Sa Labas ng Classroom (Outside the Classroom)

Disclaimer: This episode contains words related to trauma, abuse, and difficult emotions. "Pain travels through families until someone is ready to feel it." - Stephi Wagner In the second part of our discussion about intergenerational trauma, Dyryl, Samantha, and I share some of our thoughts related to Luisa and Bruno, two characters of the movie, Encanto. As we validate the experience of intergene...

Disclaimer: This episode contains movie spoilers, and also may mention difficult emotions. "If we carry intergenerational trauma (and we do), then we also carry intergenerational wisdom. It's in our genes and our DNA." - Kazu Haga Due to the popularity of the animated film, Encanto, I, Dyryl, and Samantha, decided to explore the concept of intergenerational trauma. Though we are not experts in the...

Disclaimer: This episode mentions childhood trauma, reincarnation, and other concepts under metaphysics. This episode also contains more off tangents compared to other episodes. Lastly, this episode might contain the sound of dogs barking. I did my best to minimize the sound, and I apologize for the possible discomfort and interruption the sound may cause to your listening experience. "Empathy is...

Disclaimer: This episode mentions a few things about heavy emotions and emergency contacts. Proceed to listening to the episode when you are emotionally and mentally ready and comfortable. Thank you! --- "Never underestimate the difference you can make in the lives of others. Step forward, reach out, and help. Reach out to someone that might need a lift." - Pablo In another insightful episode, joi...

Online readiness and self-efficacy of students as reflected on online learning (2021) Binlingan, A., Mapilis, M., Ognayon, P., Batchi, J., & Gotia, K. Abstract The Department of Education has adopted distance learning since all academic levels were advised to have their learners stay at home as a safe response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Online learning practices have gained momentum. The d...

"The power of social media is it forces necessary change." - Erik Qualman In this powerful episode, Genevieve "Loui Gee" Ganga, one of my elementary batchmates, shares her insights after taking a break from social media for seven years. Our discussion covers interesting insights about how social media affects our mental health and the importance of finding one's peace. We also talk about how socia...

Lived Experiences of Gays with Verbal Abuse  Seacor, L. C., Mosarbas, K.G., & Lacbawan, E.L. (2020) Abstract: This study sought to explore the lived experiences of gays with verbal abuse and its effect to their emotional health using a qualitative field research design and conducting in-depth interviews with five gay students at the University of the Cordilleras. Generally, bullying and a...

"Good nutrition creates health in all areas of our existence. All parts are interconnected." - T. Collin Campbell In this information-loaded (in a good way) episode, Madelene Calalo-Jiao, a Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian, shares significant information about the relationship between nutrition and mental health. We talk about calories, nutrients, and diet. Madz, as I fondly call her, also explai...

Mga Katutubong Konsepto ng Sakit Pangkaisipan sa Pasdong, Atok, Benguet Cayat, R.C.J., Red, M.B., Medina, J., Ingles, H.L., (2019). Iba-iba ang paniniwala ng bawat kultura sa kung ano ang mga konseptong bumubuo sa usapin ng kalusugang pangkaisipan at mga sakit pangkaisipan. Sa mga pag-aaral, ipinagpalagay na ang mga programa at mga serbisyo para sa kalusugang pangkaisipan ay kailangang nakapaloob...

Mga Katutubong Konsepto ng Sakit Pangkaisipan sa Pasdong, Atok, Benguet Cayat, R.C.J., Red, M.B., Medina, J., Ingles, H.L., (2019). Iba-iba ang paniniwala ng bawat kultura sa kung ano ang mga konseptong bumubuo sa usapin ng kalusugang pangkaisipan at mga sakit pangkaisipan. Sa mga pag-aaral, ipinagpalagay na ang mga programa at mga serbisyo para sa kalusugang pangkaisipan ay kailangang nakapaloob...

"Once you're a mental health worker, even outside a company, you'll always be a mental health worker." - Maya Racuya In another insightful episode, Ms. Maya Racuya shares her journey as a mental health advocate and entrepreneur. She talks about how mental health is a balance of self and how diet plays a crucial role in this equation. We also discuss the importance of safe spaces, and how businesse...

The "Can't Say No Syndrome" among Filipino adults Garcia, R. (2017). ABSTRACT An individual who displays the Can’t Say No Syndrome (CSNS) has a sense of self-worth that appears to depend on the support of others. They have difficulty in being assertive and are habitually saying “yes”. Similar to the concept of the CSNS are Filipino cultural notions namely, “kapwa”, “hiya”, “utang na loob”, and “pa...

