one of my favorite moments on us playing basketball is after the game we actually do tiktok or scripted video's that is a meme.

But it’s not all about laughs. I follow a ton of accounts that keep me motivated, whether it’s workout tips to level up my fitness game or life hacks that make me think, “Why didn’t I know this sooner?” Honestly, sometimes I just want to zone out with some mindless content after a long day. You know, just random funny stuff to take my mind off things for a bit.

Music is everything for me. It helps me power through a workout, it pumps me up before a game, or it just sets the mood when I’m hanging out. You can find me blasting my playlist whether I’m in the car, heading to the gym, or just relaxing.

But it’s not just about winning. Gaming is a way to unwind and connect with my friends, especially during those late-night sessions where we’re just messing around, laughing, and talking trash. It’s also a great way to forget about the stresses of the day and just lose myself in the game.

My goal is to become a pediatrician who provides excellent healthcare and support to children, especially those from disadvantaged families.

First Step: I am currently studying in Senior High School at Ateneo de Davao University, taking the STEM Pre-Science strand. I chose this strand because it equips me with the scientific knowledge and analytical skills I need for a future in medicine.

Second Step: I plan to pursue my medical degree at Ateneo de Davao University. Staying in the same university offers access to quality faculty, advanced facilities, and opportunities for early clinical exposure, which will help me build a strong foundation in medicine.

Third Step: While in college, I will focus on excelling in both academics and practical skills, particularly in pediatric medicine. I will also work on developing leadership, empathy, and effective communication to better serve patients and work effectively in medical teams.

Fourth Step: After graduating, I will complete a medical internship to gain hands-on experience, then take the Licensure Examination to become a licensed physician. Once licensed, I plan to start practicing pediatrics, prioritizing care for children from marginalized and underserved communities.

Fifth Step: I will continue my professional growth by pursuing residency training and specialized studies in Pediatrics. This will allow me to deepen my knowledge and handle more complex medical cases confidently.

Sixth Step: My ultimate goal is to become a compassionate and skilled pediatrician, providing quality healthcare to children and making a meaningful impact in the lives of families who need medical support the most.

Second Step: I plan to pursue my medical degree at Ateneo de Davao University. Staying in the same university offers access to quality faculty, advanced facilities, and opportunities for early clinical exposure, which will help me build a strong foundation in medicine.

Third Step: While in college, I will focus on excelling in both academics and practical skills, particularly in pediatric medicine. I will also work on developing leadership, empathy, and effective communication to better serve patients and work effectively in medical teams.

Fourth Step: After graduating, I will complete a medical internship to gain hands-on experience, then take the Licensure Examination to become a licensed physician. Once licensed, I plan to start practicing pediatrics, prioritizing care for children from marginalized and underserved communities.

Fifth Step: I will continue my professional growth by pursuing residency training and specialized studies in Pediatrics. This will allow me to deepen my knowledge and handle more complex medical cases confidently.

Sixth Step: My ultimate goal is to become a compassionate and skilled pediatrician, providing quality healthcare to children and making a meaningful impact in the lives of families who need medical support the most.

Getting enough sleep and taking naps can significantly improve mental health by restoring cognitive function, enhancing mood, and reducing stress levels. Quality sleep helps the brain process emotions and consolidate memories, which supports better emotional regulation and resilience against anxiety and depression. Short naps, in particular, can provide a quick mental reset, boosting alertness and reducing feelings of fatigue, thereby improving overall psychological well-being (Walker, 2017).

I find that sleeping helps my brain sort through my feelings, so I don’t get as stressed out. When I sleep well, I’m able to concentrate better and think more clearly throughout the day. Plus, getting enough rest makes it easier for me to remember things and learn new stuff.

PLAYING MOBILE LEGENDS

Mobile Legends, as a popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, can improve mental health by promoting social interaction, teamwork, and strategic thinking. Engaging in cooperative gameplay fosters a sense of community and belonging, which can alleviate feelings of loneliness and stress. Moreover, the cognitive challenges involved in planning strategies and quick decision-making can enhance problem-solving skills and mental agility. Regular participation in such games can also provide a healthy distraction from daily stressors, contributing to overall emotional well-being (Smith, 2020).

When I first started playing mobile legends, I was undergoing a stressful period with the challenges of work and personal life. The game grew more than just entertainment, it changed for me to join friends and meet new people online.

ORDERING MY CRAVINGS

Using an app like Cravings can improve mental health by providing a convenient and enjoyable way to satisfy food desires, which can reduce stress and improve mood. The ease of ordering favorite meals without the hassle of cooking or decision fatigue helps decrease daily stressors, contributing to a more relaxed state of mind. Additionally, having control over cravings through quick and satisfying food choices can promote a sense of reward and comfort, which positively impacts emotional well-being (Taylor, 2021).

I started using Ordering My Cravings during a particularly busy time at work when I felt overwhelmed and didn’t have the energy to cook. Being able to quickly order my favorite meals helped me feel more in control and gave me little moments of joy in an otherwise hectic day. It reduced the stress of deciding what to eat and saved me time, which I could then use to relax or unwind. Over time, I noticed that these small conveniences contributed to lowering my anxiety and improving my overall mood.

BASKETBALL

Basketball can enhance mental health by promoting physical activity, fostering social interaction, and providing stress relief. Playing basketball encourages the release of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters, helping to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Additionally, the teamwork and communication involved in the sport foster social connections and a sense of belonging, which are vital for emotional well-being. The structured nature of the game also enhances focus and discipline, providing players with a healthy way to manage stress and improve self-esteem (Johnson, 2019).

