​"Ang Aking Munting Himig" - Isang awitin na nilikha ko para sa aking anak. Ang bawat linya ng kantang ito ay naglalarawan ng pag-ibig, pangarap, at pag-asa na nais kong ibigay sa kanya.

 As a mother, you learn that loving your child is not just a feeling; it's a promise. It's a vow you make the moment they're born to be their strength, their constant, and their greatest defender. But what happens when you're the one who needs saving?

That's the story behind "Ang Aking Munting Himig," the song I wrote for my son, Miguel. It's a melody born from the deepest part of my heart, a melody that became my reason to keep going when I felt I had nothing left.

Life has a way of testing you, and there were times when the road became so heavy that I almost gave up. In those moments, when I felt like I couldn't go on, I would hold on to a single promise—a promise that lives in the heart of this song:

• "Kahit anong mangyari, hinding-hindi ako susuko / Para sa 'yo, anak, lahat ay gagawin ko." (No matter what happens, I will never give up / For you, my child, I will do everything.)

This is more than just a line in a song; it is the ultimate vow of a mother. It holds more weight now than ever. It's my unwavering commitment to Miguel, a promise that remains true even as our roles have changed and he is now a man.

Miguel is no longer the little boy whose hand I held. But in my heart, he remains the light that cuts through the darkness. His existence is a constant reminder that my life is a gift to him, a purpose worth fighting for. My love for him is a powerful force that has carried me through the darkest days. It is my purpose.

I wrote this song for him, but I share it with you in the hope that it can reach anyone who is struggling. It is a reflection on the beautiful, and often difficult, journey of motherhood. My son is my reason for hope, and my love for him is what keeps me going.

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I hope this song reminds you to cherish the deep love you have for your children and to remember that your life is a beautiful gift to them.

A mother's love is not just a feeling; it is the unbreakable promise that holds you to the world when you have almost let go. -MM

#TagalogSong #OPM #OriginalSong #ParaSaAnak #HeartfeltSong #MothersLove #EmotionalSong #Inspiration #Hope #MentalHealthAwareness #YouAreNotAlone #ParentLove #MotherAndSon #FamilyLove #AngAkingMuntingHimig

A Song for My Special Brain: My Journey of Love and Understanding

My boyfriend and I have been together for almost a year, and it’s been a beautiful, eye-opening journey. He’s autistic, and through him, I’ve come to understand the struggles he faced growing up in a world that didn't always get him. This is why I wrote this song. It's a way for me to process his story, to honor his experiences, and to share a message of empathy.

I've been thinking about how to create a more understanding world, and for me, that starts with a song. I poured all my heart into "A Song for My Special Brain," a song I hope will help people see the world from an autistic perspective. It’s my way of using music as a health and happiness booster—not just for him, but for anyone who feels misunderstood.

The lyrics were inspired by everything he's taught me, and everything I've learned from research. I describe a mind as a "super computer" that perceives the world with amplified senses, where for some, a simple hug can feel like a "big tight squeeze" and loud noises can be overwhelming. Luckily, my boyfriend doesn't have a problem with me hugging him, or him hugging me, which is something I know isn't true for everyone. I'm thankful for the small things and how much we've learned together.

This song is my gift to him and to everyone else out there who wants to feel seen and heard. It's a testament to the idea that love and understanding can truly change how we see the world.

You can watch the video and listen to my song here: https://youtube.com/shorts/rX-8F22dW48?feature=shared

Sometimes, the fastest way to understand a different mind is through a song that comes straight from the heart. -Ashley Goodale

#Autism #AutismAwareness #Neurodiversity #AutismAcceptance #LoveStory #HealthAndHappinessBoosters #OriginalSong #Songwriter #ASongForMySpecialBrain #Empathy

The Healing Power of Memory: Why Honoring a Loved One Is a True Health Booster

 "The stars are beautiful, because of a flower that cannot be seen."

— The Little Prince

Our journey to health and happiness often focuses on the future—on new goals, new habits, and new beginnings. But sometimes, the greatest strength we can find comes from looking back. From honoring the people and moments that have shaped who we are.