"Colleagues should take care of each other, have fun, celebrate success, learn by failure, look for reasons to praise not to criticize, communicate freely and respect each other." - Richard Branson Years after our initial encounter, Johana Ulban and Beverly Marzo share their thoughts about how colleagues become friends. Beverly highlights the importance of standards, while Johana elaborates a 'tec...

Self-consciousness and the experience of the impostor phenomenon among Filipino young adults Gahid, M. (2017). Abstract Previous researches documented the Impostor Phenomenon among adults and Asians. This study responds to the limited exploration of Impostor Phenomenon among young adults and Filipinos, which aims to (1) identify the dominant dimension of self-consciousness among Filipino young adu...

"A moment of self-compassion can change your entire day. A string of such moments can change the course of your life." -Christopher Germer After knowing more about the experiences of Impostor Phenomenon, Grace Ang, Angelica Nichole Marco, and Eden Grace Rudio share a few tips about how to have more self-compassion. Our discussion includes the importance of goal setting yet honoring and asserting b...

"The better you feel about yourself, the less you feel the need to show off." - Robert Hand Have you ever experienced feeling like your achievements were not truly your own? Maybe, you've thought about how luck has brought you success or that you are probably deceiving the people around you because you're really not the 'great' person they perceive you as? Joined by three other psychologists, Grac...

"We also want to recognize our abilitiy to choose what we can change for the better." - Ivan Mark De Leon As Ivan and I share about the changes we have seen, experienced, and are axcited about, we integrate our perspectives as mental health professionals, friends, and individuals in our discussion. We also exchange our opinions about good and bad change and an example of critical change that helpe...

"Does this work align with my values?"  Disclaimer: This topic touches on depressive symptoms and experience of depressive episode. In the last episode of Sa Labas ng Classroom (Season 1), Ms. Eden Grace Rudio shares how the pandemic made her experience a break, a pause, and impactful rejection. Our insightful discussion includes a formula for breakthrough, the grief process, and the effect o...

"Before you become a leader, success is all about growing yourself. After you become a leader, success is about growing others." -Jack Welch Disclaimer: This episode mentions suicide cases, suicide, and reactions to suicide. In this episode, I have an insighful discussion with Ms. Pharisia Gail Tudlong, who admittingly wears a lot of hats (metaphorically at least). We talk about her preconceptions...

"Comparison is the thief of joy." - Theodore Roosevelt Disclaimer: This episode contains experiences of grief, body shaming, and bullying. In one of the more emotion-laden episodes, Raphi Sta. Ana, Honey Palmito, Dulcy Faustino, Alma Gaddawon, and Kimberly Marata comfortably share pieces of their vulnerability as we talk about insecurity and loss. Although the topic is broad and requires an immens...

"Telling someone not to worry advocates for the suppression of their feelings, rather than discussing why the feeling itself is present." - Anju Felix Disclaimer: This episode includes mentions about episodes, bipolar disorder, bullying, suicidality, and suicide. In this episode, Chelsea Verzosa, Cassandra Silverman, and Arielle Elep share their thoughts and experiences about toxic positivity. Our...

"You and only you are responsible for your life choices and decisions." - Robert T. Kiyosaki Disclaimer: This episode touches on processing heavy, negative emotions. In the second part of my discussion with Marie Antonette Benzon, Ric Charles Cayat and Vincent Balucanag about quarter-life crisis, we explore the lessons our experiences taught us. This episode features the perspectives of a young mo...

"Our twenties are about what we plant in the ground, not about what we harvest. We can't keep pulling our seeds out of the soil before it has time to grow." - Paul Angone Disclaimer: This episode includes a brief mention of mental health conditions, heavy emotions, and thoughts of death. Going through adulthood can be a daunting process. In this episode filled with quotable quotes based on persona...

"Movies can and do have tremendous influence in shaping young lives in the realm of entertainment towards the ideals and objectives of normal adulthood." - Walt Disney Disclaimer: This episode mentions movie titles and characters, and may contains strong emotions and opinions.  I am not well-versed in the movie world, and this episode served as an interesting learning experience as I listen t...

"Being an adult means knowing yourself. It means listening to your own needs. It means understanding which kind of lifestyle you want to be living and then pursuing it unapologetically." - Heide Priebe In another intimate episode, I am joined with two of my close friends, Roselle Garcia and Rejine Nicolas as we talk about our adulting experiences. Our unexpectedly serious discussion, which is easi...