atin-atin lang

this morning i got myself on a plane and began my life-changing (i predict) move from the city to what i call "a simple island life with a few perks." From Manila to Boracay, i’m starting a new chapter of my life. i’ve accepted a job offer to work as a project architect in a construction development inside the exclusive Fairways and Bluewater Resort in Boracay. the offer sounded really tempting and i didn’t think twice in accepting it. without any idea on the exact conditions of my work and stay there, i jumped right in. i guess i would be in for an experience of a lifetime. (fingers crossed!!!)

as soon as i stepped off from the boat on Boracay island, the rain greeted me "warmly" as i trudged down the gang plank with my 17kg luggage (i had to pay over 300pesos at the airport for the excess 7 kilos!). good thing my sundo (how do you say that in English? fetcher?) was quickly in sight and he helped me with my load right away. we hopped on to the service vehicle nearby and started our 15-minute drive through the narrow and busy main road of Boracay island. flashes of nostalgia swept through me as we passed by the familiar places that i and my dearest friends visited in our Bora trip last year. that kinda started my semi-depression, realizing that i am alone in this fast-becoming unfamiliar place. i have no friends or family to run to for anything — bonding, sharing stories, swimming — anything at all. i would have to do something about that, and i think my people skill will be put to work here.

as we entered through the gates of Fairways, my emotions went from excitement to awe to puzzlement then to anxiety. as we reached our "headquarters" it dawned on me that this would be a very challenging stay. it’s time to say goodbye to the luxuries and amenities that i enjoyed back in Manila — my big soft bed, yummy home-cooked meals of my choice, my own bathroom, cable TV, PS2 — the works. i’ll be living and working in a very spartan environment — makeshift room, leaking roof, communal toilet & bath, simple meals — the simple island life.

but it has perks! for this is Boracay for crying out loud. i always tell people that we should always try to look at the brighter side of things, and i’ll try hard to practice what i preach. otherwise i’ll go bonkers in no time. we have internet in the office, DSL at that, hence this blog update; i’m going back to construction work/project management, which i like a lot; the beach and beautiful people in Boracay are just a 20-peso tricycle ride away; i have my own room!; i’d like to believe that there are more good things to expect from this experience than stuff to whine and be depressed about. of course, frequent messages of support and prayers from loved ones would be very helpful, and i’m expecting them to fulfill their roles. haha.

seriously, my expectations are all up in the air right now. i guess i’m just a person who’s afraid of sudden changes, i’m used to things being in order all the time — square some may call me. this would probably count as one of the boldest steps i made in my life, and i hope to make it through. i believe that this is just in preparation for something bigger and greater in the future. i keep on telling myself that i should pick up a lot from this learning experience, on living life at least if not from the actual work i do.

let’s keep our fingers crossed and pray that i’ll make something out of this. i’m also quite looking forward to your vacations here too. as i tell my friends, one hearty dinner would be on me, and maybe even more.

surprise me.