...as I was sifting through a heap of old and new "identity cards," I noticed that something was missing: my identity.

I finally understood what my grandmother meant. If I wasn't comfortable with myself, I would never be comfortable.

I have a secret secret admirer. Not only is her identity a secret—but so is the fact that she admires me.


Behind every face lies a mask. Behind it lies another onion layer of mask. If you peel the skins, you may cry. ―

We are not defined by the family into which we are born, but the one we choose and create. We are not born, we become.

It would take a while before the postmodern Narcissus perceived the ruins of society behind the emptiness of his mirror.

This constant mental diatribe and the frustrations, worries, insecurities and muscular tension that ensues are the self.

The mind is strong. It survives, even without thought. Even with everything taken away, it holds a seed—your self.

Don’t let a day go by without asking who you are…each time you let a new ingredient to enter your awareness.

It does seem - well, difficult - to be at the mercy of some gross, unshaven stranger before you can begin to be yourself.

Frightened that you'll be overcome by yourself? That a gentle monster inside of you might take over and never let go?

The point, I decided, wasn't to have the autobiography or even the memories. The point was who I became when I wrote.

Don't say Fili, sister. Say Pili. In Tagalog, pili means to choose. Pino means fine. Pilipino equals 'fine choice.

Who are you? Answer; you are who you are in this given moment. Label-less. Limitless. Remember that from this day forward.

No matter the nature of your individuality, you can nurture a better identity and have a mature positively rewarding life.