Walking around Metro Manila

I admit I'm 19, but I still depend on my parents.  I only experience independence whenever I travel on my own, but still financed by them.  This time around, my sister and I were independent for like 4 days. 

We all know a lot of people.  I know some of classmates who purposely moved in our city to study.  I wonder how they felt living independently.   I wonder how they felt as they sleep alone in their respective dorm rooms.  I wonder how they felt eating meals alone.  Although sometimes, they have friends to be with them, but let us not forget the fact that there are really times when they are just alone.  All these wonder's were answered during our trip.  This actually has been the most memorable and most different trip from all the other trips we had.  WHY?

Filling Bar Station, Makati

When we are traveling on our own, our mom would always check us from time to time.  Yet, this time, our mom went for an international trip in the exact date.  So, we didn't receive much call and texts from her.  Our parents just checked us out rarely.  And you know, I said to myself "So, this is the indepent life huh?"

Pasay City

Doing the budget was difficult and you know what, I went home with only 200 pesos on hand.  Haha! The trip was really challenging though knowing that we had no one to follow or guide us.  We only had ourselves to depend on.  Yet, it was also in these challenges where fun was found.  Laughing at our sabaw moments, especially.  

Walking around Taguig City made me realize to be in a highly developed city has never been part of my list.  CDO is always and forever will be my home.  That's why, honestly, I am scared when the time comes, CDO will improve more and more.  Although improvement is good, but is it only me, but I miss the old and less busy CDO.

We've been to BGC a lot of times, but it was our first time to walk around here till midnight.  Of course, before, we had our guardians with us so, we didn't have the chance to stay up late.  Truly, BGC is a beaut.  But, again, I can't imagine myself settling here.  Maybe, traveling and visiting will always do.

It was a different night stroll for me.  With tall buildings and stores still open at 11 pm was totally not ordinary for me.  It was nice meeting a lot of people along the way doing their own errands.  Some were just sitting down.  We also sat down for 10 minutes to enjoy the free music done by a talented guy at the corner.  Then, we had a dessert fix at BLK 513.  

We also went to Art Bar and our heart for pens was very happy.

It was also our first time to drop by the 4-storey Fully Booked Store. Just wow.

It was just one of those nights I'll remember.  One of those nights I worried not of tasks. Just a night of strolling and simply worrying about which place to go next, or which next store to go to.

The next day, we also lined up to get our ramen fix at Ramen Nagi from a long walk around MOA complex.

We've been on our own for 4 days.  We did the things we wanted to do and I thank the Lord for protection.  I salute the people who have been independent for so long.  Yet, if I were to ask myself if I am ready for the adult life, I would answer "no."  What I've realized all throughout is to be grateful for dependence while you're at it, because time comes when you'll have to be on your own already.  

Because I've observed that sometimes, people wish to grow faster, and forget the thought of enjoying the day.  Relax.  Make the best out of each day.  You might not know you're missing a lot already.  Cherish your family, your friends and yourself.  Cherish every moment.  Don't compare your life with others.  Doesn't mean others are getting ahead then, you're a loser.  Remember, everyone has their own pace.  Just enjoy and believe that God has planned your life.  

As for me, again, I'll still continue to enjoy dependence on my family.  And when the time comes for me to be on my own, I'll still show them my gratitude. 

Life is a truly a cycle.  Once you are a kid who only worries of little things.  Then, you become a teenager who is becoming more anxious and tends to pretend to know lots of things.  After, you enter adulthood, and you realize and laugh at the things you did when you were younger.  Adult as you are, you rise and fall, and learn from it.  Then, as you grow older, you are astonished by observing the younger ones do similar things you did years ago.

Well, all the walks we had during the trip truly made me learn a lot of things.  We really can wonder a lot when walking, right? Haha!

THAT'S A WRAP!

radiating sunshine,

Hannah Borja