We’ve all heard that love is the most powerful thing in the world. Whether it be love for your family, friends, or passions, love endures, and it is why most of us get up every day. For Mong Palatino and his wife, love is what pushes them forward in their relationship and in activism.

Mong Palatino is a Filipino blogger, activist, environmentalist, and former legislator. He was the Philippines’ first elected youth representative from 2009 to 2013. He wrote the Young Blood essay entitled “Activist Lover”, which tells the love story of him and his wife, and how activism played its role in their relationship.

While he is now known for his writing, Mong Palatino wasn’t always known for it. When he became an activist in the 1990s, he realized that there are messages in the movement that weren’t being told relatively in the media. So, he pursued writing to better spread these messages to the masses through being a columnist and blogger. His writing inspirations include Lazaro Francisco, Renato Constantino, and Teodoro Agoncillo.

When it comes to writing, he advises aspiring writers to first look at the submission guidelines of the platform they’re interested in. He also advises us to think about our personal unique experiences and perspectives and to take time with writing the drafts. Lastly, don’t be scared of rejection, and remember that sometimes, it takes time. For activists, he encourages them to always listen and learn from the people. Then, to take these experiences and articulate the messages that we need to share.

Learn about Mong Palatino’s experiences and perspective on love and activism in the latest The Indiependent Collective's podcast episode, available on Spotify.