Chevitas

  A Night with the Youth of Balingasag  Barangay Balingasag, Bago City May 31, 2024 I was invited to be a guest at an event in Barangay Balingasag , where the SK Chairperson—my close friend, Manang Nana —was hosting a vibrant community celebration. To be honest, I wasn’t prepared at all! I had just come from ballet class and forgot to jot the event down in my calendar, so I ended up attending in my leotards. Definitely not what I’d usually wear to something like this—but sometimes, showing up matters more than dressing up. Despite the surprise, I was warmly welcomed. I even saw Tita Jenny , the mom of one of my closest friends, Danille. We took a few minutes to catch up, which was a lovely and unexpected bonus. The event itself was bursting with energy and color. The youth were the heart of the celebration, competing in both a pageant and a dance contest . I was given the honor of helping select a winner for a special corporate award during the pageant. Along with my sister...

  Meeting Tita Marly and Tito Jonathan  Ruins - Talisay City | Scarborough Seafoods - Bacolod City May 29, 2024 It was my first time meeting Tita Marly and Tito Jonathan , our relatives from Cavite who were visiting Bacolod for a well-deserved vacation. Lolo Brian kindly invited Mom and me to join them for a day out, and we gladly said yes. Our destination? The Ruins in Talisay City—one of Negros’ most iconic landmarks. The moment we arrived, the atmosphere felt warm and relaxed. We spent the afternoon exchanging stories, sharing laughter, and taking lots of photos to remember the moment. It felt like we had known each other for a long time, even if it was our first meeting. To wrap up the day, we headed to Scarborough , a seafood restaurant that truly hit the spot. We satisfied our cravings with a delicious spread of fresh seafood dishes that left all of us full and happy. I’m so grateful to have shared that time with them and hope this won’t be the last. See you again so...

  Rain or Shine: A Century of Joy and Family Kabankalan City May 26, 2024 The day began with a quick breakfast at McDonald's before we headed to church. The place was packed with locals—as always—but even more so because of our tribe. Dressed in our matching reunion shirts, we looked like students on a field trip, flooding the pews like a colorful, uniformed school. As with every reunion, our family intentionally aligns the gathering with Gaudete Sunday , a joyful celebration in the liturgical calendar that symbolizes hope, life, and anticipation. It's a perfect fit for what our family has embraced and passed down for over a century— a legacy of unity, joy, and gratitude. After mass, we squeezed in some quick photo ops (there was another mass right after ours), then headed out in a caravan to the reunion venue—a family-owned resort in Kabankalan City. As we drove, balloons flew, music blasted, candies and even shirts were handed out to people along the streets. It wasn’t just...

  The Night Before We Reunite Kabankalan City May 25, 2024 It was a Saturday, but work didn’t stop for me—I still had an 8 to 5 shift. As soon as I clocked out, I hit the road straight to Kabankalan. My aunties, uncles, and some of my cousins were already there; I was traveling with my sisters, Manang Jel, and her siblings. Mom and Dad wouldn’t be staying overnight—just attending the reunion the next day. It was my first time driving a long route at night , and honestly, I was nervous. But thank God we made it safe and sound. We were all so excited—especially since one of our cousins had just arrived from Canada—that we completely forgot to stop for dinner or even grab takeout. Luckily, the host family had prepared food and threw a small party to welcome everyone. This reunion is on my dad’s side, and they really went all out. After dinner, we took a quick drive to a nearby convenience store for some drinks. When we got back, the dancing had already started. The music spanned deca...

  Sketchy Outside, Pretty Inside Bacolod City May 21, 2024 Right after finishing my ballet class, I got a call from Mom. She was at an aesthetic clinic with Tita Gemma—her officemate, close friend, and go-to “manang.” They had just gotten their eyebrows microbladed! When I arrived, I almost didn’t recognize them—their brows were bold, dark, and still fresh from the tattooing process. Of course, they’ll fade and heal in time, but for now? Let's just say it was giving “new identity” . On the bright side, it means less time spent on makeup every morning before work. The technician who did their brows suggested more pampering—facials, foot spa, mani-pedis, the works. Naturally, they said yes! She recommended a nearby salon just a few blocks away, and off we went. Now, the exterior of the place was... questionable at best. Definitely one of those “don’t judge a book by its cover” moments. But the interior ? Surprisingly impressive. It was clean, stylish, and had that calming spa vib...

