Experiencing something for the first time is really an exciting thing isn't it? Just this week I have my first encounter with a lot of things…

I've never traveled unaccompanied from one province to another or one island to another until last Wednesday. That was when I attended the Democracy Summer Fest- Civic Engagement Module in Cebu City. Well, from that trip I have realized that it isn't really bad when you journey alone sometimes.

I always go out with friends strolling along streets but never with 49 people. It was our last day in the DSF when the entire contingent of participants decided to tour the city and do some shopping. Haha!! It was really fun. Imagine 50 people waiting for a jeepney in an intersection to commute. Some people were thinking we were rallying.

Yesterday, I had my first traysikad (a bike with a side car) ride in Davao City. I was with my cousin and her friend. We're going to meet some of my friends in Victoria, a mall in the city that is why we rode in that vehicle. The ride was really an unforgettable one. It's like parading yourself in the streets. Hehehe… Our beauties were really overexposed.

I have been in Davao City for several times already but it was my first visit in Victoria. I couldn't believe I finally got there. I used to hear stories about the place and finally I was able to have a stopover in that mall.

Exploring unfamiliar places isn't new to me. It isn't even a scary one especially when you have the address, a map or sketch of the place and you are fluent with the language commonly used in that place. However, it was my first time yesterday to walk around Davao downtown without those things I have mentioned before. That was really an adventure! Given only with the name of the place, I looked for it without knowing what street that place is located, without any map of the city and without the ability to speak fluently in the Bisayan dialect… That was really fun, fun, fun raised to the million power. Thanks to those who challenged me and prepared the challenge course (which is the entire City of Davao). Now, I was quite familiar with the place already. At least, I know where the PRC office is located (which is in Sales St.). I also got acquainted with the parks of the city (Magsaysay Park, Rizal Park, Quezon Park, Osmena Park and my favorite Freedom Park). I also encountered for the first time a Court of First Instance (which according to my friends a storage room for some kitchen wares).

What is the relevance of sharing this first time experiences of mine? I just want to share my realization because of these things (which is also the first time I'll share a realization in my blog).

There is no harm in trying new things especially those that seem adventurous. It's not bad to take risks sometimes. Also, it is even more fulfilling when you do it on your own. It's really fun discovering things.

Being alone is not really a terrifying thing. At times, someone really needs to be with no one else. It's a chance for someone to know his own self.