Our cuisine is more than fried food and meat. Every island, every province has its own cuisine that is fruit and vegetable based. We harvest from the sea. And if you look at it deeper, Filipino food mirrors that of our neighbors like Indonesia and Malaysia. Unfortunately, our government is more concerned about making our officials’ bank accounts fatter instead of making these foods accessible and market this beauty to tourists.

Ginisang langka, lumpiang ubod, sinabawang mais — these are some of the native dishes in my province that a vegetarian can happily eat any day.

So much missed opportunities.

I no longer have career goals. I’m done. I’m tired. All these — they don’t have meaning.

I am more than my job. It pays the bills. It does not define me. I should detach myself from it so I won’t get hurt.