Many words just kept coming in my head randomly when I was thinking of writing this blog two days ago. But I could not seem to gel them together to even write a phrase to complete one sentence. But heck, I was impatient and decided to pend and do it later. So I am writing this today.
As cliche as it sounds, time really goes so fast. It's the flash times ten. Just imagine getting your crush's armpit hair after a few good old months of stalking. If it's possible. Maybe it is if you're room mates. Ahem... By now, I think I have conveyed the point across. *winks, winks*
Looking back two years ago, a lot has changed me for the better. All in its own pace. Some had happened drastically while a few had happened painstakingly slow.
Who could forget that day where we had to go for our medical check up after touchdown. Oh yes, this was after that sleepless night before leaving the Philippines with our loved ones. After that early flight, touching down and checking-in after at a cheap but decent backpacker hostel. And did I say brisk walking around Raffles Place to finally head straight to the clinic for some standard test? Yep, we all passed. After a few grueling hours of tension, fright and worrying of the results. We did fairly.
Let's just say that I was up for some challenge upon stepping foot on this small island. I thought I had experienced the worst, only to discover that it was just that ant bite that happens to you in one humid afternoon. An eye-opener for a more one-of-a-kind (referring to the collected one-of-a-kind experiences) learning and enriching experiences.
How I could forget the frugal moments I had on the first few days of living in Singapore. Those days where my fellow colleagues and I would sit down in our hostel room, take out our pen and paper to tally our daily expenses (converting everything in Philippine peso). Also taking into consideration the budget we tried to allot for the house we need to find the soonest as the bill at the hostel are accumulating.
God is good. He helped us (me and the 6 others) find a house. A house good enough to shelter and start our lives together - as housemates. It was in that house that I learned to share a room with a stranger (a close friend now) and share the house along with six of the girls (also close friends). That house was the witness of our pack's rites of passage - the humble beginnings. Our click. The start of that genuine friendship - the adventures and misadventures we all had. The activities we did. The endless bus rides that became enjoyable road trips. The midnight to early morning movie showings, the eating escapades, the coffee sessions, the nights of clean partying and the wasted few nights due to spur of the moment drinking. And not to mention our out of the country trips together.
Singapore had seen me in my worst, too. It saw me fell in love and eventually get heartbroken that led to serious weeping over a love interest who obviously was naive enough not to notice. It took me more than 6 months to get over the feeling. Thanks to a few instances of crying at our balcony at past midnight, a couple of bus rides alone with "Someday" by Nina playing in my Ipod and a couple of time spent at the church praying for guidance and detachment of the feelings from my personal self. And I would say all those counter-measures prevented me from getting insane. I was getting there. And I was that close to snapping and giving in. But I guess, I am one hell of a fighter. And it were my firsts - being in love and being heartbroken.
This country had taught me to be strong-er - emotionally and physically. It taught me to stand stall. Live on my own for a while. Be comfortable with my own skin. Discover and appreciate myself better. Singapore gave me the opportunity to define independence in my life, incorporate in my lifestyle the best practices I gained through experience and change me for the better. Become a better friend, a better son and a better spirit.
Imagine how this small land can change a person at greater scales. The experience - both good and bad translates to a better me - transcending my expectations not only for myself but to all the people around me. This is how this country shapes you so you can celebrate independence, Singapore style.
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