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Commuting as a PWD is Hard

Transit Dialog has published my essay, Commuting as a PWD is Hard. Read it here: https://www.facebook.com/share/UtteJ59zbqc4Hoax/?mibextid=WC7FNe 🚊

"𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦... 𝘞𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦."

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘀 𝗮 𝗣𝗪𝗗 𝗶𝘀 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱

𝘉𝘺 𝘚𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘢 𝘎𝘢𝘪𝘭 𝘓𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘴

I am a PWD. My disability is not apparent, so I may look and seem like I am well. However, I am far from it.

Each day is a struggle, and one of my biggest challenges is commuting. Public transportation in our country is already difficult to navigate, more so for the disabled like me. Thus, it is up to me to survive my trips, and to make sure that I reach point B without overexerting myself.

My biggest struggle is the discrimination that I face from drivers and operators. Whenever I ask for a discount, they give me a head to toe look. It is embarrassing, and there are times when showing them my PWD ID is still not enough. Most of the time, they laugh at me and tell me that I am not entitled to the discount.

Some drivers even tell me that I can walk or I can see. I never took no for an answer, and I always insist on getting that discount that I am entitled to. So far, being firm works for me.

Another challenge is riding the priority car in our trains. The senior citizens there always tell me to give up my seat for them. Sometimes, they even give snide remarks, which insinuate that I am not really disabled.

I give up my seat for those who really need them, especially those who are crippled, pregnant, blind, and the elderly. But those who are rude to me do not deserve my seat. Sometimes, I even insist that I need that seat, too. I am disabled and I deserve a seat as well. We do not need to be rude just to occupy some space in the priority seating area.

Dealing with the daily grind of commuting in the Philippines is taxing. As a PWD, it has become my responsibility to keep myself safe and sane during my commute. I opt to listen to music or read a book to pass the time. Blocking out the external noise helps me focus on my surroundings instead of hearing unnecessary comments from people who do not think I am disabled enough.

I also practice the art of 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘮𝘢 or ignoring comments that do not pertain to me. I always think that they reflect the character of these people, and if they have the nerve to be unkind to the disabled, then I would not want to engage with them.

I hope that as commuters, we choose to be kind to others. If we see someone who is in the priority area, just assume that he or she deserves to be there. People do not need our unnecessary judgment. Sometimes, we just need to mind our own business.

We also need to be mindful of how our words can affect others. For some people who are sick or undergoing medical treatment, it is already overwhelming to commute and be in public spaces. Unwarranted comments only show lack of sensitivity to those who are different from us.

I hope that drivers and operators of public transportation can also have sensitivity training on disabilities. They also need to be aware of the discount we PWDs are entitled to. Yes, they already have challenges on franchising and the threat of being phased out, but PWDs are paying passengers, too. We also deserve to be given the treatment that we deserve.

Remember, not all disabilities are visible. Please be kind to PWDs. I am a PWD, and I hope that this essay will remind you that disabled people need to be treated better. We deserve kindness, especially when taking public transport.

We are just trying to survive, and we hope that we can be respected for the people that we are.

#authorlife

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The Dog Who Wants a Home: Teaching Kids How to Love Shelter Animals

The Dog Who Wants a Home by Harrie Summer S. Martija is a children’s book which was written by a child. The precocious writing talent of the author shines in her maiden publication. The story is full of empathy and heart, which is much-needed in today’s fast-paced world. 

I enjoyed reading this book because I could relate to the story. Like Berry, I also felt like it was difficult to fit in. I was not accepted, and I had to compete with other people just to make a name for myself. This may be a children’s story, but I was able to empathize with the dog who could not find a home in the beginning. I would like to commend the author’s parents for raising such a kind-hearted child. 

