels suffocated by roles society expects her to play. Relating it to me, I strongly relate to her situation because of the people surrounded by me during my highschool years. But now in college, I feel safe and accepted the way I am with no judgments around; I can joke, I can laugh soundly, I can act the way I want. In today’s world, the expectations are no longer just about marriage and work life, as they were in the 1950s, but about success, productivity, and constant visibility around people. This book is amazing for how validating it felt to see such raw honesty on the pages, especially for those who are struggling with self-doubt. Like Esther, I find myself asking: who am I outside of what society expects me to be?

Sylvia also talked about Esther’s opportunities and potentials. I wanted to express one of my favorite metaphors in literature, and offer a new standpoint on it, Sylvia’s fig tree.

“I saw myself sitting in the crotch of this fig tree starving to death, just because I couldn’t make up my mind which of the figs I would choose.”

An analogy about choosing a path in life, whether it be love, family, or career, but the character sits there starving because she can’t choose, while she waits for the figs to shrivel up and fall. But, what isn’t apparent at face value is that it’s not about choice, but it’s about doubt.

The standpoint I wanted to share is, what if you’re not the person who is choosing the figs, but you’re the tree itself that is growing them. If I think about it, I am the one who is nurturing those choices and growing them–yes, I’m trying to choose, but at the same time, it’s all still me, that is not separate from my potential. The worst part isn’t picking the wrong fig, it’s the time that is passing as I sit indecisive, watching my potential rot in front of myself. There is no wrong fig. Choosing one path doesn’t mean I’ve burnt all the rest because I can always plant a new fig with the seed I chose and grow new opportunities. Which I can relate hardly as a person whose in 2 years from now, be graduating college and has no clear path with a lot of potential.

Ever since he was a kid, his world has been full of colors and possibilities. He is someone who is creative, loves colors, and spends hours drawing and painting whatever comes to his mind. He adored designs, details, and how simple visuals could tell a thousand stories. His eyes were trained to see the beauty in little things. He didn’t know it back then, but he was already laying the foundation who he’d become in the future.

I had a hard time finding my place in this world. With lots of interests pulling me in different directions — art, writing, design, media — it often felt like I was everywhere but nowhere at the same time.

Choosing a program for college was one of the hardest decisions in my life. One night, I asked my brother, who was taking Bachelor of Arts in Communication, what’s his program about and told me that it is a program with huge and wide opportunities wherein you need to be someone who’s creative, a good speaker, and open to explore new things.

Now, as a BA Communication student, I feel like I’ve finally found a path that reflects who I truly am. I’ve become more exposed and open to a wide range of experiences like hosting an event, news writing, designing, making films, broadcasting, and immersing myself in work that both challenges and excites me. I didn’t expect all these before entering the program. It’s just crazy that this last minute choice of mine have made me experience such things that I never thought would interest me — ones that now feel so aligned with my purpose and passions.

There were moments when I doubted if I made the right choice, but looking back, every project, every late night studying for exams, every time I stood in front to speak — all of it shaped the communicator I’m becoming. I’ve learned to embrace growth, step out of my comfort zone, and use my voice to create impact.

On the left side of my vision board, five years after graduation,
I see myself walking along the fast-paced streets of New York City and having THAT window view, working as a magazine writer, traveling 5 to 10 times a year discovering new cultures & places, buying everything I want, and having a good online presence as a social media influencer, sharing and documenting every moment in my life. I can see that this version of me is much more confident, independent, and living the life I once dreamed of.

But of course, all of these won’t happen that instant. To make my vision work, I need to keep moving no matter how challenging it may be, since every step forward is a step closer to the future that I envision.

I have been to Hong Kong 4 times, and last June 2024, me and my family traveled back to unwind and experience the culture more. Join me as I take you through the top 10 must-try eats and places in this captivating city — a journey packed with flavors, stories, and unforgettable moments!

📍Central, Hong Kong — Hong Kong’s Famous Urban Lifestyle

Welcome to Central, the heartbeat of Hong Kong’s vibrant urban lifestyle! Known for its soaring skyscrapers, luxury shopping streets, and an endless array of trendy spots, Central is the ultimate destination for anyone looking to experience the high-energy city life Hong Kong is famous for. If you’re a shopping lover, you’re in for a treat: Central is filled with high-end boutiques, iconic international brands, and unique local designers. This is where fashionistas and savvy shoppers come to indulge.