Playing basketball has been a great positive effect on my mental health. During the stressful time, step into court and focusing on sports helped me to clean my mind and forget about concerns. Physical activity releases stress and increases my mood, making me feel more energetic and less worried. What I appreciate the most is the team aspect - working with others towards a general goal has helped me to make friendship and feel connected, which is really important when life becomes heavy. Overall, basketball has been a great way for me to manage stress and remain mentally balanced.

My family are actually very close to me as they are the ones who have been there with me throughout every obstacle, every triumph, and every crossroads in life. They imparted valuable lessons like patience, humility, and empathy to me, and they never fail to remind me that love and tolerance within the family are of utmost importance. I can truly say that I love them more than anything else because their sacrifices, guidance, and unwavering support have made me the person I am today and continue to give my life meaning, comfort, and direction on a daily basis.

2. What lessons did you learn from them about love and relationships in general?

I learned from my parents that relationships and love succeed when there is respect, trust, and communication between two people. They taught me that love is not just something in the heart but in showing care by being patient, forgiving, and understanding, especially when it gets difficult. I learned that true love means you are committed and there for each other no matter what happens, because true relationships are based on hard work, belief, and actual relationship.

3. What type of love according to Robert Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love do you think you have with the people in the picture? Why can you say so?

The kind of love I share with my family is companionate love, as postulated by Robert Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love. This kind of love is the result of combining intimacy and commitment, and the way we're so deeply connected and committed to each other even in the absence of the factor of passion. I can assert this since our bond is founded on true care, loyalty, and emotional support that remain robust regardless of the problems we go through together.

4. What emotions do you usually feel when you are with the people in the picture?

When I am among my family, I tend to be happy, comfortable, and at peace because they make me feel secure and loved. Being around them makes me feel at home and secure in a way I don't find elsewhere. I also feel thankful and joyful, knowing that I am among people who sincerely care about me and love me for who 1 am.

5. How were they able to influence you to be the person that you are now?

My tamily inspired me to become the individual I am today through the values of kindness, respect, and perseverance they taught me. They lead me by example in the words they speak and the actions they take, demonstrating how to face adversity with patience and integrity. Due to their love and support, I've developed into a more responsible, compassionate, and determined person who will do my best to make them proud.

I wish my family would stop expecting me to do all the things for them at home. Though I understand that helping out is important, too much responsibility at times just makes me stressed and exhausted. It also takes away quality time meant for studying or personal growth. If they would just divide tasks equitably, I could learn responsibility without feeling overwhelmed. In this way, this balance will allow me to grow yet still be able to help out in the family.

2. Think of the things your family does that you're grateful for but believe could be done even better.

I am thankful that my family spent time with me during weekends, though it still could have been better. Sometimes our activities seem so routine and not allowing the consideration of everyone's interests. I wish we could plan the activities together so that everyone enjoys and learns something new. The effort they put into trying to spend time with me is great; making it more interactive would bring us closer.

3. Think of the things your family gives you that you're deeply thankful for and want to keep forever.

I appreciate the love and support of my family, and I want to have it forever. At difficult moments, they protect me and fill me with confidence that I can do everything right. They also share joy with me in moments of success, and this elevates my self-esteem and gratefulness. Such care and understanding cement the bond, which means so much to me. I'd be glad to hang on to their love and guidance through all my life, since it's what feeds me with strength and happiness.

Reflection:

How can recognizing both the challenges and blessings within your family help you grow as a person who strives for magis, to become better for the greater good, and practice cura personalis by showing care and understanding toward each member of your family?

It is in recognizing both challenges and blessings within my family that I grow into a person striving for magis and practicing cura personalis. The ability to see the challenges, such as disagreements, misunderstandings, or high expectations, allows me to learn patience, empathy, and self-discipline for personal growth. At the same time, appreciation of the blessings, such as their unconditional love, guidance, encouragement, and shared laughter reminds me to be thankful and to nurture these positive aspects. This awareness encourages me to care about each family member individually, including their strengths and weaknesses, and to act in a manner conducive to their growth and well-being. From the struggles and joys within my family, I am motivated to become a more compassionate, responsible, and proactive person for my family and toward the betterment of my community.

1. Was the subject Personal Development helpful for you? How did this subject help you know yourself more?

Personal Development has been helpful in pushing me to understand myself on a deeper level, not just what other people see. It helped me observe those habits, attitudes, and beliefs that influence how I deal with challenges and relationships. Through the lessons, I found aspects of myself that I never paid attention to my triggers, strengths, and hidden potential. I learned how to be more honest with my feelings, and how to express them healthily. The subject has helped me understand who I am today and who I am trying to become.

2. What were your key takeaways from the subject?

Key takeaways would be that emotional maturity becomes easier as we learn to understand and handle our feelings, and growth comes from accepting our flaws and not denying them, since acceptance is the first step to changing something. I learned that having goals gives direction to my life and even motivates me when I am tired. The subject made me realize that self-care and mental health are not the last but the first thing to consider in setting priorities. By the end, Personal Development taught me that the most significant relationship I will ever have is the one between me and myself.

3. What two topics were your favorites and why?

My two favorite topics were Mental Health and Well-Being and Personal and Social Relationships because they relate to real-life struggles and personal experiences. The mental health topic helped me understand that when my mind and body feel overwhelmed, it is a call for me to listen to them. It taught me that taking breaks to recuperate, asking for help, and being easy on oneself are acts of strength, not weakness. The topic of personal and social relationships helped in showing how communication, respect, and trust can forge healthier bonds between family and friends. The reason these subjects are my favorite is that they taught me how to connect with myself and others.