Entertainment
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How to Make the Prettiest Bouquet
Submitted by Francesca Tero While I’m no flower expert, I consider myself lucky to be surrounded by people who are. These tips will be derived from special arrangements I’ve received from my mom and my boyfriend. I believe flower arranging can initially be a daunting task, however, a few simple adjustments can take the bouquet from store-bought to appearing artisanally curated. After all, arranging a bouquet has a special, intangible ingredient. The task requires more thought, effort, and attention to detail, not necessarily expertise in floral design. Tip #1: Take the flowers out of the plastic they come in from the grocery store! I know this sounds obvious, but doing…
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The Traits of a Perfect Couple: What We Admire Most
Submitted by Steven Pham When we think of the perfect couple, images of love-filled moments, mutual respect, and unwavering support often come to mind. Whether it’s inspired by a romantic comedy or an Instagram post, society tends to paint an idealized picture of relationships. But what truly makes a couple “perfect”? Perfection doesn’t mean flawless, rather, it’s about the qualities that help couples thrive and grow together. Let’s take a look at some of the most cherished qualities that help a relationship endure and thrive over time. 1. Communication: The Foundation of Strong Relationships At the heart of every successful relationship is clear and honest communication. Perfect couples are those…
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My Best First Date Story
Submitted by Ruthie Suarez It was the end of October, with Halloween just around the corner– and I was about to head out for my first date ever in my life. I had never gone on one before so I wasn’t sure what to expect. We decided to go to a movie theatre on Main Street to watch Five Nights at Freddy’s. As a big fan of the game franchise, I was super excited. He had offered to buy the tickets for both of us beforehand so we could get good seats. At this time, I was so nervous that I kept fidgeting in my seat and thinking about what…
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Places to See Christmas Lights/Decorations
Submitted by Ruthie Suarez “Glowing Parols and Holiday Joy: My Magical Christmas Break in the Philippines” The Philippines is known for its vibrant and festive Christmas celebrations, and one of the most prominent aspects is a dazzling display of lights everywhere, especially the iconic parols. A parol is a traditional Filipino Christmas lantern, typically star-shaped, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem. They are made of bamboo and colorful paper and come in various sizes, from small and simple to big and intricate designs. When I visited the Philippines over the winter break to celebrate Christmas and New Year with my family, the sight of parols glowing brightly along the streets, homes,…
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A Thank You Letter to My Comfort Show & Character
Submitted by Will Chen During tough times, everyone has a way to help cope with their difficult situations. It is important to have that outlet to let these emotions out and get comforted. For me, a show I always turn to is Pokemon. I used to love this show as a kid and watching it gave me a smile every time. Although this may be a kid’s show, the lessons involved were instrumental to developing my character. Ash Ketchum and the journeys he has been on with his Pokemon have educated me on the principles of life. Aside from the valuable lessons Pokemon has taught me, the show always has…
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A Lesson I Learned From the Film ‘Didi’
Submitted by Gina Choi The coming-of-age film Didi follows a Taiwanese American teenage boy as he navigates the challenges of adolescence, trying to balance his cultural heritage with the pressures of fitting in with his American peers. The film does an excellent job portraying the awkwardness of puberty and the often embarrassing moments that come with growing up. It captures the universal struggles that come with adolescence, making it easy for anyone, regardless of background, to relate to Didi’s journey. As an Asian woman raised in American culture, I found myself connecting deeply with Didi’s experience. While the film didn’t teach me any particularly new lessons, it definitely reinforced things…
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Retail Therapy is a Blessing and a Curse
Submitted by Will Chen Retail therapy refers to the practice of shopping to improve one’s mood or a way to relieve stress. This term is quite common among college students as they use it as a source to combat the stress in their daily lives. Without a doubt, I have indulged in retail therapy before as well. This can be in the form of food, clothes, video games, pretty much anything you can think of. However, there are consequences to retail therapy, specifically financial stress. According to the Journal of Consumer Research, consumers who engage in retail therapy can experience an increase in happiness. After shopping, people will become elated…
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My Obsession with Watching Mukbangs
Submitted by Hera Lee If you haven’t come across a mukbang video, have you been living under a rock? Mukkbang, for those who are unaware of its popularity, is an online video trend that involves people eating food in front of an online audience. This trend originated in South Korea, hence the name. The term is a blend of the Korean words “muk-da” (먹다) meaning “to eat” and “bang-song” (방송) meaning “broadcast”. These mukbang videos have hosts eating large, sometimes impressive amounts of food while interacting with their audience in real-time or through pre-recorded content. Sometimes, mukbang videos can be served as ASMR content, which are sensory and satisfying videos…
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Best Movies to Entertain Your Long Plane Ride
Submitted by Angelina Ng When on a long flight, there are only so many snacks we can eat and bathroom runs we can have. A great way to pass the time would be to watch movies on an airplane. Although there is only a limited selection, most airlines in the U.S. have movies with action, comedy, horror, and romance. Many are uplifting or can give you an intense crying session. Here’s a list of entertaining movies to occupy your time on a long plane ride! Crazy Rich Asians (2018): A movie full of fun, comedy, drama, romance, and entertainment. It showcases stunning visuals: including the vibrant and lush scenery of…
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Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking in Asia
Submitted by Daniella Avisado Backpacking through Asia is a dream for many travelers, including myself. Although I’ve personally never been to Asia before, there are tons of vloggers & influencers out there that have documented their experiences. I’ve definitely learned a few things from them and would love to share my knowledge with you all. Here’s a guide to help you potentially start your journey: 1. Choosing Your Destinations Asia is incredibly diverse, with countries that differ in culture, climate, and cost. As a beginner, it’s essential to narrow down your options based on your interests. Popular backpacking routes include: Southeast Asia: Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos are…
