From shifting paths to finding purpose in creativity, the writers of Balatik bring diverse journeys to this constellation. Together, their stories form a constellation of light that inspires and endures, even in the vast expanse of darkness.
Breaking away from the blueprints of traditional paths, Kyla, once an Architecture student, now carves her journey as an aspiring writer. Always an artist at heart and never a fan of the rigidity of mathematics, she views creativity not as a skill, but as a way to traverse life’s complexities. She finally found her forever home in the intricate craft of storytelling. Still wielding a pen, she embraces the possibilities of her new medium, proving that creativity flourishes in every form it touches.
When everyone else zagged, Darren Joy, a dynamic BS Biology student with a penchant for the unusual, was the one who zipped. Eager to become an expert in the art of words, Darren enrolled in Creative Writing while her peers selected electives that were strongly related to science. Why? Because she thinks that science and storytelling go hand in hand. For her, there is always a tale waiting to be told, whether it has to do with scientific findings or creating an engaging narrative. When she eventually becomes a doctor, Darren wants to keep in mind that words, like medication, have the power to heal.
Who would have imagined that the kid who once thought Edgar Allan Poe was Filipino would now be studying Creative Writing? Don, whose heart was originally set on social sciences and culinary arts, has always been drawn to the thrill of trying new things. This sense of adventure led him to an unfamiliar program that has since grown close to his heart. Don embraces the possibility of failure, firmly believing that everything happens for a reason. His diverse experiences—from singing and dancing to thrifting, volunteering, and now being a student activist—have brought him opportunities, discoveries, and challenges, all of which he is eager to explore and share through his writing.
Writing wasn’t part of the plan. In fact, Sylvia didn’t even know creative writing was something you could study. Her goal had always leaned toward "practical" paths like medicine or technology—just like everyone else in her clan. All her life, she also believed that it was what she wanted. But sometimes, plans shift in the quietest ways—like when doodles turn into poems, or random thoughts find their rhythm. Now, with every sentence she writes, Sylvia unravels pieces of herself she didn’t know existed. After all, perhaps writing wasn’t a detour, but the road she was always meant to take.
For eight years as a former, irregular Architecture student of UP Mindanao, Ren saw first-hand what the passage of time can do to a place, to a person, and to a dream. Hellos and goodbyes; Joys and heartbreaks, rose up like skyscrapers, and subsequently fell down the next day into a pile of rubble. He is tired of seeing this endless loop through the lens of a failed architect, thus on his ninth year of university life, he made the bold move to start all over again and see the world through the fresh eyes of a budding writer - a dream he had long since repressed. He now wonders how different it'll be from the life he had lived before.
A promise reverberates from a letter kept in the silence. “I hope to become myself more” were the words that anchored her to where she stands now—a place once defined by the intersection of the sciences and creative worlds. Jonalyn was like a dormant compound waiting to react, but a pivotal return to her refuge—writing—became the catalyst for her transformation into a woman fully coming into her own. From being a STEM student her whole life to now embracing her humanista side, she carries with her the structured interconnectedness of the sciences and the boundlessness of storytelling.
Lhoyd discovered his passion for writing through campus journalism, exploring different categories from scriptwriting and radio broadcasting, science and technology writing, to feature writing. There, he learned the power of words to inform, inspire, and connect. For him, writing is more than just a skill—it’s a way to leave a lasting imprint on the world. He writes to craft works that endure the test of time, resonate deeply, and create a meaningful impact. Each piece he pens is a step toward his purpose: to touch lives, evoke emotions, and tell stories worth remembering.
Benjie’s philosophy in life is to prove that he has lived before he dies. And what better way to do that than art? Due to his STEM-centered academic background prior to college, Benjie has only ever written for compliance, but a plot twist in the form of theatre and literature had made something click inside his brain. Now, Benjie finds satisfaction in reading, writing, learning, and experiencing life. And now, he believes that every setback, minor or major, makes for a good writing prompt.
From a young age, BJ has been a voracious reader, drawn to books that transported her to countless worlds and illuminated the complexities of human emotion. This early love for literature sparked her passion for writing, inspiring her to craft her own narratives. Immersed in the art of writing, she strives to capture the depth of her experiences and translate them into stories that resonate with readers. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in English major in Creative Writing, BJ is dedicated to honing her voice and developing a unique style. Her ultimate goal is to earn a law degree, combining her love for language with her commitment to justice. This fusion of artistic expression and analytical rigor reflects her belief in the power of words to inspire and enact change.