Since the start of the pandemic, lockdown had us feel like Rapunzel at the start of Tangled: stuck in the same place we’ve always been and wondering when our life will begin again. It’s been almost a year since quarantine first started and the fourteenth of February is right around the corner—love surely is in the air, but so is COVID.

“Do not bullsh*t with me but do your duty, I will die for you. Do your duty and if in the process you kill 1,000 persons because you were doing your duty, I will protect you.” – President Rodrigo Duterte, vowing to protect the policemen.

“Traffic na naman sa EDSA,” my mom complained. She relaxed her back on the driver’s seat and let out a sigh of defeat. She peeked me through the rearview mirror and apologetically smiled. I have my History finals tomorrow and instead of studying, I’m stuck in this rowdy road swarmed with vehicles.

A Utopian society, wherein no one is no longer discriminated, is what almost everyone has been longing for. However, the same old story of abuse, harrasment, and discrimination happens again and again, only with different characters and setting for each. True enough, gender equality has come a long way in today’s day and age. However, the gender inclusive society that we know today is nowhere near what our ancestors used to live in.

Late night chats. Unexpected calls. Lively conversations. Darling, you know these things all too well. You look at these seemingly little nothings through rose-colored glasses. The slightest bit of interaction from one person is enough to bring out your smile. All it takes is a simple text or notification to make your day. Now, don’t get me wrong, these are great and all but do be careful… At this day and age, many people just crave any remote sense of affection or intimacy, no matter how fleeting these things may be.

By Sophia Orlanes and Jermaine Ocampo No matter how many years pass by, photos remain timeless, as well as the exact moment that it has captured. In fact, some photos leave a great impact on our emotions as much as how a shot from Cupid’s arrow can turn you head over heels for someone special….

Delete, delete, delete! It’s the nth time you’ve tried constructing a reply to the person you’re texting and you just can’t think of the proper response. The first one seemed a little too giddy, the second too unenthusiastic. Maybe try adding an emoji? Nah, it just doesn’t match the energy. Ugh, why is it so difficult to reply?!

by Danielle Roberto Just because there is a lockdown doesn’t mean you can already barricade your heart and stop it from feeling the warmth of love. Even with Miss Rona halting the everyday hustle and bustle, you can’t really silence the clamor echoing in your chest. It may be hard to find ways to let…

by Danielle Liwanag The boy watches his footsteps as he takes on his first day of school. He walks forward – into his classroom where he listens to his teacher and stares into her hopeful eyes as she tells them that they are the future of the country, that they should use their education to…