DAY SIX: BAKIT

Mama said it best, “The problem with hello is goodbye.”

Six days ago, my dream of going back to Dipolog and spending time with people “that matter most in my life” came true. And now, as I write this, I have to temporarily leave this home (again) and trade all this unconditional love I get from my humble abode for the harsh and often unforgiving realities of Makati.

Reflecting back on the six cumulative days I had here, I would have to painfully accept the fact that vacation leaves would most probably be the routine for the rest of my professional life. That’s the reality probinsyanos like me are facing, in search of “greener pastures”. Knowing how meager my salary is, I would say “greener experiences” would be the more appropriate term.

I now ask myself a serious question: Is the search for “greener experiences” worth the sacrifice of being away from my family for months? Is the “market value” greater than spending time recharging your “family values”? Is the sacrifice, per se, worth it?

That remains a great debate on my part, honestly.

As I have said in Day One, I’m not used to the Dipolog City life anymore. My dear city may not provide the thrills and excitement of growth as much as Makati would offer. But one thing Makati cannot buy away from Dipolog is the fact that the latter would always be my home, my humble sanctuary. It is where I was educated to be who I am now, and much I owe back to her.

Dipolog is where I could freely taste Mama’s adobo, intellectually learn from Papa Kik’s principles, and genuinely tease my brother whose growing up quickly like the giant Goliath. It is where strolling around the Boulevard with my friends would, in an instant, bring us back to our high school uniform and tuksuhan days.

Dipolog is where everyday and everything looks, sounds, and feels free. In the words of Daughtry’s Home, “where feeling good don’t ever cost a thing, and the pain you feel is a different kind of pain.”

Going back to the Orchid City has become more than an approved Vacation Leave – it has become a humbling experience.

It has thought me how valuable my family is.

How they have shared their efforts in preparing a small thanksgiving beach party for my return. Kung si Obet pa, “Ah, warag gikan Canada.” How papa purposely shaved his moustache, “as to disguise his personal business matters.” How mama prepared my favorite adobo for my first Dipolog meal after eight months of separation.

It has also thought me how valuable friendship is.

How I chose to spend time with friends “that matter most in my life”. How a simple kamustahan would easily rekindle the months of not having to communicate personally. How a simple advice would mean the world to a recently heartbroken pal (ok lang yan pre).

It has also thought me what humility truly is.

How my high school teachers still remember that thin nerd they used to teach some five years ago. How the Cathedral helped me thank for the many prayers that has been answered by humbling before His presence. How this starting Makati lad has and will always be that “small probinsyano boy with big skyscraper dreams.”

But I’m leaving this Home for now. I’ll be back by December, by God’s grace.

By afternoon tomorrow, I’ll be surrounded by the four walls of my rented apartment unit, equally anticipating conversations with my “adapted family.”

My roommates will surely ask how the vacation went, and one thing I would sure say…

“THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME.”