A Too-Sweet Start and In-Flight Hustle
The long-awaited trip to Cebu Island has finally begun. My day kicked off with a 4:00 AM wake-up call. Rubbing my sleepy eyes, I made my way to the airport and boarded the plane. Right before the flight, I decided to try Starbucks' brand-new "Banana Affogato". Honestly, it was overwhelmingly sweet. I was hoping for something to help me relax, but the intense sugar rush definitely caught me off guard.
On the plane, the passenger behind me was coughing continuously, making it incredibly loud and hard to rest. I glanced at my neighbor—who was clearly frustrated and unable to sleep either—and whispered, "Pretty loud, huh?". That tiny interaction sparked an unexpected bond.
It turned out they were a Filipino who had been living in Japan for a long time, heading back home for 10 days to attend a funeral. It just goes to show that if you take a moment to talk to people, you'll discover they all carry their own deep, complex stories. It was a beautiful reminder of the value of human connection right there in the sky.
Breathtaking Island Views from Above
As we began our descent, the view of the Philippine islands left me speechless. The crystal-clear water and the stunning coastlines were beyond breathtaking. It hit me all at once: "This is Cebu. I'm really in the Philippines."
Touching down at Mactan Airport and grabbing my luggage marked the start of the real challenge. This was my first time assembling and packing my gear abroad. I was anxious about whether everything could withstand the sheer weight, but surprisingly, the setup went smoother than expected. However, hitting the road was another story. Navigating through the chaotic, fast-paced traffic was intense. At times, I was basically pushing my load like a handcart, feeling the harsh reality of the journey.
The Chaos of the Road and Discovering Sisig
On the way from Mactan Airport to the ferry terminal, my hunger peaked. I hadn't eaten a proper meal all day, so I immediately ordered "Sisig," a famous local dish. Eating that incredibly flavorful meal on an empty stomach was pure bliss.
Feeling energized, I headed to the ferry, only to find it completely packed. To make matters worse, my luggage was slightly too wide for the boarding gate. For a second, I panicked, wondering if I'd make it, but somehow I managed to squeeze through and get on board.
Navigating the Dark Streets of Cebu City
By the time I arrived in Cebu City and started moving again, it was pitch black. Riding in the dark was intimidating at first, but as I got used to the flow, I slowly started to feel more secure. Still, the surrounding traffic is no joke. I realized I definitely need to invest in some high-visibility, fluorescent clothing for future night rides.
Finally, I made it to "Tamariba," my guest house for the night. Mission accomplished. Afterward, I ended up visiting someone named Ms. Shelly's house to take care of a few things.
The End of a 22-Hour Marathon
It's now 2:30 AM. Having been awake since 4:00 AM yesterday, I've been on the move for over 22 hours. I am physically exhausted, but this has been an incredibly dense and fulfilling day—something I could never experience back in Japan. This sense of achievement is exactly why I travel.