Nycel Jane Dela

“After graduate, ano plano mo?” “Diin ka ma-ubra?” Kalabanan nga sabat sang mga kabataan subong pareho lang gid: “Sa Manila.” “Sa abroad.” Daw nami pamatian, pero kon hunahunaon mo gid, masakit. Kay sa likod sina nga mga sabat, may isa ka pamangkot: may lugar pa bala kami diri sa Capiz? Capiz is our home. Diri […]

The internet loves speed. It reacts before it reflects, comments before it understands. When Rabiya Mateo, a Miss Universe Philippines 2020, that once represented Iloilo, spoke honestly about her mental health, the nation had a chance to slow down and listen. Instead, many chose to scroll, scoff, and strike. Her revelation that she has been […]

Lately, many Capizeños have been talking about the proposal to rename Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital. Some say changing the name is a way to honor history. Others say it is unnecessary and even distracting. The debate has filled social media, group chats, and coffee shop conversations. For some, the name of the hospital carries meaning. […]

There are moments when numbers stop being statistics and start feeling personal. When figures are flashed on a screen or read aloud in a briefing, until you realize those numbers represent real people, real families, and real futures at risk. That was exactly how I felt after seeing the latest data on HIV cases in […]

There are headlines we read and quickly scroll past, but the news of the Philippine peso sinking to a record ₱59.22 per US dollar hits differently. It is now a snapshot of our daily lives quietly getting heavier. Every centavo that drops feels like another layer of burden placed on ordinary Filipinos, especially those already […]

I woke up at around 7:30 a.m. on November 25 and did what many of us reflexively do—scroll through Facebook before even leaving bed. I was not prepared for what I saw. A man was on a casual Facebook Live, sitting in front of his home, when a gunshot suddenly cracked through the screen. In […]

“Puro quarry na ang negosyo, pumuluyo ang ga sakripisyo.” is a short but piercing comment from Facebook that perfectly captures the irony of our times. We exploit the land, and when disaster comes, it’s the common people who pay the price. “Tapos mahatag sila relief goods sa mga ginabahaan. HAHAHA funny.”  Ah yes, the modern […]

The recent Bagyong Tino showed us that Capiz is on the right track when it comes to disaster preparedness. Though the typhoon didn’t directly hit our province, the sense of alertness and organization we showed speaks volumes about how much we’ve learned since Bagyong Ramil. Those haunting days of flooded streets and stranded families have […]

Capiz recently experienced massive flooding in most areas. And as someone who grew up in Maayon, I’ve seen with my own eyes how vulnerable we are when disasters like this happen. Maayon is a farming town. Most families here depend on panguma as their main source of income. My papa is a rice farmer. He’s the only […]

I recently saw a reel shared on Facebook and Instagram showing old Roxas City. The century-old Capiz Bridge looming over the Panay River, the faded facade of the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral, the classical bandstand by the plaza, the fountain at kilometer zero, and, further down the riverbank, colonial-style homes with wooden gates, overgrown vines, […]

The Philippines once again finds itself in a period of mourning and worry. After Bagyong “Opong” battered parts of the Visayas, bringing heavy rains and floods, another tragedy struck—a magnitude 6.9 earthquake centered in Cebu. In the middle of recovery from the storm, the ground shook violently, collapsing homes, toppling structures, and claiming lives. Reports […]

By Nycel Jane Dela              Permi ko nabatian ang mga ka-lolahan, ang akon mga ginikanan, kag pila sa mga katigulangan, nga nagasiling, “La-in na gid ang henerasyon subong.” Indeed, times have changed, and so have we. Gen Z’s or sometimes called the Zoomers grew up in a digital world, where ideas spread in seconds and opinions […]

By Nycel Jane Dela  Quarry operations in the Municipality of Sapian sparked heated discussions after blasting activities in Barangay Poblacion went viral on social media and raised fears of damaging the environment and community.  “There is something wrong with this project,” said Mayor Joe Villanueva, who issued an executive order that created a team to […]

Daniel Quizon, the country’s youngest chess grandmaster (GM), emerged as champion of the 4th Eduardo Basilonia Touchmove: Invitational Open Rapid Chess Tournament in Roxas City, Capiz. Scoring a total of 6.5 points, the 20-year-old Quizon defeated veteran GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. in the final round.  The August 24, 2025 tournament at SM City Roxas […]

By Nycel Jane Dela Another rainy season, another round of floods. And yet, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported that 9,856 flood control projects have already been completed under the Marcos administration. Completed? Really? Because some areas are still drowning every time the skies open. Let’s talk numbers. A jaw-dropping ₱545.64 billion […]

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 […]