3 Years today || Reminders why I left my comfort zone

(See previous post to read about how I started in Makati)

For the first 6 months, I rented a room near a river bank. The building where I stay looks so unusual to me because the structure looks so 'thin' compared to other gigantic buildings in the city. The structure has significantly narrow foundation. It is just so hard to describe. Anyhow, the place was a witness to some of my tearful experiences.

I normally find it not easy to remember directions so I really had a hard time commuting. This amplifies my anxiety and sadness aside from all the downside of living alone. During my first few months, I tried my best to keep in mind the landmark and signboards near my boarding house.

I opted to take tricycle and jeep when going to the office. One time, I was walking around the area and noted the 'Under Construction' sign board. I made use of the sign board as my guide where to get off from the jeep.

For a week, it did not fail me. I was still working during day time as I was still in training. It was Thursday, around 8:00 pm. Evening darkness started to engulf the place exuding a gloomy aura as it was drizzling whole afternoon. I hailed a Jeep from RCBC (Ibabaw route or I thought so). I was traversing along N. Garcia Street when I could not spot the 'Under Construction' signboard. My eyes were busy looking for the sign. Panic crept in as the jeep passed the BDO area and turned right. I asked one of the passengers,
'Lumagpas na po ba tayo sa Antipolo Street'?
'Ay. Dinaanan natin', the lady said.

I immediately requested the driver to stop. The passenger pointed the area and I continued to walk. It was indeed a stupid idea to rely on the 'signboard' for I know that any time soon the road repair will be completed. Did I (subconsciously) expect that the project will extend throughout the year? Funny, possibly because I knew some areas that are still under construction for years.

I kept vigilant while I was walking along the sidewalk. I was in my jeans and polo shirt with heavy backpack. I held an umbrella on my right hand. I could not stop to get my cellphone inside my bag. I did not want to stop, scared that if I stop even for a while someone may grab my bag. (Paranoid!)

I continued to walk in the main road without any idea about the directions. I don't know but I think I lost common sense that time or perhaps I just want to prove to myself that I can reach my destination without GPS. I opted not to ask a stranger for directions. I looked around and spotted a guard standing in front of a building.
'Saan po papuntang Sultana? O yung sa Honradez?'
Mister guard processed for a while and finally told me he is not familiar with the place. I expressed my thanks and continued on my way. (Shaking My Head)

I started to feel uneasy and a bit worried since my watch was telling me it's almost 9:00 pm. I have been walking for about an hour and still could not find the right way. I continued to follow my instincts and avoided dark streets. I stayed in the main road saying my prayers for guidance. There were tricycles passing by but I did not ask one to drive me home. I continued to walk.

This is one of the first pics I have taken during my first week in the office.

Finally, after more than an hour - I spotted the facade of a familiar pharmacy. I used to buy groceries in their store. It seems that my spirit leaped and my subconscious performed the wiggle dance! The pharmacy is at the end of the road that will lead me to my boarding house. Eureka! I felt so relieved and proud of myself.

I arrived around 9:45 pm. I opened the door and let the light fill my room. I placed my take-out dinner in the table and sat slowly on the side of my bed with my backpack still on. I suddenly felt the urge to cry. I could not help it. I wanted to pour out all the emotions. I cried hard. I should have not put myself in a very risky position. I was nuts! I learned my lesson and it will never happen again.


I fished out my cellphone from the safety pouch in my backpack. I talked to Bryan, sobbing. He scolded me for what happened. As always, he made me smile and giggle after. I felt better. I resolve to reminiscing our plans and I was back on track. I reminded myself of the reasons why I left Negros. I wiped my tears and prepped for bed. Tomorrow is another day. Carpe diem!


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Today, September 25, marks my third year anniversary here in Makati. Three years ago, I hailed a plane from Negros alone but I have been accompanied by my dreams and aspirations all through out my journey.  Most of them are starting to come true. I will continue to share to you how things turn out via this blog.

P.S. Writing this while on the plane from Bacolod. Haaay. Time flies so fast.

