If there’s one thing I love most about the Philippines other than the joyful and hardworking attributes and their passion for karaoke, is the food. This might be biased coming from a Filipino but there’s nothing that can beat the taste of Filipino dishes. There are various foods out there but here is my favorite!
This dish is a Filipino dish that translates to “eggplant omelette,” and it only requires eggplants, eggs, salt, and anywhere to fry it. Even if you’re not a big fan of eggplants, this might change your perspective on eggplants. The steps to making it is without a doubt really simple! First of all, you need eggplants, obviously. Any type of eggplants work, but the preferred one is Japanese eggplant! Poke holes on the eggplant so your kitchen doesn’t end up a mess. Next step: fry it. This is typically done over a grill, but you can use a stove, or an airfyer even. Fry them evenly on both sides and once it is grilled, the skin of the eggplant should come off easily by prying it off with a fork or with your hands! Make sure not to take off the stem!! After the eggplant is skinned, beat 2 eggs and you should use the stem as a handle for the eggplant, and smash the eggplant in the beaten eggs. Once that’s that, fry it in a pan with oil and once it’s fully cooked, you’re done! Personally, it’s tastes best with rice and banana ketchup with it. If you haven’t give this a go you should definitely try it!
During my summer 2025 vacation, I had the opportunity to travel to Greece with my family. Out of all the countries I’ve ever been to before, including Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Mexico, I would rate Greece as my favorite. Listed below are the four different islands I went to.
Athens (5 days)
Athens had the most attractions Greece had to offer. From ancient ruins to countless museums, I’d say if you want to take in as much history as you can from Greece, you should go to Athens. My favorite site we visited was definitely Acropolis. For some background, Acropolis is an ancient archaeological site where Greeks settled and proudly defended Athens. There are many columned buildings, like the Parthenon, the Erechtheion with its Porch of Caryatids, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Moreover, there were ancient theatres that were used for music, oratory, and poetic performances. These include the Theatre of Dionysus, birthplace of Greek theatre, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Additionally, before taking the two hour drive to the Temple of Zeus, our taxi driver took us to my favorite restaurant in Athens, Labros. They had the best souvlaki, fries, meatballs, and Greek salad I had eaten in my whole trip. I highly recommend going there if you plan on taking a trip to Athens!
Mykonos (3 days)
Mykonos, known for being one of Greece’s “party islands” was my favorite island we went to. Our hotel, the Nissaki Boutique Hotel, had a jaw dropping ocean view with many party yachts anchored in the water. This alone made my Mykonos experience one hundred times better. Moreover, the island’s vibe was completely unmatched. Strolling through Mykonos town, petting the cats, and having delicious gelato was so different from visiting museums in Athens. Additionally, I took a day trip to Delos, an ancient sacred island known for being the legendary birthplace of the gods Apollo and Artemis. In its day, Delos was a thriving commercial and trading center in the Hellenistic period, with its original stones and houses still standing. I thoroughly enjoyed Delos and would recommend taking a day trip there if you are in Mykonos!
Santorini (3 days)
In Santorini, I went to its two main towns, Fira and Oia. One takeaway I have from Fira and Oia is that it’s like a hike. To see the different parts of the town, you must go up many hills and stairs, but once you do, it is so worth it. The sunsets and ocean views at the tips of these towns were breathtaking, and I did not regret the sore legs! I loved exploring these towns and I know you will too!
Crete (4 days)
I spent my last four days of my Greece trip in Crete, and I definitely believe that was too much time. Due to Crete being the biggest island in Greece, many of its attractions were spaced out. My family and I did not find this out until arriving there, so many of the attractions we planned to see and put time towards were not visited. I really enjoyed walking on Crete’s black-sand beaches and swimming in its clear green waters. Overall, I’d say Crete was a beautiful island and I liked its beaches the best.
I hope after reading this blog you plan a trip to Greece!
