"I think we're going to the moon because it's in the nature of the human being to face challenges. It's by the nature of his deep inner soul... we're required to do these things just as salmon swim upstream."
-Neil Armstrong
No one can impede the influx of changes. After all, it's been said over and over that it's "the only permanent thing in the world." Who doesn't know that statement anyway? So often it's been repeated that it's now a cliche.
We can't escape change either. True enough, I myself have become its prisoner. But a happy one at that.
About two months before, the change had been announced. To many, it was a surprise. To a few, it came as a relief. To me, it was some sort of an uncertainty, surfing on the waves of the why's and the what ifs.
I've been relocated to Baguio. I don't know exactly what got into God's mind why He allowed that to happen (not that I question Him for his will), but I obliged, bent my will and proceeded with His plan. At first (maybe even up to now), I saw the situation's ironies. First, even though I love Baguio and its cool weather, view decks and mountains, I didn't consider living in the city. It was only a tourist destination for me that I would visit from time to time; not a home, not a work place.
Second, a fragment of my being which I've already learned to let go and move on from resides in Baguio. A thought crossed my mind: What happens if our paths cross? The city is not as big as Manila, so it's bound to happen--an inevitable encounter if fate finds joy in it and decides to revel in its awful awkwardness.
And third, speaking of Manila, I was re-establishing my life in the big urban jungle. Suddenly, the endeavor came to an abrupt pause and had been edited to change the scene. I was enjoying the lights, tall buildings and the social encounters despite the traffic, pollution and daily rush. I got to know a bunch of crazy people whom I made friends with. I listened to their life stories, issues and struggles, and shared pieces of me with them along the way. All of a sudden, change took me to a place where I can't eat lunch, watch movies, or spend the rest of Saturday afternoon with them by lounging in their cozy condo unit.
Bigger than all of these, though, is the added responsibility handed over to me. Despite the uncertainties it entails, however, I stood and accepted the challenge. Not because I didn't have a choice, but because I also got interested and wanted to know what going out of my comfort zone really means.
Nearly a month since relocating to Baguio, here I am, indulging in the challenging new stint and reveling in the opportunity to develop new skills. Just like what Armstrong said, I went to Baguio City because it's my nature to face challenges, no matter how rough the road may be, no matter how uncertain my daily undertakings may be.
Sure, job becomes more difficult since it's not exactly the field where I'd been trained for four years, but it's a welcome opportunity to test my ability to adapt. Socializing skills are being used more, multitasking is being practiced more often, and the thinking speed is being increased.
And yes, I'm enjoying the picturesque views, breezy mornings, cool summer, and the refreshing greens on the way to work...every day.
Just a few steps from the office, this landscape seen from the view deck of Mines View Park awaits.
Even from the office, eyes can feast on an awesome view--a stress buster.
And who would not be inspired and energized every day if daily commute is like this? Fresh air, no traffic and with lines of trees saying "good morning" along the way.
Or, if wandering at night gives you this sight?
But aside from all the metaphors related to a
river that feed the soul and replenish lost energy, one can also indulge in an
abundant feast that makes the tummy happy. Eating on a scenic river is an idea
which sparked the business of Sungayan Grill Floating Restaurant. Opened in
2013, the restaurant embarked on its maiden cruise along the Balingasay River
and has become the go-to seafood diner in Bolinao, Pangasinan since then.
