Farewell Manila

The past couple of weeks in Manila went by so fast, that before I knew it, I am flying back to New York again. Each day that passed, it gradually sank in that I have less and less time to spend with my family and friends. And at the back of my mind, it breaks my heart to know it will take another year before I see them again, for us to go to Greenbelt again and together have Chickenjoy again.

Panic shopping and spa-ing aside, there are a million other things I will truly miss about Manila. More than the cheap buys and my regular visits to the salon, I will miss the people I had the littlest, yet most meaningful, memories with. People I grew up with. Sure, I make dozens of friends and good company abroad, but they can't compare to those who had seen me in pigtails, in braces and saw me freak out when I had my period. Those who comforted me when I had my first heartbreak, and were right behind me on my second - or third.

The past couple of weeks, I did my best to make time for the important people in my life amidst my long "Manila to do checklist". I know the time we spent will never be enough to compensate for my year-long absence, but I tried at least. (And took plenty of photos!)

I bid you farewell, Manila. Do not fret though, as I will see you again. It won't be for long.