As the sun sets, Central transforms into a bustling playground for nightlife lovers. Rooftop bars, stylish lounges, and street-side pubs offer the perfect view of Hong Kong’s illuminated skyline, making it an unforgettable experience for those looking to capture the city's essence. And let’s not forget the Instagram potential — between the glittering lights, sleek architecture, and panoramic views of Victoria Harbour, Central is a photographer’s dream.

Central is a must-visit for those eager to shop, snap photos, and dive into the cosmopolitan spirit of Hong Kong.

📍 Yak Loc Restaurant Central, Hong Kong

“Yak Lok” is a gem in Central for anyone craving authentic Cantonese barbecue. Known for its perfectly roasted meats, this spot has earned a reputation among locals and tourists alike, a MICHELIN spot. We tried the pork and the Peking duck, both rich in flavor and cooked to perfection. The pork was tender with a delightful, crispy skin, while the duck boasted a beautiful blend of smoky and savory notes, making every bite a treat. With its cozy atmosphere and hearty dishes, Yak Lok delivers an incredible, no-frills dining experience that leaves you fully immersed in Hong Kong’s culinary culture.

📍Tsim Sha Tsui Noodle Houses

Staying in a hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui gave us easy access to some of the best noodle houses in Hong Kong, each offering a unique take on comfort food. These spots might look unassuming, but the flavors are unforgettable! I ordered a chicken noodle soup, and while the menu was entirely in Chinese, a quick translator app, Google Translate made it easy to navigate. The soup was rich, flavorful, and warming — the perfect pick-me-up after a day of exploring. And the red bean bubble tea? Smooth, slightly sweet, and the perfect way to end the meal. For anyone in Tsim Sha Tsui, these random noodle houses are a must-try!

📍Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Lantau Island

A trip to Hong Kong wouldn’t be complete without a day at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort! This magical place brings out the inner child in everyone with its enchanting attractions, iconic characters, and a delightful, whimsical atmosphere. The food offerings here are on the pricier side, but they’re well worth the splurge. I indulged in the shrimp yang chow and beef with Chinese petchay, and each bite was packed with authentic flavors and a bit of Disney magic. Whether you’re here for the rides, the parades, or just the atmosphere, Disneyland is a place to create memories that truly feel magical.

📍Hong Kong Street Foods

Hong Kong’s street food scene is a must-try experience that perfectly captures the city’s vibrant energy, especially in bustling areas like Mong Kok. The aroma of sizzling snacks fills the air as you wander through these lively streets, tempting you to sample everything in sight. I couldn’t resist the famous egg waffles, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, paired with a refreshing ice cream. It’s the perfect on-the-go snack, blending a touch of sweetness with the fast-paced vibe of the city. If you’re in Hong Kong, don’t miss out on these street food gems — they’re the heart of Hong Kong’s culinary culture!

📍THE FOREST Cafe, Mon Kok, Hong Kong

The Forest Cafe in Mong Kok offers a refreshing escape from the city’s busy streets with its bright, welcoming ambiance. This spot is ideal for those looking to relax and recharge, whether with a good book or a chat with friends. I ordered the matcha latte, and it was impressively authentic — the earthy, rich matcha flavor really shone through. We also tried a sandwich, and it didn’t disappoint! Packed with fresh toppings, it was flavorful and satisfying. For anyone needing a cozy break in Mong Kok, The Forest Cafe is the perfect place to unwind with some quality bites and drinks.

📍 Cheung Hing Kee Shanghai Pan-fried Buns in TST

Cheung Hing Kee is a paradise for dim sum fans craving authentic, flavorful bites in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui. Known for their iconic Shanghai pan-fried buns, each bite offers a burst of savory filling wrapped in a perfectly crispy bottom and a soft, delicate top. These buns are a must-try for anyone who loves traditional dim sum with a twist. The lively atmosphere and delicious smell of freshly made buns make it hard to resist stopping in for a taste. If you’re in TST and craving dim sum, Cheung Hing Kee is a spot you won’t want to miss!

📍 Hong Kong’s McDonald’s (MATCHAA!!)

McDonald’s in Hong Kong offers a fresh twist on the classics, blending the comfort of familiar favorites with flavors unique to the region. I was pleasantly surprised by their MATCHA LATTE! — smooth, with an authentic matcha taste that’s perfect for a quick pick-me-up. The new burger options also packed a flavorful punch, with ingredients and seasonings you won’t find at McDonald’s elsewhere. For a fast food experience that reflects Hong Kong’s culinary creativity, McDonald’s here is definitely worth a visit!

