#clarkland

Let’s start off how my life went in Manila. Truth be told, there is a huge difference between provincial life and city life. If I were to choose which one wins, Ramon, Isabela has my vote. All I really do remember is being stuck in a new school building since Global Gleam Montessori School was expanding. It was clean, quiet, and I prefer the bigger space alongside the Grade 6 students we also share the whole floor with. This was probably the time wherein I had the worst sleeping habits. I would watch K-Dramas and read online books throughout the night and sleep my way in during classes.

The classroom was shared by us, the Grade 7 students and the Grade 8 ones since our head count isn’t that big and we basically share the same subjects. I would snooze my day away whenever the Grade 8 classes start or during a vacant period. This continued to the point wherein my adviser, Sir Leinard Satera would notice the pattern and even advised me to fix my sleeping schedule. With a matching handwritten letter and a dolphin keychain. It was pink! I still keep it inside my old sling bag.

That was a gift he gave us once the school year ended, the gesture alone is still something I look forward to. Anothing thing about the start of my high school life is me trying my best to balance my academics and me having crushes towards boys. That is an era I don’t like reminiscing about.

Also, I miss going to small convenience stores just to buy ice cream. We were surrounded by places where we can access food since Manila has a lot to offer. I would also see myself in a spot that wants to eat Mcdonalds but couldn’t due to the lack of money. The simple and quick boat rides too just to pass a river in order to reach my classmate’s house were fun too! It made transportation even more convenient but also, I found it unique since it was a water ride rather than a land ride.

Since I’ve mentioned something regarding boys, all I can say is that someone tried courting me within my class. He was tall and could fit the boy ‘’standard’’ but I already have my eyes on someone else. Nothing happened, just small random crushes and puppy love (if that’s a thing).

Nothing spectacular happened as my school was still new and is currently on further development. All I can say is that Manila was really a place that filled my tummy but emptied my pockets. The food stalls were left and right. Nothing could stop your sudden cravings if you’re already at the top.

Now, let us proceed to special highlights that my school included in their curriculum! Starting off with the United Nations and me dressing up as a country I do not remember. Something embarrassing also happened while I was introducing myself. I ended up saying a different country than following my sash’s country. Anyways…

To continue one of the best experiences Manila schools could offer- we also had fieldtrips! Gladly COVID-19 wasn’t a thing before or else I wouldn’t get to visit Clark Land or get myself my first Starbucks drink with my pocket money. The curiosity of a Grade 7 overpowered me and I ended up buying myself a strawberry frappe for some reason during our bus stop. I have no other memories nor pictures of the trip but I do have some posted in my Facebook account.

Aside from that, Grade 7 was really a coming of age hazy dream. I wouldn’t see myself wishing that this year would be repeated but I would love to see myself in Manila once more, even just for a visit. There were a lot of life lessons as my life was starting to change. A city girl in Ramon, Isabela will surely become a different story to tell.