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LATE ADULTHOOD

Lola Mana, 75 years old, is an intimidating woman but a talkative and sweet old lady.

We interviewed her, asked a lot of questions, and we did it in a way that is comforting and easy to grasp. When we asked her about her physical changes and milestones, she answered us directly, “A lot has drastically changed already.” She may still be able to see, hear, move, feel, smell, and taste, but it’s not as good back when she was in her prime.

Change is inevitable, something that Lola Mana embraces and something that she is proud of. Lola Mana lives with her daughter, and we are happy to hear that her daughter is taking good care of her. Months ago, Lola Mana’s home got on fire, and when she said that “I couldn’t even move that time, and if no one even tried to save me, I would’ve been dead right now,” it did something in me. Dealing with problems as an old person is challenging, and when we asked her how she handles problems, she answered, “There are times that I really don’t know, but I won’t let it through me.” She said that music, watching TV, family, and taking care of her pets are her ways of dealing with problems. With that, at least I can tell how becoming old can make a difference when dealing with problems.

There is one thing that Lola Mana doesn’t want to live without, and that is her family. She lives with her daughter and her grandchildren and is currently living without a partner. Lola Mana still has friends, but for her age, they are not really very interactive with each other anymore because she would rather spend her time inside the house than go out and interact with them. She doesn’t even have time to be fake with other people anymore and just express herself straight up if some things made her uncomfortable.

 Before we ended the interview, I personally asked Lola Mana a question: "Lola, are you afraid of dying, or are you afraid of what you'll leave behind if you die?" And she answered, “I am not afraid to die because that is something that we cannot stop, but the thoughts of leaving my loved ones here in land are what’s fearing me the most." For her, she can’t afford to lose her family and the people that are important to her.

 This last chapter of the blog is very touching for me personally. I can see myself growing old and might become just like any other old people. I am beyond grateful to be writing this blog and will take this as a lesson until forever.

-JAMJAM

[railynandjam]

MIDDLE ADULTHOOD

Sir Nick, a kind and gentle 57-year-old man, exudes a calming presence that is evident during his interview. His life, however, has been marked by significant changes, particularly in his physical health. Once a robust individual, his years working in a motor repair shop built a strong physique. However, his diagnosis of tuberculosis and high blood sugar in August of this year has brought about noticeable alterations to his body. Despite this, he diligently continues his medication regimen. As he has aged, Sir Nick has noticed a decline in his physical strength, requiring assistance for heavy tasks. Yet, even at 57, he maintains a remarkable level of fitness. His dedication to a healthy lifestyle, including a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and fish, plays a significant role in his well-being. He avoids pork as per his doctor's advice.

Sir Nick's age has also brought about changes in his vision and cognitive abilities. He experiences difficulty reading small print, especially at night, and struggles with memory recall. These challenges are common as we age.

Sir Nick's past includes a period of incarceration in 2021, stemming from an unfortunate incident. He spent two years in prison, a time marked by stress and loneliness. However, he found solace in friendships and discovered a coping mechanism in participating in physical activities. He learned to manage stress by focusing on his mental strength, recognizing that succumbing to negativity would only exacerbate his suffering.

Since his release, Sir Nick has embraced a peaceful life, avoiding trouble and prioritizing his family's well-being. He maintains a daily routine, documented in a diary, that helps him stay organized and focused. His commitment to a healthy lifestyle, including abstaining from alcohol and cigarettes, is a testament to his desire to improve his life and support his family. Sir Nick's social life has also undergone a transformation. He now prefers quiet conversations with friends over the boisterous gatherings of his younger years. His priorities have shifted from carefree socializing to ensuring the financial stability and well-being of his family. He finds fulfillment in providing for his family, and their happiness is his primary concern. Their household is characterized by respect and open communication, minimizing conflict and fostering a peaceful environment. Sir Nick's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative nature of life experiences. He has faced challenges, both physical and emotional, but has emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and a deep love for his family. He embodies the strength and wisdom that come with age, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, life can be lived with joy and purpose.

