My Tangled Moment in Chiang Mai

I’ve always wanted to see floating lanterns in person like the one in the movie Tangled. I honestly never thought I’d get the chance. The last time I searched about it (6 years ago), the travel was hard and I was very specific about one thing: if I was going to see the lanterns, it had to be thousands of them released at the same time. Which meant Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai or nothing. Fast forward to last year, I found myself in Chiang Mai
 not only watching the lanterns float, but flying one on my own. It still feels unreal when I think about it.

Traditionally, releasing a lantern is about letting go of bad luck, worries, things that weigh you down and welcoming clarity, good fortune, and new beginnings. You’re supposed to make a quiet wish as it rises, like you’re sending something heavy away and trusting the sky to take it.

Did I know any of this beforehand? Absolutely not. I didn’t research the meaning or cultural significance at all until I arrived to Thailand. My inner child had one goal and one goal only: to see glowing things float in the sky. That was the whole plan.

As expected, there’s alot of people. Its usually hard to romanticize things or connect to a place or an experience when there’s alot of people around (for me). But I still tried. I wandered around the venue, looked through booths, searched for souvenirs, tried to feel something.

There was a section where you could learn how to make Krathongs and other handmade stuff, but it was always full. There’s also a part where you can get a massage but the line is also long so I just looked through stores that sells handmade crafts and other things. There’s this one store that sells handmade notebooks and I found a notebook that is really good, like the moment I saw it my eyes instantly twinkled. I bought one for my sister and one extra because I really like the design.

When I think I may have seen all the corners of the venue, I walked towards the food area and found the place where people float Loy Krathongs. I tried floating one myself. I’m still not entirely sure if the river was real or man-made. At the end of it, you can see where all the Krathongs went.

Around 4pm I went to the food area. There’s only few people there yet. I tried almost every food there. My favorites were the Thai basil stir-fry and som tam. I loved the basil stir-fry so much that I tried to recreate it at home. There’s also a donut-looking dessert that tasted like a mix of pilipit or buchi buchi, its weirdly comforting and familiar.

After eating and resting, I walked around again. By then it was night, the lights were on and everything looked aggressively IG-able.

Then an announcement played, telling everyone to go to their seats because the program was about to start. At the beginning of the program, I suddenly felt like crying because of the sound. Its sad and it also made me feel nostalgic in a way that I couldn’t explain. I think they played that sound because they’re mourning the death of Queen Sirikit. It completely caught me off guard. My throat tightened, my eyes filled up, and I was sitting there, asking myself, why am I emotional right now?

Flying a lantern is way harder than it looks, by the way. I thought it would be easy. When I tried lighting mine, the paper in the middle burned up and I panicked because I thought I ruined it. I wondered if I’ll be able to light the lantern up after that. I was so focused in trying to light the lantern and then on my peripheral vison I saw lanterns rising to the sky all at once and my brain just buffered. It didn’t look real. I remember thinking:

What is that floating thing that looks so beautiful?

I audibly gasped. Its one thing to see the lanterns in pictures or videos and another to see it in real life. It doesn’t even come close. Its so magical. It made me stop trying to light my lantern and I just stood there watching. I thought, I don’t even need to fly mine. I just want to be here and enjoy the moment. Everyone around me was staring at the sky in complete awe too, and for some reason that made me even happier.

In the end I still tried to light up my lanterns. Its big and its two lanterns. I still can’t believe I was able to flew the lanterns by myself. This might sound small, but it felt huge to me. I’m officially counting it as one of my greatest achievements HAHAH.

As I watched my lantern float to the sky I thought about my wish and the things I wanted to let go of. I can’t remember exactly what I wished that night but I hope it does come true.

If you’re planning to go to Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai, here are the things I wish I knew before going:

