I woke up to a new world on a sunny morning, one so far from the chaos of Metro Manila. No traffic, no rush hour, just a slow and serene pace of life. No pollution shrouding the sky, and most importantly, stunning views wherever I turned.
Yes, it is a dream to live in a coastal town in the Philippines. Here, one can freely enjoy nature's beauty. And so, I woke up in the quaint town of Leyte, a town blessed with white sand beaches and crystal waters. This is my mother's hometown, and choosing to spend my vacation with my grandparents was the best decision I have ever made.
As a new graduate now freelance, I am free to travel from one location to another. With the freedom to work remotely, I am able to discover and live life outside the congested city. Although I studied to become a teacher, I took a different road, one that didn't include wasting hours on the road or living in tolerable city smog. Rather, I am here, in this tiny yet lovely beach town, living the life of my dreams.
The moment I stepped into Padre Burgos Port, I was amazed. Even though it was a port, the water was incredibly clear and crystal blue—just so different from the swampy Manila Bay. The air was fresh-smelling, too, with a hint of ocean fragrance rather than the reek of city garbage.
Time passes slowly here, and I appreciated the relief. A mere glance at Google Maps brought me to my grandparents' house, a destination for the first time. Even if I was out in the boonies, there was a consistent internet connection where I could effectively work. And when I finally felt hungry, my grandparents gave me fresh seafood—kinilaw, barbecued fish, and some other local offerings that I never tired of eating.
I don't have to go far to find paradise. A short drive brings me to pure white sand beaches and the surreal blue ocean waters. Everything here is so perfectly beautiful, so serene, so divine.
Once I'm here, I do not want to leave. I do not want to return to Manila. I have fallen in love with the coastal town, and I believe that I've finally found my home.
If you've ever dreamed of fleeing the mayhem of city living, think about Leyte. Who knows? You might find yourself your own bit of heaven here, as I did.
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