Splendor Exploring the and City of Whales : byJewelynLiberato

I nearly feel like I can smell the salty air and feel the cold breeze of the ocean as I close my eyes. In my dreams, I imagine myself flying over the globe, taking in the splendor of the landscape below as I soar above the sky. I long to try alien foods, take in breathtaking views, and most importantly, gain knowledge from the adventures I haven't yet had—I want to participate in this amazing world that I get to explore.

Yet, before I traverse across borders, I want to tell you about my cherished homeland, Cadiz City, which is renowned as the City of Whales. It got its moniker from the numerous whales that once became the city's emblem after becoming stranded on its shores during historical events. I have countless fond recollections of Cadiz, and I've had the good fortune to see a lot of the city's attractions. The place where I was raised, nonetheless, still speaks to me in my heart.

Lakawon Island, a banana-shaped island off the coast of Cadiz in Negros Occidental province in the Philippines' Negros Island Region, is one of the city's most well-known attractions. TawHai, the region's biggest floating bar, lies there. The island is covered in swaying coconut palms that go well with the calm air and offer the ideal location to see the soothing waves from a distance, away from the clamor and chaos of the contemporary era. My first trip to Lakawon was prior to the resort undergoing massive renovations, and the view of the island is simply breathtaking. When I was a child, I had delightful recollections of frolicking in the white powder sand on the island and enjoying the presence of my family. Correspondingly, a warm, golden glow was cast over Cadiz's coastline as the sun dropped over the horizon. The sound of the waves lapping against the coast filled my ears as I went along the beach. I took in the beauty of my surroundings as I breathed in the salty air and felt the cool breeze on my face. charm that captured my attention in its own particular way. There was nowhere better to unwind from the stresses of life, to take a seat and enjoy the fresh air, to watch the waves pound the shore, or maybe even to fall asleep in a hammock between two trees.

Although I had already seen the well-known Lakawon Island, the other beaches in Cadiz were just as incredible. The RC Beach Resort provided an oasis of solitude where I could unwind under the palm trees' shade and take in the peace of my surroundings. With its pristine waters and exhilarating water sports, the Tingson Beach Resort provided the ideal setting for a getaway.

My stomach started to growl as the day drew on, alerting me that it was time to savor Cadiz's delectable cuisine. I went into the busy metropolis to check out the food scene, and I wasn't let down. The air was filled with the smells of freshly prepared food, drawing me to several eateries.

It was a feast for the senses to eat in Cadiz. I was drawn to the charming cafésand restaurants dotted across the cityby the scent of herbs and spices in the air. The warm, personal ambiance of Cafe Rizz Secret Garden with its greenery and fairy lights provided an ethereal atmosphere that gave me the impression that I had been transported to a mythical place. I also enjoyed the loud commotion of Tito Rud's Restaurant in which every spot had its own special appeal. Now, a seafood lover's dream comes true, Seaside Cafe served plates of delectable crabs, juicy clams, and luscious shrimp. Hence, my taste buds were dancing with joy as I savored the flavors of the ocean as I devoured each bite of the fresh seafood at Seaside Cafe. What’s more, the Coffee Boss' thick, aromatic coffee, which was the ideal pick-me-up, had me in caffeine bliss as I savored the ideal mug of coffee, made with love and care.

Moreover, I was amazed by more than simply the upscale eateries. Even the quick food restaurants in Cadiz had their own distinctive Filipino twist, which made me want more. Another hidden gem was the Terrace Garden Restaurant, which provided a breathtaking perspective of the city when I dined. Even some of the fast food restaurants in Cadiz had unique regional flavors and menu items that I had never tried before.

As if that weren't enough, who could forget about the Yeah Mon Shack, an enticing and eccentric restaurant that provided the best burgers and fries I had ever experienced? In Cadiz, eating was more than just a means of subsistence; it was a celebration of culture, community, and a way of life. It provided an opportunity to interact with the people and witness their love of and pride in their cuisine. Every nibble was a trip, an exploration, and a thrill. No matter where I went in the world, I was confident that I would always treasure my memories of the tastes and smells of Cadiz.

As an added bonus, my alma mater, Philippine Normal University-Visayas, has an especially prominent spot in my heart. As a four-year-old with wide eyes, I entered its hallways knowing that this would be a place where I would make priceless memories.

I grew close to my classmates throughout the years and I still communicate with a number of them today. Together, we experienced the highs and lows of school life while also laughing, crying, and supporting one another. But more than simply, my classmates appealed to the exceptional nature of my tenure at PNU-Visayas. Another important aspect of my experience was the teachers. Along with teaching, they served as friends, mentors, and role models. The teachers were always willing to offer me their time and attention when I stayed after school to ask questions and get guidance.

Naturally, not all of my experiences at PNU-Visayas were pleasant. There were moments when I had trouble with my schooling, felt excluded, or had personal problems that had an impact on how I performed. However, the institution's network of support remained constant despite these trying times.

My peers and teachers were always willing to lend a sympathetic ear, a helpful hand, or words of support. When I reflect on my time at PNU-Visayas, I see how significantly it influenced who I am today. From my preschool years through the day I graduated from junior high school up until I entered senior high school, I have made lifelong memories and gained many important life skills that haveinfluenced my progress as well as my growth. It helped me understand the significance of endurance, hard work, and community. It also demonstrated to me that despite difficulties, I could draw strength and encouragement from others around me. And it gave me a proclivity for studying that has persisted with me ever since.

In all its essence, traveling is a lot like being a student at PNU-Visayas in a lot of ways. It exposes us to new environments, communities, and lifestyles, widening our horizons and enriching our world comprehension. The experiences we have whent raveling can stick with us for years to come, molding us in ways we might not even be aware of, much likemy time in school left an irreparable effect on my life.

As I marvel at the wonders of travel, I can’t help but be in awe of the exceptional encounters it can bring. It's comparable to a key that opensa secret passageway to a realm full of enigmas, unanticipated events, and escapades that are yet to be unearthed. It is liberating to leave our familiar environments and immerse ourselves in a strange culture— we set ourselves free from the restraints of our regular lives, our everyday lives, and even our internal problems; we give ourselves permission to be open to novel experiences, to be vulnerable, and to accept what is unfathomable.

On top of that, travel awakens usto the broad spectrum of humanity. Around the world, there are numerous diverse cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. We come to understand that, despite our differences, we learn to embrace the beauty of diversity. The memories that are made while traveling, though, are what makes it unforgettable. We will always remember the timeswe spend with the people we meet, the places we encounter, and the encounters that we have that are etched in our hearts forever—they form a part of who we are and help us become the individuals we are striving to be. And no matter where we go in life, these memories will stay with us, reminding us of the beauty of the world and the beauty within ourselves.