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Life at 65: Learning From Alma Flores’ Journey

I had the chance to interview Alma Flores, a 65-year-old grandmother who now stays at home and helps take care of her grandchildren. She has four children and no longer has a spouse, but she remains surrounded by her family and the simple routines that make up her everyday life.

Physical Changes

When asked about how her physical condition has changed as she got older, she shared that she now has diabetes, and just recently, she had surgery on her left eye because of cataracts. These health issues naturally brought changes to her lifestyle. She said she became more aware of her body and how easily she gets tired now compared to when she was younger. Even so, she is thankful that after her cataract surgery, her eyesight is clearer again and her hearing is still fine.

Because of her diabetes, she is now forbidden to eat sweet and salty foods, which she admitted was one of the hardest adjustments at first.

Daily Routine

Despite her age, she still tries to stay active in her own simple ways. She walks whenever she has the chance, especially when running errands, and she helps with household chores like washing clothes and dishes. She also has her check-ups at SPMC Davao, to monitor her diabetes and eye condition.

Cognitive & Socioemotional Aspects

According to her, her way of thinking is still the same as when she was younger. She doesn’t feel forgetful, and she can still express her thoughts clearly. She enjoys having “chika” with her neighbors and family, which keeps her socially active and emotionally connected.

Alma isn’t into social media, but she has a phone mainly for texting and communicating with loved ones. She also watches the news so she can stay updated with what’s happening around her.

When it comes to relationships, she shared that her bond with her children is good, even though she is separated from her husband. Her biggest source of joy now is seeing and bonding with her children and grandchildren. They often have Bible study sessions at home, together with close friends, which also helps give her strength and peace of mind.

Challenges and Coping

One of the hardest moments for her was when she first found out she had diabetes. She said she felt sad and worried at that time because she knew it would change many things.

As for coping with stress, she laughed and said, “I eat.” Even though she has restrictions, she finds comfort in eating the foods she can still enjoy. She added that with age, she learned to simply accept things, whether they are good or bad. Acceptance became her biggest life lesson.

Her View on Aging

She said she has fully accepted that she is growing older. For her, aging is something natural and something every person will experience sooner or later. She doesn’t fear it anymore—she embraces it.

Her Advice for the Younger Generation

“Put your studies first, especially if your parents can support you. Prioritize your education. Relationships can wait. It’s better to enter a serious relationship after you graduate. Don’t rush things.”

Interviewing Alma made me realize how much wisdom comes from living through different stages of life. Even with health challenges, she stays strong because of her family, her faith, and her acceptance of life’s ups and downs. Her story shows that late adulthood is not just about decline—it is also about peace, meaning, and the joy of seeing the people you love grow.

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Insights From Middle Adulthood: A Conversation With Marisa Mabait

Middle adulthood is often described as a stage of transition—physically, emotionally, and socially. To understand this period better, I interviewed the mother of my partner, Mrs. Marisa Mabait, who is currently 46 years old. Her experiences offer a genuine look into the realities of life between the ages of 40 and 60, revealing not only the changes she has gone through, but also the wisdom she hopes to pass on to the younger generation.

Physical Changes and Health Awareness

For Marisa, aging became more noticeable as she entered her 40s. She shared, “Pag edad nako ug 40 kay nagtaba nako… before 40, my weight was 42 kg, but when I reached 40, it slowly became 54 kg and eventually 63 kg.”

Gaining weight was one of the biggest physical changes she observed. Despite this, she maintains her health in a simple but consistent way. She admitted she does not exercise regularly, saying, “Wala ko ga exercise. Nagakaon lang ko ug gulay pirme.” Eating vegetables daily has become her main strategy for staying healthy, showing that even small, steady habits can matter.

Shifting Priorities: Wants vs. Needs

As she matured, her view on wants and needs changed significantly. Her mindset now is practical and grounded: “Mga priority lang jud ang unahon, dili unahon ang dili kailangan.”

This reflects how middle adulthood often brings a stronger focus on necessities especially when family responsibilities grow. For Marisa, unnecessary luxuries take a back seat to what truly matters.

Pride in Accomplishments

When asked about what she is most proud of, Marisa did not mention wealth, achievements, or awards. Instead, she proudly said, “Gitagaan kog mga anak na buotan.”

For her, being blessed with good and respectful children is the greatest accomplishment of her life. It shows how success in middle adulthood is often measured through family and relationships rather than external achievements.

