For Filipinos, "dapat" (should) feels like obligation, not choice. "I should call my parents. Dapat magpadala ako ng pera. I should be married by now." Research shows these cultural "shoulds" increase anxiety and emotional exhaustion. Learn 5 research-backed ACT techniques to shift from "dapat" (should) to "pwede" (can/choose)—from rigid obligation to conscious choice. This isn't about rejecting Filipino culture—it's about honouring your values whilst caring for your wellbeing.

"Bakit wala ka pang asawa?" As we enter 2026, family gatherings bring the same uncomfortable questions about your relationship status, career, and life choices. Discover practical strategies for navigating Filipino family expectations while honouring yourself. From prepared responses to boundaries without guilt.

It's 4:30 AM and your alarm goes off, but instead of heading to church for Simbang Gabi, you're staring at the ceiling in a country that still doesn't feel like home. Back in the Philippines, your family is gathering at dawn, the smell of bibingka and puto bumbong filling the cool morning air. But you're here—thousands of miles away. Whether this is your first Christmas abroad or your tenth, the homesickness during Simbang Gabi season never quite goes away. Learn evidence-based strategies to honour this sacred tradition while caring for your mental health, even from afar.

The holiday season is supposed to be a time of joy and rest. But if you're a Filipino healthcare worker, the reality often looks different: increased patient volumes, staff shortages, missing family gatherings, and the pressure to send money home for Noche Buena while maintaining the appearance that everything is fine. This year, what if you prepared differently? Learn 5 evidence-based strategies to help you navigate the holidays with less stress and more self-compassion—honouring both your dedication to your work and your need to care for yourself.

For Filipino students carrying the weight of utang na loob, self-compassion isn't selfish—it's necessary. Research shows it actually increases motivation. Learn practical ways to be kinder to yourself while honoring your family's sacrifices.

In Filipino culture, we're taught to be strong and put others first. But when 'powering through' stops working, seeking help isn't weakness—it's wisdom. Learn when burnout requires professional support.

Are you a high-achieving Filipino-Canadian struggling with perfectionism as fall approaches? You're not alone. Learn how childhood trauma creates perfectionist patterns and discover 7 research-backed ways to break free this September.

A group practice rooted in culture, community, and the wildest dream of one newcomer immigrant. — Written by Larô Therapy founder and Psychotherapist Elda Almario.

Reflections on the Lapu-Lapu tragedy and the healing power of collective care, cultural connection, and community resilience.

You may often find yourself having an identity crisis, it is common to think that you don’t belong to your culture and background, and you’re nothing like your people. Your mind may label you too Filipino to be Canadian or too Canadian to be Filipino.

Every adult in their 20s or 30s feels a binding pressure of

In recent times, there has been a significant increase in

Imagine viewing the world as if it isn’t made for you, you