Home / Mikaela Llanes

Rappler • 22nd February 2021

Detours from home: When video calls are the only option left

"Hesitantly – and finally – I reached out to a small friend group and floated the idea of video chatting one Friday night." A personal essay about video chatting as a coping mechanism amid quarantine restrictions.

ASHAMED • 22nd February 2021

There is no villain in (500) Days of Summer

Was there ever really an antagonist in Marc Webb's hit film (500) Days of Summer? This personal essay explores how both Tom and Summer could have been in the wrong—but, ultimately, neither of them worth considering as the villain.

Uniquely Aligned • 22nd February 2021

How You Don't Get the Girl: Second Lead Syndrome

From Gong Tae Kwang to Kim Shin Hyuk: Why do we continue to root for the second leads built for failure from the very beginning?

Uniquely Aligned • 22nd February 2021

Catching the Chameleon in Action

"My insatiable need to be relatable has come at the price of not being able to resonate with anyone." A personal essay on lying about interests in hopes of coming off as more interesting.

The GUIDON • 2nd September 2019

Credit for compassion

"To be empathetic is easy, but to demand it of others is not as simple." An opinion article on empathy.

Vantage Magazine • 9th October 2020

I made you a playlist (and other confessions)

"Every person [I've] ever had feelings for has a playlist dedicated to them." A personal essay on how, for the longest time, creating playlists was my replacement for emotional expression.

Vantage Magazine • 29th July 2020

Bringing Pride home

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on several renowned physical movements and events, the Metro Manila Pride March persists with its efforts to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community regardless of the setting.

The GUIDON • 5th August 2019

Pride in protest

Metro Manila Pride March 2019 boasted 70,000 people in attendance, but its very beating heart is in the strong stand that Filipino LGBTQI+ individuals continue to take. This article looks back at the role resistance played in Pride, and how we move forward with that advocacy at the helm.

The GUIDON • 16th December 2019

Above the noise

This special issue for Ateneo’s 160th Anniversary looks into how the University can further empower minority sectors in school and society. Among these are persons with special needs, who face social barriers that institutions such as universities and the government can help them adapt to.

The GUIDON • 22nd September 2019

No room for revisions: Martial Law in the academe

To combat ignorance and apathy, Ateneo educators reflect on the importance of keeping Martial Law in our curriculum.

The GUIDON • 10th October 2019

More than just a hot minute

Filipina courtside reporters continue to break the glass ceiling despite superficial expectations on their womanhood.

The GUIDON • 14th February 2019

Of laude and landi

Searching for love has become proximally easier with university-exclusive dating applications. What does this spell for the culture of online dating?

The GUIDON • 4th February 2019

Spoken word: An oral renaissance

The local spoken word scene of the Philippines is experiencing a renaissance; beyond themes of love and loss are pieces that serve as social commentary, reflecting Filipinos' love for community and storytelling.

The GUIDON • 12th March 2019

From city lenses to distant stars

In pursuit of debunking misconceptions regarding the elitism of astronomy, Manila Street Astronomers strives to make the science more accessible by bringing its telescopes to the public.

Vantage Magazine • 10th March 2020

blueREP’s Next to Normal captures what it means to get by

With lessons on life and love to be unpacked even after the lights have gone down, Next to Normal is a stellar choice to cap off Ateneo Blue Repertory’s (blueREP) 28th season. A review of blueREP's adaptation.

Vantage Magazine • 18th October 2019

Chile Chicos review

To get authentic Mexican cuisine right is no easy feat, but Chile Chicos manages to go above and beyond with its take on some Mexican household favorites. A review of a '19-'20 Ateneo JSEC stall.