Where do broken hearts go nga ba talaga, Tita Whitney?

This tagline (which was coined after a Whitney Houston hit song) from an infamous hugot movie, that I have watched a hundred times already, kept playing in my mind while I was making the itinerary for my first solo backpacking adventure. And to answer that question, I really don't know.

Free-spirited as I am, I've always wanted to travel solo. So when a local airline went on a seat sale, I couldn't miss the opportunity to scratch it out of in my bucket list. However, I didn't expect that my excitement would turn into sort of grieving. I know this would sound insane and funny but imagine getting your heart broken by someone you considered your happy pill, just a few days before your flight. Low-key hurts, right? So, I initially planned of not pursuing this trip because I kind of know that I would really be a total mess traveling alone with a heavy heart, but then I realized that I needed a break from everything, plus my instincts told me that I have to and I need to. Now, I can answer the question above: how about going to a place where nobody knows you?

And so the day came. It was my last day of being a twenty-four-year old troubled lad when I decided to pack my bag and boarded a plane going to a city I've never been before, all by myself and without someone to talk to. I usually don't initiate having small talks first. The inner introvert in me struck again. I left Cebu with a heavy heart, to be honest.

I took a few snaps of the wonderful view below us while listening to the travel playlist I have curated weeks before. It was still wee hours in the morning but I could see how beautiful and serene the scenery was. You know, the kind of calmness my heart wants.

After forty minutes of floating above the clouds, we finally touched down in Davao City. It is my first time to go the island of Mindanao, by the way. Surreal and laid-back. These were the first two adjectives that popped out of my mind when I reached the exit gate. Without wasting so much time, I hailed a cab that would take me to the bus station, rode a bus going to the place I believed that would help me heal the wounds. I was quite unsure if I could find solace there but I was hoping that I would.

From almost an hour floating where the sky hangs to an exhausting five-hour bus ride to a ten-minute habal-habal ride, I arrived at Mati, Davao Oriental. the place I believe I would find remedy from a bittersweet experience. I was greeted by the warm sea breeze, pristine salt waters, and less crowded shores. I think it could be a perfect definition of "love at first sight".

German (n.) an ache for distant places; the crave for travel.

I was just listening to this Moira Dela Torre track then minutes after I found myself writing its title.

The weak cellular data connection made me spent less time using my phone and appreciated the beauty laid before my eyes instead as I poured my heart out through hand lettering. Also, a bar near the hostel I was staying played some awesome music, most of them are reggae songs, to complete that beach bum vibes.

The next day, I woke around 5 in the morning and the sun was already up. And God, it was so beautiful! Been a while since I've seen the sunrise.

As I watched the beautiful saturated sunrise during my first day as a 25-year old young adult, this kid was standing a few inches away from me while looking from afar, without saying any word. I could only hear the sea breeze and ocean waves crashing on the seashore between us. I took the opportunity to take a candid photo of him. It's great to know that he's enjoying his childhood appreciating the beauty of Mother Nature instead of playing with some gadgets. I wasn't sure if he caught me but he smiled at me and I smile back, not that kind of smile you fake when someone asks if you're doing okay but the kind of smile you make when you're happy as you appreciate the simple things in life.

This Mati trip was more like a soul searching slash creative retreat, and definitely one of the best and most unforgettable trips I ever had. For two days and one night, I found the inner peace I was looking for months. And I guess I've already found the answer to the question above. When we're heartbroken, it would be better to go to a place you've never been before, where nobody knows your name or story as you learn to follow our instincts, take risks, and be brave to find your inner bliss.

I left this wonderful place with a real separation anxiety. Mati (especially Dahican) will always have special place in my heart and I'm hoping to get back sooner with joy and not being brokenhearted. I hope so.