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Dear Diary,

Today was one of those days where I felt stuck in comparison mode. I was scrolling through TikTok and saw this girl who looked like she had it all together with her skin glowing, hair perfectly styled, and even her “ just chilling at home” vibe looked straight out of Pinterest. Meanwhile, I was there laying down on my bed with my worn-out shirt, hair falling out, and skin breaking out from stress. For a second, I honestly felt like I wasn’t enough.

But then I saw another video where someone turned a filter on and off, and the difference shocked me. With the filter, they looked flawless, like a model. Without it, they had pimples, uneven skin, and the same tired eyes I see in my own mirror. And you know what? They still looked like a real person. It made me realize that not everything I see on social media is real.

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That moment really stuck with me. I thought about how many times I’ve judged myself against something that isn’t even real. Realizing how many times I've caught myself overthinking my face every time I take a selfie. Scrolling through the photos, zooming in, and picking apart every little detail .It made me wonder how much time I’ve wasted wishing I looked like someone else, instead of noticing the little things that actually make me, me.

Later, I caught my reflection in the mirror. My skin was still breaking out, my hair still messy, but I also noticed how my eyes light up when I smile, and how there’s a softness in my face that no filter can fake. It wasn’t “perfect,” but it was mine. And for the first time in a while, that felt like enough.

I know I’ll still have days when comparison gets the best of me, but today reminded me that reality doesn’t need a filter to be beautiful. Maybe the real challenge isn’t trying to look flawless, but it’s learning to love myself exactly as I am, even when the camera isn’t kind. And maybe I’ll still take selfies, maybe even post some without overthinking. Not to prove anything, but to celebrate myself. To remind me that my worth isn’t measured in likes or angles, but in how much love I give myself.

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09/7/2025

Dear Diary,

We live in a world where connection feels instant—until suddenly, it’s not. This past week, I’ve been without any chat apps. No Messenger, no WhatsApp, no DMs. The only thing my friend and I could rely on were old-school SMS messages that need mobile load. It worked—until it didn’t. She ran out of load, and now I have to wait a few more days just to talk to her again. This is what that silence feels like.

Day 4

It’s been four days without chat apps, and honestly, it’s starting to get to me.

We were still messaging at first—just regular SMS, since that doesn’t need Wi-Fi or data—but now even that’s gone quiet. She ran out of load. Just like that, the only thread keeping us connected snapped.

Now, I have to wait. She said it might be three days before she can load again. I know it’s not her fault, but it still stings.

I miss her messages. Even the short ones. The “hey,” the “what are you doing,” the random thoughts she’d send at night. Everything feels heavier when I can’t talk to her. I didn’t think it would affect me this much, but it does.

I keep thinking how much easier things would be if there were a way to send messages that didn’t need load or data. Something offline. Something... heart-to-heart, mind-to-mind. But I guess that only exists in dreams.

So, I’m counting the days.

Three more to go.

Until then, it’s just me and this silence.

This week reminded me how much I rely on small conversations to feel okay. Connecting with the people who matter is more important than being addicted to a device. It is more difficult than I anticipated to lose that connection, even for a few days. Perhaps that is the goal, though, since it demonstrates how genuine that connection is.

When I finally hear from her again, I know it’ll feel like something big—even if the first message is something simple like “Hey.” And maybe that’s all I really need.

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Dear Diary,

We were on a family vacation in our province. We went to the beach today. The waves were inviting, the weather was nice, and everyone was enjoying. I actually felt good in my swimsuit. I looked in the mirror and thought I looked nice. But when I saw the photos later, all that confidence slipped away. Suddenly, I only noticed my flaws. My stomach, my arms, my skin, and the parts of me I wished I could hide. It’s like the pictures showed a harsher version of me that I didn’t see in real life.

I kept comparing myself to the people on social media whose bodies look “perfect,” smooth and sculpted with filters. It’s hard not to feel insecure when social media sets such impossible standards. I know deep down that most of those images are edited, but a part of me still wishes I looked like them in real life. It’s frustrating how much power those types of images have over me. Reality feels so different from what the internet shows.

Still, there were times today that no camera captured: the sound of the waves crashing, the laughter of my family, the salty air on my face, the wholesome moments we all shared. My body, imperfect as it is, carried me through those memories. And finally, I think that’s what I should hold on to instead, not how I looked in all those pictures.

Above this text, you can see one of the pictures I took that day. Uploading this picture not only serves as a memory, but it's also a representation of how far I've gotten. How I've improved my self-esteem and my body dysmorphia. Future Umbriel, if you're reading this, always remember that not everybody is perfect and that's perfectly fine. :)

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Have you ever had a moment with your friends where no words were spoken, yet you understood each other perfectly?

