For the past three summers, I’ve been going back to visit my province in Camiguin with my family and even with friends. Of course, most of my summers as a child growing up were spent with my grandparents and relatives over there as well. So it’s safe to say that Camiguin has always felt like home. It’s a far cry from the place I grew up here in Makati. And though I still believe that it would be incredibly different to part ways with the city lifestyle, I occasionally crave for that form of escapism that only the provincial life can bring. There’s just something about being so close to nature that makes you want to just embrace your surroundings and immerse yourself in the wonders of the simple life.

The island has always been very beautiful, and the fond summer memories growing up with my cousins and relatives will always be an important part of me. It’s a tourist attraction in itself with glorious beaches, pristine waters and all sorts of natural goodness. haha. This time, I skipped all the tourist attractions (mostly because I’ve been to most, if not all) and found solace and comfort in meeting my relatives and cousins, bonding with my little sister (Damn UP for having such a tedious enrollment process! Because of that, my other sister, Rubie couldn’t come.) and finding time to think about my future. Haha. Emo ba? Honestly, it’s really not so much like that. It is more on finding that motivation and inspiration to accomplish my immediate goals. I simply found time to think about what I will take on soon as I embark on my last undergrad year. It was what I needed to face my busiest year yet.

One of the many things I love about Camiguin is that everyone knows everyone (and everyone knows my mom! haha.). There’s just that refreshing atmosphere of...

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