#poplodge

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Bravery

Written by The Pink Fluo

Growing up, I have always struggled with expressing myself and how to be true to myself. I constantly question how worthless my life is. Ever since I could remember, I always felt different. I felt lost and tried to reach for help. However, nobody, not even my own family, understood or wanted to know how complicated the process that I was going through. Until one day, help came to me in the most unexpected moment. The tides turned because of a song that I listened to.

Music is beneficial to us. It helps decrease the negative emotions that we feel. From anxiety, depression to stress, music will always reveal the feelings that we keep hidden. At some point in our lives, music became our escape from the dark world. It helped us understand what we truly feel because the meaning of music reinforces our emotions. I appreciate the power of music through its lyrics. Its lyrics can affect someone's life, especially if they do not know how to put their feelings into words. As for me, the song that helped me get through my difficult times is Only the Brave by Louis Tomlinson. Whenever I feel lost and feel like a crumb individual, I will just play it repeatedly and get lost in its lyrics. Take the last few lines: "All the lonely shadow dances / From the cradle to the grave // It's a solo song / And it's only for the brave".  Louis managed to indirectly point out that there are things that are really out of our control in life, and for us to surpass those inevitable challenges, we need to face them with honesty and bravery.

Therefore, music is definitely a great help in healing. The words from the song reminded me to stand for myself, and as scary as it was, I stopped caring about others and started to value what I feel because I know that my feelings are valid. The lyric of the song is a masterpiece, and I consider it my comfort and my validation. Because of that song, I can now express myself and speak my mind more than I ever did before. Everyone experiences tough battles in life, and I hope that just like me, every brave individual in this cruel world can use music as a tool for surviving. 

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Big Little Woman 

Written by Willow

When I was younger, I thought dreams were bright, and joy was eternal. I used to work hard and play hard until the sun goes down with people whom I thought would never leave me. I grew up loving people I can never reach. I fell in love with women and men in books, movies, and beautiful music, and I thought, “Someday, I’ll find someone like that too.” With that stuck inside my head, I forced myself to look at people the same way I saw all of my fictional lovers. Then, I noticed something seemed wrong, as if I was desperately trying to fit a puzzle piece into a puzzle that was perfectly complete to begin with. It irked me that I could not figure out what I wanted because I still felt empty despite being a ‘complete puzzle’. What was missing? What was wrong with me? Am I not normal? Why can’t I fall in love?

Out of curiosity, I watched Little Women one day, and my heart started to falter. Jo March loved books and the visions they gave her. She loved her sisters and her childhood. She cared more about being loved than loving. Jo March was smart and independent. She was like me. She showed me everything about myself that I failed to see because I focused on the things that were not who I really am. For Jo and I, loneliness was not the lack of romance. Loneliness is the cold tones of an empty room haunted by the memory of the youth that used to be filled with bright smiles and laughter.

There is only one word to describe what the movie left me: epiphany. It changed my whole perspective on life, on love, and on myself. Women are capable of so much more than just being the love interest in someone else’s story. I am so grateful that now, we can finally be seen by the world. Little Women made me realize that growing up does not always have to be tragic. Sometimes, it also comes with maturity, acceptance, and self-love.

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The show that saves lives—on-screen and off-screen

Written by Migrating Bird

Grey’s Anatomy has been a household name in the American TV industry for more than a decade now. Surpassing ER, which lasted for 15 seasons, the series has been recognized as the longest-running medical drama on American television in 2019 and continues to be, having just been renewed for an 18th season this coming September. You might be wondering how a show whose cast members—who, mind you, are doctors—die at a faster rate than the patients manages to capture the interest of the audience, but that’s exactly it. Grey’s Anatomy, in all its complications, dark humor (courtesy of the Twisted Sisters, Meredith and Cristina), drama, and tear-jerking moments, is like “coming up for fresh air”, as Derek puts it.

The path may have been rocky—with rumors surrounding behind-the-scenes stories and haughty cast members—but there are various reasons as to how and why the show managed to stay afloat all these years, despite the rise of new and promising television series. The first reason may be its star-studded ensemble, with several talented actors, such as Ellen Pompeo, Sandra Oh, Chandra Wilson, James Pickens, Jr., Sara Ramirez, and Debbie Allen, gracing the episodes. I mean, who would not love to see blood on these famed individuals, right? Kidding—I am mostly here for the sarcastic one-liners and soul-stirring proclamations of love. And the medicine, of course.

