Back from Break

It’s been a while since my last post, as I suddenly saw myself caught in an onslaught of work, craziness and unfortunate events. As such, the month of August has definitely posed a major challenge in many facets of my life. It has challenged my self-esteem, my pride, my “paninindigan” and even my people-skills.
With that said, this post is a list of lists…a compilation of random thoughts that need to be honored in some way.

Of course the highlight of the month would be my Davao adventure! As such, the first few lists come from the trip. So here goes….

Top 10 realizations and learnings from my Davao adventure:

1. Davao is truly a beautiful place. Being my first trip to Mindanao, it is definitely a far cry from what one would envision given news reports and preconceived notions of provincial life.
2. Durian in food is not so bad…but durian as a food is still questionable!!! Had my dose of durian coffee, durian pastry, durian candy, and even ice cream, and I have to admit, it tasted pretty good. The Lola Abon’s candy was definitely the most tolerable (sige na nga, yummy pa!) version although the yema was not as pleasurable for me. The Durian Larcepuccino from Blue Gre was, to say the least, interesting. However, it was so rich that a few sips later, I got a headache, presumably from my body’s response to it’s richness. I wanted to try the durian cheesecake, but since it’s such a big slice (and the chocolate cakes looked more enticing) I passed on that. Heard from a friend though that it was not bad at all. The fruit, however, was something I still could not get my self to explore.
3. Do not litter is possible. I have been to my share of parks, toursit spots and so on, whether in or out of the country, and I have to admire the conscious efforts placed on not littering in Davao city. The signs posted around the People’s Park really seems to be a deterrent to littering in the park. Further, the tight security imposed around the park must also be an additional safeguard to keeping the city clean.
4. There is beauty in simplicity. The beauty in simplicity is truly different from what I have gotten used to. In Davao, everything is just so natural, so fresh and clean. It truly embodies beauty in simplicity.
5. I really am an introvert. Okay, okay, I’ve always known this. However, the trip really reinforced this in me. Much as I loved being with my colleagues and friends, I could really just take so much. In some small way, I’m glad I had my own accommodations because there were times when I needed some “me” time. The thing is, when I am with people, I forget this. I get so caught up in the energy exuded by everyone that I forget to reserve some energy for myself. As a result, I become sungit and I snap easily.
6.  “Not advisable” is a polite way of saying no. On the day we went to Eden nature park, we were informed that mountain trekking, albeit with the well-set and clear mountain trail, was not advisable to do on that day. You would think 7 psychologists would have enough insight to heed the advice….but no…off we went. No regrets, but one bukol and three pasa’s later, I think I have to admit: we should have listened.
7. New friends can be just as great as old friends. In therapy, one thing I had to work on was the idea of opening myself up to new relationships and going beyond my comfort zone. Davao definitely gave me that opportunity. I realized that being with a new set of friends is just as fun, exciting and rewarding as being with my old, tried and tested friends…and to some extent, it can even be more sincere and authentic.
8. Even the best of us have our insecurities. In the convention we attended, I was amazed at how even the people I hold in high regard get nervous and somewhat flustered before a presentation. I would think only someone like me, a first-timer, would definitely have more than butterflies in the stomach. However, even veterans, after all, go through the same thing every now and then.
9. Sige na nga, research (presenting research to be more precise) is not all THAT bad. While I still have my apprehensions about the actual practice of research, especially independently, I realize that it is not as daunting as I make it to be.
10. Try new things, but go only as far as you’re comfortable with. Self-explanatory.

9 firsts.
1. First time to be an item on a departmental meeting agenda!!!
2. First major screw up with the ITC equipment hehe.
3. First trip to Davao (Mindanao).
4. First time to present a paper in a symposium/conference.
5. First time in a cab alone….not knowing where my destination was!!! Although I knew where I was “going”, I had no idea whether the route was right and all. Malay ko kung iligaw ako nung driver diba?!?
6. First sky ride!
7. First involvement in an organization/activity with other people beyond the clinic.
8. First dinner and gimmick with Cathy, just the two of us!
9. First attempt at unabashedly, cheesy, corny posing for photo-ops!!!

1 reason why I am happy now
I have learned to love myself fully and authentically, which in turn allows me to be loved and appreciated by others in their own little ways.