Journal Entry #40 [321/365]

 

Upon returning here after more than a year, I've come to a realization. I have fallen in love with the people and places that have become my home away from home. In Zamboanga, watching the sunset fills me with peace, while in Dumaguete, the sunrise makes me feel at home. The flavors of the food here in Zamboanga remind me of the dishes back in our home in Bongao, and in Dumaguete, the taste of puto tsokolate and my perfected chicken adobo bring back memories of my college years.

Having lived in Dumaguete for over seven years, I've become more fluent in Bisaya than my mother tongue, Tausug. My accent has adapted to the Bisaya dialect, which can be noticed in my speech. Hearing people talk in Tausug or Chavacano now feels different, and even visitors need to speak in Filipino to communicate easily.

Falling in love doesn't always mean romantic love. I have also fallen in love with my friends in Dumaguete, while still loving my long-time friends here. It's been years since I've seen the people I grew up with, but seeing them grow in their careers makes me proud. I recently had the opportunity to reconnect with my high school barkada and classmates over dinner, and I appreciate that they made time for me despite their busy schedules.

We've never really parted ways, we just grew and nourished in different pots. Nobody outgrew anyone. Most of us have continued to grow taller every year, while some of us just took it slowly. And I'm sure that we'll eventually reach our dreams.