Visiting cities

They say that every time you travel, you get into a new portal of learning. Every step you take, every sight you see is something to take in and savor. You might not get to come back anytime soon, so it’s best to make the most out of it.

My latest to trip to the capital city, Manila, has showed me a lot of things. The most striking was that it is the bastion of our country’s history --often taken for granted. My fellow young leaders and I were lucky enough to do a ceremony at the independence flag. This is where kilometer zero stands, the start of all measurements in the country. Our national hero’s monument, Jose Rizal is seen in an overcoat. He gazes upon his visitors intently, as if trying to decipher what they are also thinking.

It was such a fulfilling moment to stand at such a historic position. The flagpole is also located in front of the Quirino Grandstand where several presidents took their oath to lead the country with utmost courage and bravery. Yet despite all these small nuggets of wisdom, we take it for granted. We go on and forget. I wonder what it would take for us to remember what our heroes fought for. I wonder what it would take to be the best of ourselves.

Living in the capital is such as stressor. While big companies and tall buildings hound you with much opportunity, the commute is tough. Let alone finding food and water supply without spending too much. The monthly wage may be slightly higher than the usual, but the lifestyle is just too much. It is too fast, never stopping to take a break.

If there is anything to be learned in this short and sweet trip, is that Cebu is so much better off. We may not be as geographically big as the capital is or not have more buildings than them but life is better. The quaint nature of Cebu has taught us to slow down at many points in our career.

The beaches are accessible in a matter of an hour or so, even the mountains. It is a mix of beauty and modernity encapsulated in a location of being in the middle. Not to mention the rich culture that we have, which we tend to not forget.

We aim to be Singapore-like but we are our own identity. Our leaders could be unaware of this but it is never too late. My visiting of other cities may just be a leisure trip but definitely an eye-opener.

Moving forward, we hope to see a better Cebu City. One that transcends what it is today. It is a prime-mover, a history maker, a cultural mover --I’d never trade my being a Cebuana for anything.