by Yeeshen Dawn J. Junio
Longlisted in the PureTravel Writing Competition 2023
I tied my shoes and stood up, bidding farewell to my mother. I wasn’t leaving permanently, just temporarily. I had an opportunity to pursue that could potentially change my life, but it was far from my home.
As a 4-year-old, I couldn’t comprehend why people left, causing heartache in their wake. An electric feeling surged through me, and I pondered what I would tell my younger self if she were standing before me. I would say, “You’ll understand when you grow up.”
Growing up means taking risks, experiencing loss, and gaining valuable things that were once absent from your life. It’s a battle that breaks you down, piece by piece, only to mold you into something as strong as steel.
Each step I took onto the boat felt like walking into an ocean. The more steps I took, the deeper I ventured, and the more I felt like I was drowning. I whispered to myself, “This is what growing up feels like.” It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but for some of us, it feels foreign and unfamiliar.
Standing at the boat’s top corner, I gazed at the breathtaking beauty of the town, momentarily capturing the scene with a smile. The cool breeze embraced my bare skin, offering comfort as I embarked on this faraway journey.
My hometown, Surigao del Norte, is where I call home. Leaving temporarily tore at my heart, but I knew I had to go to a big city to pursue opportunities beyond what my town could offer.
That’s what I believed.
With closed eyes, time flew by, and I arrived at my destination, the bustling city. Cars and busy streets created a buzzing noise, while people, engrossed in their phones, hurried about, seemingly devoid of time.
Everything moved so swiftly that I couldn’t even flinch. I stared blankly, hoping to wake up from this dream. No one talked; they were all glued to their phones. No one bothered to look at me; it was as if I were an invisible glass waiting to be shattered by someone.
And that’s how the Big City operates. It’s Cebu City, where people chase their dreams and strive to survive in a city where predators roam.
I closed my eyes momentarily, taking a deep breath in this unfamiliar city. I explored and familiarized myself with the surroundings. Towering buildings and countless cars filled the streets. It was amusing to witness the excitement of students heading to school, hanging out with friends, and professionals rushing to work.
People of diverse backgrounds lived here. The faces of tourists beamed with excitement as they savored every moment, of exploring this vast city.
However, what truly took my breath away wasn’t during the day; it was at night when the city blossomed and shimmered like a star. I ventured to Busay Hills to witness the city’s nighttime beauty. It felt as if I could spread my wings and behold the city lights from above, embraced by the cool night air.
The word “beautiful” echoed in my mind as I halted and faced the mesmerizing view. The city appeared serene and tranquil from the top of Busay Hills, where almost everything in Cebu City could be seen.
A sense of refreshment washed over me, knowing that, at least once in my life, I had the privilege to experience such beauty and witness this extraordinary view. I smiled, eyes welling up with tears, as I stood there.
In that moment, observing the people around me, I realized that not everyone had the fortune to live life on their terms. As I acquainted myself with the big city, I encountered individuals leading vastly different lives. Some were wealthy, and able to afford anything they desired, while others struggled to make ends meet.
I had believed that everything would improve once I moved to the big city, but I was mistaken. The journey of a person truly begins when they find themselves in an unfamiliar metropolis.
I took a deep breath, savoring the moment of gazing at the stunning nighttime view from Busay Hills. They were right in saying, “Big City, Big dread, Hard life.”
But you know what? There’s one thing they can never take away from those who move or live in a big city, like the people in Cebu City. It’s the dreams and desires that fill their hearts, the only thing that keeps them going.
Photo by Michael Rivera on Unsplash
