Survival Guide: Navigating the Inflation Crisis in the PH

The recent tensions in the Middle East are starting to hit our pockets here in the Philippines. With fuel prices jumping and the Peso shifting, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t panic—prepare.

Why am I making a post about it? This is not culture or book-related! Well, I want to help everyone. Hope this helps!

 Here is what you need to know to protect your budget and your family over the next few weeks.

🚩 What’s Getting More Expensive? (The "Monday Spike")

·         Expect a "Domino Effect." Because it costs more to move goods, almost everything will see a price adjustment.

·         Fuel is the big one: Gasoline and Diesel are seeing massive daily hikes (some as high as ₱20+ per liter).

·         Cooking Gas (LPG): Your 11kg tanks will likely be much more expensive by your next refill.

·         Your Electric Bill: Since some of our power comes from imported fuel, expect higher rates in your April/May billing.

·         The "Pantry Basics": Bread, canned goods, and instant noodles will likely see "shrinkflation" (smaller sizes) or direct price increases.

 

💡 Ways to "Crisis-Proof" Your Home

ü  The "Power Hour" Audit: Cut your AC usage by just 1 hour a day or shift heavy laundry to weekends. It offsets the rising generation charges.

ü  Route Planning: Stop the "quick trips" to the mall or store. Map out your errands so you only use the car once. Walk or use bikes instead. E-bikes are not advisable, as they will spike your power.

ü  Lessen eating out. Eat in and, if possible, do meal planning.

ü  Plant in your garden or even in pots. Plants like malunggay, calamansi, onions, sili, monggo, and others can grow in pots and small plots and can help you.

ü  Have some savings. Do not buy anything expensive or big, like cellphones.

ü  Dry or pickle things. It will last longer.

ü  Share and trade with neighbors.

🛒 Your Strategic Shopping List

Don't "panic buy" 50 sacks of rice—that creates a shortage for others. Instead, "Pantry Load" strategically:

1.    Fill the Tank NOW: If you have a vehicle, fill it up before Monday morning. Even a half-tank saves you hundreds of pesos right now.

2.    Check the LPG: If your kitchen tank feels light, swap it today. Don't wait for it to run out mid-month.

3.    Have a tank of drinking water in case of emergencies.

4.    The Essentials: Slowly stock up on non-perishables like:

▢   Rice and Rice alternatives

▢   Canned proteins (Sardines, Corned Beef, Tuna)

▢   Milk powder and Coffee

▢   Pasta and noodles

▢   Laundry and bath soap (petroleum is used in their production!)

▢   Basic medical needs like maintenance and flu medications

 

📅 How long will this last?

The markets are currently reacting to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Ø  Best Case: If things de-escalate, we might see prices stabilize in 4 to 8 weeks.

Ø  Reality Check: Even if the conflict stops tomorrow, "sticky prices" mean grocery costs stay high for a few months. Plan your budget as if these prices are the "new normal" for at least the next 90 days.

Stay safe, stay informed, and let's help each other out! 

Genre, Tropes and Archetypes. What are they?

 It’s easy to see why these get mixed up—they’re the three main ingredients in the "storytelling soup." While they overlap, they function at different levels of a story's structure.

Think of it this way: Genre is the house, Tropes are the blueprint, and Archetypes are the furniture and decor.

1. Genre: The Category

Genre is the broadest level of classification. It sets the expectations for the setting, tone, and overall "vibe" of the story. It tells the reader what kind of experience they’re in for.

• Function: Categorization and marketing.
• Examples: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Noir, Romance, Horror.
• The Litmus Test: If you changed the genre, the entire world and tone would have to change.

2. Trope: The Storytelling Tool

Tropes are specific patterns, motifs, or devices that writers use to convey information quickly. They are the "shortcuts" of storytelling. Unlike archetypes, tropes can become "clichés" if they are overused without a fresh twist.

