I have been based in Mati City for more than five years now. It’s approximately a three-hour drive away from home which I consider quite far. Despite the distance and the state of being away from family, I have taken pleasure in my time here. I like that there are only a few people who know me because I choose to keep a small circle of kind, smart, generous, and genuine individuals. Compared back home where everybody knows everybody, I can splurge on doing activities and go places with anonymity in this city. I get to enjoy life without the prying eyes of neighbors and distant relatives. Another reason for my fondness of staying here is that Mati City and the whole province of Davao Oriental have always enticed me to visit one beach at a time within the area. For someone like me who is self-diagnosed with beach addiction, this side of the country is my den.
Staying here hasn’t always been filled with rainbows and butterflies. I have also experienced mishaps and misfortunes. There was a time that I lost a potential love which left me wondering all the what-ifs and what-could-have-beens if only the potential was manifested. However, Saint Cher always reminds me through her song that I am “Strong Enough”. Also, Santa Regine V. would sing, “But time has been such a friend, brought me to my senses again. And I have you to thank for setting me free.” I moved on. Aside from the ordeals of the heart, just recently, I tested positive for COVID-19. It was a tough time. I knew I would recover from this disease but the idea that I became a host and a spreader of the virus was worrisome. I was bothered if any people, particularly my loved ones, contacted the virus through me. These two untoward events in my life occurred while I am here in Mati. I don’t want these experiences to happen again but, made my stay here still memorable.
Some friends have asked me if I do want to live here to which I answer that considering Mati as my domicile is a possibility. Although there are still goals I want to accomplish which may require leaving this location, I will always keep coming back here in Mati, someday, one day.
