Before You Gossip About Someone, Read A Wrinkle in Time

We all know someone who loves a good piece of gossip. Sometimes it starts as harmless curiosity. Other times, it's a quick judgment about someone we barely know. We tell ourselves, "It's just conversation." But words have a way of traveling farther than we expect and they often leave wounds we never see.

That's one of the many reasons I think more people should read A Wrinkle in Time.

At first glance, Madeleine L'Engle's classic seems like a children's science fiction novel filled with mysterious planets, extraordinary beings, and adventures across space and time. But beneath the fantastical story lies a timeless lesson about kindness, acceptance, and the damage caused by fear and judgment.

One of the book's strongest messages is that being different is not something to be ashamed of. Meg Murry isn't the picture of the "perfect" child. She's awkward, insecure, struggles in school, and often feels like she doesn't belong. She's misunderstood by classmates and even by adults who are quick to judge her without taking the time to understand her.

How often do we do the same in real life?

It's surprisingly easy to form opinions based on rumors or first impressions. We hear one side of a story, repeat it, and suddenly someone else's reputation becomes entertainment. Gossip thrives because it's easier to talk about people than to talk to them.

But A Wrinkle in Time quietly reminds us that every person is fighting battles we cannot see.

The novel also explores the dangers of conformity and discrimination. In the story, there's an unsettling pressure for everyone to think alike, act alike, and fit neatly into society's expectations. Anyone who doesn't fit the mold is viewed with suspicion or treated as less worthy.

That idea feels remarkably relevant today.

Whether it's someone's appearance, personality, beliefs, background, or life choices, people are often judged simply for being different. Gossip becomes another tool that isolates rather than connects. It creates invisible walls between people instead of building understanding.

What makes the novel so enduring is that it offers a better alternative.

Again and again, the story shows that kindness is stronger than cruelty, love is stronger than fear, and understanding is stronger than judgment. The characters succeed not because they are perfect, but because they choose compassion over condemnation.

Imagine how different our communities, workplaces, schools, and even our families would be if we paused before repeating a rumor.

Imagine asking, "Is it true?"

"Is it necessary?"

"Is it kind?"

Those simple questions could stop countless hurtful conversations before they begin.

Perhaps that's why A Wrinkle in Time continues to resonate with readers decades after it was first published. It's not just a story about traveling across the universe. It's about becoming better human beings here on Earth.

So before passing along the latest gossip or making assumptions about someone you've never really taken the time to know, pick up A Wrinkle in Time instead.

You might discover that the greatest adventure isn't through space and time.

It's learning to choose empathy over judgment, kindness over gossip, and love over fear.

What to Look Forward to at the Philippine International Comics Festival 2026

I'll admit it - when I was, I thought comic books were just for superheroes.

But I was wrong - some of the best stories I've ever read came in the form of komiks and graphic novels. They made me laugh, linger on beautiful artwork, and sometimes sit quietly after turning the last page. That's the thing about comics: they're not just something you read. They're something you experience. 

By the way, I'm excited to share the Philippine International Comics Festival (PICOF) return this July 10–12, 2026 at Ayala Malls The 30th.

And this year, there's an even better reason to drop by: it's completely FREE. 

What I love most about PICOF isn't just the comics. It's the people behind them.

You'll find artists sketching at their tables, writers happily chatting with readers, independent creators proudly sharing books they've spent months (or years) creating, and fellow fans discovering titles they've never heard of before. It's one of those rare events where everyone seems genuinely excited to be there.

Walking around the comics market almost feels like treasure hunting. Every booth has something different to offer: beautifully illustrated graphic novels, art prints, original comics, and stories that you probably won't find in your usual bookstore.

This year's festival also brings together creators from the Philippines, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Australia, making it a wonderful opportunity to see how comics connect people across cultures.

If you're the kind of reader who loves discovering something before everyone else does, PICOF is also where many new releases make their debut. From fantasy and mythology to romance, memoirs, slice-of-life stories, and thought-provoking graphic novels, there's always something unexpected waiting to be picked up.

Beyond the books, you can also check out the exhibits. 

The tribute celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of National Artist for Comics Larry Alcala feels especially meaningful. His work has become such an important part of Filipino visual storytelling, and it's wonderful to see both his original pieces and modern interpretations by today's komiks creators in one space.

There's also Sinta: Queer Stories Across Asia, an exhibit featuring creators from Japan and Southeast Asia. I always enjoy seeing how artists from different countries tell stories about love, identity, and belonging through such a unique medium.

And if you've ever wanted to learn how comics are actually made, the festival offers masterclasses, artist talks, live drawing sessions, and creator discussions throughout the weekend. Even if you don't draw yourself, hearing artists talk about their process can be surprisingly inspiring.

What I appreciate most about PICOF is that it reminds us how rich Filipino komiks have always been.

For generations, local creators have been telling stories that are funny, heartfelt, imaginative, and deeply rooted in our culture. Festivals like this give those stories and the people who create them, the spotlight they deserve.

So whether you're a longtime comic collector, someone who enjoys graphic novels every now and then, or simply looking for something different to do this weekend, PICOF feels like a wonderful place to spend a few hours.

You might leave with a new favorite book.

Or a sketch from an artist you just met.

Or maybe just a renewed appreciation for how powerful stories can be when words and art come together.

Either way, I think that's time well spent.