Finding the meaning of home is the running theme in this book. Home may not be a place per se, but it can also be the feeling of belongingness. This book emphasizes the importance of adopting dogs who do not have a home, and who do not have owners yet. Before buying a dog or a cat, please consider adopting or fostering from an animal shelter first. I myself have volunteered at PAWS before, and it was an eye opening experience. I was able to feel like the dogs and cats were all happy to see me, even if I was only there to help out for a day. I felt loved, even if the animals around me were only there at that time.

I wish I could adopt a pet but our home is very small, and my living situation is not ideal for keeping a pet. I am lucky that my partner has seven cats who are all there to give me love when I am with them. This book reminded me of the importance of loving animals, especially shelter animals. We need more books to teach children about animal shelters, and how they can help out.

The Dog Who Wants a Home by Harrie Summer S. Martija is now available!

We Can Survive: Teaching Kids How to Be Resilient

We Can Survive by Jude Fenete Atienza is a book of poetry for children. What sets this book apart from others on the pandemic is that it is a collection of poetry in both Filipino and English. Almost all the children of my friends are having difficulties with their Filipino subject homework, so this book is a much-needed resource. We need more children’s books in Filipino, and it would be nice if there is also a portion in English, even if it is not a direct translation such as in this book.

The author’s poems are easy to read, especially for children who are not commonly exposed to poetry. The text is relatable and they deal with topics on the pandemic, such as the quarantine and the vaccine. Difficult subjects such as death are also tackled here. The illustrations by Jann Flloyd D. Atienza provide visual context to the bittersweet pandemic poems. The book is designed by Lyka D. Atienza, and it presents the book as a world class work.

To be honest, I enjoyed the Filipino poems in this book more. Perhaps it is because I am rarely exposed to poetry in the vernacular. It could also be because I simply enjoy reading Filipino works outside the academe. It is refreshing to appreciate our Filipino language in the literary sense, and I hope that this is the starting point for a lifelong love for Filipino poetry.

I hope that the author and his collaborators will write more books on difficult subjects such as death and sickness in the future. His background in science is a rich foundation for stories and poetry that children can learn from. We need more authors with his technical background. I am eagerly waiting for his upcoming books.

We Can Survive by Jude Fenete Atienza is now available!

Hunter Chronicles 1: A Visual Feast

Hunter Chronicles 1 Rizal: The Immortal Trial A Nosey Journalist, an Indomitable Hero Two Timelines…One Immortal War by Clifford T. Sychingiok did not disappoint the fantasy fan in me. I picked up this book thinking that it was solely about our national hero, but I realized that it was a fantasy artbook focused on a short story. The said short story was about Dr. Yuko Yamamoto, a bioengineering expert. The accompanying illustrations provided a glimpse into the author’s rich imagination. The equipment illustrations were detailed, and I was impressed with the various timelines in which these characters were presented. It seems that the author visualized these heroes to be able to help in different decades, settings, and locations. All that matters was their preparedness to help, and their skill sets. 

Dr. Yuko Yamamoto focused on the legacy of resilience, which inspired her to use her expertise in order to help her countrymen bounce back after World War II. I felt inspired by her sense of purpose. She used her gift in order to help people after the war, and her sense of responsibility prodded her to help and make a difference. Yuko also channeled her hope that one day, Hiroshima will rise again after the war. Instead of focusing on that “one day”, she acted on her day one. She immediately took action. Decades later, she was able to use the same expertise to helm the Philippine Eagle Foundation.

It was an engaging short story, and I would like to know what happens next. The book is filled with richly detailed illustrations. I am curious if the author illustrated the book as well, as no one was credited for these artworks. I look forward to the author’s upcoming works.

The book tapped into my sense of wonder and imagination. We need more books that marry history and fantasy in order to inspire people of all ages to make the world a better place.

Hunter Chronicles 1 Rizal: The Immortal Trial A Nosey Journalist, an Indomitable Hero Two Timelines…One Immortal War is now available!