Balancing Work, Family, and Personal Life

Time management is Marisa’s biggest challenge, but also one of her greatest strengths. She explained, “Before ko mulakaw, magluto ko daan para sa akong mga anak, para naa silay makaon before ko muadto sa trabaho.”

Her daily routine reflects the typical reality of many middle-aged parents: balancing responsibilities at home while fulfilling duties at work. The need to multitask becomes essential during this stage of life.

Coping With Emotional Challenges

When facing emotional struggles or life transitions, Marisa turns to faith and communication. “Number one jud is mag pray. Si Lord man jud ang makatabang. Ug dapat naa kay istoryahan para ipagawas imong gibati.”

For her, prayer provides strength, and expressing emotions helps lighten the burden. This highlights the importance of emotional support and spirituality in maintaining well-being during middle adulthood.

Life Lessons Learned

Marisa’s biggest life lesson is simple yet powerful: “Kung kabalo ka na mali, dili na buhaton.”

She believes that recognizing what is wrong, and choosing not to do it—is essential to protecting oneself and others. It reflects a mature understanding of responsibility and consequences, developed through years of experience.

Advice for the Youth

Marisa hopes that young people today, especially her own children, understand the value of education. Her advice is heartfelt:

“Unahon gyud ang pagskwela… para na sa ila. Makakita sila’g trabaho na maayo, dili sila maglisod. Dili parehas sa amoang naagian ba, working student, walay support, sariling sikap.”

She wants the youth to work hard, study well, and choose a path that will give them a better future than what she experienced. Her message reflects the sacrifices and hopes of many parents in middle adulthood.

Conclusion

Through Marisa Mabait’s experiences, we see how middle adulthood shapes a person’s priorities, values, and understanding of life. Her journey shows that beyond the physical changes and responsibilities, this stage is filled with growth, wisdom, and deep reflections.

Her story reminds the youth that while life may be challenging, perseverance, responsibility, and education can create opportunities for a better future, one that she hopes the next generation will fully embrace.

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Exploring Adolescent Development Through Ryan’s Experiences

Being a teenager is full of changes, challenges, and discoveries. To understand what it’s really like, we interviewed Ryan Pitogo, a 16-year-old student, who shared his thoughts and experiences about being in this stage of life. Through our talk, we learned how he handles his studies, emotions, and relationships while slowly finding his path toward adulthood.

When I asked Ryan how he makes important decisions, he said, “Para sa akoa kaya nako mag buhat ug sariling desisyon pero not most of the time alam nako tanan, so mangayo ko ug advise sa uban if unsay pwede buhaton mga ing ani ana kay dili man most of the time kabalo ko sa mga butang-butang.” He explained that he can make his own choices, but sometimes he still asks advice from others, especially when he’s unsure what to do. When things get stressful at school, he listens to music while doing assignments, sometimes plays with his girlfriend for comfort, and schedules his tasks to avoid being overwhelmed. “Akong gina buhat is usahay while ga buhat kog assignment is maminaw kog music and usahay mag dula ko with my girlfriend kay ma comfort sab ko sa gf nako and gina schedule sab nako akong mga buhatonon para dikay ko ma stress or overwhelmed sakong mga buhatonon and mag ampo sab ko,” he added. His goal is to become an Engineer and to be accepted into a scholarship program so he can help his family and have a successful and stable life. “Ang goal jud nako is maging engineer and unta madawat ko sa scholarship na gi applayan nako. Kay gusto jud nako mo bawi sakong family and maging successful.”

Ryan also shared that his mindset has changed a lot compared to before. He said, “Dati man gud ako maulawon jud ko na tao like dikay ko ga interact sa mga tao... Pero karun since daghan nakog na meet na mga tao na better pud sila ug way of thinking... nag bag-o nako wanakoy pake sa mga maisip sa tao kung unsay buhaton nako since akoa maning life.” He used to be shy and afraid of being judged, but now he has learned to be confident and not care too much about what others think.