  • Set your drop-off point at the roundabout near Payap Dormitory. This is where cars are allowed to drop passengers. I booked a Grab and arrived at Payap at 1:34 PM, which went smoother than I expected considering how many people were heading there.
  • Once you arrive, you’ll see two lines: VIP line â€“ uses a bus and Standard line â€“ uses a PUV (pickup-style shuttle). Make sure the line you are on was the correct one. I accidentally lined up at the VIP line first because it was the first one I noticed. The VIP line has a rope with a VIP paper sign, while the standard line is actually at the front along the road, not on the sidewalk. If you’re a standard ticket holder, they’ll give you a hair tie with an orange ribbon at the end of the line before you ride the puv.
  • Bring a fan and an umbrella. It gets hot while waiting and walking.
  • The shuttle ride to CAD Cultural Center Lanna takes around 40 minutes. We arrived at about 3:00 PM, and I noticed the air slowly getting cooler or crispier the closer we got. You can sleep on the way. I did.
  • Go to the food area early. I went around 4-something, and I’m very glad I did.
  • When going back, ride the bus shuttle going to Maya Shopping Mall if you want to go back fast. I was looking for a bus to Chiang Mai Night Bazaar but can’t find any so I just ride the one going to Maya. When the bus took off I saw many people still lined up in front of the venue with a signage saying Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.

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Movies Or Series I like Watching In 2025

I feel like I watched alot this year. Here’s the list of the ones I liked. I hope I didn’t miss anything. (List not in order)

Snow white

The part where she’s singing on the well made me feel nostalgia. The part where she sings “wondering will he appear or will I be forever here waiting on a wish”. I like Rachel ever since I watched her in Ballad Of The Song Bird. Watching this made me think- wouldnt it be convenient if I just sleep and wait for true love to come and wake me from my sleep? hahaha

Swing girls

Very inspiring and funny. It made me want to play an instrument too. I love it when you can feel passion in a movie, its infecting. It made me like jazz too or want learn to play a trumpet.

Green bones

Watched this on New Year lol. Goosebumps on the last part.

28 days after

I like how it made killing zombies look cool instead of scary. I kinda feel uncomfortable with the memento mori part. Euthanasia doesn’t really sit well with me but I guess that’s just a part you have to accept during a zombie apocalypse. Sometimes there’s no choice but to kill people to end their suffering or to prevent them from infecting more people.

Men

The movie left me confused and scared for the main character. The ending made me so confused. I’ve searched and the movie was like a metaphor of the truth about toxic masculinity. I thought the birth part was just a punishment for the men or to show that men can also give birth but it is actually more than that. It shows the evolving of toxic masculinity and how it is passed from generation to generation.

Another main thing at the end that I didn’t understand was when her husband says that he just wanted her love. I thought “aww” at that moment but when I read the interpretation it means that its just his way of manipulating her or wanting to control her and make her feel like she owes him love which isn’t really supposed to be what love is. She says she wanted peace and that changed things. She stopped fighting.

A dark song

While watching this I was skeptical with the guy and if both of them know what they’re doing and if it’s really going to work. I also don’t like that the woman lied when she was asked to be honest. In the end I like that she realized that what she really wanted was peace and not revenge. I also love the effect of the barking dog it’s scary and really adds to the eerie vibe. When She left the house I’m like shit. Its like she broke every rule.

The wild robot

I wasn’t expecting that this will make me cry but I did.

In secret

It made me think about the machiavellian idea that the end justify the means. Does it really?

submarine

I like the cinematography but the story is very wattpad hahah.

The gorge

It kept me hanging on because of the mystery though its easy to predict as well.

Woman in black

I dont get scared easily but this is scary. Reminded me of that studio ghibli movie because of the marsh.

Its a wonderful life

I cried at the end. It has that Christmas nostalgia that I wanted to feel again. It kinda doesn’t connect with me at first because I really wanted what george wanted as well like studying and being able to travel or leave town etc. But I get that he doesn’t have a choice.

A Complete Unkonwn

Got lss with the song – It Aint Me Babe

Rosaline

Funny and shows how unrealistic romeo and juliet story really is.

The summer I turned pretty

Adding this not because I like the story but because I like how it made me feel. At first I like jeremiah but on the last part of season 2 I started to love Connie. I like his jerk side hahaha and I’m still watching season 3 well see how it goes…

I wasnt going to put it here but Connie is just 👌 aaaahh Conraddd! His yearning and the stares. Aaahaa I can’t get over it.

I think the Cabo part had some subconcious impact on me that I ended up dreaming about it and waking up with an external pain on the right side of my head.

Map of tiny perfect things

Its okay I stayed because I’m so intriqued.

The dreamers

Is a very interesting movie and very deep. It leaves you with more question. I watched it thinking it was dark academia. It made me love the characters as they copy films and at the same time also made me mad for the same reason.

Electrical life of luis wain

Ok. I like the cat part and Dr. Strange hahah

Blink twice

!!!!! —– WTF?—– “I’m Sorry” —— ????? —– YASSS!

