Rhodora Magan's Novel "Albatross" | Power of Storytelling in Times of Crisis | Bilateral View | Ep 3

[@FaithNailon]

I have gained so much from this engaging conversation with both insightful and intellectual speakers. One key takeaway is the importance of 'redeeming the time, for the days are evil,' a powerful reminder from the Bible, found in the book of Ephesians. This verse encourages us to make the most of each moment, using our time wisely and intentionally, especially in a world filled with distractions and challenges. It’s a valuable lesson that resonates deeply, reminding us to live purposefully and to focus on what truly matters.

[@bilateral_view]

@@FaithNailon Your profound ideas are acknowledged. Thank you for engaging with us. Keep tuning in for more .

[@MaritesMamac]

Conveying the Biblical truth is more than awesome.

[@batulanraquelm.9038]

As I listened to this intellectual discussion, I recalled an idea from Dr. Magan during a special session, and I quote, "In just a snap of a finger, everything will turn into ash." This resonated with me because, in 2017 and 2018, before COVID-19, I experienced life-changing incidents that made me realize everything is temporary, and I believe that having this second chance at life should be purposeful and meaningful. In 2017, I was in a tricycle accident on my way home. The tricycle flipped over, leaving me in the middle of the highway with bruises all over my body and 16 stitches on my left arm. Thankfully, there were no vehicles behind us. Then, in 2018, I was hit by a motorcycle while standing by a drainage, waiting for my aunt. I suffered a fractured leg, which took a year to heal, leaving me unable to go outside during that time. Reflecting on these painful and traumatic experiences, I find parallels in the book Albatross, which explores themes of identity, exploration, and resilience. Just as the albatross faces challenges when it lands, I too faced significant hardships. However, like the albatross soaring high in the sky, I strive to rise above my struggles and live a purposeful life. Each time I remember these incidents, I am reminded that my journey, though marked by difficulties, is also about resilience and growth. Like the albatross balancing itself in the sky, I seek to ride the winds of life with purpose and balance, embracing my second chance and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. This journey would not have been possible without Him, and that's why I am profoundly thankful for this opportunity to continue my life.

[@bilateral_view]

Thanks for your beautiful comment and thoughtful reflections. We hope the past and future episodes of Bilateral View will also resonate with you, equally. Please stay tuned. We have lots of interesting episodes forthcoming.

[@rhodoramagan1868]

Telling how this episode sparked interest in you to share your personal story is noteworthy. Thank you.

[@KritiMalhotra-j3w]

Very lovely discussion. Author is too nice. Its autobiography of author. Cover n author both beautiful.

[@bilateral_view]

Thanks, a lot. Please stay tuned to Bilateral View. Please subscribe, if you haven't.

[@MaritesMamac]

I bought her book, and it gave me the best reading experience.

[@KleioReiAmancio]

COVID-19 brought us many realizations and reflections, especially in our spiritual beliefs. It’s not just about saying sorry to Him, but about how we repent and redeem ourselves. I also love how the albatross is described in this novelette. Beyond symbolizing freedom and endurance, this bird represents burden and guilt in some cultures. This made me realize that although we carry burdens and guilt, we also have the freedom to rise above them. No matter what life throws at us, we have the endurance to face difficulties and challenges, while focusing on where we are headed and appreciating the beauty of the journey. It’s true that the goal isn’t about gold medals or accolades, but about how we navigate and reflect on the journey, because without that, the prize isn’t truly rewarding. I’m really captivated by your novelette, Dr. Magan. It has made a strong impact on me, and I look forward to reading more of it.

[@bilateral_view]

@@KleioReiAmancio please stay tuned and keep sharing your thoughts. Bilateral View has many more interesting episodes to follow. Thanks for listening and writing in.

[@ronnafaye.mahinay]

The power of storytelling is truly incredible, as it helps us reflect on our experiences and find meaning in our lives. During Covid-19, many people felt like the world had stopped, leading them to question the essence of life. After the pandemic, life became about merely surviving for me, but after listening to this episode, the idea of "recollection of memories" sparked my appreciation for the simple moments that keep us going. Additionally, Doc Magan's description of the albatross soaring in the sky, focusing on the beauty above while ignoring life's problems, resonated with me. This suggests that while life includes challenges, we should strive to find beauty in our mundane lives. Also, by knowing our Savior and living life according to His will, we can understand our purpose in life. The episode moved me deeply; although I haven't read The Albatross, it made a significant impact on me. I hope to read your novelette to finally explore "what your heart feels." Thank you, Dr. Magan and Dr. Chatterjee, for this insightful conversation. I'm looking forward to more discussions like this!