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EARLY ADULTHOOD 🧐

Early adulthood, typically defined as ages 20 to 40, is a pivotal period in a person's life marked by significant personal and professional growth. It is a time of exploration, where individuals often establish their careers, build relationships, and define their identities. For some, adulthood can feel like a smooth transition, while for others, it might be a series of challenges and adjustments. For Gia, adulting has been a journey of making some of the most life-changing decisions of her life.

 Gia, a 23-year-old woman and a mother of three, is a very welcoming person. As we approached her for this interview, we were very excited to interview her because we are transitioning into adults. Gia’s physical health is as strong as her emotional and mental wellbeing. She had her first child when she was just 15, and for her at the time it was really hard for her to digest everything and struggled a lot because for her the baby that she was carrying might destroy her life. She had thoughts for abortion; however, she fought her thoughts and gladly accepted everything. As a teenager at the time, she had to face everything—the feeling of sadness, shame, and pain. Her parents weren’t really there to guide her, but her sisters, who took good care of her, were there.

She eventually had her second child with the same father; however, physical abuse was there to make it even harder for her. Eventually she made the choice to leave the abusive partner and raise her children on her own. Gia eventually met another guy that she thought would finally be someone that would save her; they had a baby, but just in her past relationship, she got abused again. She left the guy and again raised her three children.

While we were interviewing her, we could really sense the fighting spirit in her; the things that she wanted to change for herself and her children were burning inside of her. She admitted that she made a lot of mistakes in the past that shaped her into what she is now, and she truly regrets it. However, over the years, she realized that she already made those mistakes, and instead of having a loser mindset, she eventually turned those mistakes into her lessons. She wanted to raise her children well, and she wants to be stable enough to provide for her children.

 

Gia’s journey through early adulthood has been tough but filled with resilience. Becoming a mother at 15, enduring abusive relationships, and facing emotional struggles could have broken her, but Gia has remained strong. Her story underscores the importance of family support—though her parents weren’t there, her sisters helped guide her through the hardest times. Despite her past mistakes, Gia has turned them into lessons, determined to provide a better life for her children. Her strength and growth show that even in the face of adversity, family, self-reflection, and perseverance can lead to a brighter future.

[railynandjam]

ADOLESCENCE

The young period of a human’s life, called adolescence, is quite dynamic in nature as it marks the end of childhood and the beginning of adulthood. Jhanelle, or also called Bambam, cherishes metamorphosing from a happy-go-lucky lass to a focused teenage girl who has covetously appreciated her bodily changes and appreciated growth. She derives a sense of perception from her physical attributes and in turn accepts the transformations of her figure. Bambam is in a constant state of turmoil but on the other hand, she is finding her way out, whether mentally or physically.

All of us want to belong or fit in, especially with those whom we call our friends. This is especially true for Bambam, who has her friends and cherishes and loves them. But also, as with most adolescents, there is pressure at times, especially if it feels like she is being left behind, or, cut off from interaction. It is one of those that makes one feel clumsy and devoid of confidence in herself owing to group dynamics because she is trying to analyze her position in the situation. And, as if that was not enough, for Bambam, there is that additional Drama of having a crush. She really hopes that her friends do notice and she wonders if they will understand her or will think less of her for being that way.

Bambam has been experiencing a surge of emotions as of late. For example, there are days when she shares hearty laughs with her peers cherishing the most basic aspect of teenagehood. There are also days, however, when she is overwhelmed with stressful unclarity and self-wallowing. Such is the case of most young adults, a kind of factional rivalry that has both peaks within personal development and independence and also the disturbing question of one’s true place. Certainly, she has positive feelings because these are changes within her, be it changing her looks, finding things that she is passionate about, or even dealing with the drama of having a crush. Yet, at the same time, she also feels the challenge of meeting the standards set both by herself and others.

