MADE IT BACK TO MY HOMETOWN

Some of you might know already that I am not originally from Cebu or Dumaguete. I have stayed here in Cebu for so long and visited Dumaguete many times that some might assume I was born and raised there. Just to recap, I am from Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental. This small city is just an hour away from Dumaguete, our province is known more as to be the province of Bacolod City.

When I was 15 years old, I traveled to Dumaguete to spend my college there and after 2 years I moved to Roxas City, Capiz then after graduating I moved here to Cebu. I rarely visited home during those times because I was studying and then I was working.

This post is actually about how I spent my birthday this year and I am emotionally happy because I was able to spend it with some of my family members. When I was 14, that was the last time I celebrated my birthday with my parents and in our house. And now that I'm 31, I finally made it back home. These realizations happened when I was laying on the bed thinking that it took me so long to be home and celebrate my birthday with the people who are dear to my heart.

On the day of my birthday, my nephew, Kirk was the one who greeted me then my mom. My sister sooner realized that it was actually my birthday. No one knew I was coming home but my mom knew exactly my purpose of coming home. They were happy to see me and so am I. My mom and sister decided that we'll have lunch in the nearby city to celebrate my birthday. Initially, I wanted my mom to cook but since it was just the four of us, we ate out instead.

We went to Annabelle's Secret Garden in Himamaylan City. The place was great. I love this kind of space which is close to nature and simple food. We had Pansit Guisado, Vegetable Lumpia, Battered Chicken, and Gambas. It was a filling meal.

We also went around the garden and to their pool and checked their other space for dining and shops. I roamed around with my sister, Wendell, and Kirk. As expected, I'm the one who took their photos. hahaha.

I did jog around our public plaza and went to my elementary and high school campuses. Everywhere either looks old or brand new. There were so many changes in my hometown. It felt surreal and nostalgic at the same time. This made me even more grateful for my life. Thankful for the city where I grew up which molded me to be the person I am today.

My stay was short because I have a client to attend to in Dumaguete but it was so worth it. I was holding back my tears when I left home looking away from my mom and Kirk. But I kept a promise to them that I would come back home and I will keep that promise. I would love to spend slow days with them and just be a home buddy for a short period of time.

Are you also away from your family? Do you miss them too?

_{Asa Si Klause blogs about his travels, vegan lifestyle, yoga practice, his fur babies and anything that gives joy to him.}

_{If you love to see more of his content, hit that Follow button, and you might find new places, make more recipes, and practice yoga with him. For blog collaborations or inquiries, feel free to contact him on his social media channels or email him at talabanklause@gmail.com}

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