My boyfriend lives in Davao which was a huge factor in why I have gotten here. I’ve known him since early 2022, but we only started dating last year. And it has been an incredible journey since then! We’ve travelled to different places together, went on a road trip from Luzon to Mindanao, pursued business ventures we both love, and are surrounded by friends and family who support and love us.
Although we were already in a relationship and trying to survive the challenges of LDR, living together wasn’t part of the original plan. It started with visits as we built our dreams together. What was supposed to be a three-day stay became a week, then to two-week stay turned into a month, and now, I’ve been living here for almost 8 months, and I truly enjoy every bit of it!
I have made new friends as well, including my boyfriend's relatives who treat me as if we are truly blood-related. Everyone has been exceptionally kind and welcoming to me, and I feel the same way about them!
I can’t thank my family enough for trusting and loving me, and for giving me the freedom to pursue a non-traditional path. Just recently they visited me here for my birthday! huhu I love you all so much!
I'd also like to thank my boyfriend’s family—for loving and treating me like their own, supporting and trusting me so completely. They are my bestfriends, and I love them so much!
And to my boyfriend, who is incredibly supportive, loving, patient, and kind. Thank you for giving me a love that is free, trusting, and respectful.
I am grateful for all the people in my life now. Thank you, ooniverse for this life.
Now, let me share some of the differences and new things I’ve noticed so far!
1. Food:
There are a lot of balut stations here. Unlike in Quezon City where balut is usually sold from baskets or bicycles, here there are mini restaurants dedicated to serving only balut! It’s amazing!
To my surprise, there are also stations that serve only durian. How amazing is that? Eating durian took me several tries before I learned to like it, and just like mangoes, there are different varieties. My favorite is the Puyat variant! :)
Most people here like kilawins, sinigang na kambing, tinolang native chicken, and balbacua. Goat and tuna dishes are a common part of the menu here.
And lastly, the fruits here taste better! Note: Mangoteens are heaven-sent!
2. Pace of Life:
The pace of life here feels slower and more relaxed. There are a lot of children playing outside, which gives the area a vibrant atmosphere. There’s a strong sense of community, and our neighbors are nice and considerate.
3. Nature and Scenery:
The scenery here is beautiful. The air quality in Mindanao is generally better—fresher air! A few minutes away and I am near beautiful springs, forests, mountains, and rivers. A few hours’ drive and I’m at stunning beaches. There is also no traffic congestion in our area, except when heading to Davao del Sur.
4. Job Opportunities:
Most job opportunities here involve working in government, banana plantations, farms, mining sites, schools, or local hospitals.
5. Fiestas:
Fiestas are very much alive here. People still celebrate by inviting neighbors, even those they don’t know well!
6. Tabo (Sunday Market):
There is something called Tabo, a Sunday market where sellers from different areas gather in the public market. People visit to buy their needs because it offers a wider selection than regular market days.
7. Community:
People here are respectful and considerate, and I feel like everyone knows each other.
8. Language
I’m still practicing my Bisaya. I can understand basic phrases now, but I’m not that confident yet. Sometimes, I struggle to keep up with conversations, but everyone is kind enough to translate for me or switch to Tagalog/English when I’m around.
I am sorry, but I promise to keep practicing!
9. Cost of Living
The cost of living is significantly cheaper here compared to Quezon City.
10. Weather and Climate:
The major difference is that it’s less hot and less humid here, making it more comfortable overall.
11. Transportation:
There are terminals and tricycles available, making it easy to travel to different parts of Mindanao.
12. Internet, Water, and Electricity:
The internet is reliable and stable, electricity rarely goes down, and water is readily available. There is both free provincial water and a paid water connection option.
13. Lindol
Earthquakes occur here more often. On my first month of living here, I was panicking and I still do every time it happens, and on the contrary, locals here were like, "Okay, just another day, lalalala!", and there's me," HeLPp! ദ്ദി ༎ຶ‿༎ຶ )"
14. Dogs
Dogs here in our little town are less aggressive or not at all!
Gentle rhythm
Embracing the beauty of a simple and slow life
Reflection:
For the past few years, I have been searching for peace in the various places I’ve lived or stayed, seeking that innocent, childlike freedom. While this isn’t inherently right or wrong, I’ve come to understand that although our environment plays a crucial role in shaping our behavior and state of mind, true peace comes from within. This place and the people around me have inspired me to become a better person. They have shown me that the peace I sought externally was always within me. Now, I carry this peace wherever I go, no matter the situation.
This move has also allowed me to connect deeply with the world, myself, and the people who matter most to me. I have learned to live simply and appreciate more the subtle wonders of life—the details I often missed because I was too distracted by all the noise.
There is a sense of purity, homeness, and peace in the simplicity of life here—it calms my mind and soul. Oh, it has been a transformative experience…
Living simply has become more difficult in this ever-changing world; now, it is a conscious choice to make, which is what I did. I am fully aware of the privilege it is to change my environment, and I am truly grateful to have been granted this chance.
Here’s to embracing change, finding joy in simplicity, and living life to the fullest.