The social dilemma

Discouraged me from using technology. It showed the real life impact of social media now. They showed how it affects people when it comes to addiction. How it manipulates people to click and be active. How technology starts becoming an existential threat. It changes people’s mind or persuade it. It brings out the worst in people. Its may not be obvious but the effect is large scale. They are getting better at keeping people on the screen.

The Life list

I like it. It makes me feel fuzzy inside.

The room

I love the mysteriousness.

You (Last Season)

I initially thought I was not gonna like it because of what I read in the commets. But I liked how Joe has been held accountable and has been seen for who he really was. I don’t know how to explain this but I think its really the fitting ending for Joe and the other characters.

We saw Joe being regretful and thinking that he deserved it but then when he sees that he can get out of something he does the bad thing again. It seems like he doesn’t really regret it. I like how the series showed the way he acts like he loves someone and the next moment he wants to kill her and is not even regretful. The way it showed that he’s not really going to be a good father to Henry. He says that he wants to be a good father to him but proceeds on focusing on Bronte. We see who Joe really is. In the previous seasons I admit I did cheer him on with the things he did and now I was wondering how they made it like this cause now its hard for me to cheer him on anymore.

Uptown girl

Made me about to cry in some parts.

Beef

I like it. Makes you see the butterfly effect. I also like the part when they were stuck together. I guess you really will love someone once you get to know and understood them fully. Oh to be stuck with someone and just talk and be honest witrh each other.

Loki

I feel like there has to be another season after the last one huhu

Euphoria

I have mixed feelings and opinions about Cassie and Nate and Rue. I don’t think its safe to share lol

Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse and Into the Spider-Verse

I love it. I forgot to write a note about it

Frankenstein

The last part made me cry

Tulip Fever

First movie I watched with what I think was a peaceful ending
 Dane DeHaan!!

Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist

Watching this feels comforting in some way maybe because its predictable? I like that I don’t have to think if the movie has any deeper or poetic meaning.

Bugonia

I like the twist. I’m not sure how to feel about this movie. Its scary and dangerous how people can believe or make up something so ridiculous just because it fits with their feelings or with what they wanted to believe in.

The Shadow’s Edge

The action part was so cool. I didn’t like the technology part hahah.

Zootopia 2

I love Garyyyy!!!!!!

A Star Is Born

Its a sad movie. I can see the dynamic in the movie happening in real life as well. The fragile masculinity, insecurity, pride where a man’s self worth is tied with being superior to their partner or having the attention to him. It made me think of the Filipino Movie The Breakup Playlist.

Nina and The Starry Bride

Watched this at the start of the year. I can’t remember much but I like it. I think I’m torn between the male leads.

Handmaid’s Tale (Season 4&5)

I think if it did happen in real life Fred and Serena will be able to get away and have a better life.

Fleabag

Funny… and sad at the end.

Eden Lake

Unrealistic? Has a teenage version of John Wick.

Elio

I catch myself laughing and then crying through this movie.

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My 2025 In Emojis

Jan – đŸ˜ đŸ€ą

Feb – 😔😌

Mar – â˜șïžđŸ«Ł

Apr – đŸ˜łđŸ„°

May – đŸ˜­đŸ€Ż

June – đŸ™ƒđŸ˜”â€đŸ’«

July – đŸ«©đŸ˜Ź

Aug – đŸ€­đŸ€”

Sept – đŸ˜—đŸ˜¶

Oct – 😄😊

Nov – đŸ„ș💾

Dec – ⌛😑

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Traveling In The Digital Age

I don’t know if I actually read it somewhere or if it just came from my unreliable mind. Sometimes it likes to jump to its own conclusions and invents things. For centuries, women are not supposed to be seen in public without a companion or a chaperone for their reputation, security or to make them less conspicuous. Traveling alone was rare and almost unthinkable.

Even I, up until college, felt uneasy going anywhere by myself. I remember feeling this weird vulnerability just walking to the restroom alone. It’s almost funny now.

For the longest time, I liked to believe I was an old soul born decades too late because of my taste in music and my affinity for vintage fashion. But during my solo trip to Thailand, that idea dissolved. I realized how lucky I am to be alive in this era. To exist in a time when a small screen can tell me where I am, where I’m going, and what to do if I get lost.