While growing up and going through the different stages of adolescence with its sharp peaks and declining bases, some things about Bambam will not change. Her obsession with certain types of cuisine- Durian, for instance, remains a source of solace to her irrespective of everything else changing. And amid everything, she still has her family who is a pillar of strength. They assist her in overcoming obstacles by providing tips on how to deal with certain scenarios and constantly encourage her to act correctly. Their encouragement keeps her head firmly above water, providing her with the inner fortitude and purpose to tackle every single new chapter without fail.

[railynandjam]

MIDDLE AND LATE CHILDHOOD

Matt’s world had always been a place of wonder and curiosity, but now, at the age of seven, it felt like a whole new universe was unfolding before him. Middle childhood, they called it—a time of growth, learning, and discovery. For Matt, it was a stage marked by exciting changes, particularly with his recent start in elementary school.

At first, Matt was shy and reserved. When we asked him questions, he’d look down, fidgeting with his fingers, unsure of how to answer. But little by little, as more questions came his way, Matt began to open up. His responses grew from soft whispers to full sentences. Soon, he was talking about all the new things he was experiencing at school. “I really like vegetables,” he admitted smiling as he thought of the meals his family shared when they visited the "bukid," the local farm. It was during those trips to the countryside that Matt developed his love for fresh, home-grown food. He was also noticing how much he’d grown. “I can reach more things now,” Matt said, stretching his arms as if to show just how far he could go. He had started to notice that he had better balance and coordination. “I don’t fall down as much anymore,” he added proudly, as if his newfound stability was a badge of honor. His body felt stronger, faster—evidence of the physical changes that come with growth.

At school, Matt found joy in learning, though not every subject caught his attention in the same way. He loved writing and drawing, his favorite subject, though, was Filipino. “It’s easy for me,” Matt said. It came naturally to him, and he enjoyed the sense of accomplishment it brought. Math and science, however, were a different story. “I don’t like them,” he confessed, explaining how his classmates often distracted him during lessons. The chatter and noise made it hard for him to focus, and even though he could now add and subtract, the subjects never held his interest like Filipino did. Despite struggling with reading, Matt loved stories. His teacher would often gather the class around for storytime, and it was during these moments that Matt's imagination soared. “I love the hero characters,” he wasn’t a fan of books yet—reading was still a challenge—but the stories his teacher shared stayed with him long after the school day ended. Matt also picked up some unexpected new skills at school. “I learned how to sweep the floor,” he said, recalling the day his teacher handed him a broom and showed him the right way to tidy up. He enjoyed these simple lessons in responsibility, and even more, he enjoyed the TikTok dances he did with his teacher. It was a funny way to bond with her, and Matt always looked forward to their silly moments together. Friendship at school was another big part of Matt’s life. His closest friends, Ethan and Santino, were his companions, and they would run around playing tag. Every day, the playground was filled with their laughter and shouts as they chased each other under the sun. But new friendships weren’t always smooth. “It makes me sad,” Matt said, frowning. He explained that there were often fights when new people tried to join their group, and the tension made him uncomfortable. He didn’t like seeing people upset, and the conflicts at school sometimes weighed heavily on his heart.

Family, however, was where Matt felt safest. He was fiercely protective of his younger brother. “If someone tries to bully him, I’ll punch them,” he said with a determined look, the love he had for his sibling clear in his words. His affection extended to his parents too, who he would often shower with hugs, kisses, and heartfelt “I love yous.” Though he usually didn’t cry when they went to work, Matt admitted that there was one time he couldn’t hold back his tears—when his parents traveled to Cebu. But whenever they were together, Matt cherished their time. He loved going to the mall, not just for the playground or the grocery cart rides, but because it was a chance to bond with his family. It was his favorite place, filled with fun and laughter as they shopped, played, and spent time together. At home, Matt was always eager to help. “I like it when my parents ask me to do things,” he said. Whether it was fetching something or helping with chores, he enjoyed being useful, knowing he was contributing to the household in his own small way. His favorite toys, were Hot Wheels cars and toy guns. Whenever his parents returned from work with a surprise gift, his face would light up with joy. Even though Matt was still young, he had already faced his share of challenges. His family had been caught in a fire in Bangkerohan, and though he was scared, Matt remembered the chaos vividly. “I didn’t cry, but I panicked,” he admitted. The sight of people shouting and the uncertainty of the situation had shaken him, but it also revealed a bravery inside him he didn’t know he had.

