Trishia Mae's Creative Nonfiction Entries

     Being someone who's interested with almost everything yet doesn't have the attention span and patience to commit completely with it must be the insane part of being me. However, if there's something I love doing and probably won't stop doing— it will be about my hobby with reading. Thus, I can say, it played a humongous toll on my personality.       Way back my daycare years (I wasn't able to attend kindergarten) my mom would always make sure to keep my mind focused with the ABaKaDa materials posted on the walls of my room. I wasn't allowed to watch television until I finished reading the entire thing for the nth time. I have little to no exposure with my neighbors who are happily playing under the scorching sun. While I hear their shouts and laughters ringing in my ears, my silent pleas of wanting to go outside are kept sealed by my tiny voice who kept on reading the same materials all over again.      By looking at it now, my hobb...

     Sta. Ana of Cagayan will always be an option for the beach enthusiasts of the North. Known for their rich marine resources, breathtaking views, and captivating waves. Upon waking up at 3 o'clock in the morning, my family prepared for the trip. We have arrived at 7/11 for a quick breakfast while waiting for my partner, who's also coming along with us. We then drove as a convoy towards the destination waiting to be unfolded.      Although the trip wasn't bumpy, our body became numb with the long journey. However, upon passing by the busy roads, seeing the rolling hills made us excited about what awaits us. Our arrival at RAI Atrium Suites—who have personally invited us to pay a visit—has warmly welcomed us with a lobby that's garnished with Cagayan's pride. From the sea, incorporated treasures, and the keychains being sold as souvenirs, we knew the trip would be something. A recreation room intended for the guests that includes an aisle for tempting cock...

     Food will always give warmth to our hearts. It quenches the famishing feeling, and helps the tummy feel sufficed. I have always wandered and wondered what food I'll consider as my favorite.        Going home, I felt more starving than I could have ever imagined. But, there in the table lies a bowl with its appetizing steam crawling towards my nose. With its sour nature, savory kick, and the variety of ingredients dressed along the sunkissed-like broth; my tummy growled.      Sinigang's legacy amongst Filipino taste buds remained unshakable. Upon tasting the sour broth, the dish's flavors popped in my mouth. With versatile souring agents that are usually guava and tamarind or "sampalok", it only made me much more giddy of having a bite. Despite the tangy and unique flavor, Sinigang felt like a harmonious moment for me to have my mouth watered with anticipation of having a spoonful of more.       Was it my family g...

 As a humanista, and one of the fiercest to talk boldly, Trishia Mae Mendoza wasn't always like this. Trishia Mae's journey with loving public speaking was not a straight path at all. She hated it. At first, joining any poem recitals and declamation speaking competition was never meant for any of her preferences in the field of academics.  Years before, she despised any form of activities beyond writing. In accordance with her statement, "I have never seen myself stand in front of anybody for a whole minute without having my whole body frozen from fear." A contradiction of what she actually found herself loving years after.  However, of course, it was never inevitable for a student. She stumbled across multiple errors. A stutter after another. Afraid of participating through recitations. Hence, Trishia slowly became used to it.  During her First Holy Communion year, 2017, she was tasked to speaking during the Holy Mass. It was the Prayers of the Faithful. It surprise...

 Happiness is a choice, they say. But, if I had to choose one of the moments in life I've felt really joyful, it was from a vivid memory of my previous Moving Up Ceremony. Vibrant hues of lights were dancing through the four corners of the school's gymnasium. Although the construction was yet to finish and the concrete was seen unfurnished, the stage was dressed with stunning arrangements of chrysanthemum. I recall myself dressed in the school uniform, hair flattened with an iron, and bangs I've accidentally cut way too short. Despite it all. The program made me forget my intrusive decision about cutting my hair before the said day. As I've walked through the familiar concrete stage. My heart raced in a manner I will never forget. The applause echoed, and all I could hear was the genuine "congratulations" coming from my Junior High School teachers. Smiling from ear to ear, I joyfully receive the certificates I know I deserve. Dangling with the gold worn around...