Mari Felices

Hong Kong is more than a place I once lived, it is my second home.   For nearly ten years, I worked there, walked its streets, sang in its quiet corners, and built friendships that still live in my heart. I remember the scent of early morning markets, the rhythm of the MTR, the laughter shared over coffee in McDonald’s or Starbucks, or the aroma of foods in Cape de Coral or in Noodles house and the way the city glowed at night, not just with lights, but with life.  So when I heard about the fire in Tai Po on November 26, my heart broke.   The blaze at Wang Fuk Court became Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in more than seventy years, claiming 146 lives, injuring at least 79, and leaving over 150 still missing. Among the fallen was Ho Wai-ho, a 37-year-old firefighter, remembered for his gallantry and devotion, who lost his life while protecting others. Families were torn apart, including a bride-to-be who now grieves the fiancé she was soon to marry.  ...

Sometimes, heroes don’t wear uniforms. Sometimes they’re in fancy places, dressed in ordinary clothes. It was supposed to be a normal afternoon. My employer’s son and I were heading home after his swimming class. We took the train, then boarded a bus toward Causeway Bay. I glanced at my phone and froze—several missed calls from my sir. My phone is always on silent, so I hadn’t heard it ring. I called him back immediately. He sounded urgent.   “Where are you?” he asked.   “We’re on the bus to Causeway Bay,” I replied.   “When you get off, stay at the bus stop. I’ll come pick you up.” It was just one stop from Hung Hom to Causeway Bay. Simple enough. But when we got off the bus, my sir called again. I was confused, so I handed the phone to his son. After a short exchange, the boy said, “Let’s go over there—it’s near the subway. Daddy will meet us there.” We walked toward the subway entrance. I paused to take a few photos of Victoria Harbour, tryin...

Beyond Tears and Distance A story of sacrifice, resilience, and faith Writing your own story is never easy. Where do you begin, when the past is filled with both joy and pain? Sometimes, you have to open old wounds—not to dwell in them, but to show how far you’ve come. This is Grace’s journey. A Simple Life, Until Everything Changed Grace never dreamed of working overseas. She was happy with her life: her parents, her siblings, her loving husband, and their three children. Her husband, once an army officer, gave up his career to stay close to them. Their life was simple, but it was enough. Until the day her small business collapsed—the family’s only source of income. Suddenly, Grace faced a heartbreaking choice. “I wasn’t sure what I was trying to fulfill, but I knew I had to secure my children’s future.” Despite her husband’s resistance, Grace decided to work abroad. Losing Her Mother While waiting for her visa in Manila, her mother asked her to come home for just one week. Grace went...

Sometimes life gives us these moments not to test us, but to show us how much we’ve grown. Seeing him again didn’t break me. It didn’t shake me. It reminded me that healing isn’t loud. It’s quiet. It’s walking away with grace. It’s choosing yourself, again and again. I saw my ex along the street,   Hoped our eyes would never meet.   Causeway Bay was loud and bright,   But my heart sank out of sight.   I looked away, kept walking fast,   Trying to leave behind the past.   But then I heard a voice so clear “Hello, Mari. How are you, dear?”   I turned around, my heart a race,   He wore that same familiar face.   A smile with mischief in his eyes,   The kind that once had felt like skies. He was the manager, sharp and proud,   I was his secretary, hates in the crowd.   Coffee breaks and stolen glances,   Late-night talks and risky chances.  ...