Who Am I?

I’m Danver A. Salinas—18 years old, currently navigating life in Cebu City while studying Bachelor of Philosophy at the University of San Carlos. But before we dive into the present, let’s rewind a bit and start from the beginning.

I was born and raised in Ubay, Bohol, a place as quiet as it is beautiful. My journey since then has been a patchwork of moves and transitions—Bogo City for elementary, Medellin for high school, and now Cebu for college. Each place, a chapter, each move, a new canvas.

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had this unshakable love for the arts, music, and, well, the spotlight. If it involved performing, creating, or expressing, I was all in. Back in elementary school, I’d join every poster and slogan-making contest, channeling my inner artist. I even took to the stage for “Balagtasan”. But things shifted into high gear when I entered senior high school.

Transferring to a new school felt like a leap into the unknown, but it turned out to be one of the most transformative periods of my life. I became the president of our school, as well as the president of Medellin’s district—a whirlwind that also landed me a seat as a board member for DepEd Cebu Province. It was surreal, like stepping into a role I’d never imagined for myself. And yet, there I was.

Between leading organizations and handling countless responsibilities, I found time to explore my passions further. I dabbled in journalism, clinching 2nd place for Column Writing in the English category. Then there was the best hair and makeup competition in Cebu—a fierce, 11-day marathon in San Fernando. Competing alongside seasoned artists while being a total rookie taught me one invaluable lesson: nothing is impossible when you show up for yourself.
But the pinnacle of it all? Graduating as the first and only “with highest honor” in my school’s history. The pressure to achieve what no one else had before was daunting, sleepless-night daunting. But when I crossed that stage, it wasn’t just a moment; it was proof of everything I’d poured into that year—hard work, resilience, and a whole lot of belief.

These experiences have shaped me, connected me with incredible people, and inspired me to keep seeking out those connections. That’s why I joined Hive Company. Through the encouragement of my friend @applejane and an inspiring orientation led by Miss @jeannmazing, I found a space where I could continue building bridges—not just to meet people, but to truly connect with them.
I’ve always been sentimental, a collector of moments and stories. I document my thoughts in journals, scribble my dreams in manifestations, and type out my musings on my laptop. This blog feels like the next chapter in that habit—a place to archive my messy, joyful, bittersweet, and altogether extraordinary journey.

Now, let’s talk about Philosophy.
Whenever I tell people what I’m studying, I usually get a mix of reactions—“Wow,” “Cool,” and, of course, “Why Philosophy?” It’s a question that’s as common in the classroom as it is outside of it. So, why Philosophy?
I’ve always been curious. Even as a kid, I’d ask endless “what if” questions or challenge the obvious. High school took that curiosity to the next level. I loved reading books that explored deep, often abstract ideas. Conversations with friends would turn into debates about morality, existence, and purpose—questions most people shy away from, but I found myself drawn to. At the time, I didn’t even realize what I was doing had a name. It was philosophizing.
When it came time to choose a college program, Philosophy stood out for its depth and its unique way of approaching life’s big questions. It felt like the perfect fit for someone who has always wanted to understand not just the “how” but the “why” of everything. Beyond that, it also aligned with my aspirations. Philosophy provides a strong foundation for pre-law, which has been one of my long-term goals.
Philosophy is more than just a subject—it’s a mindset. It forces you to question, analyze, and think critically about the world around you. It challenges you to see connections where others see none and to build arguments that are as logical as they are creative. It’s tough, no doubt about it, but that’s part of what makes it rewarding. It’s a discipline that touches almost every field—science, art, politics, ethics—and that versatility makes it endlessly fascinating.
Studying Philosophy has already begun to reshape the way I see the world. It’s like peeling back the layers of reality and seeing the intricacies of how everything fits together—or doesn’t. And honestly, it’s thrilling.
But Philosophy isn’t just an academic pursuit for me, it’s also deeply personal. The process of philosophizing feels like journaling—capturing fleeting thoughts, untangling emotions, and trying to make sense of the chaos that is life. That’s where blogging comes in.

This blog is my way of sharing that journey. It’s a space where I can reflect on what I’m learning, document the highs and lows, and, most importantly, connect with others. Just like Philosophy, blogging is about asking questions and sharing insights. It’s about creating a dialogue—whether that’s with myself or with you, the reader.
Through this blog, I want to invite you into my world—a world of curiosity, resilience, and the pursuit of meaning. I’ll write about the things that inspire me, the challenges that push me, and the moments that make this journey worthwhile. Maybe along the way, we’ll uncover some answers together—or at least learn to ask better questions.
So here’s to new beginnings and the stories waiting to be told. Let’s make this journey unforgettable.

Until next time,
Dan