Walking on water in the Philippines

I held the tattered handbag to my chest, the only possession I got as I plunge into the great unknown. I felt the soft ocean breeze as it caressed my face, and I looked at the ship that took me to my courage zone until it slowly disappeared from my sight. Tears fell from my eyes, I never felt so alone in my entire life. It was as if I stepped into another world, not even a hint as to what lies ahead.

Fear started to creep in as I walked briskly, realizing there’s nowhere to go. I stopped to keep my sanity and images of my family crossed my troubled mind. Out from a dreary expression on my face, a radiant smile blossomed as I remember why I had to leave my comfort zone and to start a life on my own, far away from home.

A fresh college graduate from a small town in the province, I flee from an impoverished life in the rice fields to the big and humid city of Metro Manila, with the hopes of finding the spirit to stand on my own feet, to embrace challenges, break barriers, and make a difference to the lives of others.

Everything seemed like an uphill struggle, I lost my way many times than I could count. I even encountered near-death experiences but those were the times I learned to be my strong, unique, true self. Metro Manila is a megacity with huge appetite for fun, from which I gained so much wisdom. Here are the priceless things I learned from my travel:

Travel Light. The sweltering capital’s bustling intensity quickly overwhelmed me, beads of sweat popped out from my skin when I took my first ride on a train. The Metro Rail Transport pitched forward awkwardly and I automatically gripped the handrail while struggling to balance on my heels. If I had tons of baggage with me, I could have not forced my way in through hordes of people inside the train. Same with life, if you hold on to grudges and misfortunes of the past, you will never find the beauty of making a step forward. As for me, I made a decision to throw away my excess baggage of shame, fears, and anxieties first before I grip the wheel of life.

Laugh When You Get Lost. Laughing at your own mistakes means you always seek to see the brighter side of things. Instead of wallowing in self-pity and worry, look around you and find something interesting and focus your eyes on that. I remember when I was lost; before I start to panic, I redirected my attention to my surroundings and my gaze was glued to that wonderful sight of children munching on their ice cream, their innocent smiles somehow made my day felt better. Everyday may not be good, but there is something good in everyday.

Don’t haste. Manila is a dense stew of urban development and historic sentiment. In the midst of bustling highways and traffic jams, there’s calm in between. I’ve always made time in my busy day to travel to places that depicted rich history, culture, and arts. In here, I can put my head out, let my hair fly in the wind and see where the city takes me. Likewise, take slow walks. Sit on a bench. Take breaks. Breathe. Sing. Feel. Touch. Taste. Smell. Appreciate life’s simple joys; life is designed to be lived that way. If you’re always on a rush, you’ll miss out the real beauty that life holds. I remember Danny, a man on the street who was freezing cold on his nasty clothes. I removed my favorite leather jacket and gave it to him. He smiled. I could have missed that smile if I rushed.

Enjoy the ride no matter how bumpy it is. For me, life is a quest; I’ve been through tough times. I left the comfort of my home in the province, rolled up my sleeves for my sister’s college education. I even placed my dreams on the backseat to fulfill her dreams first. Metro Manila taught me virtues that shaped my character. For instance, waiting for a bus each morning to get to work developed my patience in all circumstances. It is also in this city that I had the opportunity to travel to Indonesia for a mission trip.

Metro Manila brings out the best in me, teaching me to walk on water; to go beyond my fears and personal limitations. Before, I was so afraid to travel, but now, I even felt the desire to travel to many places outside the country, for I know in my own little ways, I can be a hero, touching lives and making a difference wherever my feet will lead me.

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