From Clearances To Coffee Cups: A Day of Deadlines, Detours, and December in Bogo

As a person who loves going from place to place, I enjoy days that require me to visit different ones to complete my errands. Sometimes, this is realized in long trips, but more often in daily errands that need to be met before the day ends and in going to places where you can finish them. Adulting comes with great responsibility when it comes to completing tasks, and it usually puts you in a think-fast, work-fast situation where you pour every bit of energy you have charged into putting checks on everything listed on your paper. By the end of the day, alongside the fatigue you have accumulated, satisfaction and experience put your body to rest in your cozy bedroom.

Today, I had a long day in the town of Bogo because finals week in college is already just around the corner. For a quick overview, I was in a watch repair shop, in our new university offices, in a popular cafe just around the town, and in a Christmassy store where I bought my dog’s treats and collar. These are all scattered around the town, and I cannot even count the fare I spent from my own pocket just to finish my checklist. And since I do not want to leave you hanging, wondering what happened in these places as I visited them, I will share my experiences today with you.

First things first, by 11 this morning, I rode a tricycle heading to Bogo City because I needed to have my clearance form cleared to acquire my admission slip for the finals exam, as admission is needed in order to take the finals. My university is a bit strict, but I am still grateful for giving me a scholarship that lifted me from academic financial burden. Also, we had to claim our honorarium from our publication because this is the last day the cashier will release it to us, the student journalists.

Before coming to the elementary school, where the faculty and staff are relocated since our main building was destroyed by the earthquake, I first headed near Mang Inasal, where a small watch repair shop is found. I bought a watch last week, but it was not best for my wrist size, so I needed to have some chain cut just to make it fit me. So here I was, waiting for the watch repairer to finish my watch and then proceed to the school. I paid just 50 pesos, or $1, for the service. He was fast-working, and I commend him.

Now, the real battle started in the school, where I had to line up with other students to get my clearance form and complete my admission journey. First, I had to secure the form, then go to pay my remaining tuition balance, and get the dean’s signature, the library, and the infirmary cleared before finally securing my slip. It was a very long journey with a very long line that could make you faint, but life is already a struggle, so I persevered. In college, you have to be tough in all things, whether it be in your thesis or simply in getting your admission done. I met my co-student writers in the said school because we would have a meeting in a nearby cafe for our publication release this year. Most of them are my seniors in the psychology department, whom I already miss.

We got out of that asylum after securing our slips, but one of us was left behind, or shall I say @anniesty, since she is an intern in the guidance office of our college school. Our dear Annie needed us to bring sanity back to her, which I guess worked out. We were in a GCash store to cash out some money we would use to spend at the cafe.

Next stop was to stop our lives. Just kidding. We went to the cafe, which happened to be Uncle Brew Cafe, which I once featured in my blog here in Hive. This cafe has gained a lot of attention from local people and even from visitors who traveled from another town because of its aesthetic and cozy atmosphere, unique from other cafes found in the town. If you look at the photos, such a homey feeling and comfort can be achieved through its interior, air-conditioned corner, cozy colors, and the conversations made inside. I am so grateful to have visited this cafe today because I accidentally got to meet my favorite teacher in creative nonfiction during senior high school and was so happy to have a very quick conversation with her. The three years of not seeing this favorite teacher were quickly shared in five minutes of talking because they had to go since their infant was already looking for them. She was with her husband. I felt joyous to have a recollection of my past life by meeting my favorite teacher who has shaped my writing and influenced and inspired me to continue the work of art in college.

These were our orders in the Uncle Brew Cafe. We ordered cheese and bacon waffles, frappes, and yogurt drinks. I had cheese and egg waffles and a chocolate frappe, which I really enjoyed eating, especially their waffles that are so delicious and perfectly cooked. The frappe was perfection, good for my teeth that had received prophylaxis last week. I was really hungry, and we ate the food enjoyably while having conversations that jumped from one topic to another until we ran out of time. Whenever I go out with these girls, time moves so fast, and we forget to talk about things bottled up while our lives keep kicking in our personal days.

We went to the Mr. DIY shop in the same town to buy my dog’s treats and collar since his collar was worn enough to be replaced. @anniesty also bought a gift for her niece’s birthday today since she is heading to Medellin to attend the birthday party. Christmas spirit and yuletide designs were alive in the shop of Mr. DIY. I saw many Christmas decors, Christmas miniatures, bells, and red and green colors for Christmas. The shop was also filled with Christmas songs, and I enjoyed shopping while listening to iconic songs of December. Outside it is where the public plaza stands, which was lit up last week, and the Christmas season is indeed alive and kicking in this town. People were shopping for gifts and wrappers for the upcoming celebration, and I could really feel their excitement that cannot be contained, just like mine. It is so lovely to know that people here in the north are excited and preparing for this yearly celebration.

Then I had to have my haircut since an event this Saturday will take place, and I am one of the official media to document the celebration. I will share the experience soon, and I hope you get to read it once I publish it. Moving from one place to another, meeting people who once shaped me and those who continue to walk with me, reminded me that adulthood is not only about responsibilities but also about the moments we collect in between them. I wish to share more adulthood peek soon but for now, this is my life. See you around, and be happy this season of love and Christmas. See you, dear readers!