One More Day with Em

June 6, 2024

Before Emmabelle heads back to Canada, we had one more day to make memories—and we made the most of it.

I picked her up from her house, and our first stop was Quino’s Café for a light brunch. While eating, I gave her a few ideas for our mini "date." We ended up choosing the perfect flow: a relaxing art stroll at the Art District, a foot and body massage at My Phaat, and finally, dinner with the family at Gina’s Seafood Restaurant—our usual go-to for big family occasions.

At the Art District, we wandered through installations and murals until we stepped into Orange Project, a local art gallery that always curates thought-provoking themes. The current exhibit was all about women empowerment, and the artworks were bold, expressive, and deeply moving. It felt poetic—just the two of us women there, absorbing stories told through paint and mixed media. The pieces didn’t just speak—they resonated.

After filling our minds and hearts with art, it was time to rest our bodies. We headed to My Phaat, one of my favorite massage spots. We started with a foot spa, but it was so relaxing we decided to extend it into a full-body massage. By the time we walked out, we felt like brand-new people. New back, who dis? 😄

Then came a call from our family—they were already at SM Bacolod, waiting for us. When we arrived, we headed straight to Gina’s, where everyone was gathered to celebrate Ron’s graduation (Manang Jel’s younger brother). Almost everyone was there, except for my parents who had prior commitments. It was lively, loud, and filled with delicious seafood—as always.

But the night didn’t end there.

While the aunties were ready to head home (as usual), Em and I, along with the younger cousins and Tito Pete (her dad), were still up for more. I volunteered to drive us around and make the most of our remaining time together.

We made a “classy” stop at Landers Superstore—not for groceries but for their famously comfortable restrooms (TMI? Maybe... but worth noting! 😂). After that, we circled back to the Art District, this time for dessert at Miren Desserts Café, where Tito Pete generously covered our sweet cravings.

Over dessert, we talked about how much we’ve changed, the people we’ve become, and the childhood memories that never seem to fade. It was the kind of night you wish you could bottle up and relive on hard days.

With them, it didn’t matter where we were. It felt like home.

To Emmabelle

Spending the day with you felt like finding a missing puzzle piece I didn’t even know I lost.

Even though we don’t talk often—thanks to time zones and adulting—it’s as if no time has passed whenever we’re together. You heal in ways you don’t realize. You're becoming a nurse, yes, but today you already healed parts of me just by being present.

Your laugh, your light, your energy—it’s contagious in the best way. Being with you makes everything feel lighter, brighter, and a whole lot more joyful (even if your laugh is a little funny—let's be honest 😂).

I love you so much, Em. Never let anyone dim your shine. You are the light. And I’ll always be cheering you on from this side of the world. 💛