Physically, Ryan noticed many changes in himself. “Napansin nako ni tangkad jud ko, and sauna wala koy eyebags karun dako na and also pimples naa napud. Mustache naa napud, sauna taba ko karun payat payat na. Also, ni matured napud akong face.” He said he’s now taller and looks more mature, though he also gets pimples and eyebags. When asked if his appearance affects his confidence, he replied, “Yes, kay shempre daghan biyag judgmental na tao. Pero sa akoa usahay maulaw sab ko kay naa sab koy insecurities.” Despite this, he still takes care of his body by sleeping twice a day, exercising every morning, and eating healthy. “Matulog ko 2 times a day gabie ug udto. And then ga exercise ko every morning mga 30 minutes. And ga likay sab ko ug softdrinks and more on water jud. Ga eat sab ko ug gulay ug meat, gina balance ra nako.” Ryan doesn’t feel pressured by social media to look or act a certain way, saying, “Kuan lang be myself rako dikay ko ma pressure, gina pakita ra nako unsa jud ko, dinako gina tago.” He said what makes him most confident about himself is his face because, as he said, “My face, because some people say that I look good.”

When it comes to his family, Ryan shared that he is close to his mother but still adjusting to his stepdad since his real father passed away. “Okay lang close mi sakong mama pero sakong stepdad kay dili, tamad siya dili ko ganahan and ga adjust pako since bag-o pa namatay akong papa. Akong manghud akoy ga bantay since bata pa siya 10 years among gap.” He also enjoys spending time with his friends at school and appreciates how they are always there for him even if they don’t meet often. “Kuan malipay ko pag mag sabay mi sa school ug mag dula. Naa pud sila through ups and downs even though usahay rami mag kita mao ra gihapon among tinagdanay walay changes.”

Ryan also opened up about his love life. He said, “Kuntahay tong crush pa nako akong current girlfriend, maka focus ko sa school kay gina himo nakong motivation, gusto nako ma honor para maging proud siya sa akoa.” His girlfriend motivates him to study harder and become an honor student. He shows his love by giving gifts, sending long messages, and doing acts of service. “Through giving her gifts, sending her long messages so that ma feel niya na naa jud koy love sa iyaha. Like mag act of service ko, dira nako gina pakita akong care.” When conflicts happen, he tries to understand his partner by listening to her side. “Gina paminaw sa nako ang side sakong partner kay as a lalaki, kabalo ko na taas jud ug pride ang babae maong gina sabot jud nako.” Ryan also knows how to balance his love life, friendships, and academics, saying, “Gina balance ra nako siya like tagaan nakog time ang kanang love life nako ug akong amigo pero since student pako unahon jud nako ang academics.”

When asked about the challenges of being a teenager, Ryan said it’s hard to balance everything because he’s a student leader and a member of journalism. “Challenging sa akoa ang school since student leader ko SSLG sab ko maong daghan kog ganap sa school. Maong need nako i balance akong mga need buhaton.” Despite the pressure, he enjoys being young because he doesn’t have to face adult responsibilities yet. “Gina enjoy pa nako ang pagiging teenager since wapakoy gina bayaran na bills unlike if adult na daghan nag responsibilities.” He said he deals with expectations from parents and teachers by studying hard. “Sa parents nako given naman since high school ko na ma honor student ko maong ga study hard jud ko.”

Ryan is proud that he can already help his mother, earn money through editing, and do household chores. He’s also proud of being an honor student and having a supportive girlfriend. “Kanang maka tabang ko sakong mama bisan bata pako, maka kwarta kwarta ko sakong skills sa editing. And gi train sab ko na kabalo sa mga gawaing bahay. And akong girlfriend. Ug kanang ma honor ko, thankful ko.”

Before ending our talk, I asked him what advice he would give to younger teens. He said, “Para sa akoa i enjoy jud nila ilang pagka bata, dili sila mag dali kay dili lalim maging matured dayon kay daghan nakag responsibilidad ma stress naka daghan nakag isipon maong disa nila i pressure ilang sarili, i enjoy sa nila ilang pagka bata buhaton sa nila ilang gusto buhaton... Basta I enjoy lang jud.” Ryan wants young people to enjoy their childhood and not rush to grow up, because being an adult means having more responsibilities and less time for fun.

Ryan’s story shows what it’s really like to be a teenager — full of changes, challenges, and growth. Despite all the pressures, he stays motivated and focused on his dreams. His words remind us that adolescence is a time to learn, enjoy, and slowly build the person we want to become in the future.

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Embracing Adulthood: The Journey of a Working Student

Adulthood often arrives quietly, not through a single moment, but through the growing weight of responsibilities, independence, and self-discovery. For Patricia Angela Tobe, a 21-year-old working student, this stage of life has been both a test of strength and a journey toward becoming her own person.

