*warning, I may or may not have tears in my eyes while typing this entry out* For those unaware, I was born and raised in the Queen City of the South called Cebu City. I lived here for fifteen years before moving to California. This short trip to Cebu was my first time setting foot in the first place I called home for the first time in eleven years – with that being said, it was exciting to be back but nostalgic at the same time.
We arrived close to midnight after being delayed in Manila. My grandpa (dad’s dad) picked us up from the airport and drove us to my uncle’s home where we stayed for the majority of this trip. My uncle lives on top of a mountain with the prettiest views of the ocean nearby. And right below his house is a golf course where we spent our first day. After a quick round of golf, my uncle hosted a little welcome home party for us.
Besides spending time with my dad’s side of the family, I was able to spend some quality time with my mom’s side of the family as well! I met up with my mom’s sisters and we caught up with what little time we had to each other.
I also got to explore one of the newest malls in town, SM Seaside. It’s located right next to the ocean! One of my aunts is the manager for the event/theatre department so we got to see Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again in the Director’s Club. I also got to dine at Harbor City, which is still the best dimsum restaurant in the country in the whole wide world.
I think one of the biggest highlight of this trip was seeing my grandfather (mom’s dad) for the first time in eleven years (my dad’s dad has visited us several time in California)!!! I cried way too hard when I saw him again, and saying bye again broke my heart. *I’m bawling right now, whoops* Anyways, we dined at Harbor City again, per my brother’s request, and we grabbed dessert at Room For Dessert, where I witnessed my aunt get scolded for ordering cotton candy with ice cream in the middle since diabetes is pretty popular on my mom’s side of the family.
After saying our goodbyes, I met up with my uncle and aunt at a different mall and then got dropped off at the airport. I had to leave two days earlier than my brother and aunt due to work. This trip made me realize that you don’t necessarily miss the place but rather the people you left behind. I didn’t see any of my childhood friends due to time constraints but seeing family that mattered to me was enough, actually more than enough. Like I said, it was extremely bittersweet saying goodbye again.
I’m not waiting another eleven years to visit Cebu again. Also, mango shakes in Cebu are still the best tasting shakes ever.