It hit me unexpectedly that I made happy noises in a hotel room that I booked by myself, for myself in a foreign country where nobody knows me. The world I once romanticized would’ve never let me move the way I do now. It wouldn’t give me the courage to cross borders by myself. Walking alone through airports and unfamiliar streets feels almost ordinary but compared to the past, it’s actually extraordinary. The fact that I can listen to Mozart every night, on flights, on walks, anywhere is like a miracle.

Thinking about it, I’m actually born at the perfect moment. I was born early enough to have known life without the internet, to wait for a song on the radio, to flip through books
 and also just in time to experience the freedom that technology offers now that I’m an adult. The timing feels almost deliberate.

Being able to step into the world alone. Trusting that I’ll be okay, and knowing I can find my way with just a little signal makes me feel incredibly lucky. I don’t want to take that for granted. I’m deeply grateful to be alive in a time that allows me to grow into this version of myself.

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First-Aid Kit For Your Mind

I have just found the best meditation YouTube channel ever!

It’s called Great Meditation, and the woman’s voice there is soo calming. The kind of voice that makes you feel safe.

A while ago, I was feeling really anxious. My brain was full of worries that didn’t even really make that much sense. It was already 2 AM and I decided that I need to do something. I can’t go to sleep feeling this heavy. So I searched on YouTube: great meditations for releasing worries. One of their videos popped up: There’s No Need to Worry

I started listening
 and I didn’t even notice the time passing. When I used to try meditation before, I would think how many minutes left? or why is this taking so long? But with this channel, it didn’t feel that long at all. I didn’t notice that it has already been 10 minutes.

Of course, my mind still wandered. I caught myself thinking about the things I was worried about. Every time I noticed it, I try to bring myself back to the voice and my breathing. And even if my thoughts weren’t perfectly quiet, I still felt like meditating helped even just a little.

When I opened my eyes, everything looked brighter and clearer. I even thought my eyesight suddenly improved. I have blurry vision (especially in my right eye) but after that meditation, it was like the world sharpened. It felt really nice.

Now I’m reminded of the first guided meditation I did back in high school. I’m not sure if I know it was meditation at the time. Our adviser asked us to sit outside on the grass, close our eyes, inhale, exhale
 And then when I opened my eyes, I remember being so surprised by how beautiful everything looked. The grass, the sky, even the school building. It all seems extra bright and clear, like the feeling of wearing a new pair of glasses.

Right now, I’m writing this because I’m still worrying about things. I don’t worry over things like this but this one just feels kind of heavy. It doesn’t even make sense anymore. There’s this quote that I used to think whenever I’m overthinking and worrying. I can’t remember the exact quote but it’s something like: When you overthink, you just waste your time or energy over nothing. You’re just torturing yourself over something that you’re not even sure is going to happen and when it really happened, you only suffer twice.

I really needed that reminder today.

So, the channel is called Great Meditation. If you’ve been wanting to try meditation but you’re not sure where to start, I recommend starting there. Their guided meditations doesn’t feel overwhelming or “too spiritual” or anything.

I also realized something about meditation today. I always think that meditation is like, you wake up and just do meditation, like the same kind of meditation everyday. That didn’t work for me so I wasn’t able to be consistent with it but something I realized today is that you can use meditation based on what you need on that day. For example you’re stressed about money, you can search for the a guided meditation about manifesting abundance or money mindset or when you need to do alot of things that day, you should try meditations for productivity or focus. You can treat it like a little emotional first-aid kit and pick what you need.

I think that’s what I’m going to do. I’ll just choose meditations based on what I’m actually feeling instead of forcing myself into a repetitive perfect routine.

If you’ve been feeling heavy too, maybe this is your sign to try one. Pick a guided meditation that speaks to you and just let yourself be guided. Your mind will probably wander (mine did), but that’s okay. You can always gently bring it back.

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The Way Forward Is Through, A Mantra

I’ve been procrastinating so much lately. But recently, I heard this line: “The way forward is through.” It hit me. Because it’s true. You can’t finish anything by avoiding it or by doing other less important things. You need to go through it. You just have to do it.

So here’s a little bomb of motivation to remind both of us to keep taking purposeful action.

You don’t need a perfect timing or a magical burst of motivation. You just have to DO IT NOW!

I used to wait for the right mood or the productive version of myself to show up. But she never did. And the longer I waited, the heavier it all felt and the harder it is to start.