Childhood Journey: A Doorway to Understanding Children Better

I read Childhood Journey: Helping Children and Teens Fight Their Battles because I was curious about how psychiatry can help children cope with their own problems. The book was edited by Spes F. Romero-Reyes and Anna Vasquez, both veterans in their field. Reading it became a poignant experience because it brought me back to my childhood. I had my fair share of issues back then, which is part of growing up. Everyone encounters their own challenges, especially when they reach adolescence. The book brought me back to those issues, and some of it felt so familiar that I had to take breaks while reading it. Luckily, I was able to address my personal issues, and I am much better now. Also, reading has become one of my favorite pastimes, and I am thankful that to this day, this hobby still leads me to helpful resources such as this one.

The chapters were written by talented psychiatrists who took their time to describe various issues faced by children and adolescents as they grow up. It was difficult to read some parts of the book because they felt so familiar, that the words seemed to reverberate through my mind. It was painful to look back, but as I was taught in the past, it is always helpful to hurl myself back to the present. The present is all I have to address the issues at hand and to become a better individual. This book does not only help the general public understand young people, but everyone as well. After all, we were all children once.

Admittedly, it is a privilege to receive professional help. I hope that more people in the Philippines will consider taking better care of their mental health. Mental health is healthcare. Childhood Journey reminds us that if we give children the right tools to cope with their own issues, they will become better adults in the future. So, it is never too early or too late to get the help that we need.

Childhood Journey: Helping Children and Teens Fight Their Battles is now available!

Understanding the Self: A Roadmap to Self-Identity

I read Understanding the Self by Maria Asuncion Marissa C. Tanangco as I was undergoing a major personal crisis. It was fortunate that this book happened to be in my hands, as it was useful for my discernment about major life decisions. Little did I know that I would learn a lot more than the skill of better decision making, as this book was packed with information on how to know myself better.

I must admit that I was initially intimidated by the book because of its academic look and feel. Luckily, I was able to enjoy the book as I went through it. The author included some autobiographical parts in relation to the theories she introduced in the book, which gave it a more personal touch and feel. Her personal anecdotes made the psychological concepts easier to understand. 

I am aware of the academic nature of this book, but I do wish that the author posted a disclaimer that readers with traumatic experiences in relation to their families will need to discuss the material first with their instructors. Some of the activities might not be appropriate for those with traumatic experiences in the family setting. Other than that, I found the activities relatable and easy to follow. It was also noteworthy that the author used plain language in writing her book.

I appreciate the personal stories of the author on her own challenges and grit. I admire how she was able to take on these challenges with bravery and self-awareness. I felt inspired to face my own challenges with the same spirit. It has really helped me put things into perspective.

I hope that the author continues to write resource materials which could help learners cope with current challenges and realities. We need more teacher authors to nurture our personal growth and development, and it pays to provide the right tools to equip students for the future.

Understanding the Self is now available!

Ang Magkapatid na Parang Aso at Pusa: Teaching Kids About Teamwork

Ang Magkapatid na Parang Aso at Pusa by Richard and Mira Lumiqued is a story about teamwork. The brother and sister in the story post a classic example of conflict between siblings. What warmed my heart about this story was its lesson on teamwork, and how working together can make things happen.

As an only child, I do not have any firsthand experience on sibling dynamics. From what I have heard from the people in my life, having a sibling can be a painful experience. However, when you think of your sibling as your ally, then it transforms into a rewarding experience. This book has given me a glimpse into the world of sibling conflict, and how it can be resolved through teamwork and compromise. I must admit that when I entered the workforce, I found it difficult to relate to some people because I did not have siblings to tease me or give me unwarranted opinions. I realized that having siblings can teach people how to resolve conflicts, work together, and build stronger relationships.

I found the illustrations by CJ Escurel very interesting. They were vibrant and lively. I would like to see more works from this talented illustrator.

I am excited to read the continuation of this story. The authors have built up quite a cliffhanger with their story. I also found it amusing that both husband and wife authors work in HR. I believe that their HR skills were rooted in their family lives, and having siblings has been the foundation of their fruitful careers.