Another reason that made the show well-received is because it is a platform, a powerful one at that. In its fair share of more than 300 episodes, it has already managed to successfully tackle various controversial issues, such as abortion, domestic abuse, sex reassignment, and sexual violence, among many others. Alongside this, we also learn about and witness unique medical cases in several episodes that people in real life would not deem possible. As such, those who have actual experiences with those medical cases feel comforted by the thought of being seen.

Of course, as the show’s leading characters, Grey, with the addition of her extended family and friends, also provide us with a view of their own complicated lives. And most of the time, their lives are sprinkled down with problems, which they then try their best to rectify or solve. Along the way, we find ourselves rooting for our favorite characters, as we find ourselves relating to their situations even if not directly. For one, a part of my all-time favorite of Grey’s voiceovers is what keeps me moving because she taught me that anything is better than nothing at all.

“We've all heard the proverbs, heard the philosophers, heard our grandparents warning us about wasted time; heard the damn poets urging us to seize the day. Still, sometimes we have to see for ourselves. We have to make our own mistakes. We have to learn our own lessons. We have to sweep today's possibility under tomorrow's rug until we can't anymore. Until we finally understand for ourselves what Benjamin Franklin meant. That knowing is better than wondering. That waking is better than sleeping. And that even the biggest failure, even the worst most intractable mistake, beats the hell out of not trying.” — Meredith Grey, Grey’s Anatomy (Season 1, Episode 6) 

It may be true that for Grey’s Anatomy, the carousel never stops turning, and truthfully speaking, thank God for that. This series has already made its own cozy space in my heart, and I am not sure if I have already prepared myself to empty that space soon. So until the show ends, expect me to be doing nothing but binge-watching it in my free time. You know what? I am going to do just that right now.

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OH MY! MAMMA MIA!

Written by Chantria

During these seasons of vulnerability, everybody has their extravagance. A considerable lot of us have excessively much spare energy on all fours about the continuous lockdown and quarantine because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Regardless of whether it be plunging into a heap of lousy nourishment, surfing the internet, or binge-watching a series or K-drama, we, as a whole, have our particular manners of solace. Personally, I am grateful to movies. Of all my number one movies of each sort, when I'm asked what my #1 film is, I do not have the foggiest idea what to specify because, for me, they are every one of a masterpiece. In any case, one film I am almost certain is my solace film is "Mamma Mia! 2: Here We Go Again", the spin-off of the 2008 exemplary film "Mamma Mia!" As I grew up hearing exemplary melodies from the 1970s Swedish pop band, ABBA, when the works of art are on the playlist, I know that "Mamma Mia! 2" is the ideal solace film I need.

Mamma Mia! 2 switches to and fro significant periods of Donna's life. We see Donna as a youthful grown-up venturing to the far corners of the world and meeting Sophie's three fathers while finding and trimming her own character. I got comprehension of Donna's relationship with her mother and why she wound up moving to the wonderful Skopelos, Greece. In the present, Sophie and Sky are expecting a child while working through a significant distance relationship and repairing the lodging in honor of Donna.

The film is melodic, bright, and excessively theatrical, and it wrenches my heart out in the last minutes. In addition, the sheer idealism of sinking my eyes into the fantastic white Greek isles and shimmering blue sea is enough to send me into a delighted dream. The film continued onward, and I wound up getting a charge out of it in a manner I had not appreciated anything before then, at that point. I was overpowered by happiness, a delight that I realized I was unable to completely identify. "Mamma Mia" is my go-to, feel-good sing-along. I watch it when I feel pitiful or I am feeling the ache of craving for something new. The sensation of a moving sovereign and nothing can get you down if you dance it out, regardless of whether it is dancing solo in my room. Requiring a moment to move to the tunes will help me have an improved outlook in every circumstance. The missed association romantic tale of Donna and Sam taught me that you can be infatuated, get your heart broken, and life continues to move in anyways. Meanwhile,  Donna and the Dynamos showed the iconic outfits from the 1970s with frilly, amazing pearls, and in the 2000s, each of the three ladies gladly shook those Spandex suits. It showed me that you ought to consistently wear your insane outfits with satisfaction. Hence, you should wear clothes that make you feel like yourself. I sure will,  and I will gladly look back in time and see my travel pictures, and I will remember how it was to be in my twenties, wearing a dazzling orange romper and sitting on a seashore.

