In Pursuit of A Life Well-Lived

I was in Siargao Island when I received a job opportunity to work with an international research agency. The opportunity appealed to me because it is online-based and is with a prestigious company, so I updated my CV and submitted it. I was in Cebu City when I received a response from the agency and an invitation to take an assessment exam. I took the hour-long written exam, hated it, felt like I did badly, and threw away the idea of working with the company. I was in Panglao Island when I received an email invitation for a Skype interview with the project commissioner. It was totally unexpected and definitely flattering so I talked with them for a couple of hours and then they confirmed that they are contracting me.

Upon that confirmation, I felt unsure of whether I really wanted the job or not, knowing how demanding and challenging and stressful it will be. It felt like being pulled back to the life I just left but at the same time, I thought it can also be the opportunity I need to achieve a semi-nomadic life. It was definitely possible. It is going to be difficult, but yes, it is possible.

From Panglao, I decided to go to Dumaguete City. I have been to the student town  before and I know it can serve my office needs. I booked an apartment for two weeks, after which I need to decide whether to stay, transfer to a different city/island, or fly back to Manila. Going back to Manila would be the most practical and most comfortable. Moving to a different city or town would be the most complicated and risky. Staying in Dumaguete would be neither practical nor comfortable and would also be complicated and risky. I decided to stay.

On weekdays, I worked on my laptop. On weekends, I hunted for an apartment. On lunch breaks and early afternoons, I explored the city. It was a difficult and exhausting juggle between work, life, and play. Several times, I seriously considered quitting and disappearing. The company had no idea where I am and had no means to hunt me down, with only my professional reputation at risk. But that's just going to add to the things I am running away from. So with a lot of push and some support, I kept going and managed to hold my sanity (although I already am insane for attempting such).

Moving out of my AirBnB room, I found an apartment with kitchen and broadband internet by contacting every "room for rent" sign I see. Before that, I had no idea how people find places to live in. As a means of getting around, I rented a scooter which I eventually upgraded to a motorbike. I drove out every day, even with no reason, and reached as far out as 30km on my own. On most days, I cooked and prepared my meals, and learned to feed myself and others with honestly delicious meals. Previously, I can only make "sad food" which is edible enough just for myself. But most of the time, I was hunched up on my chair, making calls to Manila-based companies, scouring the internet for information and statistics, and burning nights to finish reports and deliverables.

After 7 weeks in Dumaguete City (and more than a month in various places), I finally went back to Manila. I carried with me not just a new opportunity of achieving the life I want to live but a real attempt at it. I am still in the middle of the attempt, and of the opportunity, but maybe I can make it. Maybe, in the end, I will be living the life I want to live.

Like a sturdy boat in the middle of the sea, I'll keep floating amidst the waves until I find my anchor.

The Longest Time

2 apartments...3 motorbikes...4 mini-escapes...7 weeks...The longest that I have stayed in a single place.

I went from not wanting to leave to feeling I have stayed for too long to thinking there are not enough weekends to just wanting to sleep. Nevertheless, each day always felt like a new one.

Driving along my home route always felt unfamiliar; walking along Boulevard always felt refreshing: and seeing the glittering water across to Siquijor always felt like a first. There were instances when I literally forget where I am and have to make an effort to remind myself that I am in Dumaguete. And up until my last glance of the gentle city, it felt both exciting and comforting.

Day 52: Sunrise

Ironically, I ended my trip with a sunrise. After weeks of attempting to get up before 5am and mornings dampened by light rain, I was finally able to behold that red-orange glow from Dumaguete City. The rain clouds gave way and the sea waters laid flat as I indulged in the sun's gradual rise and seeping warmth. It was a happy early morning to end my happy long trip.

Day 1: Boulevard

My constant place, the long stretch of Rizal Boulevard was an almost daily visit for me. I would go there early in the morning, in the middle of the day at noon, or late in the evening. I would either walk from end to end or just sit and look at the sea. More than once, people approached and tried to talk to me with different intentions. But all was well and every visit was interesting.

Day 44: Kaidyukan

Some days, no matter how tired I am, I would just feel like going out on an adventure on my own. It is an uncomfortable craving that will eat me up lest I indulge it. So instead of going straight home, I ventured onto familiar and unfamiliar roads until I found myself 20km away from the city, along a rocky mountain road where only security guards go. Craving satisfied, if I must say.

Day 13: Escanio

On afternoons when I find myself stuck and lost at work, I would go to this rugged road past Escanio for some fresh air and relaxing scenery. The area is inhabited by a fishing community and has views of Cebu Island, Sumilon Island, and Siquijor Island. Very few vehicles pass by, as the road was still being constructed; and I think most that do, come for the same reasons as I.

Day 2: Valencia

A favorite getaway from Dumaguete City, Valencia is a mountain town roughly 30 minutes away which presents several worthwhile destinations. For more than once, when work has started to feel burdensome, we drove out to look for a Japanese Shrine, a Writer's Sanctuary, a fruity snack, and a forest resort. Eventually, the town just became an excuse to drive out while singing out loud.

Day 51: Tierra Alta

I have started to feel sick from weeks of strenuous work and play and I would have wanted to take a day off from everything. But it was my last full day so I prepped up for a last night with Dumaguete friends at Tierra Alta. The people were lovely, the food was yummy, the scenery was relaxing, the night was peaceful, and the sunset was enchanting.

Day 6: Sunset

It was a relatively productive day that started with a light breakfast and a brief walk with my housemate and her dog. I was able to portion my day between work, lunch, dessert cravings, and bicycle hunting. By late afternoon, I felt an urge to just walk and so I did until I found myself at the Capitol Building. I was just in time to witness the pink setting sun against the Negros mountain range.

Day 37: Full moon

I started the day intending to get a lot done but got distracted before I was able to put a dent on my workload. I stumbled upon travel blogs and pictures and then I lost myself again in dreams and possibilities. So I decided to stop attempting productivity and to indulge into my reveries instead. I sat along Rizal Boulevard long enough to view the full moon rise above mystical Siquijor Island.