Grow with the Flow: Malapascua, Cebu

Have you had those moments that you would like to live in and experience a little more? Stretching them a little longer than the usual pace of how things would normally flow?

But of course, the world returns to its usual programming and carries you on to the next show. You are left with the memories of the details (the who, what, where, when, and how) and the feeling...  and then eventually, just the feeling. Or for some people, just the details.

7 years ago, I met these two people whom I would practically spend the rest of my college days (and beyond) with. Back then, we didn't think we would ever be this close. How could we not have seen this coming when our names are already Jen, Jen , and Glenn. I mean, come on, we already sound like characters from a sitcom!

The two Jen's and one Glenn decided to take their time off and head to quiet Malapascua. It was a very organic trip- aka there was no plan. At one point on the bus, we were sold on the idea of just staying and spending our trip wherever the bus ride ends. But somehow we went for the decidedly more difficult option of swallowing our pride, and simply asked the conductor if we've missed our stop. Apparently we didn't, so that was good to hear :) Otherwise we would have camped out somewhere in the north of Cebu. That doesn't sound so bad either.

We stayed in the island and breathed in whatever we could, rode on the back of motorcycles at breakneck speed, watched fishermen build their boats, trekked our way to views that reminded us of the beauty and rich biodiversity of this country, and drifted along emerald waters and conversations until the sun finally kissed the sea.

 

Our sporadic meetings allow each of us to see how much we've changed over time. To be given the opportunity to witness people grow, not only physically but also to see them slowly ease into their own person, is both intimate and sublime. I feel like a mother or a sentimental aunt for having said that, but I mean it.

Somehow, being on this trip felt like we've extended this moment in our lives. We absolutely had no plans and we're in no rush for anything. We just went with the flow.

It's nice to be given the chance to travel once in a while -to detach oneself from routine and have a good check where your heart and curiosity have taken you so far. I'm looking forward to our next trip. I wonder what kind of changes we'll undergo until then.

I am realizing the significance of connecting, not necessarily with people alone, but also with experiences, ideas, and places.

I've been in love with places as I have with people. Cebu, you are very charming and I can't say "no".

**Several photos I took from this trip were deleted. I only have my clumsiness and lack of proper sleep to blame :( Alas, as with the many drawbacks in life, we must move on and be strong :| Some images on this post were taken with my phone.

***Also, sending my big box of confetti and thank you's to Kuya Jumar and Raffy who practically adopted us in Cebu City. Even if I haven't absolved myself of the sins of being such a klutz, my deepest apologies for accidentally wiping out almost all the photos from that part of the trip! :(

Cebu, 2014.