Life has a way of making us see things in a new light. Just like how little Renzo seeks rainbows when the skies are bare, I hope that everyone is reminded that rainbows can also be found in little things— in relationships and shared experiences with people we meet. To be not okay is okay, and in its essence, that makes us human; to hope, to search, and to discover the things that we are looking for in the most unexpected places.
Often, we face societal expectations and constraints that limit our ability to do something. A step outside the lines drawn by cultural expectations, family, and even gender roles is often met by criticism, doubt, and pressure to conform. Most of the time, our choices are questioned, and our worth is constantly evaluated through this outdated lens. Hence, amid adversity, our character reveals that perseverance isn’t just about endurance, but also about affirming our identity in the world. Being yourself is not a defiance or a rebellion; it is about freedom—freedom to live honestly, to live passionately, and to grow beyond limits. One life lesson I learned during these challenging times is that you can’t truly be happy by living someone else’s idea of life and aspirations.
Allyship extends beyond waving a rainbow flag every Pride Month. It is about standing in solidarity every day, in both loud and quiet ways. During this Pride Month, I hope we can speak up and support our allies in the queer community as they navigate their journey with the freedom to live authentically and love who they truly are, just as we continue on our paths. Being an ally is not a title—it’s a practice. It's about the constant effort of learning and unlearning, and standing alongside the queer community every single day, not just when it’s convenient. As we always say, you don’t have to be perfect—you just have to be willing.
When life gets tough, we often get caught up in the problems of young adulthood. A young adult approaching their mid-twenties in a few years— we care more about how we are going to survive in the world, being the breadwinner of the household, saving, and securing funds and education, that sometimes we tend to overlook the subtle happiness hidden in our daily lives. A hug from a dog, a smile from your mentor, a quiet conversation with a friend, or even the comforting silence that you need while walking home along the silent streets. These small things are often overlooked because we tend to look for bigger and grander moments in our pursuit of romanticizing life. Hence, we didn’t know that it can be as vibrant as any rainbow in the sky. And it is in these small moments that we often rediscover hope and sometimes life itself.
In our vulnerability lies our humanity. It's okay not to be OK, and there's a certain beauty in acknowledging that we are imperfect individuals. We have flaws, we struggle, we feel lost, and we get overwhelmed in this humongous world. It is in this essence that makes us human and feel humane. These moments of uncertainty, when we forge bonds and lean on one another, are rooted in genuine empathy and understanding. If I'm really honest, sometimes when I think that we are just a speck of dust in this vast universe, I get scared and overwhelmed. It makes you feel anxious about what's about to come.
Hope isn’t always about getting through the storm, but also about recognizing that even amid the storm, there is beauty to be found. It’s about trusting that every moment, no matter how difficult, carries with it the seed of perseverance. In embracing our imperfections, cherishing the small moments, and allowing ourselves to feel deeply, we celebrate what it means to be truly human. So, take a moment today to pause, look around, and appreciate the little bursts of color in your life.
Whatever path we take, life is hard anyway. Be that someone who would smile at a stranger. Oftentimes, it could make their day a little better. Be that person someone would feel safe walking with, happy to see in the morning, or share a comforting silence. So that when life gives you a lemon, you wouldn’t be afraid to enjoy the sweet and sour mix life has to offer. May you always find beauty in the little things and remember that in every moment of vulnerability lies the strength to discover new hues in life.
By Loela Joy G. Cabilao