Passionately M

We have been all there. You share a personal struggle, a moment of vulnerability, and everything is met with a dismissive, " Lighten up! I found it funny." It stings. This flippant response, often phrased as, "You found it offensive? I found it funny. That's why I'm happier than you" might seem harmless, but it reflects a lack of empathy -- the cornerstone of strong relationships and genuine happiness. The bad thing is -- if it came from your own family member -- my dear son -- 'my sun, my moon, my stars and everything in between' . Maybe he was just trying to convert the sad mood to happy mood; on the contrary, it made me sadder. I thought he knew me. Comforting myself, yes, I knew him -- he used to crack jokes, make us smile, laugh; for some time he even played as a stand-up comedian.  I have been in down mood for some time. Deep sorrow has seemed to wrap and squeeze me  tightly for some weeks. Things have been overwhelming that I have felt I have ...

A wave of nostalgia washed over me when my niece surprised me with a feast from a leading food chain. It had been years since I last savored their rotisserie chicken in Dubai – the local branch sadly closed down. But even before that, fond memories of devouring their meals in the Philippines, alongside my mother, came flooding back. It was our favorite food chain back then. Am happy that they reopened in another location here in the City of Gold. The meal included fluffy white rice, glistening rotisserie chicken,  comforting mounds of mashed potatoes, macaroni and corn soup whispering promises of warmth, muffins begging to be devoured, cheese macaroni, cubed carrots and corn, and fruit salad (fresh apples, pineapple and green grapes, halved).  I passionately m asticate my foods, ensuring proper digestion, wanting to enjoy the full range of flavors. In the Philippines, their muffins were champions – moist, bursting with sweet corn that tasted fresh, like popping in your mouth. ...

  Lately, I've been feeling incredibly low. My energy is drained, and sadness hangs heavy. The recent miscarriage of my daughter has caused immense sorrow, and the loss of a close friend in the Philippines has compounded the grief. Additionally, personal issues like my niece's sudden job termination have added stress, with her emotional burden weighing heavily on me through constant communication. On top of that, business and personal relationships have been strained by those who struggle to see things from other perspectives and engage in undesirable behavior, leaving me deeply disappointed.  And oh, the lies after lies of some people really annoy me beyond measure. As Maya Angelou so eloquently wrote,  You may write me down in history with your bitter, twisted lies; You may trod me in the very dirt -- But still, like dust, I'll rise. There are times in life when we feel like dust: downtrodden, lacking energy, and questioning our place in the world. We may struggle with ...

There's something undeniably comforting about a plate of spaghetti. It's a simple dish with the power to bring people together, a nostalgic reminder of childhood meals and family gatherings.  In the Philippines, I passionately m ade it for my loved ones, knowing it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a warm hug in a bowl. "Something long, spaghetti for long life!" so they would say whenever there's someone to celebrate his / her birthday. The loss of my close friend on 29 April 2024 has left me deeply saddened. Though the wish for 'spaghetti for long life' feels bittersweet now, I hope to find solace and connection as I navigate through this grief. The sad news adds to the melancholic atmosphere as we anticipate another strong storm approaching, with mobile phone alerts already circulating. Christopher Morley , an American journalist, novelist, essayist and poet, said,  No man is lonely eating spaghetti; it requires so much attention. Let's see if it ...

Ramadan has started again, this year last 11 March 2024 (Monday) and with it, the warmth of shared meals and thoughtful gestures. My flatmate, an Indian Muslim, has consistently embodied the spirit of this holy month in a way that goes beyond religious observance. It all started last year during Ramadan. Every evening, he would give me a plastic bag or a box filled with delicious food. It wasn't just a meal; it was a silent invitation to learn about his religion and culture, and a reminder of the importance of community. The Essence of Ramadan: A Time for Reflection and Generosity For Muslims, Ramadan is a time for spiritual growth, self-reflection, and heightened compassion. Fasting from dawn to dusk allows them to empathize with those less fortunate and appreciate the blessings in their lives.  But Ramadan is more than just abstaining from food and drink. It's a period dedicated to prayer, charity (Zakat), and acts of kindness. Sharing Food: A Universal Expression of Care One...

The dream of a better life can lead people to travel long distances, often seeking work opportunities in foreign countries. However, when visas expire and individuals remain, a complex situation arises – visa overstays. This phenomenon presents a significant challenge for both immigrants and the destination country. Why Do People Overstay? There are several reasons why individuals might overstay their visas. One prominent factor is the high cost associated with regularizing their immigration status, and lack of the right resources to rectify such. Hefty fines can create a financial barrier, trapping people in a cycle of illegality. Additionally, some complex bureaucratic processes and fear of deportation can deter individuals from attempting to address their situation, and prolonging such will only make their situations worse. Caught in Limbo: The Impact of Overstaying The consequences of visa overstays are severe, impacting both the individual and the host nation. Those who overstay l...

Dubai, the dazzling metropolis in the United Arab Emirates, beckons expats with its luxurious lifestyle, vibrant culture, and tax-free haven. However, beneath the gleaming skyscrapers and designer stores lies a reality that every expat should be aware of -- the challenges of shared living arrangements. While Dubai thrives on multiculturalism, navigating shared living spaces with diverse cultural norms can be tricky. But the government repeatedly emphasizes the value to tolerance amidst diversity to promote peace. Common Challenges Faced by Expats in Shared Flats: Clash of Cultures: Sharing a flat can mean sharing kitchens, living rooms, and even personal space. This can lead to disagreements over cultural norms, such as noise levels, cleanliness standards, or even meal preparation habits. Shared Utilities: Splitting utilities like electricity and water can be contentious. While aiming for fairness, individual usage habits can vary significantly, leading to feelings of resentment or f...

  Loneliness, a universal human experience, can become particularly poignant as we age. Facing physical limitations and the loss of loved ones, older adults living alone may find themselves struggling with feelings of isolation and disconnection. However, even amidst these challenges, there are avenues to navigate these feelings and create a fulfilling life. As Helen Keller wisely said, Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. Understanding Your Loneliness The first step towards addressing loneliness is acknowledging it. Recognizing and accepting your feelings allows you to proactively seek solutions and support. Loneliness can manifest in various ways, so identifying your triggers and the specific aspects you struggle with can help you tailor your coping mechanisms. Strategies for Combating Loneliness Stay Connected: Reaching out to loved ones, even digitally, can significantly combat isolation. Regular phone calls, video chats, or even handwritten letters can foster ...