#baguiocity

I finally chose my own peace.

I’m sitting here on the roofdeck, just swinging back and forth on this blue metal chair. The Baguio air is hitting different this day…sobrang lamig pero it feels like it’s finally clearing all the noise in my head.

Looking back at the last 24 hours, ang daming nangyari. It started with a bus ride to Mactan airport back in Cebu last December 22. I remember looking at the blue floors of the MyBus and just feeling like I needed this change. This is my 2nd time celebrating away from home but the very first time na lumabas ako ng Cebu para mag-Pasko.

When I landed in Manila, it felt like a weird time skip. July 2023 was the last time I stepped foot in Pasay and being back at NAIA Terminal 2 felt like a step back to step forward moment.

I made my way to the Genesis terminal around 2 AM. And then, the flashback hit.

The funny thing is, the last time I was at that specific terminal was when I first went to Baguio to meet my ex. Hahaha! Biglang nag-play back lahat ng memories. But you know what? Instead of feeling sad or bitter, I actually laughed. I laughed at all the stupid things I’ve done before. It’s a good sign, 'di ba? When the things that used to hurt you now just feel like a funny old story.

I boarded the 4 AM bus and by 9 AM, I was back in the City of Pines. This is my 4th time here but it feels like the very first time because I'm doing this for me.

After a quick nap sa apartelle, headed to SM Baguio and ended up at Beans Talk Bistro. Got the best spot… yung balcony area overlooking Session Road. Sobrang busy ng mga tao sa baba, everyone’s rushing for the holidays. Just sat there eating the barbecue and rice, sipping iced coffee, and just... watching.

Took a walk after lunch. Went up to the Cathedral, just sitting quietly sa harap ng simbahan.

Then walked down the long stone staircase going back to Session Road. There’s something so healing about walking in a place that used to belong to a memory of someone else. I’m reclaiming this city. This is my Baguio now.

A simple palengke run for mangoes to end the day. Trading the fancy Noche Buena for this cold breeze and the swing. This is the goal.

First time to celebrate this far from home and honestly? Hindi ako malungkot. I feel light. I feel free.

my hometown; my heart

Recently, I’ve been seeing posts of Baguio throughout this Holiday season. Tourists snapping shots here and there, enjoying the cool breeze and extra cold nights. During this time every year, locals would post about tourists taking advantage of our beautiful city LOL I CAN AGREE 👹 However, I believe Baguio is so much more than its tourist spots. It’s a profound and interesting city that with every layer of culture you discover comes another beautiful experience. Here are sum snaps I took of my hometown this past year <33

lol i also hav realized that Baguio when we have it all to ourselves is one of my favorite things ever