Do not underestimate Mother Nature

The Taal Volcano Eruption opened our eyes to the danger the small but very dangerous volcano can bring. We learned to always be prepared, volcanos may seem calm but we can never tell when Mother Nature will strike. We must always have emergency kits with us and always follow strict evacuation notices.

We have to take better care of the earth

The heartbreaking wildfires in Australia should serve as a wake-up call for us all to take care of the earth. Billions of animals were killed in the fires, homes have been lost, and the damage has been devastating. Who knows how long it would take for the ecosystem to recover?

We need to be vigilant about our health

The outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus continues to scare all of us, especially since the recent confirmation of its presence in the Philippines. While we wait for our officials to get their acts together address the problem, for now, all we can do is avoid crowds (good luck, fellow commuters), wear face masks in crowded places, and practice good hygiene (e.g. frequent hand-washing).

Walang forever…

JaDine’s break-up taught us that love doesn’t always last forever. Sometimes, it just doesn’t work out. That’s life. On a lighter note, the couple’s breakup also taught us the value of friendship—that no matter how difficult things are, your true friends will always be there to cheer you on.

…Or maybe your “forever” is with someone else.

January also witnessed a lovely engagement as actress and influencer Alex Gonzaga announced her engagement to her long-time boyfriend, Mikee Morada. After over three years of dating, Alex and her boyfriend got engaged last December, but only made it public this month with a very special vlog.

There are so many brilliant films outside of Hollywood (and the English-speaking world)

Language is not, and should never be, a barrier for success. The multiple wins of the Korean film Parasite is a testament to that. The film’s director Bong Joon Ho summed it up perfectly in his acceptance speech at the Golden Globes: “Once you overcome the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.”

Life is short and fragile

The recent news about NBA legend Kobe Bryant’s death along with his daughter taught us this painful lesson. We don’t know what tomorrow holds, so make the most of today.

Everything comes to an end

This month really sucked the life out of us, but we made it. And there’s the rest of the year to contend with. The rollercoaster of emotions that this month dealt us has been one heck of a ride, but you know what they say: what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Kaya natin to. (But 2020, please be gentler with us.)

What lessons has this neverending January taught you? Tell us below!