The funny thing is, once you start, even just a tiny step, you’ll realize that it’s never as bad as you imagined. You start typing one sentence, and suddenly, you’re writing a whole page. You wash one cup, and somehow the whole sink ends up clean.

It’s not about doing your best but it’s about doing something or starting somewhere.

No more delays or excuses. Every task you start today brings you closer to your dream so you have to begin now. Not later!

Your time is valuable and limited. Stop giving it away to procrastination. Finish what matters most. Choose actions over hesitation. Keep showing up even when its hard. Choose progress over perfection. Say no to distractions that steal your time. Discipline is your strenght and consistency is your secret weapon.

This is your reminder (and mine) to stop waiting for the right time. It doesn’t exist.
Start small, start late, start scared, just start!

Because the way forward is through.

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A Little Horror Digest

This month, I found myself deep in a rabbit hole of interviews and podcasts, starting with a green witch, another with a paranormal investigator, and one with an exorcist. They just somehow found me on my feed. Anyway, here are some notes and quotes I picked up that I found interesting.

Listening to these people made me realize how some belief systems overlap. There are similarities that, as a skeptic, make it harder and harder to know what to actually believe anymore. Still, I found these stories intriguing and honestly, I was terrified for two days straight. It’s creepy to know that people have real-life experiences of things you only see in horror movies. I can’t stop thinking about it.

– The Third Eye may be either a blessing from God or a gift from a demon. If an exorcist tries to close it and it still opens, it might be from God, meaning there’s a purpose for it and you’re meant to use it for a greater good.

– Only demons can possess people. Ghosts can’t, but demons can use these ghosts to get to the person.

– During an exorcism, the demon will try to distract or shock you, but you’re supposed to focus only on God, not on the theatrics.

– There’s a thin line between mental illness and possession. Demons can feed on negativity like anger, hatred, or unforgiveness. An exorcist shared a story of a woman who kept getting possessed until she forgave someone she deeply resented. After that, she was finally free. Holding on to anger creates your own kind of hell.

– Deals with spirits often come with a price. For instance, a witch once described how a beautiful girl who practiced dark magic suddenly lost her looks. Something was taken from her in exchange.

– Witches protect their own energy by creating tools for others instead of casting spells themselves. When you buy and use those tools, you’re the one performing the ritual, not the witch.

– Spirits are drawn to negative energy. Places where something bad happened, or where something illegal occurred. Some spirits just want help while others just accidentally reveal themselves to people according to a paranormal expert.

– Angels vibrate on such a high frequency that contacting them can be exhausting according to a witch.

– Ouija boards attract the nearest spirit around you, not necessarily a good one which is why most practitioners don’t recommend using them.

– Witchcraft can manifest physically. One exorcist described a woman who vomited and excreted nails, barbed wires, thumbtacks, and staples during a session. Supposedly, these objects “solidify” when exposed to air.

– The devil is a show-off. During exorcisms, demons love to perform, they try to scare, distract, or impress because they want to distract you from praying. They’re extremely narcissistic and have a big ego or pride. They don’t want to show that they’re losing.

– Priests’ hands are anointed during their ordination, giving them consecrated power when blessing or laying hands during exorcisms.

– Demonic attachments can show up as addictions, things you can’t seem to break free from because you’re being spiritually tempted.

– Blood sacrifices (like pouring chicken blood at a new road or building site) can invite infestations. A demon can claim that place through the blood, since blood has consecratory power.

– Not believing in the devil doesn’t protect you from him. The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.

– Even small rituals like blowing out birthday candles or setting up a “lucky altar” for New Year’s can be considered forms of witchcraft, depending on intention.

– Demons exist outside of time. Just because the world is modern now doesn’t mean they’re gone. Time doesn’t apply to them. Centuries may pass, but a demon remains what it is.

That’s it for my little horror digest this month. I’m not saying I fully believe everything I heard, but I do find it fascinating how all of these intertwine. Maybe we’re not meant to know the full truth. Or maybe we already do and it’s just too scary to accept.

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Dear Evan Hansen Review: What I Learned Watching It Twice

Last September, I got to watch Dear Evan Hansen live in the theater. It was amazing. I’ve been listening to some of the songs from that musical since the pandemic. One thing I’ve always loved about musicals is how the songs feel like their own little stories. They make you imagine entire scenes just from the lyrics. My favorite song from them is “If I Could Tell Her”. That song made me think that the musical was going to be some kind of sci-fi story because of that line “a million worlds apart,” I imagined time travel or parallel universes.