I am thankful for this book because it reminded me that working together is better than resolving conflicts on my own. It is better to have allies than enemies in times of uncertainty and weakness.

Ang Magkapatid na Parang Aso at Pusa by Richard and Mira Lumiqued is now available!

Sundaes on Sundays: A Treat for All Ages

Sundaes on Sundays: A Fun Rhyme About Homophones by Cheerine Dy Choi is a treat for all ages. The text is easy and fun to follow. I read this book through the eyes of someone who enjoys reading children’s books even as an adult. The illustrations by Kate Adajar were too cute for words and overall, the book was adorable.

I read this book during an awful day. I received bad news, and honestly, I was too tired to read anything on my list. Luckily, this children’s book seemed to beckon me with its attractive cover (yes, I do judge books by their covers). So, I read the book aloud and before I knew it, I already had a smile on my face.

This book turned my frown upside down with its rhymes and witty sentences. I praise the author for her inventive prose, and her imaginative rhymes. I am also a fan of her discounted pricing for those who would like to donate this book. We need to raise more readers, and it can begin with the fascinating world of homophones.

I enjoyed reading the book so much that I wish that it could become a series. I also wish that the author could provide supplementary content such as QR codes that could lead to verbal examples of homophones. Perhaps an interactive content layout could become a possible future book idea for the author! I have high hopes for the author because her book made me smile on a terrible day. I felt like it was a Sunday, a day when worries seem to melt away.

If there are more Filipino books like Sundaes on Sundays, then the future of our country can be brighter and more intelligent. 

Sundaes on Sundays: A Fun Rhyme About Homophones by Cheerine Dy Choi and illustrated by Kate Adajar is now available!

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I Want to Be a Cloud: Reaffirming the Meaning of Life for Kids

Reading I Want to Be a Cloud by Nichole P. felt like I was being hugged by a white, fluffy cloud. I am a PWD with a Psychosocial disorder, so this book was just what I needed. The holidays were tough, and the upcoming Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day celebrations already feel like an uphill battle. This book reminded me of the simple joys that make life worth living.

The tough days will pass us by, but our will to live will keep us afloat. I appreciate that this book is both in English and Filipino. Children these days struggle with speaking the vernacular, and I really believe that bilingual books will give them a better grasp of both languages. A book about dealing with difficult emotions teaches children that it is okay to feel down. It is in the breaks that we take that reaffirm the meaning of life for us. And when I read this book during a break in between my busy week, I was able to remember the things that make life fun and exciting.

The illustrations by Reu gave the book a cuddly and comforting feel. The story by Nichole P. is not just for children. Even as an adult in my 30s, I was able to feel better after reading this book. I hope that Nichole writes more books about handling difficult situations and emotions in the future. She has the potential to become a prolific author in both English and Filipino for children.

I hope that people will learn to take breaks every once in a while in order to remember that life has ups and downs. We just need to wait things out in order for the ups to be upon us once more, and for the downs to be resolved. 

I Want to Be a Cloud by Nichole P. is now available!

Ayn Needs to Practice: Teaching Kids About Perseverance

Reading Ayn Needs to Practice by Kailey Ayn Tan felt like a throwback to my childhood. I used to take classical flute and voice lessons, which took a lot of time from me. I needed to practice everyday, especially when my recitals were just around the corner. I remember motivating myself with the latest VHS rentals from Video City once I survived my recitals. This tactic has worked for me, and the reward system was similarly employed in the book.

The protagonist is relatable and her ordeal feels familiar to many children. Even if I no longer play the flute that much and sing regularly, I still feel disciplined enough to observe my daily routine of exercise and writing. It seems that the discipline that I have gained from practicing music is already ingrained in my system, albeit in other aspects of my life. I believe that this book will teach kids the value of perseverance and hard work. Children need books like Ayn Needs to Practice in order to normalize preparation. Sometimes, seeing yourself in a book is all that it takes to motivate you. And this book is going to help children who find themselves too lazy to practice their musical instruments. This can also be applied to other fields that require practice, such as sports and mental training. Children need to learn the value of hard work, and the rewards that come with being persistent.