In our daily lives, we often believe that words are the most powerful way to communicate. But as I grow and spend more time with my friends, I realize that actions, gestures, and body language often speak louder than anything we can say. Friendship is not always built on long conversations. Sometimes, it is built on the unspoken—on smiles, laughter, a pat on the back, or even silence shared in comfort.

When I am with my friends, I notice how often we rely on gestures instead of words. A simple look can make us burst into laughter. A small nudge can say, “I’m here.” Even walking together without talking feels like a form of communication. These quiet yet meaningful moments remind me that true connections don’t always need explanations. They are felt through presence, not just spoken through conversations.

This blog is about those little moments I’ve experienced with my friends, where we didn’t have to say much but still understood each other perfectly. From hangouts at the mall to chaotic jeepney rides, from coffee shop laughter to arcade competitions, each memory proves the meaning of “Talk Less, Say More.” In friendship, silence can be full of meaning, and gestures can carry more weight than words.

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February 19, 2025 “No words needed, just steps in sync.”

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After a long day at school, my friends and I usually walk home together. Sometimes we’re too exhausted to talk, but the silence doesn’t feel heavy or awkward. Instead, the rhythm of our footsteps, the quiet breeze, and the occasional laughter create a calm atmosphere that feels comforting.

Along the way, we share small gestures that mean more than full conversations, like a shoulder bump, a shared snack, or even just waiting for one another at the crossing. These little actions silently say, “We’re in this together.” Walking home with them isn’t just about reaching a destination; it’s about sharing a journey, no matter how ordinary.

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April 15, 2025 “Laughter louder than words.”

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When we hang out in the arcade, it’s always filled with noise, the loud music, the beeping of machines, and the sound of coins dropping. Talking clearly is almost impossible, but that’s never a problem. Instead, our gestures, laughter, and playful actions become our language. We point at games excitedly, clap for each other, and tease one another when someone loses.

There’s something pure about this kind of fun. Even without words, our joy is written all over our faces. The way we jump after a win or laugh until our stomachs hurt is proof that friendship doesn’t need explanations. The arcade may be noisy, but in those moments, it’s our laughter that fills the room the loudest.

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Dear Journal,

As a teenager, I've always dreamed of sitting beside grown-ups like my parents or older relatives at the dining table or just anywhere with them. It's because I feel safe around them. And I thought in my age, I'm already a mature person!

However, I feel like I don't really belong there... My parents talk about finances, my uncles and aunties talk about their children's achievements, and my siblings talk about their work. Bruh, I'm not listening to those topics :'). And I find their humor is too deep and sometimes disgusting. Those topics are for the authentically grown-up people, I guess.

Or maybe I'm just build different XD.

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Have you ever felt your heart race the moment you had to speak in front of a crowd?

Public speaking is often cited as one of the most common fears people face. For many, the thought of standing in front of an audience can trigger feelings of anxiety and dread. I know this all too well, as I have battled with public speaking anxiety for years. In this post, I want to share my personal journey of overcoming this fear, the strategies that helped me, and how you can apply them to your own life.

Before I could tackle my anxiety, I needed to understand it. Public speaking anxiety often stems from a fear of judgment. The idea of being evaluated by others can be overwhelming. I remember my first experience with public speaking. I was in high school, standing in front of my classmates, and my heart raced. My palms were sweaty, and I could barely remember what I wanted to say.

This fear is not uncommon. Many people experience similar feelings. Recognizing that I was not alone in this struggle was the first step toward overcoming it.

My turning point came when I participated in a debate at our school. As far as I remember, our school was celebrating English Month, and one of the activities held was the "Tams Speak Debate."

The first round took place in our classroom, where we formed groups and battled against the opposing group assigned to us. My groupmates and I won that round, and in the next round, we had to fight with another section's group. We also won the second round, and then there was the final round, but we did not win as my groupmate walked out because of anxiety. Despite what happened, I still admired them for trying. I know how hard it is to battle with your own fear. We did not win in the final round, but what mattered was that we made it that far.

One of the most effective strategies I learned was to take small steps. Instead of jumping into a long speech, I started with short presentations. I participated in a debate where the audience was my classmates and my English teacher only. This allowed me to gradually build my confidence to speak in front of many people. I also prepared for our debate by researching our topic and having a mock debate with my groupmates.

