Kassandra Lianna

            In today's society, our so-called "resilience" has been tested countless times—from the Corona virus pandemic—to the destructive Super-Typhoon "Carina." There is no doubt that Filipino resilience became a fool in these times of crisis. The definition of resilience is the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties. Sure—this may be right—but here's another perspective that seems like a pill that is hard to swallow for some people; resilience is not an excuse to keep fighting even if everything is overwhelming. Being resilient and refusing to take a break at the same time is hypocritical—it's turning a blind eye on the reality of this game called life. We must not use resilience to romanticize the superiority of courage and strength. It all doesn't end there. It's not that we Filipinos are just tough and chivalrous, but Filipino resilience does not turn a blind eye and remain silent about the real issues.           Fi

  Kassandra Lianna A. Quelnan Brgy. IV, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur August 22, 2024 President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. Malacañang Palace J.P. Laurel St., San Miguel Manila, Philippines Dear President Marcos,      I'm writing this letter to you with utmost courage and concern for our country and countrymen. As a citizen, I wanted to reach out and share some thoughts on issues that are important to many of us, including the future holders of our homeland, the youth.      First, I want to commend your subtle efforts in acknowledging the challenges posed by some particular issues and working toward recovery. It is just right for you to create programs for our agriculture production. You lauded as you took your vow in the continuous elevation of the condition of farmers through mechanization and modernization towards food sufficiency during your second State of Nation Address on July 24, 2023, which was way back last year. However, I haven't seen much of your receipts on

       There's one rhetorical question that lingers in my head all the time, alongside the many overwhelming thoughts that have taken up every portion of my brain. "How can something so messy, be so good" An unending, repetitive cycle of countless stories — stories that both wreck and build a sweet girl. That sweet girl isn't exactly the stereotypical "perfect, kind, straight A, innocent, pure, every good thing" type of teenage girl. Sometimes, she can be a monster, a horrible killer. And no, not the one who owns a collection of axes and whatnot. Wanna know what's worse than that kind of killer? A kind that kills oneself — killing oneself's soul to the point that emotions are no longer felt. Those kind of killers are complicated, but they can be kind, caring, pained empaths. Just like a pomegranate. In every bite, you let the juice stain your fingertips. Every pop of that juice-filled fruit presents every emotion a sweet girl exists with. It's ei