Last December I had the chance to visit Fort McHenry, and even though my visit was brief, it was an experience that taught me more than I anticipated. As a high school student who took US History two years ago and will retake it this coming year, I wanted to explore historical sites to deepen my understanding of our nation’s history, understand and remember it. Fort McHenry was a perfect place to start my US history for this coming year. When we arrived at Fort McHenry, we bought the tickets, which were just fifteen dollars for adults, and if you’re under sixteen, it’s free. Also, if you have a Nation Park membership, you can visit. Walking through the fort, I was struck by how much I didn’t know despite having studied the War of 1812 in class. When I saw the grand American flag flying over the fort, I was reminded of our national anthem, “O! say can you see…” and how this sight inspired the author Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Seeing the flag in person and understanding the historical context made the anthem’s words more meaningful. The star-shaped fortress design was the key to the defense against the enemy during the British battle. As I walked along the fort’s walls and explored its various sections, I could almost picture the scenes of the battles from the 19th century and see the courageous defenders and the intensity of the war. One of the highlights of my visit was the Star-Spangled Banner Exhibit. I learned about the history through reading, but the exhibit provided incredible insights into the creation of our national anthem, and the critical role Fort McHenry played helped me in deeper knowing, not just reading from text. I learned details about Francis Scott Key’s experience that I hadn’t read in textbooks. We attended exhibits that showed the roles forts played in the Civil War and World Wars and their ongoing importance throughout American history. Another program visitors can participate in is ranger-led. It’s where rangers share stories and knowledge about the fort, which makes history come alive for visitors. We had a walking tour along the bay, which reminded us how history is interwoven into our daily lives, and the natural landscapes of the fort were very relaxing. Visiting Fort McHenry was more than just a field trip; I appreciated the historical facts we learned, and the hands-on exhibition confirmed the US history I read or learned in school. It gave me a deep understanding of US history. I highly recommend visiting Fort McHenry. It’s a place where history comes alive. It offers a personal connection to the stories we often learn about in class. It is also close to Baltimore Harbor, so you’ll have another great place to explore and good food. Happy exploring! Bella H.
Last summer I had the privilege to visit Yosemite National Park. My family loves to travel to national parks during the summer. This year, we decided to go to Yosemite, since the last time we went was 2010. Though I have been to many national parks, I can say that Yosemite is one of my top 5 favorite parks. Below, you’ll find a guide on where to stay and what to do!
Accommodations
Camp Curry Village – My family stayed here because the lodge is very hard to reserve. If you enjoy hiking and are outdoorsy, Camp Curry is a great way to stay in the park for a cheaper price.
Yosemite Valley Lodge – This accommodation is very comfortable and has many food options within the lodge. If you’re looking to stay in a small condo, this is the place to be. Make sure to reserve a year in advance to guarantee a spot.
The Ahwahnee – Built in the 1920s, The Ahwahnee boasts of a convenient location, stunning views, and remarkable architecture. The Ahwahnee is very luxurious and is definitely the most expensive stay in Yosemite. Come to this accommodation if you would like a relaxing getaway.
Hikes
Half Dome – (14-16 miles roundtrip) Half Dome is one of Yosemite’s most famous hikes. This hike goes to the top of Half Dome, where you are met with an unobstructed view. Half Dome requires a permit and is extremely difficult but rewarding.
Upper Yosemite Falls – (7.4 miles roundtrip) Upper Yosemite Falls is a great alternative to Half Dome. However, this hike is very tedious and there isn’t much shade at the last stretch going up. Make sure to bring plenty of water!
Cooks Meadow – (1 mile loop) Cooks Meadow is a great place to walk and run. This scenic route is great for families with young children.
Vernal Falls – (8 miles roundtrip) This hike follows the Mist Trail and leads up to Vernal Falls. I haven’t personally done it, but one of my close friends raved about this hike.
Mirror Lake – Mirror Lake is an amazing place to run to. I started at the Yosemite Falls Lodge and it was 5 miles roundtrip. Mirror Lake is also accessible by bikes and cars; it is another family-friendly place to visit.
We’re all excited and can’t wait for the journey that my dad plans every summer. I remember the long stretch of endless possibilities stops along PCH and, fortunately, hidden places we always seem to find on this drive. So what are we waiting for? Let’s rev up the engines and start on this incredible road trip to who knows where.
Join us as we explore some of the most thrilling and awe-inspiring destinations perfect for teens and families seeking thrills, fun, and a healthy dose of summer adventure.
Imagine driving along the stunning Pacific Coast Highway, with breathtaking ocean views on one side and towering cliffs on the other.
This trip is an excellent blend of natural beauty, interesting attractions like the Big Sur coastline, and charming seaside towns like Dana Point. All the way to Malibu. Each seaside city is filled with exciting adventures, from the view to the food waiting for you to uncover.
Why is Pacific Coast Highway so interesting, you ask?
The Pacific Coast Highway has many diverse wildlife in its natural habitats. So Keep an eye out for California sea lions basking in the sun, dolphins playing in the waves, or even migrating whales breaching offshore. This scenic drive provides many opportunities for outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking in serene coves, or simply relaxing on sandy beaches while watching a beautiful sunset-painted sky.
Driving along the Pacific Coast Highway, every moment of the journey is to discover the new wonder that comes your way. Whether you’re captivated by coastal vistas, intrigued by hidden gems, or simply looking for a fun-filled road trip experience – this extraordinary stretch of highway promises to leave you with memories that will last forever.
