Lilo and Stitch Movie 2025

I just watched Lilo & Stitch (2025) the movie with my super friends who became my Ohana here in Dubai. The movie did not only retold the story of an alien, Stitch, but also it reminded us again of belonging, unconditional love, and the beautiful meaning of ohana plus an added word - kuleana.

Synopsis:

Set in Kaua'i, the movie kept its original story while reimagining the story through modern lens.  Lilo and Nani Pelekai are sisters who lost their parents and is keeping themselves together.  Stitch is experiment #626, was made for destruction, who somehow discovered that he can be good after all.  

The live action format reminds us that ohana means family and family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.  It is a wonderful reminder of what is the most important in our lives.

Hawaiian words to note:

Ohana - family

Kuleana - responsibility

Keiki - children

Pono - doing what is morally right

Mana - spiritual power

Aloha - love, compassion, hello, farewell

5 things i learned from Lilo and Stitch 

1.  Ohana means family and family is not always blood - True family stays by you and never leaves you behind.

2. Belongingness - Be the kind of person who makes others feel they belong.

3. Grief is not easy, it's messy, but it's not a weakness - There is no timeline for grieving, and that's okay.

4. Always be "aloha" - Be always compassionate we may never know what one is going through.

5. Love -  Love is a verb - action, sometimes not comfortable but worth it.

Mahalo (thank you) for reading.

More than a paper bag: What the viral Jollibee Story teaches about relationship?

Recently a story went viral on social media wherein the wife after exhaustingly given birth to her child thought that the husband brought her Jollibee, but it was actually for himself - thus the Jollibee Paper Bag Story.

The story goes like this.  A woman shared her agonizing experience of giving birth alone in a public hospital. Exhausted and in pain, she awaited her husband's support. When he finally arrived the next day, instead of offering comfort or assistance, he handed her a Jollibee paper bag containing food and remarked that he was hungry from waiting.  This gesture earned a lot of reactions from the netizens.  But what does this teach us?

Five Lessons from the Jollibee Paper Bag Story

1. Emotional Support Is Crucial in Partnerships

   Physical presence isn't enough; emotional availability and understanding are vital. Especially during significant life events, partners should prioritize each other's emotional needs.

2. Small Actions Reflect Deeper Sentiments

   The act of bringing food might seem considerate, but context matters. In this scenario, it highlighted a disconnect between the couple's emotional states and needs.

3. Communication Is Key

   Assumptions can lead to misunderstandings. Open dialogues about expectations and feelings can bridge gaps and foster mutual understanding.

4. Choose Partners Who Show Up Emotionally

   Beyond material provisions, a partner's ability to offer emotional solace during challenging times is invaluable.

5. Reflect on Shared Experiences

   Moments of crisis can reveal the strength and depth of a relationship. It's essential to reflect on these experiences to understand and grow together.

The Jollibee Paper Bag Story is a strong reminder for everyone especially for husband and wife that relationship is not only about finances, supporting the family or grand gestures.  It is about understanding, communication, being there during challenges and of course, LOVE!

Have you experience moments like this?  Share on the comment below.

Habemus Papam!

Today, the conclave has reached it's final election.  The white smoke came from the chimney, meaning there is a new Pope elected by the cardinals.   Habemus Papam (we have a new pope).

Our new pope is Pope Leo XIV - Robert Francis Prevost from Chicago.  

Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Pope

His first words were "Peace be with all of you"

He knows multiple languages.

He has dual citizenship - American and Perivian.

But, most of all he was anointed to lead the Roman catholic church.

Let us pray for Pope Leo XIV.

Viva Il Papa!