Ating Pagkatao

Ang paliwanag ni Rita, “Bakit kailangan pang pumili ng isa?”

Ako tuloy ay napaisip—bakit nga ba natin sila pinagkukumpara?

Hindi nasusukat sa pagiging mayumi ang kalidad ng isang dalaga

At hindi nakikita sa kapusukan ang tibay na mayroon ang bawat isa.

Sa aking mga mata, Hindi ikabubuti ng kahit na sino ang paghatak sa iba pababa,

by Jazmin Dhane O. Garcia

you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

—Ralph Waldo Emerson, from “Self-Reliance.”

Through millennia, stereotypes, paragons, and beauty standards have destroyed the essence of self-love. To truly adore yourself, Ralph Waldo Emerson tells us to learn to accept the nooks and crannies of our psyche. Don’t let society define what should be the norm and your beauty standard: be your own prototype.

“You have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.”

—Louise L. Hay, from “You Can Heal Your Life.”

We believe that the more we scrutinize ourselves, the nearer we are to our flawless and perfect versions. However, this misguided pursuit will lead to the destruction of our identity. In “You Can Heal Your Life” by Louis Hay, he preaches that instead of criticizing who you are, accept and approve of flaws. You owe it to your past self to upgrade your future versions.

“Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.”

Lalo’t kung sa pagitan nilang dalawa’y wala namang tunay na lamang.

Maria Clara at Urduja, saludo kami sa inyong magkaibang sandata!

Lahat tayo’y nagtataglay ng mga pinagtagping katangian nila, Walang kaso kung ika’y nakabestida o may hawak na espada, Kahit na ba ang tindig mo’y diretso o pang-giyera, Hinding-hindi mababawasan ang iyong pagiging Pilipina.

Tropes & Tea: Spilling

THE POETS might agree that at the core of a good story is a familiar picture that effortlessly captivates us. Like a dancer who recognizes rhythm and dances unconsciously to the beat, anyone gripped by films and books could identify a typical scene and confess to the guilty pleasure of enjoying every bit of it. The damsel is in distress, the knight in shining armor, and the promise of happily ever after. These tropes unfailingly exist in many books, films, and almost any artistic work, forming our first impression and perspective toward people and relationships. The recipe of cliche tropes is to give people expectations that are to be expected. Yet, despite audiences’ familiarity with recurring tropes, it is also, quite indisputably, a familiarity that catches us off guard from time to time.

The Chosen One

Driven by the fantasy of being unique and destined for greatness, this cliche trope cannot be overlooked. Whether a regular person is part of a prophecy or is unknown, its narrative anticipates fulfillment to be seen and chosen. The character is forced to undergo a massive change, setting them apart from regular ones. Lending an arduous conquest to an ordinary person usually harbors setbacks and challenges, causing a lot of angst. A chosen one can be debated as a villain, which makes this trope fascinating.

Love Triangle

Perhaps the only trope that has divided many people is magnified by the affairs of a confused heart. It’s a happy ending, inevitably paired with a heartbreak, making a love triangle trope intense, thrilling, and emotionally draining. From fueling conflict to romantic interests and witnessing the protagonist’s inner turmoil, nothing is more intoxicating than the crux of all love triangles: who gets chosen? Team Jacob or Team Edward? Ted Mosby or

—Lucille Ball, from “Love, Lucy.”

Lucille Ball mentions in “Love, Lucy” that the key to a happy life is to constantly improve yourself. If you love yourself, everything will just fall into place, and you’ll be able to reach your highest potential.

“It is not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and to make your happiness a priority. It’s necessary.”

—Mandy Hale from “The Single Woman: Life, Love, and a Dash of Sass.”

Self-love, self-care, and prioritizing one’s happiness is not a selfish act but fundamental practice; Mandy Hale discusses this in her book, “The Single Woman: Life, Love, and a Dash of Sass.” Embracing our authentic selves without preconceived criticism or judgments by consciously prioritizing our joy will allow us to live a vibrant and victorious life.

Keep these unfailing quotes in mind when you need a bit of a boost to keep marching forward. As cliche as it sounds, loving yourself is the key to peaceful and gleeful day-to-day life. From creators of the past to your future self, treasure thyself, and your potential shall be unleashed!