• Function: Narrative shorthand.
• Examples: "The Chosen One," "Enemies to Lovers," "The Villain's Monologue," "The Grumpy/Sunshine Dynamic."
• The Litmus Test: Is this a specific plot beat or character trait that you’ve seen in dozens of books or movies lately? That’s a trope.

3. Archetype: The furnishings

Archetypes are ancient, universal patterns that reside in our collective "storytelling DNA." They are the foundational "roles" or "shapes" that humans have recognized since we were telling stories around campfires. They are deeply psychological and rarely change across cultures. These mainly point to the characters.

• Function: Providing a recognizable structure for human experiences.
• Examples: The Hero, The Mentor, The Shadow, The Star-Crossed Lovers, The Quest.
• The Litmus Test: Can this character or plot point be found in both ancient Greek myths and a modern Pixar movie? If yes, it’s an archetype.

Examples of Genres:

• Romance
• Historical
• Adventure
• Gothic
• Suspense
• Mystery
• Horror
• Comedy
• High Fantasy
• Christian Romance
• Teen Fiction
• Urban Fantasy
• Bangsian

Sample Tropes:

• Enemies to lovers
• Friends to lovers
• Forbidden romance
• Opposites attract
• Accidental pregnancy
• Secret baby
• Found family
• Fake dating
• Forced proximity
• Cinderella romance
• Small-town romance
• Best friend’s sister/brother
• Second chance
• Workplace romance
• Off-limits romance
• Secret identity
• Out of their league
• Fated mates

Examples of Archetypes:

The Jungian Archetypes (Psychological)

• The Inventor: Carl Jung (Early 20th Century)

Jung was a Swiss psychiatrist who believed these figures live in our "Collective Unconscious." He argued that every human, regardless of culture, is born with these mental blueprints. While he identified many, he is most famous for these 12:

• The Innocent: Desires safety and happiness (e.g., Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz).
• The Sage: Seeks knowledge and truth (e.g., Yoda).
• The Explorer: Craves freedom and discovery (e.g., Indiana Jones).
• The Rebel: Wants revolution and to overturn what isn't working (e.g., Robin Hood).
• The Magician: Understands the fundamental laws of the universe to make things happen (e.g., Gandalf).
• The Hero: Proves worth through courageous acts (e.g., Hercules).
• The Lover: Seeks intimacy and experience (e.g., Romeo/Juliet).
• The Jester: Lives in the moment with enjoyment (e.g., The Joker—the dark version).
• The Everyman: Wants to belong and be "just like everyone else" (e.g., Arthur Dent).
• The Caregiver: Protects and cares for others (e.g., Mary Poppins).
• The Ruler: Control-oriented, seeking to create a prosperous community (e.g., Mufasa).
• The Creator: Driven to foster something of enduring value (e.g., Tony Stark).

The Monomyth Archetypes (Narrative)

• The Inventor: Joseph Campbell (1949)

In his book The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Campbell realized that almost every myth in history follows the same path. He identified specific "character functions" that the Hero meets along the way.

• The Herald: The one who brings the "Call to Adventure" (e.g., Hagrid).
• The Threshold Guardian: Tests the hero before they enter the new world (e.g., The Sphinx).
• The Shapeshifter: A character whose loyalty is uncertain, keeping the hero off-balance (e.g., Catwoman).
• The Shadow: The antagonist or the "dark mirror" of the hero (e.g., Darth Vader).

Let’s look at Samples of How These Three are used:

Star Wars (George Lucas)

• The Genre: Space Opera (Fantasy in a Sci-Fi setting).
• The Archetype: Luke Skywalker is The Hero; Obi-Wan is The Mentor. 
• The Trope: The "Farm Boy with a Secret Heritage" and the "Evil Empire." These are specific storytelling "hooks" used to get the plot moving.

Pride & Prejudice (Jane Austen)

This is the gold standard for character-driven storytelling, where the social "rules" are just as important as the characters.