[@bilateral_view]

Thanks for sharing your heartfelt thoughts. We would love to hear about what you think of our previous and forthcoming episodes. Please stay tuned to Bilateral View and keep 'soaring' like "Albatross."

[@ronnafaye.mahinay]

@@bilateral_view Thank you as well! I’ll definitely stay tuned and look forward to the next episodes.

[@bilateral_view]

Thanks.

[@rhodoramagan1868]

Your honest take on how “Albatross”has inspired you is beyond wonderful. Thank you.

[@beacastaneda9759]

So in love with the idea of recollection, Dr. Magan! Been living with the same thought that life is retrospective. We indeed tend to get tangled by different strings in life, but these strings can still be tugged, and they can beautify memories, even if it is not worth it to look back. Inspiration is what makes us sane; drives people to work in any type of spaces. People will always find the good in worse. Storytelling originates from a stem that we purposely think over and over, and because of this, we get to see novel and newfangled versions of life-the way we want to perceive it. We can see how creativity will always find its way to us even if we get stranded in the stillness of time. I see Dr. Magan's perspective during the time of pandemic and that is the beauty of storytelling--to see the world through different eyes. Merett, which is a character of the novelette, "Albatross" resonates with us all who wants to remember, yet at the same time ready to go forward. Just because you are in a-moment-in-time phase in your life that doesn't mean you have to accept or embody stagnation. Through that moment, you can explore the theme of your identity like how Merett discovered going through slipped memories and eventually found her way to soar the skies again. What a great pleasure to be learning from you [and not only inside CTU], Dr. Magan!

[@bilateral_view]

Thanks for sharing your wonderful thoughts. Please stay tuned for more interesting sessions. Please like, subscribe, and share. Thanks!

[@rhodoramagan1868]

Thank you for watching this episode. Articulating your idea on this platform is noteworthy.

[@RickyMacmac]

Amazing!

[@markjoreezcatubig3973]

I love the way Dr. Magan elucidates the complications of life. While it's true that life can be complicated, it’s precisely these complexities that define our humanity and make life worth living. In the context of storytelling, the author's portrayal of these complications offers profound insights, often leading readers to epiphanies that challenge their perspectives and reshape their worldviews. The ability to capture the human experience and demonstrate the transformative power of storytelling is, I believe, what defines the true essence and beauty of literature. Dr. Magan is truly a treasure at CTU-Danao, and I am incredibly honored to be one of her students

[@bilateral_view]

@@markjoreezcatubig3973 Thanks for visiting Bilateral View. Stay tuned for our future episodes.

[@rhodoramagan1868]

Complexities and epiphanies are great elements you highlighted in your response. Thank you.

[@MaritesMamac]

These complications are part of the existential package.

[@JefseginBurlaos-f4j]

I know Doctor Magan for quite some time and most of her works are banking on the bible and she’d also love to incorporate the realistic side or view of the readers. Talking about the biblical side of her novelette, I can tell that “John 3:1-21” has something to do with this as stated you have to be born again-not the religion but the idea of redeeming yourself just like what Dr. Magan made mention about her novelette. Covid 19 had an immense impact to people’s lives during that time not only people but also mother earth redeemed itself, see how trees and flowers grow? Indeed an awakening to everyone. About the title “Albatross” it is a good luck or sometimes labeled as curse or a burden, and Dr. Magan mentioned her city which led me to a question “What’s hidden?”.

[@bilateral_view]

@@JefseginBurlaos-f4j Thanks for visiting Bilateral View. Stay tuned for our future episodes.

[@rhodoramagan1868]

The habit of telling is a fact of life. What needs to be told comes with great understanding of how writing should be a responsible act.

[@262summerdaisy]

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved."

[@bilateral_view]

👍