This is a very personal lesson I learned recently while creating a tribute for my brother's birthday. He passed away in 2013, but the day remains deeply significant, especially for his twin brother, Ben. As I looked for a way to celebrate their bond, I found myself drawn to the timeless story of The Little Prince.

The Little Prince’s timeless message about seeing with the heart and the stars we can’t forget felt like the perfect way to honor his memory. Just as the Little Prince left his planet, my brother left ours, but his presence, his laughter, and his love remain.

Creating this video was my personal health booster. It was an act of love, a moment of reflection, and a way to channel my feelings into something beautiful. I hope this musical tribute inspires you to find your own way to celebrate the love that remains, whether it's for a person, a memory, or a part of yourself that needs healing. The act of remembering, of truly seeing what is essential, is a powerful path to inner peace and lasting happiness.

The most important lessons are to see with your heart, not your eyes, and that love is a wonderful surprise that lasts forever. -Ashley Goodale

#GriefHealing #EmotionalWellness #MentalHealth #LittlePrince #Love #Hope #RememberingYou #HealingJourney #SelfCare #HealthAndHappiness

A Sweet Escape to Filling Station

 The last time I was here at Filling Station, it was with Eddie when he visited me from London last month. But the last time I had a banana split here, it was with my brother, Ben. It’s funny how a single spot can hold so many different sweet memories.

I've been cooped up for days, writing lyrics, working on my blog, and managing my online store for kids' clothes. Eddie noticed I was stuck at home and, from all the way in London, told me to get out. So, here I am, taking his advice.

I’m in my favorite spot on the second floor, perched in a comfy chair by the big glass window. It’s the perfect place to watch the world go by. Right in front of my table, a couple in their 20s is sharing a moment. He looks British, and she, Filipina. From their nervous energy and the way they keep glancing at each other, it feels like it's their very first date. It’s a sweet thing to see, and it makes me think of you, Eddie. I miss you. I wish you and Ben were here with me now. They're the only ones who can help me finish this gigantic banana split!

I started with a delicious plate of pasta aglio olio, but now I’m on to the main event. As I dig in, the background music fills the air—Doris Day’s “Dream a Little Dream of Me.” With the classic tunes and the vintage decor, it feels like I've stepped into a time capsule from the 1950s. This ice cream is a sweet escape from a hectic week. It’s making me feel happy and just a little closer to the people I miss most.

This is a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things, like a banana split, are the best health and happiness boosters you can get.

"In the quiet comfort of being alone, the sweetest thing is feeling a little closer to the ones you miss most" -Ashley Goodale

To read more about my life with Eddie and our long-distance relationship, you can visit our Joined Journal.

#BananaSplit #FillingStation #Manila #SoloDate #HealthAndHappiness #JoinedJournal #Nostalgia #DorisDay #PastaAglioOlio #Philippines #Eddie #Ben #SweetTreat #CafeLife #VintageVibes #SelfCare

Edible Art and Soulful Moments; Finding Beauty in a Special Meal

In a busy day in Makati, we all need a break. For me, one of my favorite ways to find that break is at my favorite Japanese restaurant, Seryna.

I always love Seryna for its delicious and real Japanese food. I remember one time, when my tempura bento box came, I noticed something new. It wasn't just about the food; it was about how it was arranged.

The golden tempura was placed neatly next to the colorful pickles and rice. Everything had a place. This care, this way of making the food look beautiful, felt like a small work of art.

In our busy lives, we often rush through our meals. But this special bento box made me stop and look. It showed me that even when you eat something nice, you can find a quiet moment to enjoy the simple details.

Taking a second to look at how beautiful the food was made my day better. It was a good reminder to slow down and find joy in the care that people put into their work.

So, the next time you have a special meal, take a moment to really see it. You might find a small moment of art and happiness on your plate.

"The best feelings are not always in big moments. They are often in the quiet, simple parts of your day." - Ashley Goodale