HemoWife - a Column by Allyx Formalejo

Irony manifests in diverse forms, but cosmic irony captivates me the most. This literary device suggests that the universe possesses a sense of humor, purposefully orchestrating situations contrary to expected outcomes. This often results in both amusement and reflection. One popular example of cosmic irony happens in the movie…

Loneliness in marriage is a controversial subject, and one often discussed in a negative light. But in my marriage to my husband, Jared, who has severe hemophilia B and a seizure disorder, it’s a feeling that often creeps in whenever he’s stuck in bed due to a severe bleeding…

As the season of love and romance approaches, my husband, Jared, and I are already brainstorming ideas for possible February dates. We’re no strangers to unconventional coupledom. A trip to a park or a museum trumps a stroll at the mall; a night filled with laughter while watching a comedy…

The new year ushered in an unexpected surprise: the near demise of my six-year-old laptop. I lifted the rose gold aluminum top expecting business as usual only to find a huge black line running from the top of my screen to the bottom. To my horror, I also discovered the…

In the middle of a work meeting, I stumbled upon an intriguing concept that resonated with me on a personal level: the good-better-best goal system. This is a goal-setting approach that allows you to set goals in three tiers that align with your individual capabilities. As I delved…

My husband, Jared, and I attended our first international concert together this month when we saw the American rock band Fall Out Boy at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines. This concert was a milestone for both of us and truly one for the books. I’ve dreamed…

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…