Hong Kong is a city that pulses with energy, where each neighborhood, from Tsim Sha Tsui to Mong Kok, tells a story through its food and vibrant spaces. From indulging in Central’s upscale shops to savoring street food under neon lights, the city invites you to fully immerse yourself in its one-of-a-kind blend of flavors and cultures. Each eatery and market stall reveals something new, whether it’s a hidden noodle house with comforting soups or the rich taste of authentic matcha in a trendy café. Every experience is an opportunity to connect with the city’s unique spirit and culinary creativity.

As you explore, you’ll find that Hong Kong’s charm lies not only in its iconic landmarks but in the small, unexpected discoveries that make the city feel personal. Whether you’re strolling through Disneyland, delighting in pan-fried buns, or simply savoring a fusion burger at McDonald’s, each moment here is a memory in the making. So, take every bite, capture every view, and savor every second — because Hong Kong is more than just a destination; it’s an experience that lingers long after you’ve left, urging you to return for more.

Live the moment!

[“Gian, gising na… Bumangon at kumain na tayo, Anak!”]

The loud voice of my mother gently awoke me from my gentle sleep, with her words carrying the warmth of home. She drew aside the curtains, allowing sunlight to pour into the room, filling every corner with its golden glow.

Ah, who wouldn’t love the sounds of the province? Leaves rustling as a breeze dances through the trees, chickens clucking and pecking at the dirt, a neighbor’s radio blaring from across the way, and my loquacious family voices in the background. So it is with the fragrance of Salmon Sinigang and Boneless Bangus filling the air, cooked by none other than my mother, wafts me off my bed as if pulled by a gentle hand towards the table where warmth and home await.

I grew up in a big family house, so I never felt alone. From the moment the sun peeked over the horizon, there was always life in our household. Breakfast was never just ‘breakfast’; it was a family bonding. The kitchen would be busy with the sound of dishes clinking, my mother’s voice calling out for us to be seated and start eating, and the continuous laughter that spilled from conversations across the table. We talked about anything and everything — little jokes, plans, how our yesterdays went. It wasn’t just the food filling us; it was being able to be there with one another.

In the afternoon, we would all get together again. Cousins, brothers and sisters, neighbors, lying around, telling stories, or just being with each other. We would tambay under the shade of trees or in the corners of the house where time seemed to stand still and do kuwentuhan. There was that comfort in those moments, in knowing at every odd time, someone was always there, always listening.

Now, living away from my hometown, in a city where the air is crisp but the coldness runs deeper, I often feel a strange emptiness inside. The city is noisy, although it feels silent in some way. People are in a hurry; conversations are short and running. The chill isn’t really in the weather; it’s in everything around me, wrapping around me like an invisible heavy weight. I never felt that same sense of belonging, you know? Something surrounding one like a warm blanket, filling the silence with laughter and familiar voices. It’s funny how the noise of a city can feel so much different from the noise of the province.

There are times I lie in bed at night, the windows wide open, listening to the distant hum of traffic, and I wonder: when will I ever experience this again? Moments of shared simplicity; an unspoken understanding that you’re never really alone. Maybe that’s why I treasure them so much and why I continue to come back to them whenever the city feels too big, too fast, too lonely and if I had some free time from college.

With no one around me in my small apartment, I eat with the silence killing me, surrounded by the bustle of the city outside. The food is different — not just in taste but in feeling. In every bite, I am always reminded of my mom’s cooking, which was more than just food. It was love, comfort, and a piece of home on every shove into my palate. Her Salmon Sinigang paired with anything fried keeps me alive. The minute she would start moving in the kitchen, the whole house comes alive with the rich aroma of Sinigang simmering, its sourness balanced by the warmth of the broth, or the crackling of Boneless Bangus frying to golden perfection. And every bite tasted of home, of laughter, and of times spent together around a table that was too small for all the stories that we had to share. It has a special place for my heart.

It’s funny how such a simple thing as food can bear the weight of home. My mother’s cooking had a way of not just filling my stomach but the empty spaces in my day. In the city, even the best meal cannot fill the quiet loneliness. It is just food, and I miss how much more it used to mean. I just wanted to be done with these plastic takeout containers and eat homemade food forever. Her dishes weren’t just meals; they were built with love, with memories, with the care and patience only a mother could give. — And that is everything for me.

“Gian, duga ni tan.. Mangan tayo la, Anak!”

[“Gian, tama na muna ‘yan.. Kumain muna tayo, Anak!”]