Stepping Into Responsibility

For Patricia, adulthood means taking charge of every part of her life. Financial independence and self-sufficiency come with the reality of managing bills, budgeting, cooking, and doing household chores, all while juggling work and school. “It’s a lot,” she admits, “because you’re no longer waiting for someone to assign tasks. You’re now fully responsible for everything, and that’s when you realize what being an adult really means.”

The Challenge of Transition

One of the toughest parts of this new chapter, she says, is the shift from being guided to being completely independent. There’s no one telling her what to do anymore, and learning to manage everything at once can be overwhelming. The constant demand of self-management  from academics to personal life has been one of the greatest adjustments.

Balancing Work and Study

As a working student, Patricia’s days are tightly packed. Balancing academic and work responsibilities requires discipline and strong communication skills. She makes it a point to keep open communication with both her manager and professors, especially during critical times like exams. “Honesty helps,” she says. “When people understand your schedule, they’re more willing to support you.”

Time Management and Self-Care

To manage her time, Patricia uses time blocking, setting specific hours for work, study, and rest. She also makes sure to overestimate how long tasks will take to avoid rushing. “It’s not easy,” she admits, “but when you plan carefully, you find that balance between productivity and peace of mind.”

Love and Relationships Amid Responsibilities

Despite her busy schedule, Patricia believes love still has its place. “Communication and understanding are key,” she shares. She makes sure to set boundaries for study and work while sharing her long-term goals with her partner. For her, being a working student means maturity , and that extends to relationships. “It’s true that your dating life becomes more limited,” she laughs, “but the connections you build are deeper because they’re grounded in respect and shared values.”

To keep her relationship strong, she plans small but meaningful moments like eating out or watching movies together at home. “Even when you’re busy, what matters is making time,” she says.

Handling Stress and Staying Connected

Balancing school, work, and a relationship can be overwhelming, and Patricia admits that stress is unavoidable. Her strategy is to plan strategically and make self-care non-negotiable. She also values her friendships deeply, even if time is limited. “I try to be intentional,” she explains. “Even a quick message or a short hangout means a lot when you’re both busy.”

Words of Advice

When asked what advice she would give to other working students, Patricia answers with thoughtfulness:

“Prioritize, stay disciplined, and be compassionate with yourself. You can’t do everything perfectly, but you can keep growing. Adulthood is about learning not just how to work, but how to take care of yourself in the process.”

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A Mother’s Journey: Life with a Lively Toddler

Being a mother is never an easy task, but for Janine Villanueva, it has been a meaningful adventure filled with love, exhaustion, and endless laughter. Her one-year-old son, Ryker V. Litol, has brought both challenges and joy into her daily life. As she shared her experiences, it became clear that motherhood is not only about caring for a child, it’s also about patience, growth, and unconditional love.

Janine noticed that Ryker has become much more active in the past few months. “Grabe jud siya ka kiat, dili pajud ko ka adjust sa iyang pagkakiat,” she said with a laugh. “Kiat jud kaayo siya karon.” From running and climbing to exploring everything he can reach, Ryker’s energy seems limitless. His curious personality has made each day exciting, though it also means Janine must keep a close eye on him to ensure his safety.

When it comes to sleep, Janine admits that Ryker’s schedule can be unpredictable. “Usahay kung makatulog ni siya ug 11 a.m. sa buntag, mumata na na siya 2:30–3:00 p.m.,” she shared. “Pag ka gabii, dugay kaayo na siya matulog, maabtan ug 11:30 p.m., usahay alas 12 pa.” Despite the irregular sleeping hours, Janine patiently adapts to his rhythm, finding time to rest whenever she can.

Ryker is also very sociable and loves playing with other children and family members. “Makigdula pud man nuon ni siya, dali ra malingaw bataa ni,” Janine shared. His bright and friendly nature makes him a joy to be around, even when his boundless energy can be overwhelming.

Of course, motherhood comes with its share of struggles. Janine honestly shared that it can be tiring and emotionally draining at times. “Ano, kanang kapoy, tapos naa tanan, kapoy, kalagot, etc. Dala na sa tanan,” she admitted. But no matter how hard it gets, her love for Ryker always keeps her going. When her son throws tantrums, she doesn’t meet his anger with anger. “Dili nimo sabayan iyang pagsapot, iligaw nimo siya para dili siya pirme magsapot, i-distract nimo siya para mawala iyang sapot,” she explained.

