#sessionroad

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.

I stare at the stars

Phosphorescent as they’re lowly-

Made of men, I stare-

At the glimmer of the ember

Of a lit cigarette

A pathetic remnant

Of what used to be fiery

Being with you, at the front

Where the stars descend

Upon the mountains,

Masses rock-solid as your will

To vanquish the bravos

Of men who cannot defend-

Themselves from looming judgment

 I face the galaxies

Sitting on a mountain’s shadow

A landmass already hollowed

As you, across a universe

Of struggles I claim mine,

Of light years of fluorescent

And neon and decadent,

You, at war against the cosmos

Of men who’ve claimed this mount

Your flame does not waver

Radiating against obscuring dark

Awaiting just the moment

It’ll burst through the parallel

 Then I will see you again

Just to tell – I have loved you then

                               Baguio, April 22, 2018

If yesterday was all about settling in with mangoes and the cold breeze, today was about actually seeing where the road leads.

Woke up and did my morning ritual… wash face, coffee and head straight to the roofdeck. There’s something about the Baguio sun hitting those hills while you’re on a swing… it just makes everything feel a bit lighter.

Finally, finally made it back to BenCab Museum. The last time I was here, it was closed and I can’t even remember why. But I guess may 2nd time around talaga para sa lahat ng bagay or maybe not everything but definitely for this. Hahaha! Sobrang worth it seeing the galleries again. The RE:VIEW 2025 exhibit was a highlight but honestly, even just the view from Cafe while having pasta and Baguio brew is art in itself. Ang calming lang tingnan nung garden and the mountains in front of you. Just pure green everywhere.

After the museum, chased the fog over at Dragon Treasure Castle. It’s this massive stone castle in Upper Irisan. Feeling ko nasa Game of Thrones ako with the mist rolling in and the stone turrets. It’s one of those new spots that makes you realize Baguio and Benguet still have so many secrets to share.

To end the day, back to reality sa city center. From Session Road to SM, then back to Session again. Just lots and lots of walking. Nakakapagod but seeing the parols hanging from the trees and the slippery when wet energy of Session Road makes it feel so festive.

So much more happened today that I can’t even put into words but one thing is for sure… this is exactly how I wanted to spend my 2nd day here. Sobrang siksik, sobrang pagod, but sobrang saya.