In school, at home, and even in the face of danger, Matt was learning, growing, and finding his way. Whether it was mastering the art of sweeping the floor, or standing strong for his brother, Matt’s journey was one of constant discovery. With each new day, he continued to learn more about the world around him—and about himself.

[railynandjam]

EARLY CHILDHOOD

Zike was a whirlwind of curiosity, a child whose endless stream of questions seemed to fuel his cheerful spirit. No matter the time of day, his lively chatter filled every corner of the room, his words bouncing from one subject to another faster than anyone could keep up. One thing was certain: Zike had very particular tastes when it came to food. His parents tried to keep his meals healthy and balanced by feeding him a variety of dishes, but he was too picky. He loves ham and chicken, and though his plate might be full of vibrant vegetables, he’d only pick at the ones he liked. Broccoli might get a nibble; carrots a quick poke before they were pushed to the side. Soft drinks were forbidden, and Zike's parents strictly offered only water and juice to quench his thirst. They also made sure he took his vitamins every day, hoping it would fill in the gaps from his selective eating habits. Zike, being as vocal as he was, never hesitated to announce when he was hungry. "I'm hungry", looking expectantly at whoever was closest. At home, Zike’s days followed a predictable rhythm. When his parents were away, he would spend his mornings playing with his tablet, zooming toy cars across the screen in a flurry of digital races. By the afternoon, he would eagerly head outside to play with his friends. Zion, Dodong, Liam, Rafa, Dai², and Matt made up his lively circle, and their favorite game was always the same, tag. All that running meant Zike started to slim down a bit, his small body shedding the baby fat, however his height kept shooting up. Despite his boundless energy, Zike doesn’t like chores. Whenever his parents asked him to help out, he would either ignore them or start talking about something entirely unrelated—usually about his latest game of tag or a new drawing he wanted to make. His mind was always elsewhere, buzzing with ideas and play. When night came, Zike had his own bedtime ritual. He needed his mother to scratch his back gently to help him fall asleep. On nights when his mom was away, it was harder for him to drift off. He would toss and turn, his tiny body restless without that familiar comfort, and he eventually found sleep. He usually woke up around 8 AM, bright-eyed and ready to tackle the new day. Whenever his parents had to go on trips, his mother would sit him down and explain why they had to leave. Zike was a smart young boy, he understood why they need to leave. As long as she told him in a way that made sense, Zike wouldn’t cry when they left. He was brave that, and it made his mother proud. School, however, was a different story. At first, he would cry every morning when his mother dropped him off, his big eyes welling up with tears the moment she waved goodbye. But when he was transferred to the same school as his older brother, the tears gradually stopped. He felt safer there, knowing his brother was nearby. Zike’s school days were filled with drawing and coloring, his favorite activities. Though he still struggled with counting numbers, he was getting the hang of identifying colors and holding a pencil properly. Every day, he made a little progress, his tiny hands becoming more skilled with each attempt at writing. There was one event Zike looked forward to more than anything: his birthday. The anticipation of it filled him with excitement all year long. Cakes, candles, presents, and the attention of everyone around him—it was his favorite time of the year. Despite his boundless energy and his stubborn pickiness, Zike was a sweet and affectionate boy. He was quick to tell his parents that he loved them, often throwing his arms around their necks and planting sloppy kisses on their cheeks. His caregiver, who spent a lot of time watching over him, saw these little moments and knew just how special he was.“He's a handful,” she would say, “but he’s a careful, loving child.” And indeed, Zike's heart was as big as his curiosity, and his love for life—and for those around him—was just as boundless as his imagination.