As Ryker becomes more curious, Janine makes sure her home is safe. She keeps sharp objects, coins, and small wooden pieces out of his reach and is cautious around electric outlets, knowing how toddlers love to touch and explore everything. “Ginapalayo jud nako na saiyaha… hadlok jud kaayo karon daghan kaayog bata na kanang sa saksakan, mga kahoy-kahoy, mga coins, kaonon mana niya diretso, ginapalayo nako na,” she said.

Balancing motherhood and other responsibilities is another daily challenge, but Janine manages it with routine and determination. “Pulipuli, mabuhat man pud siya ug mornin, maglung-ag ko, magluto ko, tapos mag-proceed napud ko sa iya, paliguan nako siya, mailisan, paghuman sa iya, mag-proceed napud ko sa ubang trabahoon, paghuman napud ana, magpahulay ko kadali, tas balik napud ko sa iya,” she explained.

When asked what advice she would give to other mothers, Janine spoke with sincerity: “Dili pasagdan, tapos i-love pud nila. Dili pasagdan kay gikan sa imoha ang bata, ikaw naggawas sa iyaha gikan pagkabuntis. I-care lang jud siyag maayo hantod sa pagdako, labi na pag-teenager niya, i-baby japon nimo siya, para matama japon siya sa iyang direction pag dako niya.”

Through Janine’s story, we see that motherhood is both beautiful and demanding, a mix of sleepless nights, laughter, and deep emotional connections. Her journey reminds us that while caring for a toddler can be exhausting, it’s also one of life’s most rewarding experiences.

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Life Through the Eyes of an 11-Year-Old: Understanding Middle and Late Childhood

We interviewed Kiel, an 11-year-old boy who is currently a 6th grader. The goal of this interview was to learn more about what life is like for children his age, how they grow, think, and interact with others. Through our short talk, I got a glimpse of what it means to be in the middle and late childhood stage—a time full of fun, learning, and challenges.

When I asked Kiel about his favorite games or sports, he said, “Wala koy sports na gina apilan pero naga dula ko ug dakpanay kauban akong mga amigo.” This means that he doesn’t join any sports, but he enjoys playing tag with his friends. It’s a simple game, but it helps him stay active and have fun. After playing, he said, “Syempre malipay ug kapoy, hangak kaayo,” showing that he feels both happy and tired after physical activities. When it comes to helping at home, he shared, “Manghugas ko ug plato usahay,” meaning he sometimes washes the dishes, a small but good sign of learning responsibility.

For his cognitive development, Kiel said his favorite subject is Araling Panlipunan because “kay sayon ra.” He prefers subjects that are easy and enjoyable for him. When I asked how he handles difficult assignments, he honestly said, “Naga gamit nako ug A.I para mag answer ug assignments pero gina basa gihapon nako ug okay ba ang answer ug para naa sab koy matun-an.” This shows that even though he uses technology to help him, he still makes sure to understand the lesson. When asked if he participates in class, he said, “Maulaw ko, pero usahay ug kabalo ko sa answer,” showing that he’s shy but tries to answer when he feels confident. For entertainment, Kiel shared, “Hilig ko mag dula ug roblox ug codm,” meaning he likes playing Roblox and CODM, which are common games that kids his age enjoy to relax and have fun.

When we talked about his social and emotional life, we asked him if he has friends. Kiel said, “Oo, naa daghan, mag katawa-katawa lang mi,” meaning he has many friends and enjoys laughing and spending time with them. However, when asked what he does when he fights with a friend, he answered, “Wala, dili nako sila pansinon,” showing that he prefers to ignore them until things cool down. When he feels sad or upset, he said, “Wala, ako ako lang,” meaning he usually keeps his feelings to himself. Even though he’s independent, this shows that sometimes kids his age still need someone to talk to. When asked about his dream, Kiel answered, “Doctor,” showing that he already has goals and inspiration for his future.

When it comes to challenges, Kiel said, “Wala, kaya raman, ang kapoy lang kay ang pag uli gikan school kay naga baklay ko.” For him, one of the difficulties he faces is walking home after school, which can be tiring, especially after a long day of classes and activities. This shows that even small daily routines can be exhausting for children, and it reminds us that what may seem simple to adults can still be a real challenge for kids. Finally, when I asked what he likes most about being a kid, he said, “Gusto nako bata pako para mag dula-dula lang sako,” which beautifully expresses how much he values the fun and freedom of childhood, a time filled with play, laughter, and carefree moments.