My family takes this drive almost every summer. I can always find new and exciting things to write about in my travel journal. The beautiful coastline with rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and golden beaches creates an awe-inspiring and humbling natural scenery. Each turn reveals a new vista that captivates the senses of and appreciation for the raw power of nature.
Traveling along the Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll see charming coastal towns perched on the cliffs to expand the paramount view of the Pacific Ocean.
My favorite places to stop and stay awhile are Santa Barbara and Big Sur, and sometimes, my family would stop by to visit the Getty Villa Museum. It’s free, and there is so much to learn and see. Getty Villa Museum is a Greek and Roman antiquities housed in a re-created Roman country home. It’s a gorgeous place with art from the Middle Ages to anything in between.
Santa Barbara is a city filled with art, culture, food, and, of course, famous for its spas. My mom’s favorite place is Soul Care, a wellness spa where you can relax and indulge your senses.
As the summer sun continues to shine, there’s still plenty of time to plan a memorable vacation along the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway. From the fascinating Museum showcasing Greek and Roman antiquities to the vibrant city of Santa Barbara and Malibu with its rich culture and relaxing spas, there is something for every traveler to enjoy. Take advantage of indulging in a wellness retreat at Soul Care or discovering your hidden gems waiting to be explored. So pack your bags, hit the road, and create unforgettable memories along this stunning coastal route.
Kauai is one of 137 islands in the state of Hawaii. Also known as the Garden Island, Kauai is revered for its lush landscape with steep cliffs that meet aqua-blue water. I had the privilege of visiting this island last June for about a week. Prior to going on this vacation, I researched this island and found it to be extremely helpful when wondering what to do or see. When going to Hawaii, most people flock to Oahu; and while this island is pretty and has amazing food, Kauai is remote and prettier (in my opinion). Below are places and things to do if visiting Kauai.
Beaches
Tunnels Beach – This was my favorite beach on my visit to Kauai. If you are looking for a place to snorkel, Tunnels is the place to go. At Tunnels, the coral was huge and there was a large variety of sea life. The best part of this beach is the view of the mountains in the background with the beach at your feet.
Anini Beach – Located in the northern part of Kauai, Anini Beach is known for being a family-friendly beach. The water at this beach remains shallow for about 30 feet out. However, the best part about this beach was the amount of turtles. When I was snorkeling, I believe I saw turtles 15-20 times. Another pro about this beach is that there is a lot of shade so beach umbrellas aren’t needed.
Hanalei Bay – Hanalei Bay is one of the most popular beaches in Kauai to visit–and for good reason. At this beach, you are surrounded by panoramic views of golden-sand beaches and a range of mountains. Also, there is a pier that you can jump off of for fun.
Poipu Beach – This is another family-friendly beach on the south shore of Kauai. Poipu Beach is great for snorkeling and relaxing. A con of this beach is that it is always crowded. However, if you are in the area of Poipu, stop by this beach.
Hikes/Other Activities
Kalalau Trail – Hiking is a major activity that you HAVE to do in Kauai. This particular trail stretches 22 miles in length (you have to have a permit to do all of it). I only hiked to Hanakāpīʻai Beach which was 4 miles round-trip. This hike was so beautiful and the views along the coast were gorgeous. After the beach, you can hike to HanakāpīʻaiFalls (8 miles roundtrip). Overall, Kalalau Trail is a must-do when visiting Kauai.
Waimea Canyon – Waimea Canyon is named the Grand Canyon of the Pacific and was formed from the collapse of a volcano. The unique terrain of this canyon is an attraction you should see. I believe that you can hike this, but my family and I just drove to different lookouts to see the Canyon.
Lydgate Farms Chocolate Tour – As a chocolate fanatic, I was so excited to visit this Chocolate Farm. While you can book a tour to explore the farm, I just went to the gift shop. At the gift shop, an employee gives you a chocolate lecture where you learn about the origins of the cacao and try the products. I’ve tried a bunch of chocolate in my life and I can confidently say this was the best chocolate I’ve ever had. Lydgate Farms makes their chocolate in small batches which was evident considering how delicious the chocolate was.
Na Pali Coast Boat Tour – Last but not least, you NEED to go on a Boat Tour (or helicopter tour) to see the Na Pali coast. I would recommend going with the company Captain Andy’s and booking the “Na Pali Raft Day Expedition.” On this boat tour, we went through sea caves, snorkeled, ate lunch at an ancient fishing town, and saw the Na Pali coast. This was hands down my favorite memory from the trip. The Na Pali coast is breathtaking and the water was the color of blue Gatorade. In addition to doing cool activities on this tour, you’ll learn much about the history of Kauai and its people.