I’ve first seen the movie version on Netflix maybe 2–4 years ago. I honestly didn’t like it that much back then. Maybe it was because I expected a different type of story, or maybe because I found myself cringing at Evan’s lies. Its hard to watch him dig himself deeper and deeper into the lies. It doesn’t make sense to me when he confessed in the end. The whole process was so uncomfortable for me that time.

Seeing it live felt different though. Since I already knew the story, I was able to focus more on the characters. Evan’s choices made a lot more sense. He didn’t start lying because he wanted to, it just happened after Connor’s family assumed things, and Evan couldn’t bring himself to tell the truth right away because he didn’t want to hurt them. Then, when they started treating him like family, he held onto that feeling because at home his mom was always working and he didn’t have that same kind of connection. What I liked most was how, in the end, he told them the truth because he doesn’t want Connor’s family to shoulder guilt or feel like they failed as parents. That moment showed his empathy and his bravery to tell the truth even though it will cost him everything. I cried on that scene.

The performance was so good. Evan’s voice was just as cool and calming as it was in the movie. I liked the unexpected little update they added with the timely “soda pop” line. Connor and Evan’s imaginary interactions were fun to watch too. I think it brought warmth to the show. And I was also fascinated by the way the stage design worked.

Watching Dear Evan Hansen again reminded me why I love musicals. They make you feel things differently depending on where you are in life when you watch them. The first time, I couldn’t get past the lies. The second time, I understood the characters especially Evan.

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Catch 22

Last year I was supposed to post about the things I’ve learned at 25, but I just couldn’t hit publish. It felt pretentious. Who am I to hand out wisdom when I still feel like I’m stumbling around and making stupid decisions?

It felt more like I was stuck in a catch-22: wanting to share but not really believing I’m qualified to share wisdom. If I posted, I felt like a fraud. If I didn’t post, I never grew. It was almost maddening cause I’m contradicting myself. I knew what I should do. I could even picture the version of myself that had it together, but I just couldn’t move toward her.

The truth is, at that time I was still tolerating people I shouldn’t, gaslighting myself into thinking everythings fine or hoping people will change, and deep inside I feel heavy cause I knew it wasn’t growth.

Still, there’s something about 25 that feels symbolic. They say your brain (your frontal lobe) finishes developing around this age. It sounds great but being 25 to me doesn’t mean that you’ll suddenly have life figured out. It just means you’re aware enough to notice how messy it all is.

I started feeling fear about the things I never thought or was never scared about before, like getting scammed, or being scared to go solo because of my safety. I was hyper-aware of the risks. It almost felt like paranoia, but it was just me realizing how naive I used to be.

By the time I turned 26, I was finally able to publish the things I’ve learned because I feel lighter. I’d left behind the things (and people) that didn’t serve me anymore, and I walked away without regrets. Maybe you don’t magically figure it all out at 25, but you do start to understand and see yourself more clearly after that.

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The Strange Pull of the Collective

I’ve always felt like we’re all connected. You know that strange moment when suddenly everyone’s into the same thing at the same time? People call it the bandwagon effect, but I think it’s deeper than that and harder to understand. Sometimes it feels like we’re all plugged into an invisible matrix that influences what we like, how we feel, even the things we do.

But I don’t like being part of a collective. I hate feeling dictated to. So, as much as possible, I pull back and avoid the mainstream, skip the trends, and carve out space to just be myself. I want to be my own person but sometimes this force feels bigger than me

I remember when I was a kid, I didn’t really like shanghai (spring rolls) because I didn’t like eating vegetables. But one day, shanghai started tasting good to me, and I was enjoying it without knowing that it also has became a trend. Like when I started buying mini Nitotan keychain plushies of Haikyuu characters even before the labubu craze started. I even remember inventing this weird dance move as a kid, practicing it in front of my reflection on a turned-off television. A few days later, I saw the exact same move being used by the dancers on ASAP (a ph show). It honestly made me wonder if someone had been watching me do that dance as a kid and copied me.

Right now what’s spreading is anger. People are exhausted, frustrated, and less willing to stay quiet. Anger at governments that can’t seem to get it together, at prices that keep going up, at the way lies spread online. There’s anger at injustice and inequality too, and at the feeling that we’re working harder but getting less. And I’m not ashamed to say I feel it too.

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