HemoWife - a Column by Allyx Formalejo

In the Philippines, where we live, Christmas isn’t confined to a single day. It unfolds as a season that spans about a third of the year, kicking off in the first of the “-ber” months. As a child, I cherished the joy of strolling through streets adorned with flickering…

My husband, Jared, is a diligent worker and constant high achiever. An honor student in school, he has since excelled in various fields. From running a business to trying his hand at voice acting and cooking, he’s a jack of all trades in the most complete form of the…

One ordinary evening, while a dear cousin and I relaxed in my living room, we delved into a profound conversation about purpose. We pondered why some people who struggle with mental health would cling to altruistic pursuits despite financial challenges they may have, especially since those challenges could create more…

Whenever I scroll through my Instagram feed, I often reflect on the “what ifs” in my life. For example, what if my life had unfolded exactly as I had envisioned it during my youth? As a child, I was a dreamer with countless aspirations. I envisioned living in a different…

My husband, Jared, and I have an open-door policy for our friends. We warmly welcome them, whether they need a place to stay for the night, a safe haven after a tough experience, a spot to relax, or a place to celebrate life’s victories. In our home, friends become part…

My husband, Jared, and I have been fur parents for a while. In 2020, we welcomed our first family pet, a golden retriever named Lucky, followed by a delightful Himalayan cat we named Billy. Our home has been lively with the presence of animals for the past three years.

A recent family vacation to the beautiful island of Bohol in the Philippines was filled with unforgettable moments. We climbed steep steps to take in the mesmerizing view of the Chocolate Hills, crossed swaying twin bridges, and visited popular tourist spots like the Tarsier Sanctuary and Bohol Bee…

I wish more people would see my husband, Jared, the way our daughter sees him. In her eyes, he’s a revered figure, just short of a cape-wearing superhero. Now nearly 5, she’s at an age when most little girls demonstrate a special, almost romantic, adoration for their daddies. But perhaps…

Meticulous planning is familiar to many of us in the hemophilia community. I’ve previously discussed how my family accommodates my husband Jared’s severe hemophilia B while planning ahead, whether it’s for travel or our future. For instance, preparing for trips and vacations involves a checklist; we…

While searching for content ideas for a client, I stumbled on an Instagram post that immediately caught my attention. “Human beings are seasonal,” the post stated — more or less, as I can’t recall the exact wording. But I’ve managed to internalize three key points on the subject: Life has…