The last time I heard the term ningas-kugon was back in elementary school, around twenty years ago. This morning, it came up again during a conversation with a friend. For non-Filipino readers: ningas-kugon is often taught as a negative Filipino trait, right up there with crab mentality and colonial mentality. It literally translates to “grassfire”…
Being a Straight Ally Doesn’t Mean You Get to Cosplay as Gay (written by a very straight ally) Something needs to be said about the literary world. I’m a rainbow ally 🏳️🌈. Always have been. Even growing up in a deeply conservative Filipino household in the ‘90s (don’t ask… actually, you know what? Do ask…
On thought-hoarding, emotional plumbing, and the holy chaos of self-expression. Meet My Brains Uninvited Guests – Intrusive Thoughts They don’t pay rent.They overstay their welcome.And they love to rearrange the furniture at 3am like they’re auditioning for a haunted episode of Fixer Upper: Possession Edition. I’m talking about the loops. The imaginary arguments with people…
On Burnout, Creativity, and Why You Should Sometimes Just Go Lie in the Grass Let me just say this up front: If you are feeling like a crusty piece of burnt toast with a vague desire to set your laptop on fire and yeet it into the ocean, same. Creative burnout is real. Not exaggerated….
+ 5 Reasons Why You Should Pick Up Elizabeth Gilbert for Your Next Read “All leaders are readers.” – Harry S. Truman, allegedly wise man, possibly haunted by unread novel Sure, I believe Harry. And if you scroll through your favorite tech bros’ reading lists — Jobs, Musk, Gates — you’ll find a lot of…
In many writing spaces—especially smaller, local, or peer-driven ones—praise is abundant. Writers cheer each other on with phrases like “You did great!” or “So good!” and “Love it!” Comments flood in with heart emojis and words of affirmation. And in many ways, it’s beautiful. Writing is such a vulnerable act, and having people affirm your…
There is something romantic about the idea of being chosen. Validation, finally. A sense of purpose and destiny. A culmination where all your effort finally comes through. Feels good, yeah? Congratulations. Now, let me tell you a truth I’ve learned from experiencing both rejection and being chosen: Being chosen doesn’t make you special. What makes…