Summer Lovin’ Philippines, I Do Remember

Philippines, I may be thousand of miles away but I do remember.

How can I forget you when you gave me so many Summers to love and remember.

Summers that you built with me. Summers that I carried with me, lived with me.

I have not forgotten our many walks by the beach and the many moments of soul searching. I have not forgotten our stories, our dreams and the many promises we made. Have you? I you did, let me help you remember.

I remember our laughter.

I remember the many beautiful sunsets.

I remember our island travels…

…the unexpected adventures and exciting surprises.

 I remember our childhood innocence and many simple happy plays?

I remember how thrilling  it was playing in the rain. Do you remember that time we chased a rabbit in our front yard? We had a lot of fun didn’t we?

I remember the boat rides with its many breathtaking views both above…

…and below the water.

I remember our faith, culture and traditions. Call me nostalgic. Call me sentimental. Call me sensitive. Hey, ain’t my fault. You blessed me with all these, they rooted so deep.

I remember smiling and being happy with the little I have. I remember the same smile among the people I met who barely had anything to go by. You showed me so many ways to be happy without having to buy anything. I remember because when there are times I felt I have nothing, you inspired me to feel that I have everything.

I remember with fondness, families who gave so much more than I deserve. They gave me their heart without asking for anything in return. They gave me a home whose doors never closed even long after I was gone.

Don’t ever think for a minute that I have forgotten about you. In times of triumph I celebrated with you. In time of storms, I worried and prayed with you. When you needed help, I remembered with utmost concern. It ain’t much, but I hope it was something that helped you rise up and begin a brand new start.

This Summer, a friend set sail the many boats of Operation Baroto or Boat for the victims of typhoon Haiyan. Through the many generous contributions by friends and family, hundreds of boats were given to fishermen who lost their means of livelihood. Fishermen who the government has failed to reach despite of the million of dollars of donation received from kind-hearted people from all over the world. These fishermen only received several days to a few weeks worth of canned sardines, rice and water. The days after, nothing else came.

I remember the many love you gave. A mother’s love, a father’s love, a sibling’s love, my very first love, all kinds of friendship and family’s love. Love that inspired me through the years. Love that gave me courage and strength. Love that nurtures when days are grey and weeps for much-needed comforting.

I remember more than you think. I remember more than what others think. So, when I step foot on your soil once more, may you remember me and all that I have become. So much have changed for both you and me the long years we’d been apart. Change that scares me sometimes. Change that motivates me to hang on to what’s still left of the many precious memories and connections of the past and the present. I won’t let go. Please don’t let go.

In the next few weeks, embrace me once more with a Summer Lovin’ that will have me forever grooving.

A Summer of sharing, giving, reminiscing, reconnecting.

A Summer of creating new stories, plays, laughter and adventures.

An island seaside Summer of many happy laid-back days with lots of room to dream and fill my bucket list.

A treasured Summer among family and closest of friends.

A Summer that will remind me that I will always have a second home whose doors will never close because it waits patiently, excitingly for my return.

We always go back to places that meant more than just memories. It is part of who we were and what we hope to become. When I brought my son to the Philippines, he knew immediately that he will always have a second home with even a bigger family other than what he already has. That alone is why we always try to go back. Back to where it all began.

Yes, I do remember you. I hope you do to.

There are so many of us who had to leave our homeland of birth in the hope for a better future. Some for a dream others for adventure. Whatever our reasons were, part of us will always long for love ones we left behind. Remembering somehow brings us closer to them and the home we used to know.

This post I offer as a tribute to all the travelers, migrants, overseas workers and their families. We are not alone in this journey.