I am scared of many things. Heights. Roaches that fly. Crossing the street on roads that are more than 4 lanes. Drowning. Humiliation. Disappointment. Change.

It has been six months since my first day here in Manila. I still remember being scared, going in through the front doors of the school. I would be meeting new people. Learning new things. It really did feel like leaping from a cliff towards depths unknown. I was fearing change.

Each day was a challenge. This new environment was exhilarating. The people were different. Everything was on a pace too fast to catch up, I thought. But slowly, I learned to keep up. I had to, or else, I would be left behind.

My stay here in Manila taught me many things.

It taught me to be real. If i couldn't be true to myself, then I would just be carried away, be swayed by the masses, be unoriginal. I needed to stand my ground and be myself first before going out and making a mark out there in the world.

It taught me that everything has more than one face. That not everything that glitters is gold. Manila might be gritty and dirty, tall and hard-edged. But you will be amazed at the people, trying their best to survive in this urban wilderness, with hope in their hearts that everything will be okay the next day.

It also taught me that, even in the most unusual places, you will discover something amazing.

In only a considerably short stay here, I never imagined that I would find friends. These people never made me feel any less because I came from a different city, or a different social background, or because I couldn't speak Tagalog perfectly. They accepted me for who I am.

I am grateful to these handful of people, because they taught me that no matter where you are in the world, if you are true to yourself, then similar-minded people will gravitate to you.

They also taught me that change isn't that bad. Maybe at first it might be, but after all the twists and turns, eventually everything will be fun again.

School never would have been this much fun if it weren't for these crazy people.

Now as I prepare to go back home, I will definitely bring with me all the lessons (and the craziness) you have given me.

Thanks for making this crazy roller coaster a much, much more enjoyable ride.

See you real soon!