As I watched the film, it struck me that we cannot foresee who the individuals in our day-to-day existence will be. It may be outsiders that you have met and would not know until out of nowhere, they are individuals you need in your bunch. Then, at that point, they are individuals who know your life better than you do, offer the best guidance, and will not flee from a test. It taught me that there is no one ideal time for affection, you can be a glad solitary individual and never know when your kindred wolf will show up. From Donna's excursion through single parenthood, Sophie and Sky's choice to put off getting hitched to venture to the far corners of the world together to Sophie's unsure father, "Mamma Mia" trained me to follow the call to travel and not stress over cultural assumptions.

The arrival of the spinoff feels similar to the furthest limit of a section of my life. Watching the main film "Mamma Mia!" was the launch of a sluggish, once in a while painful cycle, a period that is currently behind me. By continually adding layers to this story to cause it to feel further, it removes the free liveliness of the first story. Musicals have a timeframe of realistic usability, and I think “Mamma Mia!” has effectively hit theirs. While I adored the expansion of Cher, I do comprehend why some individuals did not feel the same way about the continuation as they did in the principal film. It was a happy time and allowed us to pause for a moment and appreciate it, but did we ask for it? What's more, presently, there is a third film in progress. It is coming to me now as a standard to think back and perceive how my life has advanced and how much I have changed. One thing I know for sure is I will not get drained watching this film. It will wheeze when I feel like it, and I will chime into the melodies I have always remembered. I will tap my feet and let the delight overpower me since I am allowed to do as such.

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Could it be any better?

Written by Nabi

One of the all-time classic TV shows up to date, Friends—I can rewatch it numerous times without getting sick of it. It is one of my favorite sitcoms and also the closest to my heart. From collecting Friends-related merchandise to visiting a Real-Life Central Perk coffee shop overseas, the sitcom has given me plenty of experiences to remember. It is the show that keeps me company when I am bored, happy, and even down. When asked by people, "What show should I watch?", my go-to answer would be Friends. Here’s why you should watch the series:

Welcome to the Family

“I’ll be there for you like I've been there before”, is my favorite line on the official soundtrack of the show. While watching, I felt that the cast are my friends, as I was able to grow up with them while watching the whole series. I felt their company, especially when I am going through something. The show makes me laugh and comforts me at the same time. It is not just entertaining. I felt that I belong with the group, that we can go through anything together. 

 I can relate!

Throughout the seasons, the cast experienced life problems that I can also relate to. Seeing them navigate their way out of their problems inspired me to go through with life and face my struggles. The simple storyline also made it fun and comforting to watch. The variation of the characters’ personalities is also relatable, as I realized that I know people who resemble some of the characters. 

Friends on Repeat = Healthy Mind

A study was conducted in London and discovered that the show is good for your mental health. The show is relatable, and watching it on repeat can destress the viewers. Also, being a sitcom that shows real issues makes it easier for people to solve their problems in a better way.

A New Set of Friends

Who says the cast will be the only friends you can get along with? There is a huge fan base of the show. You will surely meet several strangers who are also fans of the show, whether on different social media platforms or even in real life—just like how I got closer with my seatmate in class, as we discovered that we both love Friends. Seeing people who wear Friends-related shirts makes my heart skip a beat and makes me want to be friends with them.

I can still catch myself stalking the cast until now, being excited to see their interactions on social media or in real life. I was also so happy when the cast had a reunion last May for the late celebration of the 25th anniversary of the show. Friends may be an ordinary show for others, but for us, it is a safe place. A show that had a significant impact on my life, a show I will never forget—I will never get tired of watching it again and again.

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Don’t survive, live.

Written by Vesta

Turning 20 is a transition in my life that I had never imagined being this challenging. From the physical, emotional to the financial state, life gets more fast-paced as technology makes almost everything instant. There are days when I feel the most vulnerable and unsuccessful because I keep comparing myself to others at my age. It was one of the darkest days I have ever had, but thankfully, a book called Convenience Store Woman transformed my perspective in life. It opened my mind to how being stagnant is normal and acceptable.

Primarily, the book encapsulates the story of a mid-30s store worker, Keiko, who is discriminated against by society due to being weird and different. She is an unmarried woman who dedicated half of her life to a convenience store. A quote in the book that stirred my soul was, “Deep down, I wanted some kind of change. Any change, whether good or bad, would be better than the state of impasse I was in now.” While I was reading this scene, I realized that I am not alone, and getting lost in my 20s is fine. I came to yearn for a change, as I realized that even a small change, good or bad, can result in something. I recognized how significant mistakes are in the process of shaping myself into the best form that I aim to be. I also came to accept and appreciate myself because I learned that following what is popular, what society tells me, or imitating how the ‘normal’ people do will never provide the success that I seek.