Antonia

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Do you see your future together? It is never too late to plan. (Part 2)

July 2014 - We were in the third year of our relationship when an opportunity presented itself. I was offered to work in Makati with a very generous company and awesome workplace. Taking a leap from my comfort zone took so much courage. I had so much questions in mind. If I leave -


What will happen to our relationship?
Will his love for me stay and endure even if I am away?
How about our plans? Can we still turn them to reality when we are miles away?
Will he wait for me?
Uncertainty enveloped me for weeks while I process the thoughts. I had sleepless nights - staring at the ceiling, hoping I have a way to know the answers and wishing everything will turn out okay. Bryan has been so positive with my plans to step up. He has been so supportive for whatever actions I take that will make me improve for the better. 

August 2014 - I decided to go. I needed to leave the company to pursue my dreams. This meant I will be living on my own in an unfamiliar place, full of strangers. I will leave not only my workplace (that I have learned to love) but also the friendship and camaraderie that I have nurtured for more than 3 years.

As days unfolded, I was filled with anxiety not knowing what the future holds. I knew Bryan will also be sad and lonely but he was so excited for me to take on my new job. He is ever supportive. He is not insecure. He has a very positive outlook, very uplifting and infectious.

September 2014 - I relocated to Makati and started to work in an American company. My dream of working in an environment like that in the movie: 'The Internship' came true. The office's pantry was one of my favorite spots. We have unlimited bread (Gardenia) and spreads (special mention, Nutella)! Free cold/hot drinks from vendo and discounted goodies/chips in the 'Grab Scan n Go'. The entire place is a breath of fresh air and the environment is indeed friendly.

I had few worries in the workplace. I love being in the office as it temporarily let me forget that I am alone in a big city. When I arrive in my boarding house, Bryan's soothing voice makes me feel home. Our communication has been constant and consistent.
- When I am working at night, he serves as my alarm clock. He wakes me up so I can start to prepare for work. When I arrive from office, he calls me during lunch time. We talk a lot. Any thing under the sun. I wonder how he keeps things interesting.

- Starting July 2017 when I landed a day shift, our 'call times' also changed. We continued to inform each other regarding our schedules. We talk during my dinner time when I arrive from office. Two weeks ago, I convinced him to download Mobile Legends so we can play together. He was hesitant at first but then, he enjoyed the game after trying. (Did I make a wrong move this time? Kidding!)
-- Aside from calls, we have been spending quality time as we team up for battles in the mobile game. It was indeed fun.Being in a long distance relationship is not easy. There is a need for mutual caring and nurturing of the relationship. Bryan and I are still celebrating monthsaries. This October 9 marks our 6 years and 6 months of being together. After all these years, I still believe that staying in love is a choice and I will always choose to be steadfast with our love. (Chezzzyy)

Of course, we miss each other's company every day. For 3 years, we see to it that we do our best to be flexible in order to squeeze in quality time of togetherness in our schedules. Our longest time of not seeing each other is approximately 3 months.

Bryan is someone who sets up a plan in his mind on what he wants to achieve and works hard to meet those plans. You see, I am so proud of him. Let me share here our milestones in the relationship hoping that we can inspire others too.

February 2016 - Bryan's marriage proposal. We were celebrating my birthday.

March 2016 - We decided to start paying for a house and lot for our future family. This is part of a low cost housing which can be financed thru bank or HDMF

April 2017 - Completed payment of the house and lot equity.

September 2017 - House and Lot takeout. I will be posting updates about our haven in the next posts.

We are filled with so much joy and excitement as we plan for our wedding, purchase of furniture, etc. We are working hard to turn our plans to concrete output. Still, things are still uncertain because we are still apart but we continue to have faith that God will be our guide.

The next chapters of our lives are still forming. I love to impart our story to inspire others to plan for the future. If you can plan for it, then why not? I understand that not all our plans in life may be realized but at least you have your guide in embracing the future together. If possible, do not act in haste when it comes to love. True love can wait. It is never too late to plan. If you think you have skipped some stages in a relationship and you are in a position that you have to deal with it, then for sure you can make things work out fine! Give the present situation your best shot. However, you still have a lot of things to plan for. The future is still so bright and full of colors.
- Yeah, you can live for today and let tomorrow take care of itself but you can still do something today to make tomorrow an easier, more fulfilled experience.

We can do this! Love will help us make it through.

I'll talk to you in my next blog (One of the most unforgettable experiences in the first 6 months of my stay in Makati)! Here's the story.

Antonia :)

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