That's what I realized after spending vacations in Badian, Cebu. I must say this municipality far in the south is actually abundant with wealth. Now, you might think what I meant about “rich” is seeing tall infrastructures, huge mansions everywhere, wide roads, and vehicles congested all the time, but I actually meant something different, and perhaps you'd agree it's a better definition. If you want to find out, then do keep reading. ;)
Heya, this is Stella! Today, I'm writing about my experiences and realizations whenever I went with my family to this cold spring not far from where we reside. The spring is called Mam-on, and we go there in the morning during the days we stay for a vacation in that village. But more than the spring itself, I also want to share my perceptions regarding the people that surround this spring and delve into its wonders.
Going to my father's hometown, Badian, always brings peace into my mind as it becomes an escape from city life, especially when I start getting an overwhelming sense in various situations. Nonetheless, the experience wouldn't be as beautiful without going there with my family. I am always convinced that a trip with the family makes every place ten times more memorable. As such, I want to tell you what we do every morning during our stay there.
In the morning, instead of taking a shower in the bathroom, my family and I go for a dip in this cold spring. It just takes us about 5 minutes to get there. Very close, right? Well, this spring is actually located just around some residences. The spring can be found at the center of huge rocks and trees. When arriving there, I see some people—young and adults—washing their clothes, and others, just like us, are taking a bath or taking a dip. But most of the time, it's always the kids having their fun in the spring. They don't seem to get tired of swimming even if their fingers are wrinkled from the cold, haha. Despite the heat of the sun, we can take a bath for as long as we can handle the cold.
My parents and I also washed our clothes here. For a moment it feels like a breath of fresh air washing our clothes this way, as I'm already born in a generation where it's not even an option from where I currently reside. I honestly felt so relaxed while doing this, which is ironic, because I don't usually enjoy washing my clothes, haha.
When we were finished with the clothes, it was time to take a swim—which my mother and I barely have any skill at. Gladly, my father taught us how to do it. I was finally beginning to learn. It was indeed a wholesome moment between the three of us.
From our recent visit in the village, my two brothers were with us. It also happened that the water was higher than before! It's approximately 7 feet deep (I'm just 5'1" haha). The funny thing is that my mother and I, who are afraid to swim, just stayed sitting at the side, while several kids are having fun, flaunting their swimming skills, and even jumping from the rock to the water. Most of them are just around 6-10 years of age, and yet they're so much better than us adults (talk about having free daily swimming lessons just around the neighborhood, haha). Nonetheless, I like how they were very friendly; they were willing to teach us how to swim.
But guess what? I did learn how to swim! Haha. Turns out I just needed some guts, a 7 ft. deep spring, and my father from the other side waiting in case my gut was wrong, hahaha. Of course, it all happened because my brother keeps on forcing me to do it; he said it's embarrassing for me how the kids are so much better than me, tsk. Oh well, as someone who is always afraid of deep water, I must say, it wasn't bad for a first time. It definitely feels like a huge relief to finally overcome something you've been scared of your whole life. And the best part is that I was surrounded by my family.
My realizations
One significant thing I've learned from these moments is that there is richness in simple life. Witnessing the people going to Mam-on spring, I realized that they are never less privileged than other people with much more wealth in terms of possessions. Despite the cold spring, it has indeed warmed my heart to see wide smiles and genuine laughter from the people who lived here. No trace of sadness or discontentment can be seen on their faces, especially on the kids who feel a close bond with everyone as they continue to make unforgettable memories.
Hence, going here with my family will always be the best. Not only do we enjoy our time in the spring, but it continuously reminds us that along with the abundance of nature, there exists the best kind of wealth, and it's the one that comes from the heart.