I would like to commend the author for her efforts to motivate children who are in a similar situation that she is in. She has also done an excellent job with the book’s illustrations. I hope that she will write more books about her own life experiences so that she can help and inspire children to read and reach for the stars.

Ayn Needs to Practice by Kailey Ayn Tan is now available!

The Forlorn Rice Cooker: Teaching Kids About Purpose

Reading The Forlorn Rice Cooker by Nina Daza Puyat felt like I was listening to a story by one of my relatives in LA. My relatives in California have rich imaginations, and this is right up their alley. And they do have rice cookers which take up pride of place in their respective kitchens. This story was not just entertaining, but also relatable to someone who spent half of her life going back and forth between the US and the Philippines. There is nothing more Filipino than a family rice cooker and some good old fried rice. And for many families, the rice cooker has already become synonymous with nourishment and sustenance.

I have become a Nina Daza Puyat fan with her first book, Ang Alamat ng Lumpiang Shanghai. This author is a fellow Knoller and a true creative. She is proud of her culinary ancestry by including recipes in her children’s books. I think that she is doing the right thing by writing books for children. We need to influence the next generation by enriching their imaginations and using everyday objects such as the rice cooker in order to teach valuable lessons.

I appreciate how this book teaches children about purpose. Sure, some gadgets such as the frying pan can do amazing things. But the rice cooker, with its sturdy built and dependable character, is the only one that can whip up everyone’s trust staple, which is white rice. Purpose is something that is found in the character of the individual. One does not need to be flashy or ornate. It just has to fulfill its purpose in order to become useful. And kids these days need to remember that purpose is already found in them, and not by being visible on social media or wearing expensive clothes.

The Forlorn Rice Cooker by Nina Daza Puyat is now available!

Gimo Jr. and the Aswang Clan: A Teen Flick in Book Form

Reading Gimo Jr. and the Aswang Clan by Andrew Jalbuena Pasaporte felt like I was watching a movie. It was hard to believe that I was reading a work in narrative form because the prose was vividly written. I enjoyed this trippy ride, and I could definitely relate to the characters in the book.

Like Danny, Eddie, and Mary, I grew up having a rich imagination. Having lucid dreams was a staple in my life. It was fascinating to read something which resonated with me. I felt like I was chasing after an unfulfilled wish to encounter an imaginary world with characters from another dimension. To have these aswang characters converse with seemingly ordinary children gave the book a natural flow. The dialogue felt real and the author seemed to understand how teenagers speak and think. It was one of the best young adult books I have read from a Filipino author.

We all crave for an otherworldly adventure. This book was satisfying to read because I felt like I was going through the journey with Danny, Eddie, and Mary. And as someone who battled acne in my growing up years, I know that carrying skincare products with me wherever I go is not a big deal. In fact, it is a must. Kudos to the author for understanding teenage nuances like that.

It is not my first aswang novel, but it was refreshing to read a local YA book on the subject which was written well. I was thoroughly impressed. I only wish that there were more illustrations in the novel. Also, I hope that the author will come up with a sequel soon. It could be from Mary’s point of view. I bet that would be a riot.

Gimo Jr. and the Aswang Clan by Andrew Jalbuena Pasaporte is now available!

Love for Living Animals: A Love Letter to God’s Creation

Love for Living Animals: Stories of Animals that are in Critical Danger of Extinction by Mona Sabalones Gonzalez was a love letter to God’s creation. Since this book specializes in endangered animals, it was bittersweet to read their plight and their stories. It felt like a race against time. I felt helpless because I could not do anything to help them, but reading about them felt like I was contributing to their well-being and overall health.