• The Genre: Regency Romance / Comedy of Manners. The setting is strictly 19th-century England, focusing on social status and marriage.
• The Archetype: The Lovers. Elizabeth and Darcy represent the universal human experience of seeking a partner. Mr. Collins is The Buffoon (a social archetype of the person who tries too hard and fails).
• The Trope: Enemies to Lovers. This is the "furniture." They start off hating each other due to a "First Impression" (another trope!). You also have the "Meddling Mother" and the "Inheritance Plot."

Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling)

This series is a masterclass in using "The Hero’s Journey," which is essentially a map of archetypes.

• The Genre: Fantasy / Young Adult / Mystery. It has magic (Fantasy), coming-of-age themes (YA), and usually a "whodunnit" or "what is it" plot in every book (Mystery).
• The Archetype: Harry is The Chosen One, Dumbledore is The Mentor, and Voldemort is The Shadow, also Dark Lord Archetype. These are blueprints that have existed since ancient myths.
• The Trope: The Chosen One. This is a specific narrative tool. Others include "The Secret Orphan," "The School of Magic," and the "Power of Friendship" (where the protagonist wins because of their bonds, not just their muscles).

The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins)

This story takes ancient archetypes and puts them in a gritty, futuristic "house."

• The Genre: Dystopian / Sci-Fi / Action. It’s a dark future where technology is used to oppress people.
• The Archetype: Katniss is The Rebel/Guardian (protecting her sister). Peeta is The Caregiver. President Snow is The Tyrant.
• The Trope: The Love Triangle. This is a classic YA trope used to create romantic tension. You also have "The Deadly Game" (characters forced to fight to the death) and "The Dressed-Up Hero" (where the protagonist is forced into a makeover to win over the public).

Sources:

https://www.writeforharlequin.com/hea-writing-week-2026-day-two-all-about-tropes/

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-are-the-different-genres-of-literature-a-guide-to-14-literary-genres

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jungian_archetypes

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hero%27s_journey

Unlocking Reading Skills: Create a Cozy Reading Area

 In a previous post, I wrote about creating exciting activities to get your appetites wet for the books. This is especially true for books in a series.

Before all this, some of you would be fidgeting in your seat at the thought of sitting for hours to read. This is because your area isn't conducive to reading.

Before we can expect ourselves or our child/students to enjoy reading, we must foster an environment conducive to reading. Create an inviting reading nook in the classroom or school library by incorporating comfortable seating, adequate illumination, and a variety of books on exhibit. I am already making a pinterst board to create my home library. I want a home library that is versatile but decorated to every genre I hold dear. Decorations can encourage students to investigate various genres and topics.

Teachers and parents, you can adorn shelves for your children or involve them in the process. They say children who grew up with a home library tend to be smarter. I don't mean to brag but I did graduate Cum Laude in college. And yes, I want to thank my mother for always making sure we had a couple of shelves of books. It wasn't quite a home library but she was very encouraging when it came to books.

Unlocking Reading Skills: Create Book Activities

Before you can write, you're going to have to learn to read. Whether it is you, your child or your student, I hope these tips could help!

From immersive storytelling experiences to inventive writing prompts, this is an enchanting portal for young minds to realize their full potential. Discover the power of reading as a voyage of awe and writing as a path of self-expression, bridging the distance between the love of stories and the pleasure of creating them. 

Let us start by finding out what tickles your or their fancy. Genres and themes would be the best place to start. When I was pre-teens, my sister and I loved horror and myth stories. We devoured books like crazy. Recess? Who cares! I have to read in the library. Maximo D. Ramos? I have to find his most obscure books in other sources. Then we progressed to RL Stein and Goosebumps. We also had a collection of Nancy Drew and Enid Blyton at home, not to mention those Time Life Encyclopedias. Dinosaurs? I'd name them like Pokemons.

Now, choose a topic or genre. Then read something along those. You know, Amazon suggests you books based on your searches and purchases.

Now, let's make things fun. After reading, let's do some fun activities.

In the age before TikTok, I did scrapbooks and collage boards for fun. The height was during my Harry Potter Phase. I also created games based on Harry Potter. Note, this was before the merch and the movies. 