During this past holiday season, I went to my first NFL game. My family and I were visiting my grandparents and cousins in Chicago, and we had tickets to see my favorite NFL team, the Chicago Bears. They were playing the Detroit Lions for the second time this season on December 22nd at Soldier Field. Caleb Williams and the 4-10 Bears were set to take on Jared Goff’s 12-2 Lions.
My parents and I took a shuttle from the Northwest suburbs of Chicago straight to the field. This was a fun and easy way to get to the stadium as the bus was filled with Bears fans all dressed in the team’s colors and excited for the game.
Soldier Field is located in downtown Chicago right by Lake Michigan so the late December low temperatures and high winds in the stadium were no surprise. The area surrounding Soldier Field is called Museum campus and also includes attractions such as the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, and the Adler Planetarium. While we didn’t have time to visit the museums, they are easily walkable from Soldier Field for visitors who have more availability on game days.
When standing in front of the stadium you’ll see the George Hallas statue to the left and the Walter Payton statue to the right. We entered through the west gate underneath the pillars on the side of the stadium. In the stadium itself fans could stand next to life-sized posters of the players or take pictures with Staley, the team’s mascot. Similar to other sports venues, the place was also filled with hot dog vendors and other food stands. There’s also an awesome view of the city from the higher levels of the arena, one of the advantages of having the stadium be right in the downtown area. We saw Bearman, the superfan who comes to all of the team’s games with his face painted blue and orange while wearing a bear costume. We could also see the lyrics of the Bears fight song, “Bear Down, Chicago Bears,” written along the inside wall of the stadium.
We found our seats on the home side of the field from which we could see the Detroit Lions emerge from the away team locker room a week after losing to the Buffalo Bills 48-42 at home. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears were entering the day with an 8-game losing streak including a 23-20 loss to the Lions earlier in the season.
Unfortunately for Chicago fans everywhere, the Bears division rivals jumped to an early 20-0 lead and never looked back. While it was fun to watch my favorite team play for the first time, I would have preferred a better showing than a 34-17 loss.
I will always remember my first NFL game at Soldier Field for the cold weather, the great food, and the extension of the Bears two-month long losing streak.
Over the winter break, my family and I went on a weekend getaway to a small town called Julian, which is near San Diego and has a population of about 1,300 people. It’s a cute little town with really pretty Christmas decorations and delicious pie!
My family and I went on a goldmine tour in Julian, and it was a lot of fun. I learned many new things about the miners and how they dug up gold. The miners’ 1800s version of a head flashlight was a singular candle perched on nook in their mining caps. The gold diggers weren’t allowed to bring matches into the mine, so if his candle extinguished, he had to find his way out of the mine by groping in the darkness. IN PITCH-BLACK DARKNESS. When our guide turned off the lamps, we literally couldn’t see our hands an inch away from our faces.
At the end of the tour, we went to pan for gold. Our guide showed us how to get the gold dust and flakes to the bottom of the pan and get rid of the sand and water. I highly recommend going on the Eagle Gold Mine Tour if you ever go to Julian!
For the pie-lovers out there, the Julian Pie Company has the best pie ever. I myself am not even a pie person, but their pies are magical. My favorite is the mountain berry pie because it’s sweet, but also has that tart flavor. It has apples and mixed berries in it. Their original apple pie is sweeter than the mountain berry one and is absolutely delicious with vanilla ice cream. If you ever see a Julian Pie Company pie at a farmer’s market or grocery store, definitely add it to your shopping cart.
Going to Julian over the winter break was really chill and relaxing. Here are some pictures to really bring you to this charming town!
Over the years, my family has visited many national parks. Below you’ll find a small list of my favorite parks (worst to best).
5) Arches National Park
I visited this park in the year 2021, during the summer. Arches is located in Utah, near the town of Moab. This national park is gorgeous and full of hikes that range in mileage and difficulty. I liked this park because the arches were huge in size–I’ve never seen arches that beautiful and colossal. Some other pros about this park are there are many scenic drives if you wish to not hike. One HUGE con to this park is that it gets insanely hot during the summer. One of my memories from this trip was hiking in 100 degree weather at sunset time. Despite the hot weather, you should make a visit to this gorgeous park. Though this national park is beautiful, there isn’t much to do besides hike to the arches. Moab, the surrounding town is nice but small, so plan your visit to be around 3 days.
My Hiking Recommendations:
Delicate Arch (most popular and my favorite!)
