The article (Gusto ko na Umuli!) was about my yearning to go back to Sorsogon due to stress at work and missing the slow provincial life.
Now that I have been in town for more than a year, I reflected on what I missed 8 years ago as mentioned in the article and how it turned out to be:
- Tolonggapo Beach – I had a chance to swim on the said beach twice or thrice last year. This was right before the first lockdown and after ECQ. But this year, I wasn’t even looking forward to it. I was able to go to Halabang Baybay the first time though – but only to check it out. I was just doing my morning bike ride and decided to drop by. Definitely, walking along the beach is out of the question.
- Rompeolas – After the lockdown and started doing solo ride, I would drop by Boardroom or Splendido to get a quick dinner. But we don’t go out walking around. My wife and I would just drive to the parking lot and eat our food while appreciating the view of, either, Mt. Bulusan or Brgy. Sirangan. In the last 2 months I try to avoid this place due to increase infections in the city.
- Pam’s Restaurant – due to pandemic, I could only buy their siopao being sold outside the resto. I do miss their lomi.
- Taking the tricycles – yes, when after walking to the city center and decide to simply not to walk back. But taking it as a main means of transportation is out of the question – kamahal san pamasahe!
- Visiting relatives – rarely, perhaps after the pandemic whenever that is.
- Beautiful scenary – yes, I still get to enjoy this in my place and my wife’s. I get to enjoy it the most when I hit the nearby trails.
Definitely this is not the circumstances that I was thinking of coming back. Nonetheless, I am not complaining and thankful that my family is safe and well.
Stay safe!
Sorsogon City 