30 Days to 30: A Countdown

August 16, 2015

Hi. Yes, you. Have 3 minutes to spare? Let’s talk.

Three years from now and I’m no longer a tween. A tween, according to marvellous J.R.R. Tolkien, is a hobbit who is between 20 and 32.

Now that I’m about to turn 30, it feels like no question can offend me. So I’m going to start a Q-and-A session 30 days before my 30th birthday. (It’s not original, Tumblr has this “Ask Me Anything” tagline written somewhere on its homepage.)

You can ask me a question (not a yes-or-no question, please). Or if you’re shy, I can start by telling you what people often ask me now that I’m about to turn 30. Ready?

When are you gonna get married? Any plans to get married? If so, when?

These questions are typical but they are not very interesting, if you ask me. Think about it. If a girl knows when it’s gonna happen, she’ll tell the world. But I understand why it gets asked a lot.

“Eggs mature. No way to freeze them“, said my ex-workmate. She’s hilarious, you’ll love her, too. 🙂

If not that, some would go straight to “when are you going to have a baby”?

I’m not good at metaphor so when I alluded to my family, you could take the story literally. Yes, we are many and we ‘were’ poor.

I have seven siblings. Being the second child, I got used to seeing a new baby every two years or so. They were adorable – no question about that.

But raising kids demands so much time and energy. (Maybe parents can confirm this.) My parents had once or twice said they sacrificed their own dreams for our sake.

It’s sad to see people put off their aspirations for their kids. But sometimes it’s refreshing to see how some moms keep it cool and funny, like Bonnie of the TV series, “Baby Daddy”:

Bonnie: When I married your father and had you two, I had to put my dreams on hold.
Ben: What dreams?
Bonnie : Being Single and childless.

Not all questions are too personal, thank goodness. Some are surprisingly thought-provoking. Like these ones:

Where’s the best place to stay in Cebu? What are the great spots to visit?

I can’t answer you about the best “hotel” to stay – I’ve only been to 3 hotels here in Cebu. But Quest hotel has good location, clean rooms, great service and super affordable rates (2k+ /night or probably less depending on the season).

As for tours, it depends on what you like. City tour or Island Hopping or Snorkeling Tour or Waterfalls hopping or Eco Adventures. Are you traveling alone, as a couple or with friends?

If you’re going South, I can recommend the places I’ve visited:

Tingko Beach, Alcoy (free public beach but really good)
Whale watching at BCD’s Place (Tan-awan, Oslob, Cebu)
Tumalog Falls, Oslob, Cebu (Natalio Bacalso Avenue, Oslob, Cebu)
Boljoon Church
Oslob Church and the Ruins of Oslob Cuartel
Baluarte (Watchtower)
Sumilon Island
Moalboal/Pescador Island

If you decide to go North, you can try:

Tabuelan – Durhan White Beach Resort
Danasan Eco Park
Bantayan Island – about 2 hrs from Hagnaya Port (Northern Cebu) to Sta. Fe town (you have to spend a night here)
Camotes Island
Carnaza Island (if you’re the adventurous type)

There are so many things you can do in Cebu. I hope you give it more than three days. Give it a week or two. Better yet, take a month off – if you can.

Well, that’s all for now. Got a burning question to someone turning 30? Leave it in the comments.

7 responses to “30 Days to 30: A Countdown”

Ching sadaya

August 17, 2015

Yes i have a question for you. How do you manage to look younger than your age? ?
Issa

August 17, 2015

Three scores ago, my grandpa received a “black book” from his father. It was, without a doubt, a forbidden manual of magic and tricks that can be passed down through generations.

With its power, he healed people bitten by snakes. He could make himself invisible. He made my mom invisible to avoid paying ship fares. He was also a talented singer and guitar player.The book, according to my mom, made him famous in our small island.

One day, the inevitable happened, grampa died. He insisted to give the book to my aunt but she refused to take it, fearing for her fate. So, he passed away without anyone knowing where he hid that book.

Long story short, I wasn’t the one who found the book.

But because of my grandpa’s cause of death, I learned to value and take care of my liver. My theory is, liver health and youth are inextricably linked.

Uggh. I talked too much. Thanks for the question and for bearing with my lengthy reply. 😀
Blue Pax

August 17, 2015

When are you coming to Boracay?
Issa

August 17, 2015

Boracay is so popular that it feels like I’ve been there a thousand times without reaching its shore for real.

People say that Moalboal is the old Boracay, that Santiago White Beach in Camotes is the ‘small’ Boracay. That Bantayan Island is the “new” Boracay. Can you blame me if I feel like I’ve been to so many “Boracay’s”?

But maybe you can best tell what the real thing is. After all, you can compare it more objectively now that you live there.

Sorry, I didn’t answer your question quickly. I really want to visit Boracay this week, If time allows.

Thanks for the question. See you soon!
garden27

August 17, 2015

What other plans do you have before this year ends? 🙂
Issa

August 17, 2015

All my plans involve flying. But so far, none of them are set on stone.

“For many are the plans of man, but the Lord determines them all.”

Thank you very much.

P.S. Parang pageant candidate lang? I’m sure you can relate. 😀
garden27

August 21, 2015

😀 Let’s fly!