  Car Rides and Kindred Souls  La Carlota City May 09, 2024 This is Josheb. I call him Benny—or more fondly, Bennyboo . If you couldn’t already tell, I love this person very, very much. We met way back in elementary school, and we’ve been friends ever since. As we grew older, our bond only deepened. He’s the kind of person who makes you feel seen, understood, and safe—just by being there. To celebrate my birthday, Benny pulled off a surprise that warmed my heart. He showed up with a party hat, a birthday cake, and a dinner plan that turned into one of the most unforgettable nights of my year. We belted out our favorite songs in my car—yes, it turned into our very own “ CARaoke ” session (how could we resist?!). Some of our best covers were of Disney classics—though let’s just say those recordings are staying off the internet forever! 😂 It was simple, silly, and special. That night with Bennyboo reminded me how colorful, joyful, and full of meaning life can be when you’re...

A Love Worth Celebrating: Mom & Dad's 24th Anniversary Elgon's Secret Garden May 08, 2024 Growing up, I’ve seen firsthand how love can conquer all—because I’ve seen Mom and Dad live it every day. I’ve been a quiet witness to their struggles, their disagreements, and their resolve to fight through them together. I admire how they choose love, again and again. That choice—imperfect, messy, and beautiful—is what makes our family strong, whole, and close. Watching them, still happily married after 24 years, makes me believe in love. The kind of love that forgives. That grows. That stays. And maybe, one day, I’ll find that kind of love, too—the love they’ve shown me is possible. That day was just a regular school day, and Chezka had to be fetched from school. But behind the scenes, Dad and I had a little surprise planned for Mom: flowers and a special dinner at Elgon’s Secret Garden. On the way to pick up Chezka, I texted her to grab the bouquet I had pre-ordered near her sc...

Becoming 21 - Still Becoming Office | Louisiana ES - Lourdes Ext.  May 07, 2024 Who am I? It’s a question I’ve carried with me every day for the past 21 years. Some days I think I’ve found the answer. Most days, I realize I’m still searching. Lately, I’ve been making decisions that feel like a turning point — choices that may not make sense to others but feel necessary for me. For peace. For freedom. For growth. The kind of decisions that whisper, “This is your life now — own it.” It hasn’t been easy. This year, I: Chose not to enroll in any college subjects. Declined an exam my mom wanted me to take. Ended a 7-year romantic relationship. Each decision was made with a heart full of fear, but also with a quiet fire of courage. These weren’t acts of rebellion. They were steps toward something bigger: my becoming. I don’t have a backup plan. No safety net. Just faith — in myself, in God, and in the path unfolding before me. People may not agree, but that’s okay. This...

 Lolo Brian's 74th Birthday Office - Bago City | Triumph of the Holy Cross | Bacon Café | Rosé Franz May 06, 2024 Lolo Brian is the kind of man people naturally look up to. His presence alone commands attention—there’s something about the way he carries himself that radiates both authority and wisdom. He’s a born leader. When he speaks, people listen. When he gives a directive, it’s followed. It’s no surprise that he has earned so many titles over the years—people call him Sir , Attorney , Atty , and even Brod (short for "Brother" among peers). But beyond that commanding exterior lies a kind, soft-hearted, and deeply loving man I have the honor of calling Lolo . To celebrate his special day, our family woke up before dawn—around 4AM—to make our way from Bago City to Bacolod, where Lolo lives. We wanted to surprise him by attending his daily mass, something he never misses. When he saw us walk in, the joy that lit up his face was priceless. That alone made the early wake...

Chezka's Prom L' Fisher Hotel May 04, 2024 Tonight felt more than just a celebration of a high school milestone—it felt like a soft, silent turning of a page. Writing this now, I can't help but feel sentimental, for three reasons: Chezka is blossoming into a young lady. I’m growing older with every passing moment. And deep down, I miss feeling young, wild, and free. Chezka is my sister—just a few years younger, but it feels like we’ve lived lifetimes together already. To our family, she’s “Champ” or “Industrious”—nicknames from our Lolo Brian that perfectly capture her drive and determination. But to me, she’s “Kax,” “Kaxie,” sometimes “Pokie”—the playful names I call my best friend, my partner-in-crime, my little big inspiration. Yes, she can be stubborn, moody, and quick to snap, but I get it. I understand her. I see her. And I want her to know this: no matter how life shifts or how far we both go, I will always have her back. Through celebrations or heartb...