My Dream Diary

Written and photographed by Elizabeth Kaye A. Corpuz

We are programed to have dreams. Whether a dream will stay in our mind or is acted out in the world is the hard decision we have to make. An Adele song comes along with this decision: “Should I give up or should I just keep on chasing pavements?”

When we want to make something happen, we put in every inch of our effort. But reality tells you that there is always a great possibility that it will not be as successful as you plan it to be. We are in a constant battle with “what-ifs,” “buts,” and doubts. We will tire along the way. However, I do not even know most of the time if pursuing a dream is worthwhile or not. I just want to follow my instincts on this.

December 2017
I excitedly waited for our departure to Vietnam. Vacation, at last! The prior months saw my meltdown, and though reluctant, I was eager to walk around Hanoi. I was not very particular about the place, but I thought to myself that I needed a break. During this trip, I made a resolution to myself: “I have experienced traveling abroad. I could save money for my travels. What is hindering me from going to the place I have really dreamt of? Why I am not making any efforts to make it happen?”

Honestly, there was really nothing that hindered the plan. But, I am always daunted by how expensive it could be and the accessibility and predictableness of the place. Nevertheless, I said to myself that by 2018, I would make it happen and that I should do it all alone. It was my project for myself, and I wanted to do it for myself. As soon as we were back in the Philippines, I started to search and to devise a plan.

February 2018
I finally booked my flight. Since I was sort of short on funds, I tapped into the generosity of my sister.

March 2018
I was torn between a do-it-yourself trip, as I always do, and booking a travel package. With so much consideration, I decided to just book a travel package. So, the search for accommodation and a travel package began.

April 2018
On the eve of April 16, I was already set, and at 4:00 a.m., I bid goodbye to my mother. She was more hesitant this time because I was alone. At 5:00 a.m., I was at the boarding gate waiting. Then, at 6:00 a.m., the ascent started. Four hours passed, and the plane was about to land at the Basco Airport Terminal. I was thrilled!

Descending. First attempt: Failed. Second attempt: Failed. Then, a voice over the speaker announced that the plane was going back to Manila. We could not land due to zero visibility. We were battling against a thick cloud; it was like a large glob of mayonnaise was spread across the entire sky over Batanes. We were fighting against the sky. Before our flight, a heavy rain had poured down.

Flight canceled.

What could I do? I was still hopeful that by the time we got back to Manila, the weather would become acceptable. Behind the counters, I could see that no other flight was going to Batanes in the afternoon, and the ground staff said that my flight would be re-booked the next day at 7:00 a.m. However, there was no assurance, as it still depended on the weather. “Calm down,” I told myself and went back home to repeat the routine.

It was still raining in Batanes.

April 17, 6:00 a.m.: While waiting at the boarding gate, the announcement came over the loudspeaker that my flight was delayed and that we were to wait for further notice.

What is more painful: to have your flight canceled while in the air or waiting for a delayed flight with a great possibility of flight cancellation? I was not very positive at this time. I was thinking of just turning around and spending my remaining vacation days somewhere else.

After another hour of waiting, some good news came. We were boarding. However, I waited for some rather bad news while we were up in the air. It did not come, though, and finally we were able to make a landing.

I was in tears. Yes! Finally, I set foot in Batanes, the northernmost province of the Philippines. It is a place that is closer to Taiwan than to the rest of the country – a place that has a unique topography compared to the rest of the country.

I was speechless. I was in so much awe. My devastating disappointments of the past day and a half had disappeared. I was in the place I had dreamed of: quiet and serene. Perhaps, my mind was in a state of confusion, but looking at a place like Batanes relieved all the tension. I cannot find words to describe the place nor the feelings I had. When you want something for so long and it is finally in front of your eyes, it seems like a dream that will exist for only a moment.

Once I set foot on the land, I allowed myself to return to reality. I was all alone. Nothing would disturb me other than myself and my thoughts. I was grateful that I had followed my instincts and stuck to my plan.

Since my stay was shortened, the moment I met my tour guide, we started to explore the different parts of the protected landscapes and seascapes. The raging water had been kissing the stones scattered all over the island. I even went down to one of the view decks just to feel the strong current of the ocean. While the waves were like galloping horses, the rolling hills and the rock formations were the peaceful but commanding sentinels of the land. If Batanes were a monarch, you would naturally expect it to be a snob. However, it was actually the opposite. Batanes was quite shy but very welcoming and warm. Filipinos have the saying that if you are brokenhearted, Batanes can heal you. But I have found a different answer.

June 2019
I have been applying to different universities and for scholarships for my postgraduate study for quite some time already. My hopes have climbed the highest mountain. They have sunk to the deepest valley of the ocean, as well. Many times, I question myself and doubt my plans. It only makes me tired in the long run.

Batanes has taught me to ride and enjoy the waves of life. The waves may be strong and you may have to stop for a while, but you should continue the journey no matter what it takes. You will never know what you will see unless you try. You might see a surprise, like the unexpected presence of a dolphin in the ocean. Also, no matter how many typhoons you may face, believe that you can brave the storm and be as beautiful as Batanes, which is frequently hit by storms.

The Author
When not busy coordinating activities in a clinical trial, Elizabeth Corpuz spends her time painting, reading, planning for her next adventure, or fan-girling over BTS. She loves being lost in an unknown place so she can discover wonderful things. Currently, she is on break in pursuing her dreams but is still inspired to be better.