2 The Man-made Lake, Netflix and the Bench

BAGUIO

The summer capital of the Philippines. Baguio City is located some 1,600 meters above sea level, nestled within the Cordillera Central mountain range in northern Luzon. The city is enclosed by the province of Benguet. It covers a small area of 57.5 square kilometers. Most of the developed part of the city is built on uneven, hilly terrain of the northern section. When Daniel Burnham plotted the plans for the city, he made the City Hall as a reference point where the city limits extend 8.2 kilometers (5.1 mi) from east to west and 7.2 kilometers (4.5 mi) from north to south. It is the highest major Philippine city in terms of elevation.

I arrived at around 6am at the Victory Liner station near Upper Session Rd.

This was the first time I went here and I thought I wouldn't enjoy it simply because I don't like long travel by land.

I've travelled to other places before but most of the time I ride the plane.

There were many occassions when i should've gone here. Family gatherings, field trips, friends who want to plan trips that never really happen and some deep urge to really see what this place looks like but so it goes, none of them took me here.

So why was I here? No it's not fate that brought me here.

I was at home and it was almost 9pm. It's the second day of my long break that I didn't know too why I filed too in the first place.

I was just lying on my bed and was bored to death when an odd idea came in my mind.

"Pack your bags and go somewhere"

Without any resistance, I stood up, packed my bags and left the house. Next thing I knew i was already staring outside the bus window onto the vast mountainside scenery.

My eyes couldn't help but feast towards the horizon where the sky and the mountains seem to meet and kissed each other like they are lovers.

A few more hours and I'm at the station.

I walked my way far from the crowd of onlookers who maybe are locals or tourists like me. Perhaps I'll never know cause I don't have the slightest intention to talk to anyone during my stay here except if necessary.

I opened my google maps and checked how far was I to the nearest park and saw that Burnham is around a 2km walk.

I decided to walk there since it was cold and i knew it would be easy.

After 30min. or so and I was there. Yes, this probably is the heart of the city. Teeming with people, some walking, some sitting, others riding a bike and others talking. I was captivated by the man made lake in the center. It's like a centerpiece of an art that was laid there to be noticed and marvelled at.

I found an empty bench at the side of the lake and immediately sat down there even before others could take it.

A "taho" (soya pudding) vendor passed by and I bought a large cup with Strawberry syrup toppings. Damn it. It was a taste of freshness. That's when it sank to me. This is now officially my favorite place.

I was already enjoying my seat and not minding the people passing by me. I opened my phone to watch a Netflix series. Plugged in my bluetooth headphones and started indulging myself to the show. I was so into it that I didn't foresee what was about to come.

"Can I sit here? A faint voice from the background.

I didn't mind it since I think that the it is obvious that the space adjacent to where I was sitting was empty. It is open for everyone.

I felt a tap at my back.

I turned around to see who it was and was greeted by tall guy. A bit of dark tone, clean cut hair and a big smile. I didn't know why but I smiled too.

"Can I sit here?" the guy asked pointing at the empty space beside me.

I who vowed not to talk and was just supposed to nod broke my own rules.

"yes and smiled again."

I didn't know at that time that one "yes" could change my life forever.