“Nakakapagod na.” She continued lamenting while still dragging her feet, pushing forward, hoping to not get swept by the bus. Through our short interaction, I learned that she’s from Subic and that she purposely came to Cebu to join the Cebu City Marathon. Oh, the lengths we go to for the things that keep us sane.
I’ve followed by heart, and it led me to Mt. Pandadagsaan—to trails only heard on tales, to experiences I’ll keep for life, and to people who were so generous with their time, heart, and effort. They say it takes a village to raise a child, I say it takes a whole running community to complete a marathon, most particularly if it is a road-to-trail kind of event.
There’s a part of us that can only be found in solitude, in despair, in anger, in frustration, in defeat. While that is not much celebrated, that part is precious. It is the place where grit is built. And grit—the courage and resolve to push through trying times, the strength in character—is worth it.
This blog wouldn’t last this long without you in the picture. My heart is forever grateful.
Growth happens in times when we least like it. But more than anything else, it’s necessary. There are things that only make sense in the later part of our lives – when the events seem to perfectly coincide to complete the tapestry and lead us where we’re supposed to. While at the moment it’s difficult to appreciate it as the raging emotions most often overpower us, time is a gentle reminder that our lives continue to revolve whether we like it or not.
If by chance you’ll be presented with another opportunity to visit the ‘Grandfather of All Mountains’ in the Philippines, I hope you’ll grab the opportunity to do so. For not only will you meet new friends and gain more experience, you’ll also bring back home new insights and lessons learned. Keep growing. Keep going.
Amordino Farm is a humble diner that serves homemade nourishment to hikers, bikers, and locals in Sitio Patayng Yuta, Sapangdaku, Cebu City.
Aside from the sumptuous meal that the owners personally prepare, Amordino Farm, is a perfect vantage point for sightseeing as it gives a relaxing view of the city’s remaining vegetation. The mountain breeze is sure to soothe those aching limbs and cool down the body’s heat after a whole day of hiking, biking, and other kinds of outdoor activities engaged on.
Gossip has always been considered an unethical phenomenon but surprisingly, according to research, it has its bright sides and despite its reputation, it can be welfare enhancing. Gossip goes beyond its negative connotation. In some cases, it can provide a venue for conversations on thoughts and feelings about a situation and how it affects the people involved – and even those who are looking from the outside.
Beyond relationship status, I guess we have to learn to make better relationships with the people around us and of those whom we encounter. I’m happy to have spent my vacation with fellow volunteers who rendered their time and energy debunking misconceptions, assisting and pacifying patients, and providing a little ray of light in this time of the pandemic.
But the future I was looking forward to didn’t come into realization. The year 2020 happened. The pandemic put everything to a halt and like everyone else, I found myself in a fork in the road with seemingly dead ends on both paths. I no longer know where I was going and how to keep going.
Dakilanglaagan 