The Solist

Have you chased sunsets and sunrises? Have you seen that orangey-yellow light slowly turning into a purple-red and black sky hovering over the seascapes and waters? Have you seen that overviewing landscape of two hills detailed in-between with the diminishing sun? Was that in the west or east? Go figure with a compass.

How many times have you thought of traveling to the beach and walking along the shoreline just to watch the sun as it starts or goes for the mere pleasure of experiencing it? Or for some, as an excuse to entertain oneself because you could not swim so you had to stay on the safe-side or low-tide side of the beach? Or do you imagine yourself walking along the shoreline with that prospective “forever” of yours? Whatever your reason is, sunsets and sunrises always make us feel peaceful and home?

As such, let me ask you “What comes first – sunset or sunrise?” Beats me. It’s like asking which came first – the chicken or the egg? Such is the wonder of nature, it is a mystery to begin and end with.

How many sunsets and sunrises have you chased? And in such awe, what did it make you realize?

For me, I have quite witnessed sunsets and sunrises in Coron, Boracay, Pangasinan or as it is – everyday in Baguio. Was there one sunset or sunrise I preferred? None. I prefer a sunset and sunrise that I can call home anywhere. A home that is not an abode per se but a place with people who makes me feel at home. For home is not a place but a feeling.

Most importantly, savor each moment – not only the sunsets and sunrises but the in-betweens. In life there are no beginnings or endings, there is just the choice to keep on going. The choice to make the most of each moment. The choice to make good memories with good people. For life is short and laughing out loud can make moments and minutes shorter.

I am a solist – a person who loves sunsets and sunrises. At the same time, I live for those in-betweens. Let me ask you, are you a solist too? Are you living for those moments of in-betweens too?

Dance like nobody’s watching. Dance in the rain but don’t get yourself too wet for colds and coughs. Live without fear, you know you can do it!

After all it’s not whether you win or lose in life or whether you become rich or poor or maybe successful in your career or not. The most you could do is enjoy the journey. No regrets in order to heal.

If you don’t know how to dance, then bring on that “karaoke” and sing. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a good tune or not as long as you enjoy the moment. But wait, be careful of the happy hours extending too long for that silent night ordinance when you’re in Baguio. Of course, Baguio people know that too well.

When you are a tourist in Baguio, just remember to be a law-abiding citizen. After all, a night in jail wouldn’t do you any good except if you opt for the free board and lodging. If that would help you heal and treasure those in-betweens, then by all means make the most of it.

Laugh and enjoy life at is – the ugly, funny, serious and not-so-serious moments. Need I say more? For emphasis – it’s the in-betweens! Now, is it loud and clear?

Wishing you all the best with an off-key song and two left feet!