Through this interview, I realized that being in middle and late childhood is a time of growth and discovery. Kids like Kiel are learning to be more independent, responsible, and aware of themselves, but they still find joy in simple things like playing with friends or learning something new. Talking to him made me appreciate how childhood is a special stage— full of innocence, dreams, and endless energy.

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Not Easy, But Worth It: A Mother’s Love

Motherhood is one of the biggest responsibilities a woman can experience. For 23-year-old Zhiana Jane Jamiri, being a mother is not easy, but it has given her a new purpose in life. She is now a full-time mom to her 1 year old baby, while her partner works during the day to support their daily needs. At night, they take turns so both can share the responsibility of raising their child.

Small Steps, Big Milestones

Even though motherhood is tiring, Zhiana finds joy in every milestone her baby achieves. Every small step, every smile, and every sound her child makes becomes a reminder that the sacrifices are worth it.

Zhiana’s baby has already reached some important milestones. At this stage, her baby can crawl and sit without help. Although the baby cannot walk yet, she can already say basic words like “mama” and “papa,” which makes Zhiana happy and proud.

However, caring for a baby also comes with challenges. Feeding is sometimes difficult because the baby is a picky eater and refuses to eat vegetables. Another struggle is the shift from breastfeeding to bottle feeding. Since Zhiana is starting to stop breastfeeding, her baby cries more often because she still wants the comfort of being breastfed. For a mother, hearing her child cry nonstop can be emotionally and physically draining.

Curiosity in Every Glance

During this time, the baby already shows curiosity about her surroundings. She points at objects she finds interesting, stares at them closely, and tries to mumble words as if she is asking questions. These little actions show how her brain is developing and how she is trying to understand the world around her.

One heartwarming detail Zhiana shared is how her baby recognizes familiar people and sounds. The baby reacts happily when she hears the voices of family members. Even more touching, the baby knows the sound of her father’s motorcycle and calls out “papa” when he arrives home. This shows how strong the bond is between the baby and her parents, even at such an early age.

Comfort in Family, Shyness with Strangers

The baby feels safe and comfortable with family members. She smiles, interacts, and responds with joy when she is around them. But with strangers, she becomes shy and scared, refusing to interact. This is a normal stage in socioemotional development, where babies begin to distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar faces.

When the baby cries or feels distressed, Zhiana immediately checks what is wrong. She makes sure to look after her baby’s physical needs first, such as feeding, diaper changes, or comfort. This shows the patience and attentiveness that mothers naturally develop when caring for their child.

The Challenges Behind the Smiles

Motherhood is not just about caring for a baby’s needs, it also involves dealing with personal worries and fears. For Zhiana, one of the hardest challenges is when her baby gets sick. Like any mother, she becomes anxious and worried about her baby’s health. Recently, her baby has also been teething, which causes constant crying and discomfort. As a mother, Zhiana feels sorry for her baby’s pain, but she stays strong to support her child through this stage.

Balancing responsibilities is also part of her journey. Since she is a stay-at-home mom, she does house chores while her baby is asleep. This allows her to focus on her baby when awake but still manage her responsibilities at home. At night, her partner takes care of the baby so she can rest. This teamwork makes their parenting smoother and less stressful.

Her Advice to Future Moms

Zhiana admits that being a mother is one of the hardest things she has ever experienced. It is not always easy, there are sleepless nights and countless worries. But she also says it is one of the most rewarding experiences a woman can have. Seeing her baby happy, healthy, and growing makes all the struggles worthwhile.

“Dili lalim mahimong inahan, laban lang jud.”

(Being a mother is not easy, but just keep fighting.)

This advice reflects her own journey, challenging, exhausting, yet deeply fulfilling. For Zhiana, motherhood is not only about sacrifice, but also about love, strength, and hope for her child’s future.

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Pregnancy Journey: A Story of Strength and Faith

Pregnancy is never the same for every mother. For Alyssa, a 27-year-old mom, her second pregnancy has been filled with both challenges and meaningful lessons. As she balances motherhood and expecting another child, she shares her story of change, struggle, and hope.

Cravings and Changes

One of the first signs she noticed were her cravings. Foods she never used to eat suddenly became part of her meals. Unlike many expectant mothers, she did not go through morning sickness or vomiting. Instead, she often felt sleepy, even during times she normally wouldn’t rest.