I firmly believe that feedback is a crucial part of growth. In the first round of the debate, our teacher instructed us not to have a hard copy of the studies on our topic. We obeyed that in the second round, and that was one of the reasons we won, because it showed that we know what we were really fighting for.

As I continued my journey, I learned the importance of celebrating progress. Each small victory, whether it was completing a speech or receiving positive feedback, was a step forward.

I started taking notes of my progress. I started valuing my achievements, no matter how small. This helped me stay motivated and reminded me of how far I had come.

Overcoming public speaking anxiety is an ongoing journey. While I have made significant progress, I still experience nerves before speaking engagements. However, I have learned to manage my anxiety effectively.

I continue to practice, seek feedback, and embrace new challenges. Each experience is an opportunity for growth.

Public speaking anxiety is a common struggle, but it is possible to overcome it. My journey has taught me that with dedication, practice, and support, anyone can become a confident speaker.

I am proud of myself for trying and overcoming my fear. I know that I could do it and still can. If you are facing similar challenges, remember that you are not alone. Take small steps, embrace feedback, and celebrate your progress. Just like how I did it with our debate. Your voice matters, and the world deserves to hear it.

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March 12, 2025

Dear Diary,

In every Barkadas, Classroom, and Work Groups, there's always that one place where miscommunication, argument, and chaos started:the Group Chat. At first, it's just a simple message that contains important announcement and reminder, but soon it will turn into a Miscommunication because of the wrong information:leading to a Argument.

Example of Miscommunication, where me and my classmate argued for just a sugar for our laboratory in Cookery:back when we are in Grade 10. I thought he can bring a sugar since its just a basic ingredient, and I assume every home has a sugar, since we are required to bring some basic ingredients so we will not buy some ingredients at store and we can save money. So i thought he can bring it, I didn't know he had to buy a sugar from a store just to bring one, I wasn't aware, that's why his chats were a little bit off to me. I was completely unaware, so I'm a bit irritated to him because he can talk to me nicely and ask to reduce the money he contributed. I can simply agree to his request, but unfortunately we argued because of the lack of Communication and Clarity. Afterwards, we we're in good terms and still friends and explained both sides, we forgave each other and we Communicates well now.

Maybe if we were just clear on what we say and ask the members if the announcement and reminders in the Group Chat is too disorderly so it can be fixed right away to avoid miscommunication that can lead to argument:instead of focusing on our next Laboratory.

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Hey, it's me again

Since my plan on joining the grown-ups didn't work, I found myself joining the younger ones. Some of them are my cousins and nieces and nephews. They're like... I would say... 10-13 years young? They seem peaceful. I find it easy to be friends with them. They know my style, humor, music taste, and more! And the other side of me can bully them >:) (I'm kidding)

But as time goes by, they get really annoying. I found out their humor is more advanced than mine. Like what does 'SKIBIDI' or 'IM A SIGMA BOIII' even mean... And since they're more exposed to the internet, they find things there that are quite eerie to my eyes.

In conclusion, I do not belong to the grown-ups or younger people. Now where am I supposed to go? Both categories have pros and a lot of cons. Help me out, everyone!

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09/08/2025

Dear Diary,

No warning.

No goodbye.

Just silence.

She ran out of load.

And I know it sounds small — just a dropped connection, right?

But when you're really enjoying someone's company, especially hers, the sudden end feels like being left out in the rain with no umbrella. I just sat there staring at the last message, rereading it like maybe more words would appear if I looked hard enough.

It’s wild how someone can become part of your day so quickly. Her jokes, her curiosity, her little typing pauses that always meant something thoughtful was coming. I miss that already. Funny how the absence of a blinking cursor can feel like loneliness.

I hope she tops up soon.

I hope she remembers where we left off.

And I hope she knows I wasn’t done talking — not even close.

Until then… I wait.

Not just for her reply.

But for that feeling again, the one where time stands still and connection means everything.

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This is the last one I promise

Dear Journal,

Although I didn't fit to the older and younger people, I still managed to find my people. The circle that I truly fit. My people, my homies, my lovies, my etc.

Instead of debating on what generation to choose for communicating of being with, I though being with people that are on my age is better to stay on. Furthermore, my friends now understand me better. And a lot of them had the same experiences as mine. They had instances on arguing with their relatives about our generation right now and it made me giggle!

Ultimately, by finding people that has the same interests and same generation as yours, you would have a good social life. I hope you'll find this inspiring to find someone who truly understands and loves you! Thank you for reading ;)).

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September 13, 2025 “Comfort in each other’s presence.”

