Nycel Jane Dela

Today, I peeled my own orange. At first glance, it might seem like an unremarkable act.But as I sat there, slowly peeling away the rind, I realized how symbolic it was. In a world whereeverything is fast, convenient, and often done for us, something as simple as peeling an orangefelt revolutionary.              I usually buy pre-cut fruit […]

There’s something about a cold cup of coffee that always hits me differently. I don’t mean thekind you intentionally put on ice. I’m talking about the cup that was once hot, steaming with promise,but slowly cooled down as time slipped by. I’ve always told myself that the only time I’d be disappointedin myself is when […]

To be honest, hearing criticism isn’t always easy. There’s a natural sting when someone points outsomething we didn’t do perfectly. But over time, I’ve learned that constructive criticism isn’t meant totear us down, rather it’s there to help us grow.I remember when I first started writing seriously. A mentor of mine reviewed one of my […]

Every 40 seconds, someone dies by suicide. That’s a heartbreaking reality, but it’s one we can change. If someone I know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it feels overwhelming to think about how I could help them step back from that dangerous edge. But there are ways we can support those in need, even if […]

They say to feel and to hurt is to be human, but sometimes it’s tough to deal with that pain. Heylove, that’s perfectly fine!!When we face these tough emotions, like sadness, anger, or stress, our minds step in with whatpsychologists call “defense mechanisms”—little tricks our brains use to protect us.Most of the time, we don’t […]

I’ve made it a habit to shrink myself to accommodate others, and I’ve paid the price for it. It’s not just about saying “yes” to everything; it’s about the deep-seated fear of disappointingsomeone, even at my own expense. I end up carrying their load, but I also carry the heavy burdenof my own resentment.This pattern runs […]

Lately, I’ve been wondering: Is what I feel love, or am I just infatuated?At my age, puppy love is long gone, but knowing the difference between love and infatuation is still important.Infatuation is a temporary desire driven by physical attraction and often accompanied by insecurity,resulting in excitement but not true happiness. There are doubts and […]

These are words we often throw around when we’re trying to assert ourselves, to sound like we’reright, and to convince others to see things our way.I’ve seen people manipulate others to get what they want, protect their egos, and avoid takingresponsibility for the consequences of their actions. It’s a behavior that sneaks into many aspects […]

Do you find it fascinating to explore how the mind works, and why people act, think, andfeel the way they do? I certainly do. Since childhood, I’ve been captivated by the mysteries ofhuman behavior and mental processes.Sometimes, understanding people seems incredibly challenging, like trying to solve apuzzle with missing pieces.Studying psychology offers a way to […]

For 33 years, my parents have been married, sharing the highs and lows of life together. I’veknown couples who’ve celebrated 50 years of marriage or more, proving that even when life isn’tperfect, a commitment to love can endure. They’ve honored their vows, sticking together through thickand thin.However, the reality is that not all marriages withstand […]

The eyes darken. Breaking away from reality. Behind the forced laughs is the constantthought of whether something was missing. It was done, but why can’t it really be?Feeling overwhelmed by academic pressure, I’m constantly haunted by the fear of failure. Itie my self-worth to my academic achievements, fearing disappointment from those around me ifI don’t […]

There are moments when I feel utterly unproductive, drained, and exhausted. During thesetimes, one thought constantly pops into my head: coffee. Yes, that magical brew filled withcaffeine. But is it bad for my health? I wonder, as I rely on it so much during my tiring days.Whenever I need a break, I reach out to […]

Whenever I walk through the door, tired and worn out from school, the first thing Ialways ask is “Diin si mama?” meaning “Where’s mom?” It remains a practice that neverchanges no matter how old I become. My mama’s presence is what I seek the moment I step intoour home. Her smile, her voice, and even […]

        A truly remarkable, combining history, mathematics, and, science in a breathtaking moment—The Solar Eclipse. The Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow over a part of our planet and blocking out the Sun’s bright face, creating an awe-inspiring sight for those who are providential enough to witness it. This celestial event […]

It’s that time of the year again—April Fools’ Day.The day when pranksters come out to play, and harmless jokes and hoaxes are everywhere.But hey, let’s talk about something important here.Have you ever been on the receiving end of a prank that went too far? It’s not fun,right? Whether it’s being fooled, pranked, or cheated on, […]

As we celebrate Women’s Month, I can’t help but feel inspired by the progress we’ve made and the obstacles we’ve overcome. From the times when women were restricted to limited roles within the home, to the present day, where we see women taking charge in politics, business, and every other aspect of life, the change […]

As we journey through our teenage years, it’s incredible how swiftly we transform from children into young adults. This transition seems fascinating, but it is accompanied by unique challenges and choices. Some of us manage to maintain strong connections with our families, cherishing their guidance and obeying their wisdom. But for others, the allure of […]

As I look back on my time as a senior high school student, I can’t help but ponderthe impact of the K-12 education system in the Philippines. While it promised to provide us with a path toward a brighter future, it seems like wehave taken a detour back to the traditional college route.During those extra two […]