I fell inlove...thrice

If I was a guy, I'd have been already labeled as a playboy. Why? Well, you might not have me yet the three loves of my life.

The moment I first opened my eyes in the morning 'til I lay asleep on my bed, she was the first thing I could see. She's small, but is interesting enough for you to bother yourself from day to day to check her out. She's very proud about having a history with boats. I don't know why, but I can't seem to forget her name. Butuan. The very sound of her name is a taste of home to my ears. (It's pronounced like Boot-one). As luck has it, I happened to be born in her hearth. The city that was once a kingdom that came long before there was Philippines. She is my first love.

As I grew up as a young adventurous (and sometimes rebellious) teenager, I met Davao. She took me under her wing and taught me how to fly. I had a place in her heart, and she with mine. Davao has taught me that physically you may see a city, but listen very well and you'll hear her story. Here and there, you'll hear the stories of the eagles, the songs of the birds, the sweet smell of the Durian fruit that often times make me salivate, and see the wondered held in-store by the blooming orchids. Davao had taught me how to be human, independent, and alive. Little by little, I fell inlove with her.

The festive mall display at KCC mall, General Santos City.

Now when this time came as I was allowed a little emancipation from my parents, I was asked where should I head next. I didn't need to think it through, I already knew. Tales of her beauty has reached my ears, whispered in late-night girl talks of missing our homes. She was the Tuna Queen City of the Philippines. She was General Santos City. I fell in love with her lovely city, exploring the streets that is sleepily still awake at night. Even at the hearth of the city, you could still feel the cool breeze coming from the shores of the city's beaches. And as I strolled down their park, I can't help but think that it was a quiet and peaceful place. She was a highly urbanized city, yet she isn't terrorized by terrible pollution and roaring crowds filled with chaos. She was my third love.

Facing the shores. This photo of me was taken at Plaza Heneral Santos, General Santos City. The
park faces the direction of GenSan's shores, which Gen. Santos (the statue) is said to be pointing to.

And so my life continues. I am young. I have many more yet to learn. But as I said, I am young, and that means I have many more places to go...and I may fall in love all over again.