Yesterday, I attended 2 job interviews. I commuted independently without the help of Mr. H – 4-5 rides of jeepneys I guess. There weren’t any traffic jams; smoke, heat and dust I endured during the travels were tolerable. I could still breath some fresh air courtesy of mountains surrounding the City. I didn’t have major language barrier problems since I’m used to the byahero lingo in here. Some must know for Tagalogs & Foreigners:
Para! = Lugar nya/Manaog
Baba = Naog
Sa tabi lang = Lugar lang
Paabot po (ng bayad) = Palihug
Bayad = Plete
Galing sa = Gikan sa
I was hungry after the last job interview. The carinderia that used to be beside the road was gone and to think I already have mild ulcer… Anyhow, I sufficed with a cup of coffee back at Mr. H’s office and another half cup of local tsokolate which I economically sipped while waiting for their out of office meeting to conclude. We went home around 9 pm and with no time to cook, we settled with instant noodles and our favorite char-grilled chorizo matched with puso sold outside.
Yesterday ended and we woke up late today feeling a little bit rejuvenated but still stressed – as in the things we were thinking from morning until before we slept remain running in circles through our minds. Although there were quite a few opportunities that we’re working on as well, we really ought to do any of our usual stress relieving regimens.
So far, this is how we cope…
1) Jogging for me, Yawyan/Arnis practice for him
I wasn’t really eager for this one before. Considering how slow a runner I am and how my endurance hasn’t been physically challenged for some years now, I was always hesitant about this ‘idea’. But Mr. H allowed me to buy a new pair of rubber shoes to replace the broken one I had back in Cavite. It was sweet of him but his true ulterior motive was to eliminate my excuse for why I can’t jog or go climbing with him. =_=’
NOT A GANG WAR! Arnis sparring at Ayala Parking Lot in Cebu.
Cebu City Sports Complex. A sports venue open to the public.
So I was kinda forced into this, but later on appreciated it as well. We jog around the Ayala parking lot after office hours. Or on days when he’s not working, we run at the Cebu City Sports Complex. Sometimes, his fellow arnis and yawyan fighters meet up for sparring which lets me run alone (without a tyrant after my tails). XD I especially felt some sort of achievement when I was able to run the CCSC Olympic size running track for 2 laps. Last time, I was able to finish 3 laps!
You could definitely channel your inner angst/grudge/stress/rage in this physical activity and let yourself benefit from it.
Cost: Ayala parking lot (no fee); CCSC (PhP10/head before 5pm; PhP15/head 5pm onwards).
2) Movie nights
I’m a fan of comedy films and he’s a fan of action flicks. Every other night, we try to find a movie to watch before bed. I only beg that for stressful days we watch something funny and uplifting rather than morbid violent ones. 
Of course this is accompanied by late night snacks – usually peanuts or any left-over from edible groceries.
Anyone could use a good laugh after an anxiety-driven day!
Cost: PhP 20-30 pesos for midnight snacks
3) Videoke
We rarely do this, but when we do its megalomaniac! There’s this cheap videoke bar aroung Mango Ave. – not the fancy ones but those catering to students with a tight budget. They have air-conditioned videoke rooms – more than 8 I think. What I like most is that they have new songs on the playlist/songbook! Definitely Katy Perry-Avril Lavigne-Rihanna!
We first went there with my college friends and then later on just the two of us. The bar also offers finger foods, meals and alcoholic drinks. But if you come in with a full stomach you won’t be paying a hefty price once you check out.
Singing your heart out can fine tune any broken string in your psyche!
Cost: PhP100 per hour (food/beverage not included)
4) Camping
Mr. H. is a loyal and full-pledged mountaineer. And when he wants to take mind off things, a change of environment wouldn’t be such a bad thing.
Sunset at the campsite.
An ideal place is at RCPI in Lahug – a popular place for mountaineers without money as Mr. H says. The travel wouldn’t take 1 hour from the City. You can ride a habal-habal at JY Square Mall going up Mt. Babag. From the dropping point, its only 3-5 minutes hike up to the campsite which offers a spectacular view of Cebu City and nearby islands during the day. Night-lights across the panorama dissolve negativities and give you a moment of peace. The view from the top reminds you how small things are after all.
Temperature up the site could drop to 19 degrees. Waking up surrounded by fog and mist are also likely. It’s a tension reliever from the fast life in the City.
Cost: PhP250/head is a moderate amount and ensures you comfort and satisfaction for the transportation and food expenses on an overnight camping.
Now, now… what option to take later?
Chynnita in the City 