Cebu Days: A Handful of First Times

This article is inspired by @Ruffa 's article about her Travel experiences and @bbyblacksheep 's article about Job hunting. I thought about combining the two since it best applies to me.

Landing a job after graduation is what a fresh graduate would always have in mind. I mean, not everyone but most likely, it is what we usually think of which is to give back the sacrifices our parents have made. It's not really an obligation for the children to own up the family expenses after graduation but somehow it is our way of being grateful to our parents.

March 2015 when I graduated from college. Everyone is sad because the class has its own priorities and choices what career to take after but at the same time, excited and happy for what's to come.

Some of my classmates went to Cebu right after we graduated. They landed a job instantly because they got absorbed from the company they have rendered their internship from. I thought of going to the city too. I was very impulsive and exploring back then. I tend to make decisions without contemplating and just make rush decisions.

May 2015 when I got a call from an unknown number. The caller introduced himself as staff from Convergys Cebu. I got so nervous because it was unexpected. I was caught off guard without knowing that was the initial interview for hiring as a Customer Service Representative. As the conversation went on, I got the hang of it and finally loosen up and relaxed. I was asked if I could make it on that weekend and I said that I'm still not sure but I have plans on getting there and apply for a job.

I chatted with my classmate who referred me informing me that the initial interview was successful. Two weeks have passed and it was now the time to leave.

Days before my departure, my family was still doubtful about me going far from the family. The workplace is very far from home, Mindanao to the Visayas. You need a plane ride or a ship ride to reach it. But I was very eager to go to Cebu and land a job there. Graveyard shifts and the unhealthy lifestyle were the least of my concerns at that time. It was all excitement and enthusiasm.

First time traveling alone

The day has come. All my bags and luggage are packed, I'm ready to go.

My uncle offered me a ride from Bukidnon to Cagayan de Oro City where the pier and ship was located. As we reached the pier, I was slowly getting anxious about the situation. I booked a ticket two weeks ago and the ship I'm gonna ride into is Trans-Asia Shipping Lines. It is one of the oldest shipping lines based in Cebu. The ship looks old and rusty already but it is still functional and durable.

I was overwhelmed with how crowded the waiting area was. I mean, the moment I entered the pier, baggage porters came rushing towards me and it startled me and just refused the help. I felt like I was a celebrity when they came to me.

So I was waiting in the corner for the announcement when to enter the ship and I kept looking at my ticket to double-check everything. The place was full of people and I just observed how busy the crowd was. Some of them were carrying many pieces of luggage as if they were migrating, some were only carrying a backpack. Some were traveling as a family, lots of kids crying because maybe they got bored and you know what it is, it's tantrums time.

When it's our turn to get on board, I was very focused on not losing my ticket in line because I can't go inside without it. It was very windy so it was really a challenge.

Good thing I found the cabin where I'm booked to and I settled in. The journey upon reaching the cabin was not easy. I was all by myself and I had to carry a backpack and heavy luggage. But I was a fighter, I managed to reach there.

I took my dinner first with my uncle before going inside the ship. The departure was scheduled at 8 pm. I was able to get inside at 7:30 pm so I have 30 minutes allowance before the departure. I just stayed in the cabin, I was not booked in the corner side so there wasn't much of a view.

As I was resting, things started to sink in slowly. The separation anxiety was real. Is this really happening? Final decision? I'll be away from home. Away from my comfort, away from my heart. But still, I took the risk and decided to go through.

It took 8-10 hours to travel from Cagayan de Oro to Cebu. When I reached there, my classmate was already waiting for me to fetch me.

My first day in Cebu will be published on to the next one.

Thanks for reading!

Keep safe everyone ❤

Beauty and Madness piano cover will be uploaded probably tomorrow. I apologize for the super delay.