From Floor 54 to Manila Streets: A Day of Contrasts
How moments of fulfillment, unexpected challenges, and an old conversation became my compass at the perfect moment
I woke up just before my alarm as if my body was confidently declaring it was ready to start the day. I got up and went straight to my laptop.
These early morning hours are when I’m at my most creative. My thoughts flow clearly after a full night’s sleep, and I have so much to say about yesterday. My mind keeps processing experiences at night as if they continue working even while I sleep. I sat down and wrote for an hour, my fingers racing across the keyboard, trying to keep up with my thoughts. And then—it was time for coffee.
I savored every moment of making that coffee. After my days in the campervan, I’ve come to deeply appreciate all these little things. It’s no longer something I take for granted—having a comfortable kitchen, running water, and electricity that works without interruption. Now I understand the habit of keeping a gratitude journal. Daily, there are so many things around us that we take for granted when, in fact, we’re lucky to have them at all.
Then came the moment I had been waiting for—the one that would define my new routine. My first workout in the gym on the 54th floor. Maybe it sounds strange to be excited about a gym, but I was simply thrilled to be here. This is part of my dream—living in a high-rise in a big city, with an amazing view and endless possibilities outside my window.
As I walked on the treadmill, I looked down at the city below—a mosaic of buildings, roads, and lives unfolding beneath me—and thought: This is it. Do you remember dreaming of this moment? Do you recall planning for it? Doing everything necessary to get here? Well, you’re here. I just hope this doesn’t mean I’ll mentally check off “gym with a city view” and never come back.
Sticking to a routine has always been a challenge for me. But this time feels different. I see it as an opportunity to prioritize my health, to become the best version of myself.
After my workout, I got ready and headed out, following a custom walking tour Chat GPT had planned for me. I hadn’t found a free walking tour I liked, so I gave it a list of interesting places (it had been suggested based on my interests) and asked it to build a route. I also found a cool café about ten minutes away.
The moment I stepped out of the building, the chaos began—jeepneys, tuk-tuks, and buses honking at me to get in. It’s amazing how many times you can say “No, thank you” in a single minute. I decided to walk instead, to get to know the area on foot.
But my introduction to the city wasn’t exactly warm. I had only been walking along a busy main road for a few minutes when I suddenly felt someone touch my backpack. I spun around immediately and saw a guy pressed up against me. Without thinking, I shouted, “What are you doing?!” My hand was already in the air, aimed at his face. He flinched and took a step back, and I realized I probably shouldn’t punch someone in the middle of the street, even if he deserved it.
He pulled out a phone with a shattered screen, pretending to be “on a call.” Even with a face mask on, it was clear that his concern wasn’t germs. I looked down and saw my backpack zipper was open. I walked away, fuming. Unbelievable.
I arrived at the café, still shaken. Instead of ordering breakfast like I had planned, I ended up getting a Spanish latte, just because I had read good reviews about it. When I stepped back outside, I instinctively adjusted my backpack, pulling it to the front. I hated feeling like a scared tourist. Even when it got too hot and I slung it back over my shoulders, I kept turning around every few steps to make sure no one was behind me.
I spent the day exploring beautiful places, but something had changed. In other places, I had no hesitation asking strangers to take my photo. Here, I suddenly worried someone might run off with my phone. I hate the thought that one guy ruined my sense of security in the Philippines. But maybe it’s the opposite—I proved that I’m assertive and that even an incident like this won’t paralyze me.
I asked myself, “What if he had actually stolen my phone?” And then I remembered a conversation with my older brother before I left home. I had told him I was afraid.
“What are you most afraid of?” he asked.
“Losing my passport or getting my phone stolen,” I admitted.
“And what would you do if that happened?” he asked.
“I’d go to the embassy and get a new passport, or I’d buy a new phone,” I said.
And just like that, my fear dissolved. I think that’s one of the best ways to deal with our fears—to think through them in a calm, safe state when we’re rational and can find solutions. It’s much more effective than confronting them for the first time in the middle of the storm, overwhelmed with emotions.
Today, I faced an attempted theft—but I stood my ground. This moment reminded me, once again—travel isn’t always perfect. But every challenge makes me stronger. And I know I have the tools to handle whatever comes next.
Your support helps me keep experiencing new worlds and sharing them with you through my words. Sometimes, a single cup of coffee can make a difference.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
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