Double Arch
Broken Arch
4) Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park was one of the recent national parks that I traveled to. I believe I went to this park in June or July. Glacier is located in Montana and spreads to the border of Canada and the US. Since I visited this park in June (or July), there were MANY fires, so most of the lakes and mountains were too smokey to see. Glacier is known for its icy-blue lakes; I was able to see maybe one or two. But, because of the fires, the lakes appeared gray. Despite this, I enjoyed this national park when we saw a glimpse of the huge mountains. Also, I remember seeing black bears, grizzly bears, and other wildlife. Glacier has great hiking trails and scenic drives; one of the most popular things to do is to drive through the Road to the Sun–which goes through most of the park. Known as the Europe of the United States, Glacier is a beautiful park to visit.
Awesome Hikes/Things to do:
Avalanche Lake
Hidden Lake
Highline Trail
Road to the Sun
3) Olympic National Park
My third favorite park is Olympic National Park, located in Washington. This park is extra unique because it has three different: rainforest, forest, and the ocean. I enjoyed this park because there was a variety of places to visit. The fact that Olympic Park has different biomes was extremely interesting. Personally, the rainforest ecosystem was my favorite, because it was lush and had amazing trees. If you are looking for a unique park to visit, I would recommend Olympic. A perk to this area is that there are delicious cherries in the summer; you can’t go to Olympic without eating them!!
My Hiking Recommendations:
Mount Storm King
Hurricane Hill
Hall of Mosses Trail
Hole-in-the-Wall
2) Zion National Park
Coming in a close second is Zion National Park, also located in Utah. I’ve visited this park twice, once in the winter and once in the summer. There are so many good things to say about this park–I love it so much. In my opinion, Zion is the best park to drive through. When you enter the gates, you are greeted with cosmic mountains that are unlike any other mountains I’ve seen. Zion houses a myriad of hikes, each with its own treasure. One of the most popular (and dangerous) hikes is Angel’s Landing. Although my parents did not let me finish the hike, the end of Angels Landing provides a 360 view of Zion. However, this hike is extremely challenging (it is all uphill until the lookout), and at the end, there are drops on each side of the path. The narrowest part of Angel’s Landing measures 24 inches–keep in mind there is traffic from both sides. Even though I have visited this park twice, I would like to go again (and try Angels Landing).
My Hiking Recommendations:
Angels Landing
Scout Lookout
The Narrows
Weeping Rock
1) Grand Teton National Park
My all-time favorite national park is Grand Teton, found in Wyoming. I would say this is my favorite park because of the beautiful mountains, lakes, flowers, and wildlife. One of my memories of going to this park was seeing a mother grizzly bear with her three cubs. Besides the wildlife, this park has AMAZING hikes with waterfalls, huge trees, and great views. Known for its jagged (and snow-topped) mountain peaks, Grand Teton is filled with gorgeous sights to see. A memorable lake to visit is Jackson Lake, which reflects the mountains in the water. I went during the summer, and at Jackson Lake, I remember there were many wildflowers around the perimeter of the lake. That, along with the backdrop of the mountains and its reflections made this park my favorite of all time. Whenever you are looking for an adventurous place to go, I couldn’t recommend Grand Teton enough.
My recommendations:
Jackson Lake
Jenny Lake Trail
Cascade Lake Hike
TA Moulton Barn (you NEED to visit this landmark!!!)
Harry Potter is one of the most best selling books in history. J. K. Rowling has sold more than 600 million copies, but where did she get the inspiration for her fantasy novels? Welcome to Livraria Lello, a famous bookstore in Porto, Portugal that inspired Rowling.
WHAT IS THE LIVRARIA LELLO?
The Livraria Lello was built in 1906 by two brothers, who created one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world with renowned architectural designs. The Livraria Lello has two stories that are connected by a magnificent staircase in the middle of the store. The shelves are elaborately carved and designed. When looking up, there are beautiful stained glass windows that read “Decus in Labore,” which means “Dignity in Work.” The Livraria Lello carries books in different languages, like English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. There are multiple genres to choose from, and each book has a specially designed cover that can be only bought at the Livraria Lello.
HOW IS HARRY POTTER CONNECTED?
Between 1991 and 1993, J. K. Rowling lived in Porto, so no wonder the beautiful city gave inspiration to the manuscript of the first Harry Potter book. The Livraria Lello is believed to have inspired the inside of Hogwarts and Flourish and Blotts, the bookshop for wizards in Harry Potter.
Books purchased from the Livaria Lello
WOULD I RECOMMEND TO VISIT?
Yes, I would absolutely recommend visiting the Livraria Lello. I had an amazing time exploring the bookstore with my family.
I know that my advice will find you well and I hope you visit Livraria Lello soon!
Mission Viejo Library Teen Voice 