the world is your oyster

 

Finally arrived at a cafe in Maginhawa. It is frustrating to be in this part of a populous city yet there are not enough cafes to accommodate everybody. My hometown, Iligan City, even had cafes probably at every corner of the city yet it's smaller than this. Anyway, I'm just ranting after walking for so long searching for a cafe here at Maginhawa St. Babalik lang din pala ako sa Bo's Coffee hahaha at least my number of steps upped today to 6000+.

Okay, so how's my life lately? It's been more than a month since I've been here in my new turf. I think I have not evaluated my life lately yet because I am just going with the flow. Since I was back from my travels last August, I always had ganaps every day that I haven't had time to think things through. Good thing, right now, it's our reading break. Not that I don't have things to study for, maybe the university just urges us not to? Haha really love this concept of a reading break.

Honestly, all the while, I really wanted to be mysterious of where I am and what I've been up to. At first, I don't want other people to know, just my close friends (that's why AT FIRST I only shared to my Close Friends list on Instagram haha). However, I suck at being mysterious. Maybe, I'm not really that kind of person. My life is an open book, *sigh*. But I think I don't have that much readers here on my blog, maybe it's better to share here than on my social media platforms? Hmmm #mysterious

I am now at a new phase of my life. I resigned being a teacher, moved to a new place, and now staying in Metro Manila and currently taking up a Masters degree. Is this what I've imagined life would be? Is this what I've really wanted? I don't know-- all I know back then was that I needed some change in my life. My life in Iligan was really comfortable, probably everything I needed is already there, but I still feel like I am missing out on something. Maybe it was too comfortable that I am not growing.

And truly, my comfort zone was tested here. My room now is extra small and has no air conditioning unit. I had to share a home with 7 girls-- luckily, our place had 4 bathrooms/comfort rooms, common area for studying, and shared lavatory. But it's nothing like my own room. I was also tested by how far the places are-- there's a lot of hiking because either it's too near to ride a jeep/motortaxi for, but too far to walk for. I miss driving with my car where I can go anywhere I want to, but I don't dream driving in this place-- just look at that immense traffic. 

While I really enjoy exploring new places before, I just don't have that energy here since if you want to go to a certain place, you have to at least have 2 arduous rides before you can arrive at your destination. Unless you're willing to shed some 200+ php for a Grab ride at a just 1-3km distance. Already explored different modes of transportation here-- jeep, bus, MRT, motortaxi, trike, e-jeep. I had funny experiences on each one hahaha hay nako ang hirap talaga ng commute dito, ang mahal pa.

So far, I am learning a lot in my Masters. I think I've appreciated going to school more now that I'm in Masters than when I was in my undergrad. The teachers here at UP Diliman are sooo intelligent and kind, especially my major teachers. I think I have more favorite teachers here than in my college, peace out. I am really humbled as a teacher. If these people have humility and patience to students like us who are already *mature* enough, how much more us who are teaching to younger students. I like that everything we studied, we were emphasized of its importance and practical applications that's why we are taking our studies with much more importance also. If only my teachers in the undergrad have translated their knowledge with that kind of passion also, I would've loved my course better. 

Wish me luck and pray with me in my master's degree journey! Huhu I am anxious once in a while if I'll be able to finish this on time. God willing!

I found good friends here. I am lucky enough that I have Jonnah with me in this Master's journey, but we're extra blessed with two girls from Mindanao plus they also live near from our dormitory! It's nice to have extra people who will also check out on us. Indeed, the more the merrier. The burden's lighter now. We are all adjusting in this new phase of our lives, but at least we're finding pieces of our homes with each other.

I am also thankful for our manghuds from MSU-IIT! They are a bunch of kind and intelligent people who are very helpful to us haha may we all finish Master's successfully soon! 

 

And yep, probably the best part of this place is that I have easy access to the best events. Haha I don't have to buy a plane ticket anymore to go to concerts and events I want to be present in! I just need money for to concert/gig tickets haha. Just went to Kodaline concert last September 14!!! with my Kuya, Jap, and friends we coincidentally met during the concert! <3 I also go out with my friends once in a while, but yup, just rarely because everybody's busy and it's very expensive to meet and eat out here!

I just also went to my first theater experience here in Manila! Thanks to my Kuya for making it possible for me to go to #TheLastFiveYears which is starred by Gab Pangilinan and Myke Salomon and directed by Topper Fabregas. I am really a fan of theater acts and I am happy that I have finally arrived in this status where watching it is at my reach now.

Lastly, I am happy to have a church to go to near our location. Extra blessed that I have friends who go with me. Keep me close always, Father God. I don't want to stray away. <3 Hoping I could join a ministry here so that I could use my extra time to serve in church!

"the world is your oyster" -- you are in a position to take the opportunities that life has to offer

Indeed, the "world is your oyster"-- I am reminded by this quote in the kdrama I'm currently watching #StrongGirlNamSoon. I am thrilled of what this world has to offer and I am taking my chances.

Til the next life lately!