“Actually, dili siya sa body; more on sa akong kahiligan. Naa siyay changes, like ang mga pagkaon nga dili nako ginakaon before, karon makaon na nako siya. Unsay tawag ana—ah, cravings?”

Emotional Journey

Pregnancy also affected her emotionally. She admitted that she often became negative, overthinking situations and filling her mind with endless “what ifs.” During her first pregnancy, these worries were heavier because she wasn’t fully prepared with baby essentials. But now, with her second pregnancy, she feels a little more secure since many of the items are already available.

Still, irritability has been more noticeable this time. She would sometimes get anxious, especially when her baby stayed still for a few minutes. For her, those small pauses were enough to trigger worry.

“Like kanang more on nega (negative) ko, kanang ana gud. Like “what if un-ani”, daghan ko (ginaisip) pero kato na time dili man siya dali na sugod ko sa pagbuntis nako. Naa juy time na mag nega ko, daghan kay kog “what ifs”, ga overthink sa bagaybagay.”

“Irritable. Irritable kay ko karon na pagbubuntis.”

Balancing Motherhood and Pregnancy

Carrying a baby while raising a toddler has also been draining for her. With her child being active and constantly seeking attention, she struggles to find time to rest. She often feels tired, but despite the exhaustion, she continues to care for both her toddler and her unborn child.

“Karon, kay labaw nag naa koy toddler. Naa koy toddler at the same time buntis ko. Akoa, kay maka drain, maka drain siya kay akoang toddler grabe na ka sipat, unya ako kay maluya ko kay tunghod dili ko makarelax. Dili enough akong rest, kay tunghod more on ‘mama mama’ man gud siya, akong toddler. Human ako gusto ko mag rest, dili ko ka rest dayon.”

Support and Coping

She is grateful for the people around her, especially her family. They have provided financial, emotional, and physical support during this stage. Her mother, in particular, has been her source of comfort — even a simple “Kamusta ka?” is enough to lighten her mood. Whenever worries overwhelm her, she prays. Prayer, she believes, has been her anchor throughout her journey.

“Financially, and emotionally, like karon nasundan man dayon akong baby. Sila ang naga asikaso more on sa akong firstborn ana, unya ako siyempre mas nag ano (focus) ko sa akong pagbuntis karon, naa jud sila financially and emotionally, physically naa na. Naa jud sila.”

“Mulingkod sa ko, human mag tulala, unya human mag pray lang jud ko unsay mga steps ana. Taodtaod muabot mana akong mama muana na “kamusta ka” ana. Mugaan na akong paminaw, labi na naay mangutana na “kamusta ko?” kanang ana gani. Labaw na sa side nila Erwin (her husband), kanang financial, financial man gyud ang sa side nila. Akong mama man gyud akong matawag, dili man nako sila matawag kaayo kay busy sila sa work. Mao na, inun ana lang gyud akong pagkuan, pag pray lang gyud, pray and pray.”

The Joys of Pregnancy

Despite the struggles, pregnancy has also brought her moments of joy. The most exciting part for her is hearing her baby’s heartbeat during checkups. For her, nothing compares to the reassurance that her baby is healthy and growing well.

“Mahibal an na healthy ang baby. Number one gyud na. Kanang naa man jud nay follow-up check up ana, like kanang pag ano sa doctor na okay iyang heartbeat, mao jud na pinaka, ang maka-happy as a mom.”

“Kompleto siya ana, healthy siya. Mao ra gyuy makapa-excite sa akoa.”

A Message of Positivity

If there is one piece of advice she could share with other mothers, it is to always stay positive. From the moment a woman finds out she is pregnant, she should focus on prayer and trust. She believes that negativity only leads to more negativity, while positivity creates a smoother, more hopeful journey.

Her story is a reminder that while pregnancy may come with hardships, it also brings moments of hope, strength, and deep love.

“Siguro hingang malalalim, tapos ano, mag pray jud. Pagmakabalo ka na buntis ka, mag pray jud ka. Pray jud ka na positive ilang reaction, dili nimo hunahunaon ilang reaction gud, ilahang every reaction kay dapat positive nimo dawaton. Kay the more on nega (negative) lang gud ka, magsunodsunod na. Dili nimo i ano ang mga reaction na nega gyud. Kay lisod man gud maging nega, kay mag nega naman gud mo, magsunodsunond najud. Kung positive, proven and tested na jud na gyud na, ang flow ana kay positive lang gyud.”