We live in a culture that glorifies gossip, from celebrity tabloids and reality TV to the rumour mill in our own personal circles at school, work, home and on social media.

Despite our busy and often conflicting schedules, my parents, brother and I try to eat at least one meal a day together. During this time, we share stories, make jokes and catch up on each other’s lives.

As a frequent rider of the subway, I have seen the Canada 150 ads that feature influential young adults and posing the question of how they will shape the future of our country.

A recent Ipsos poll conducted for Global News showed that 51 per cent of Canadians polled believe that religion does more harm than good.

Staying connected to my faith has always been easy for me. During my high school years at Holy Name of Mary College School, I attended mandatory Mass once a month, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and participated in faith-related reflections for class.

Recently, I read an article by American author and speaker Joshua Harris titled “The Room.” In the article, the narrator finds himself in a small filing room, filled with catalogue cards that detail every moment of his life.

When I was a kid, I had a crush on a girl. As far as I was concerned I was going to grow up, marry this girl, have kids with her, etc. However, later on I developed a crush on a different girl.

It was mid-April when I had my first Friday night off work since the beginning of September.

Victoria Day, which falls on May 22 this year, is much beloved by Canadians, though we suspect the reasons have less to do with paying tribute to the British monarch than enjoying its accompanying long weekend.

“Okay din si Duterte! (Duterte is alright!),” my dad said in approval. Gathered at the dinner table, talk of the boorish Filipino president peppered our family meal.