For books that had a good concept but I did not enjoy the ending, I wanted to rewrite my own ending. It was an activity that my high School English teacher made us do. We were given a story and asked to change the ending however we wanted.

Now, it is the age of technology, there's so much more we can do like make a BookTok or TikTok about the book. You can make trailers. you can even redesign the covers. All this can be done with various tools, especially with AI. (Don't be afraid to experiment!)

You know what else you can do? Create challenges! Challenge other readers. Challenge your friends on Social Media! Challenge your kids! Ignite the competitive spirit!

I hope you enjoyed these tips.

I want to impart my knowledge as a writer and hope to learn from other writers as well. 

Never stop learning! I'll never be the best writer but I know I'll forever continue to improve. Reading is a way to help improve. You cannot be a writer unless you are also a reader. So, unlock those reading skills!

 

RT Tips and Tricks

 It's my first time to attend the RT Booklovers Convention and here are some tips and tricks to those attending for the first time:



PRIOR to CONVENTION TIPS

Tip 1: START EARLY! SAVE MONEY!
There is a $495 convention fee and you have to pay that as early as you can! (Some time September of the year prior to the convention)
People buy early so you have to be an early bird as well.

Tip 2: If you are a writer, take the boot camp. It cost something around $125 on top of the convention fee. It is worth it.

Tip 3: Book your hotel early. If you can afford to be in the same hotel as the convention, then book the hotel. Socials and other events will be very hectic so you need to be close by.

Tip 4: Here's what you need to bring/pack: Versatile clothing (reuse clothes, don't bring so much), comfortable shoes, big sturdy eco bags, emergency slippers, bandages (it's for your feet!), muscle lotion (it's for your shoulders), make-up, gloss/lip balm, water bottle, autograph book for authors, power bank for your phone, note pad for notes. Extra boxes/suitcases for books.

Tip 5: What not to bring: BOOKS. You'll be there to grab free books so don't bother bringing some. Bulky costumes, bulky clothes, anything heavy.

DURING the CONVENTION
 Tip 1: Be friendly. People want to know what you like to read and who you are here to meet. They might give you tips as well. Build friendships because people who love books loves other people who love books!

Tip 2: Wear flats. You'll be walking a lot.

Tip 3: You'll be walking a lot! So eat a hearty breakfast, have a water bottle, make sure you have stamina to run around every hour. Especially if there is a pop-up signing.

Tip 4: Be prepared to wait! Most big or popular workshops have long lines so be prepared to stand in line. Socials have a 30 mins to 1 hour waiting before you can enter so make sure you have patience.

Tip 5: Not all events have food so you'll have to forage and quick. Most breakfast socials have a muffin or pie but some doesn't. (Harlequin's event only had free fruit smoothie for breakfast). Some socials have chillis, desserts and finger food but not enough to get you full. Some socials only had chocolates. (I loved Linda Lael Miller's Cowboys and Rhinestone Party. There was mac and cheese, chicken skewers, chilli beans and fruits)

Tip 6: Bring a trolley or wheeled luggage. You'll be getting a lot of books. I got 7 books from a Inspirational Book Signing and 6 books from Harlequin meet and greet. Pop up signing might get you two to three books at a time. Most big events give books but small workshops give small tokens and at times books.

Tip 7: Keep hydrated. You won't be able to notice that you're already dehydrated until it is too late. Why? Because the air-conditioner is cold but you're running around. You are also too excited to realize this.

Tip 8: You won't be able to attend all the workshops and events. Believe me, I tried! I even tried to leave one event early to get tot he next. Some events overlap. It's not the end of the world. Attend what you can and have fun.

Tip 9: Set your goals. Are you there as a reader or writer. Plot your workshops and be prepared to run around. In RT17, the venue for the convention spanned three floors. I had workshops from LL3 to LL1 and I have only 15 mins to get tot he next venue.

Tip 10: Have fun! You will learn but you shouldn't be too serious. Attend the Socials. Hug your favorite authors. Take a lot of pictures!