Spending time with family is one of life's greatest joys, and family bonds are the ties that bring us closer together. This tale tells of a day I spent at SM City's Timezone with my cousins; it was a day of fun, companionship, and treasured memories.
I was inseparable from my cousins when I was growing up in the little barangay of San Jose, Borbon Cebu, Philippines. We exchanged innumerable secrets, dreams, and travels. We had an unshakable bond that we still have. We make an effort to spend quality time together even if our paths in life have diverged because our one cousin is embarking on a new trip and will soon be traveling to Australia. We decided to spend a day at Timezone in SM City this time.
We began our day early, visiting Nuestra Señora De Regla - Parish National Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City and then Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu. Afterward, we met at SM City's mang inasal, where we shared several chikas while eating.
As we entered the busy mall, our faces lit up with enthusiasm, we were pulled to Timezone's bright energy right away. We were transported back to our childhood by the sound of arcade games, people laughing, and the sight of vibrant lights.
We began our journey with a cordial game of racing rivalry. The day was set in motion by the exhilarating atmosphere, enthusiastic cheers, and lighthearted conversation. The basketball shooting games were the next thing we played. We encouraged one another while we aimed and fired, giving each other high fives and laughing after a well-placed shot.
We got back into Timezone after refueling and reenergized. We attempted the claw machines again this time. It was an emotional roller coaster, filled with excitement to finally find the ideal toy, sadness to miss it, and happiness to finally receive it. The shared experience and the memories we were making, though, was the true winner.
We went to the photo booth next. We squeezed ourselves into the little room, making crazy positions and pulling funny faces. The outcome was a photo strip that wonderfully encapsulated our friendship and the good times we were having.
We made the decision to wrap up the day with a few games of air hockey as dusk was drawing near. Although amicable, the rivalry was intense. Our day came to a great conclusion with the sound of the puck hitting the table's walls, shouts, and friendly punches.
We reflected on our day as we departed SM City, one filled with fun competition, shared experiences, and laughing. We came to the realization that the most important things in life were the times we spent together, the memories we made, and the bonds we reinforced—not the games we played or the prizes we won.
This day at Timezone in SM City brought back memories of our early years, of easier circumstances, and of our everlasting relationship. It was evidence of our affection for one another, our friendship, and our companionship. It was a day to remember that our connection would always bind us together, no matter where life takes us.
As we said our goodbyes, we made a commitment to spend more time together, making memories, and deepening our relationship. Since the people we spend our moments with ultimately matter more than the locations we visit or the activities we do.
This is the tale of my cousins and I spending a day at Timezone in SM City. This is a tale about familial bonds, friendship, and love. And remembering this day makes me happy because I know that I have a family I can always rely on, a family I adore, and a family that loves me back.