Fat-shaming is a widespread issue that can also affect people with hemophilia, especially young children. At its core, fat-shaming involves making negative comments or judgments about a person’s weight, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy or embarrassment. While these remarks may be intended to encourage weight loss or…
HemoWife - a Column by Allyx Formalejo
One of the most pervasive and amusing misconceptions about hemophilia is that a person with the condition could bleed to death from a tiny paper cut. People often think that those with hemophilia must avoid everything that is sharp, which isn’t entirely accurate. Hemophilia doesn’t cause people to…
Ever since turning 30, I’ve been on a fast track toward self-improvement, determined to get the most out of life. I want to experience things meaningfully with my husband and daughter, doing things that bring me joy and fulfillment. But lately I’ve been feeling a bit disconnected from myself. That’s…
When the University of the Philippines (UP) unveiled its new motto, “Honor. Excellence. Service.,” this past June, it took me back to my days there as a student. The phrase “Serve the People” reverberates through the campus, reminding every Iskolar ng Bayan (Nation’s Scholar) of…
Becoming a parent changes everything in life. This was certainly true for my husband, Jared, who’d always dreamed of being a father, despite having severe hemophilia B and frequent seizures. When our daughter, Cittie, was born, that dream came to life, giving him more purpose and even improving…
Lately, I’ve been feeling burned out in my day job as a virtual assistant. While it helps pay the bills, the tasks are sometimes repetitive, and I often long for something that keeps me motivated for longer. Sustaining motivation is a constant challenge for me, as I’m diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity…
As a mom and piercing enthusiast, I’ve always looked forward to the day my daughter, Cittie, would want her ears repierced. They were pierced when she was a baby, but her curiosity back then led her to constantly play with her earrings, which caused an infection. Her father and my…
For many millennial families, the dining table has become somewhat of a relic. What was once a central feature of family life — where meals were shared, stories told, and connections made — is now increasingly overlooked. It’s a trend I’ve seen in many homes, including my own,…
My husband, Jared, and I are navigating another significant life transition. Our daughter, Cittie, is now on her second week of kindergarten, which marks the official start of formal schooling here in the Philippines. This transition is even more pronounced because we’ve moved her from a traditional school to a…
My husband, Jared, enjoys cooking. As I write this, a pot of gumbo simmers on the stove. Its strong aroma drifts throughout our open-layout house and toward my work desk. My stomach churns in excitement. It’s his first time making this dish, but as with nearly every recipe…
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