A Spontaneous Date night With my Cousin: A Walk, A Talk and A Treat

Hello my fellow hivers and supportive friends in the community. I would like to share with you these photos I took and a little back story of our spontaneous night out last night.

After a busy week doing work from home tasks, I suddenly had the urge to take some walk along our city’s boulevard. Earlier that day, I saw a post in a social media platform saying, it’s “Love your sister day”. Well, I do not have a sister, but I have a cousin who’s more than like a sister to me. Growing up, Gail and I were like two peas in a pod. However, now that we’re adults and very busy, we seldom get the chance to bond together since our schedules don’t usually align. Fortunately, when I ask her for a walk, she’s on a day off. As working girls, it’s indeed very spontaneous for us to be able to go out on a Monday night so we surely seize the night. This is really a breather amidst our stressful weeks.

The city boulevard is just a few minutes motorcycle ride from our home. We went there at around 5pm and we’re surprised about the variety of booths located at the scenic Dipolog Boulevard, right infront of the commercial buildings A and B. We forgot it’s the time of the year where our city celebrates its founding anniversary. It’s a week-long celebration with scheduled shows, programs and activities. To make the city alive with color, culture and flavor, a program called TASTE OF DIPOLOG or locally known as “HABHAB DIPOLOG” was launched. This vibrant event brings together locals, tourists, and proud entrepreneurs to enjoy the best of Dipolog’s food, crafts and culture.

It was past 5pm when we got there and what we caught was just the tail of the sunset and then it was already nighttime. We had fun, looking at every products offered in each booth and eyeing what we want. The place was so crowded, and people were very festive. It’s like a meeting place for reuniting friends, families, shoppers, kids and every person looking for a breather like us. Every booth we wanted was full so we went to the nearby café located at the back of the building. It’s called Lawood. It’s a newly open café in the city. Its interior is very minimalist and aesthetically pleasing. Their food was good and I’m happy we found a new place to hang out that offers affordable and good ambiance.

But we will not dwell too much about the food and the place. Let’s talk about what stories unfold while we were having dinner.

My cousin and I share a lot in common. We are both bread winners, so we share the same life struggles. We exchanged stories about how we are living life these past days and how we are coping with the inflation and price increase especially on basic commodities. My cousin is a working student. She goes to the uni on her scheduled classes and in her free time, she works in a well-known fast-food restaurant. I always admire her bravery in stepping up and helping her mom in providing for the rest of their family ever since their dad cheated and left them. Although her mom also works as a receptionist in a nearby guest house, trying to make ends meet, it’s hard for her to raise them all alone. To lessen their burden, my mom takes care of their youngest. At her young age, she had already conquered lots of life struggles. So, this dine out is like a little treat for her.

After having our dinner, we went back to the booths and bought milktea, puto bumbong and dropped by to the donut house to buy some pasalubong for my mom and my litte cousin.

Our conversations last night moved me deeply. I can only imagine the strength and silent battles every person endures daily. I want to acknowledge the resilience and determination of my cousin to study while partially carrying the weight of the family.

So, to whoever reading this, may we not take our blessings for granted. May we value every opportunity we have. Others carry far greater responsibilities than us but chose to strive and chase dreams. So, may this be an inspiration. I am older than my cousin but last night, I learned a lot from her.

We ended the night with a singing jam session while we were on our way home. Recharged. Refueled.

To those who are on the same page as us, take care of yourself. Fill your cups because you cannot give your best when you’re drained. God bless and may our pockets never run dry.