The author has given me a comprehensive background on endangered animals, some of which I have never even heard of. I enjoyed the book because it felt like the documentaries from National Geographic which I have enjoyed watching as a child- only in book form. The photographs by Elizabeth Barrett renewed my fascination with wildlife in their natural habitat. After reading the book, I wanted all of them to have a fighting chance for life. 

We need more books that shed light on the animals who are in critical danger of extinction. Sure, some skeptics will say that extinction is a function of evolution, but I disagree. Sometimes, we humans forget that we do not own the Earth. Rather, the Earth only accommodates us. We are mere passersby on this planet. So, we should not hasten the extinction of animals who are helpless in the face of progress and development. After all, can we really call our modern world as progressive if innocent creatures are the collateral for development? Maybe books such as this one can help us rethink our priorities and see the planet as the only home that we have.

Love for Living Animals is the wake up call for everyone to protect animals who are nearing extinction. It appeals to our humanity to help living creatures have a fighting chance for survival. It is now available!

Right the Wrong: A Verbose Novel

Right the Wrong by Adriano Nava Jr is a verbose novel. It was also a virtual trip to Adelaide, South Australia. I have previously worked in an Australian company, and reading the novel felt like a field trip to the land of my former employers. The accompanying pictures provided context to the novel, which taught lessons on life such as learning and owning up to our mistakes. Part of growing up is being accountable for your mistakes, and this novel shows that no matter where you live in the world, you still have to pay the consequences of your actions. 

I admire the author’s moral standpoint when it comes to this novel. I could see that this was dedicated to his granddaughter, and I believe that this book is a moralistic novel for the little girl. The photos provided by the author in the book reflected his love for travel. I can see that he has done his research in the scope of the novel’s settings. It could have been helpful though if the author listened to how actual teenagers in the area talked, and how people there behaved. There were parts of the book wherein the dialogue felt unnatural, but it was saved by the flow of the story. Overall, it was still a readable novel.

I hope that the author also provided a soundtrack to the book, given that this is targeted to the younger generation. A Spotify playlist could have given the readers an added layer to their experience. It could also give the book a more contemporary feel.

We need more books that teach the younger generation to become accountable for their actions. Right the Wrong does that, and it is recommended for young adult readers and above.

Right the Wrong by Adriano Nava Jr is now available!

My Life Plan: A Roadmap to Success

My Life Plan: A Personal Strategic Plan by Peter D. Henson is a planner girl’s dream. I am the type of person who still uses a paper planner. In fact, I am using two paper planners for 2024. This book has resonated with me because of its workbook component. I took some time off my phone and computer to just sit back and complete the exercises. The results surprised me.

The book is similar to the workbooks I have encountered during my past life in the corporate world. It is no surprise that the author has already climbed the corporate ladder and has written this book to help those outside his workplace. I enjoyed the activities because they had detailed instructions. While some of them could not be applied to my personal life, there were still activities that were ideal for me. I have a lifelong illness which requires special care, but this book has reminded me that while not everything applies to me, I can still apply myself in order to create my own life plan. 

As I was writing my name on the book’s front cover, I realized that the initial confusion I had regarding the author’s identity was intentional. While the author intended to make his planning strategies and corporate experience known, he did not want to make himself the star of his own book. He wanted the reader to become the protagonist of his book, which I believe is an act of generosity.

My Life Plan is a roadmap for success, especially if the reader completes the exercises and uses the habit trackers for the year. It can be read anytime of the year, and it is suitable for all ages. For people like me with unconventional family backgrounds and health issues, some parts of the book might be triggering. A disclaimer in the beginning of the book for those with traumas and chronic illnesses would have been helpful.

The book is a plan for success, but in reality, life is about the journey and not the destination. Thus, this book can become a guide when the journey becomes too tough, and the destination becomes blurry.

My Life Plan: A Personal Strategic Plan by Peter D. Henson is now available!