My Chaotic Journey to Cebu
From scoring a promo fare to questioning the universe’s every sign. This trip had me spiraling in all the ways possible.
It all started with a spontaneous Cebu Pacific seat sale. I booked a round-trip ticket to Cebu for only ₱1800, which felt like fate handing me a gift. I even booked hotels in advance thinking, “If I change my mind, I’ll just cancel.” but they weren’t refundable.
So when the date came closer, I had no choice but to commit. But the universe had other plans.
I thought everything was set, but as soon as I left for Manila, I started wondering if the universe was trying to tell me something.
It all started when my bus crashed into the car in front of us. It wasn’t a huge crash since we were in traffic, but it caused a major delay. We ended up waiting almost three hours for another bus.
Let fate decide
By the time I finally got to Manila, it was 9 p.m. I rushed to the airport, only to miss my flight by five minutes. I wasn’t shocked, but I was definitely bummed.
I seriously considered just giving up and going home, but then I decided to let a yes-or-no tarot website make the call. I drew the Fool card, which basically said to go for it there’s wisdom in being a little foolish, right?
I booked a flight for the next day, but of course, faced yet another delay. As I sat there, frustrated and tired, I thought, “Maybe I’m just not meant to take this trip.”
Finally boarding, but not without another delay
After what felt like forever, they finally announced we could board. I was over all the waiting, but I figured if I didn’t go now, all of this would be for nothing. I passed a flight attendant and managed a quiet “Good morning,” even though it felt like the least good morning of my life.
Just as we were about to take off… another mechanical issue. Another delay. But this time, they handed out snacks: two Dewberries, a Presto cookie, and water. A small but welcome peace offering.
I leaned back in my seat, thinking about everything that had gone wrong until the plane’s speakers played “Rain on Me” by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande. “I’d rather be dry, but at least I’m alive.”
Right then and there, it clicked. I was still alive. Still going. Still on the plane. And maybe, that was enough.
Finally, after a bunch of waiting, we took off. Hours later, as we finally landed, “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton came on.
It hit me this chaotic, unpredictable, emotionally draining journey somehow felt whole. Like a movie montage with a strangely satisfying ending.
Maybe it wasn’t smooth. Maybe the universe wasn’t against me, just testing my patience. But I made it. Despite everything, it was an unforgettable trip.