[railynandjam]

INFANCY

Raising an infant can be an incredibly challenging and demanding experience for parents. The early months are filled with sleepless nights, frequent feedings, and constant care, which can be both physically and emotionally exhausting.

Inday and her husband often find themselves adjusting to new routines, coping with the lack of personal time, and facing the steep learning curve of parenting. It was even harder for them to raise an infant because their home got caught in fire. It was really heartbreaking to know about it, but what amazes me was when she told us that not even the loss of things will stop them. 

When we arrived at their place, we found a very adorable baby. We then introduced ourselves and proceeded to enter view the baby’s parents. 

We asked about the things that she noticed about her baby’s growth all throughout the time. We asked her about her baby’s physical mild stone: Can her baby walk? Run? Climb ?. We asked her if her baby’s can already talk or even ask a thing. We asked her about the baby’s sleeping schedule. We asked her about how the baby’s interacts with people or things.

Mary said that her growing infant can now talk some single and few words; not only that, but the baby is able to use those words in the right scenarios. The baby can also walk and run now, and the baby is more active in the morning than at night. Unlike the first 7 months of the baby’s sleeping pattern, the baby’s sleeping pattern also changed. When it comes to people, the baby only smiles at the people that the baby is familiar with, and if you would smile at the baby, it would also do the same thing, or even if you would try to make a crying face, the baby will try to do the same. The baby’s attention span is really short; it cannot hold on to a single thing for a long period of time. We gave the baby toys, and we noticed that the baby would put them in her mouth. I started clapping, and the baby would follow wherever the sound came from. The moment that the blastocyst attaches to the lining of the uterus, we could only hope for it to stay there until it comes out as a cute and healthy baby. These changes in an infant’s growth are definitely amazing at how it can adapt to its environment.

[railynandjam]

From 2 to 3🍼

Pregnancy is an incredibly special time for many women, and for Grace, a 41-year-old soon-to-be mother, she was beyond happy. It took Grace and her husband almost 2 decades for this miracle to happen, and when she found out about her pregnancy, she cried out of happiness.

Just like how happy she was when she found out about the door that was about to open, she was just as happy to welcome us inside her home.

Enter-viewing Grace wasn’t hard for me; she was totally into it. I asked her about the changes that she noticed—did she gain weight? What are her cravings or the foods that she used to like and suddenly doesn’t anymore? What are the things that she stopped doing, or what are the things that she's avoiding? What are the body parts she noticed that changed, or about how it was for her mentally, is it hard for her to think? To sleep? Always get emotional?. Or her relationship to people? Who are the first people who she shared about her pregnancy or how she interacts with people?

Just like any other, Grace is a strong person. Her changes with pregnancy were something that affected her but didn’t let it really get into her. She knew changes could be positive or negative, and for her, she was ready to face everything for the child she was bearing. Her body changed drastically—her nose, hips, and almost everything about her change. Her sleeping schedule and even her sleeping positions are changing all throughout the pregnancy. When it comes to food, not a lot has changed; she still eats almost all the foods she used to eat but not those foods that might cause a negative impact on her baby. She was completely aware of the things that she had to avoid or her bad habits. However, for her, it's not enough to only stop it by herself; she also had to avoid people that might affect her pregnancy: People who talk bad about her, people who smoke, or basically people that could be the reason for her stress. Avoiding these people helped her handle her stress; her husband and cats became her stress relievers, and she handles things by doing physical activity every day. Most importantly, she only surrounds herself with the people she loves and trusts.

The chat went well for us and Grace, and we are beyond happy and excited for her delivery. She doesn’t care what the child would be. They will love and accept their child no matter what. Grace was such a nice person, worthy of being called a mother. A mother who knows that it was her and her husband’s choice to raise a child. And therefore they will raise and guide this child till they can.