I am someone who embodies the phrase: dayuhan sa sariling bayan. It’s because I’ve never really gotten the chance to tour the Philppines. My trips are concentrated in the islands of Cebu, Bohol and Mindanao. Other than those places, I have no clear picture of the beauty of the Philippines.
So on my birthday, I decided to have that Luzon trip. It was my first time in Luzon - it was my first time in the northern part of the country. Although I didn’t go to the famous Manila, I had an equally grand time in Central Luzon, namely in Pampanga, Olongapo City and Subic Bay.
What’s more interesting about the trip is the fact that I have to see a “long-lost-classmate” of mine. We have never seen each other for over 12 years now - so going to Pampanga and meeting him there after such a long time was already an adventure in itself. I was not sure if he will meet me in the airport, or if he would be as nice as I remembered him to be.
True enough, my friend and classmate remained nice, thoughtful and fun. It was my first time to meet his family - but they were so nice and warm to me. There was no awkward moment around them. I can be myself and not worry about what they would think of me. Therefore, our birthday (his birthday is a day before mine) was a blast. It was about getting-to-know-you-again - well maybe just getting-to-know-you as I never got the chance to really know him back during our elementary years. As one of my classmates once told me: finding each other again is next to a miracle. Miracles, so befitting of birthdays.
On my birthday, we went to Ocean Adventure and stayed there for an entire day - enjoying the dolphins and the sea lions. The day was also full of meaningful conversation - we had so much to talk about considering the time that we were “apart.” There was so much catching up to do. Time was not so much on our side then, because we really ran out of it. Of course, time travels so fast when you are enjoying every minute of it.
The next day was allocated for rest. Both of us love sleeping so we need to get some as the last two nights were about late nights. And when it was time for me to go back to Cebu, there were no tears shed. It was not a bittersweet parting. It was just right.
Deep in our hearts, we know that it wouldn’t be the last time that we will see each other - we are just not sure if the next time we meet would be after 12 days or another 12 years.
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August 24th, 2009 at 5:11 am
hhmmm…. seems fun!
August 24th, 2009 at 5:12 am
well, I want to visit it too..
August 24th, 2009 at 6:46 am
this is what I wasn’t able to do before I migrated here in Canada, see the beautiful places in the Philippines. I hope someday I will. Thanks for sharing
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September 2nd, 2009 at 6:18 am
Sounds romantic. For more romantic travels I would like to recommend Boracay. Please visit my blog http://eccentricaquarius.blogspot.com if you for tips on where to eat the Best Foods in Boracay!
September 5th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Hello, musta? ^_^
Just a trip suggestion. here are some of the nice places in luzon:
Baguio, Tagaytay, Mall of Asia, Laguna hot spring, etc., Eco Park Q.C.
Ingat lang sa Manila…alam mo naman ang panahon ngayon…always check your belongings ^_^
Keep safe and God bless…