After all, cliche this may sound, life is not a race nor a competition, but rather, a journey. Everyone fights their own battles and has different paths in life. Just like Keiko, some people might be weird or different from others, but they are people who have yet to be respected. As such, I am glad that at least once in this lifetime, I have come to encounter this book that has completely transformed my life. Without a doubt, it is one of my most recommended reads of all time—a timeless tale, especially for the women who struggle to conquer life.

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Tahan Na

Written by Quinn

Tahanan is such a beautiful word in itself, and the wordplay Munimuni applied made it more calming—tahan na. This song was released three years ago, back when I was in senior high school. Well, in that year, I expected my 18th birthday to be at least exciting—not grand but at least fun, right? However, I guess the universe thought otherwise, and as much as I would like to share the story in detail, I cannot bring myself to do it still. I do not want to start crying while writing this so let's just say that 2018 was a painful period for me, and this song embraced and helped me get back up again. A huge thanks to my best friend for introducing the amazing band to me. 

Tahanan by Munimuni. The moment I heard this song, it immediately got my attention. I fell in love with the serene tune and its heartwarming lyrics. I find myself getting emotional while listening to it, especially whenever I feel exhausted and lost. I am not kidding when I say that it is like someone is embracing all of me every time I listen to it. It gives me warmth, hope, and peace. I love the lyrics of this song but the part that says, "Tama na, Tahan na" and "Pighati'y wakas na", makes me feel validated and secured. The song comforts the person listening to it. It is like a friend telling you that, “Hey, you’re going to be okay, and I’m with you all the way”, while engulfing you into a tight, warm hug until you are done liberating all the cargo you have been trying to bottle up. I know it really sounds cliché right now as I write it, but I am stating facts here. You’ll know what I mean once you listen to it.

To you who is tired, lost, and hurting; to you who feels like everything happening in your life is against everything you are yearning for; and to you who simply wants to breathe and take it slow, I want to be there for you. I want to be the person I needed back then. I want to comfort you and be your friend through this music. I want to let you know that from here, it gets really hard, but worry not because as the song says, “Bagong araw ay paparating. Hintayin ang pagkakataon”, and you can always try again.

To you who is reading this, I hope you get to come home to the place where you can tahan na.

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IT ALL STARTED WITH A BIG BANG!

Written by Bazinga

Portraying comedy whilst incorporating Science, as contradicting as it may sound, enabled the show to get into the heart of the viewers and become a long-running comedy series for 12 good seasons. The Big Bang Theory is an American series that revolves around the lives of two brilliant physicists, Sheldon Cooper and Leonard Hofstadter, with their friends and Cal Tech colleagues, mechanical engineer Howard Wolowitz and astrophysicist Rajesh Koothrappali. Adding up to the brilliant squad: Penny, the aspiring but unsuccessful actress who moved in next door, Bernadette Rostenkowski, a former waitress in the Cheesecake Factory later earning her Ph.D. in Microbiology, and Amy Farrah Fowler, who has a doctorate in neurobiology. 

A show for the geeky and the witty

As mentioned earlier, the series is not something that would immediately catch many people’s attention. It may come off as something intimidating and too much to take in for someone who has intentionally opened the television for the purpose to just relax and be entertained. Yet, if you would take time to give the show a chance, you would see that it is possible for you to watch a show that is for the geek, as it has its fair share of delivering something witty and enjoyable. 

A show that proves diversity can have unity

What can be appreciated in the show is how they genuinely took the time and liberty to represent different kinds of people, personalities, cultures, and the like to prove that no matter how different people are, they could still be the same; they could be unique altogether. The characters may be complete opposites, but they managed to complement one another.  

The portrayal of wholesome character development

Each life story ties up and makes up the whole group. What is good about it is that as viewers continue to indulge in the show, they would also get the chance to witness the characters evolve into becoming reasonable yet more free-living individuals. The audience gets to see one character turn from a disaster into becoming their fine and successful self; one becomes more accepting of other people and changes; the other struggling from childhood trauma and parental issues turn to establish a life that is personally significant and gratifying; and many more.