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Sometimes the best hangouts aren’t the ones filled with endless talking, but the ones where we simply exist together. At the mall, my friends and I often just lean on walls, scroll on our phones, or sip drinks while waiting. From the outside, it may look uneventful, but to us, those quiet moments carry a deep kind of comfort.

What makes it special is that silence isn’t awkward. Nobody feels pressured to talk. Nobody worries about filling the air with words. Instead, just being side by side already says: “I’m glad you’re here.” This comfort in each other’s presence shows that friendship doesn’t always need constant chatter. It’s about knowing you can be yourself—even in silence.

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September 16, 2025 “One picture, a thousand inside jokes.”

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One of the best parts of friendship is how easily we understand each other without explaining. A single look, a random gesture, or even a silly pose can send us into laughter that lasts for minutes. These inside jokes are like a secret language, one that only we can understand.

Whenever we take group photos in class, there’s always someone making a funny face or throwing up a peace sign. To others, it might look random, but for us, it brings back a memory or a joke we’ve shared before. These little gestures remind us of how connected we are. Words aren’t necessary, because one small action can bring back a thousand happy memories.

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September 16, 2025 “The day may end, but the bond continues.”

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At the end of the day, when we’re all tired from lessons and schoolwork, we still find energy in each other. Our after-class moments are filled with silly poses, peace signs, playful teasing, and shared laughter. Even when we’re drained, we somehow manage to smile because we’re together.

These moments may seem ordinary, but they carry a deeper meaning. A small nudge, a shared glance, or a group photo says: “We made it through today.” The bond we share isn’t measured by how much we talk, but by how much we stand by each other—even in the most tiring days. And that makes our friendship stronger.

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“Friendship isn’t measured by words, but by moments that words can’t explain.”

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Going inside a photobooth with my friends always feels like a tradition. At first, we try to pose seriously, but it never lasts. By the second shot, someone pulls a funny face, and suddenly we’re all laughing so hard that the camera captures our genuine joy. Each frame becomes a timeline—stiff at first, then silly, and finally, real smiles that show who we truly are together.

What makes these photos special is that they don’t need any explanation. Our closeness shows in how we lean on each other, in the laughter frozen mid-shot, and in the comfort of simply being ourselves. Those little strips of pictures prove the meaning of “Talk Less, Say More.” Without words, our bond is captured in every click of the camera, simple, unspoken, yet unforgettable.

Looking through these memories, I realized that words are not the only way to communicate. Sometimes, actions speak louder. A smile can mean happiness, a pat on the back can mean support, a shared silence can mean peace, and laughter can mean understanding.

Friendship is about knowing each other beyond words. Talk Less, Say More isn’t about speaking less—it’s about feeling more. With my friends, I’ve learned that the best memories aren’t built on endless conversations, but on the unspoken moments that carry meaning far greater than words. These are the moments that remind me: true friendship doesn’t need to be explained. It only needs to be felt.

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Ocean has been my safe place whenever I need space from the world that is full of problems and stress. I can feel the peace that I needed the most when I stand by the shore, listening to the whispers of the waves. In the middle of the chaos, silence becomes my greatest comfort and my most trusted companion. It reminds me that I do not always need to explain myself, defend my choices, or prove my worth. Have you ever felt that silence can speak louder than a thousand words? Sometimes, staying quiet is the strongest message I could ever send.

Silence teaches me the value of listening not just to others but to myself. In the absence of noise, I learn to hear the voice of my heart more clearly. The ocean waves remind me that silence is not emptiness but a place full of meaning and healing. In silence, I realize that not all battles are meant to be fought with words, because some are better solved with patience and peace. Quiet moments give me strength to face the noise of life without losing myself in it. They show me that being calm is a true source of power and that choosing peace is also a form of wisdom. Silence speaks louder than any argument, for it reveals inner strength and resilience, the kind that makes people seek you because your presence brings a different kind of impact.

When the world becomes too loud, silence is my safe place. It is where I find strength, clarity, and calmness. The ocean and its quiet presence remind me that not everything requires a response. True silence is powerful, because it makes your presence so meaningful that people will look for you, knowing you carry the peace they need.

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In a world filled with constant noise, silence becomes a gentle voice that teaches us to listen with the heart.

By the sea with my family, I felt how silence holds meaning greater than words. The waves whispered peace, and the stillness carried joy. In that quiet, I saw love more clearly, and I learned that true happiness lives not in sound but in presence and closeness.

Silence speaks when love is near. Its language is not heard by the ear but felt by the soul, reminding us that the most beautiful moments are those we simply live and treasure.