Instagram has a new feature where you can turn off your like counts, both on your feed and on your posts as a creator. Pauline and i talk about our thoughts on the possible implications of this feature, and evolve the conversation toward the topic of online validation.

I got an email about how the development of the vaccine had something to do with aborted fetuses. In this episode, i respond and share my thoughts on the ethics and morality of this new finding, from a Christian perspective.

In this episode of #CoffeeConversations, Pauline and I talk about a question that’s being asked around some Christian communities. Should a Christian take the COVID-19 vaccine? This discussion is full of our opinions, so I’m just throwing out a disclaimer that (1) our opinions are subject to change based on the information we receive, and that (2) you’re free to respectfully disagree in the comments below! Dialogue is essential to progress.    *I just realized that as we talk in this episode, the assumption is already that vaccines in general are scientifically sound ways to significantly increase immunity against certain viruses, and that the COVID-19 vaccine is no different. Yes, we recognize that there have been a small amount of cases where vaccine takers experienced negative side effects. But in general, we still believe that the vaccine does more good than harm all in all.  If you'd like us to talk more about the science behind the vaccine, and the possible negative side effects, we can do that in a future video. Just letting you know that that was not the scope of this one. :)   ADDITIONAL RESOURCE: https://biologos.org/common-questions/should-christians-get-vaccinated

If you’re constantly telling yourself, “I’m tired of being tired,” and experience things like unwillingness to get out of bed, lack of motivation to do simple tasks, regretful or sorrowful comparison to others living “better” lives, pining for how it used to be, panicking because of all the uncertainty, or unjustly channeling your anger onto others.. then you may be going through pandemic anxiety. That’s all normal. We’re experiencing a traumatic global event. And I’m not just saying this, I also go through all of these things, quite often actually. Now, I’m gonna share tips with you for dealing with pandemic anxiety, but I need you to promise me one thing. Please do something after this podcast. Take one of these tips and actually do it.

If you’ve been a subscriber for a long time, you’ll know that in 2019, I lost my drive to create content. I wasn’t so proud of the content I was creating, and in some ways felt like a slave to my subscribers, because I felt like I only got views and likes when the video was about certain mainstream topics, even though I wasn’t in the mood to make content like that. I lost sight of myself, I lost sight of my goals, and I kept comparing myself to other content creators who were doing sooooo much better than I was. I had to battle a very real depressive attack, where I felt like I had no purpose when I got out of bed, and was never happy with my work day as I went to sleep. You’re here because you’re experiencing burnout in some way, shape, or form. It might be severe burnout, it might be mild burnout. Whatever the case, you’re welcome here. Let me share with you a few things I’ve learned about burnout.

We're back from the States, after a 5-month trip. Pauline and I talk about regrets, "sayang", and seizing every moment.

In our trip to Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur here in California, Pauline and I decide to stop by the beach and talk a bit about what it's like to have a romantic relationship lose its "spark". What do you do when things start to feel "normal"?

Pauline and I talk about our life here in the USA after temporarily moving to California last October. If all goes well, we'll be back in Manila by March! But for now, here are a few learnings and stories of our experiences and travels here. :)

Adulting is hard. In my experience, the transition to twenty-something years old has a lot to do with developing independence. And while independence is mostly a good thing, there are two traps that can eventually lead to burnout: 1. Self-sufficiency: Convincing yourself that you have all the strength and ability within you to make it on your own 2. Autonomy: Believing that the purpose you set and the path you forge for yourself is the ultimate one If you’ve reached your breaking point, you’ll know that these two are dangerous traps. We need others—especially in the form of a healthy support system. We also will never define the purpose of our existence as well as the One who initiated our existence. We are not our best source. We are finite beings, and our strength and willpower will run out. The very story of creation debunks the lies of self-sufficiency and autonomy. If you believe you were created, then it’ll be a relief to know that God continues to “create” you every day. He sustains you and gives you the grace to carry on even in hard times. If you believe you were created, then it’ll be a relief to know that you were created purposefully. You’re not an accident. You have a place. God has a path made just for you. God is our best source. He is infinite, and the strength and grace he gives his children will never run out. Rest in this.

For over a decade now, I've been starting the year with a 5-day fast alongside the rest of my church community. Here are 5 reasons why fasting is such a great spiritual discipline:  1. Jesus fasted. Before he started his formal ministry, he fasted because he knew fasting gives spiritual strength and prepares one for God's work.  2. Fasting makes us more sensitive to God's voice. When we deny ourselves of natural cravings and worldly distractions, we tend to hear the Holy Spirit easier--especially through the Bible.  3. Fasting is an act of humility and consecration. Before dangerous journeys, important events, or big decision points, people from Bible times up to today have fasted to remind themselves that just as they're dead without food, they're also spiritually dead and hopeless without God.  4. Fasting brings revival. The act of praying alongside an exercise in self-denial helps strengthen our spirits to prevail in intercession. "If my people humble themselves and pray, I will hear from heaven and heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14 5. Fasting is healthy! Physically, it helps the body get rid of waste that's been lying around in our cells for a long time. Mentally, it can develop our discipline and mental toughness.  How do I fast? Well, it happens differently for different people, but the principle is always self-denial. After all, Jesus himself said that if anyone wants to be his disciple, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow him. Here's the link I talked about: https://victory.org.ph/fasting2021/