Category: Iloilo

Posted in Iloilo, Personal Stories

Iloilo, My Hometown

Posted on by Rachel

I was born abroad but I consider Iloilo to be my beloved hometown since I basically grew up here.

Our family moved several times when I was really young but most of my earliest memories were developed in a little town called Villa. At the age of 10, we settled in another area in the province of Iloilo.

Iloilo City got quite a lot of praise for how our mayor handles the CoVid-19 situation. The generosity of the Ilonggos is also truly commendable. Everyone is willing to help!

That’s one of the best things here in Iloilo; the friendly atmosphere and the people’s willingness to help.

Iloilo is definitely far from perfect but I love it with all my heart. Sometimes while roaming around town, I can’t help but whisper, “Lord, I am grateful that I live here.”

As I’ve mentioned, I spent most of my childhood years in Villa. Our house was located in what I’d like to call a “secret place” because of the narrow path you had to pass through to get to our neighborhood.

It was a very simple house made of wood and hardiflex, surrounded by a garden that wasn’t even ours. As I am writing, it is raining outside. That reminds me of how cozy and happy I felt inside that house whenever it rained. It would get dark and cold outside, while my heart would light up and warm itself.

Here’s a photo of me at our old house, showing off my new pillow. I never even liked Tweety Bird but I was just so happy to have a big, fluffy pillow.

I live far away from that town now, but I am so grateful for the memories I made there.

The neighborhood where we transferred is also a lovely one. The people here are so nice that sometimes in my daily walk, I would get free rides from tricycle drivers or a handful of fruits from a kind old man.

Iloilo is not perfectly safe as no place is but I do feel safe here (for most of the time), the streets are clean, and the people are the sweetest. There’s more to Iloilo than meets the eye. With all my heart I am proud to say: I love Iloilo, my home.

What do you love most about your hometown?

Posted in Iloilo, Personal Stories

Daily Obstacle: Crossing the Street

Posted on by Rachel

In order to get to work I have to pass by a pedestrian lane (that doesn’t seem like one because the vehicles drive so fast you might think there’s a car racing going on!)

Crossing the streets in Iloilo City can sometimes be a struggle. Especially for a softie like me. Haha

Sometimes I’m as bold as a lion other times I freeze on the spot and wait for the vehicles to disappear, which usually takes around 5 minutes.

I always wonder if I can survive the situation.

I have just survived the chaos and safely arrived at work. An hour early before my shift.

Before crossing the street, I was able to join two men and a little boy. I consider this to always be a blessing because I don’t have to worry I just have to follow their lead.

As we waited for the perfect moment to arrive, the little boy clutching his dad’s hand looked up at me and grinned, all teeth and full of joy like he was having the best time of his life.

I wanted to laugh but I smiled instead.

Sweet innocent boy. I hope he never loses his joy when he grows up and has to cross the street. May gladness overpower fear when he takes that first step against the never ending vehicles. I pray that he will always be excited to see his dad and view life through a colored lens.

Having secured ourselves on the other side of the road, I looked back to see him still smiling at me while his dad fixed his slippers.

“Thank you. You helped me find joy and courage in the simple things.”

I wanted to tell him that but he may not understand.

Sitting here on my desk made me reminisce about my pedestrian adventures.

Other memories I have:

  • I crossed the street with a dog.
  • I helped an elderly navigate through the traffic.
  • A traffic enforcer came to the rescue and helped me cross the street.
  • I joined other pedestrians and crossed the street safely.
  • My classmate and I got trapped in the middle of a busy road and a kind man driving a big car let us pass by.

Life is full of lessons and memories around. What seems like an obstacle can also be a fun part of the day.

After writing this, I searched the Web for a similar topic and came across this fun article: 12 Life Lessons You Can Learn From Crossing the Street in Vietnam.

Stay safe,

Rachel