Being reunited to people dearest to you is something really heart-warming.
The feeling of being reunited after how many months and being able to catch up is something so much fun to do.
Before I worked as a public school teacher in Tuburan National High School, I used to work in a bpo company and I used to rent here in Lahug, Cebu, City. Me and my partner used to live in together here in Lahug since it is also accessible for his job because he used to work as a cook in Golden Cowrie - Lahug branch.
During our several years of stay in Lahug, we met people who have not only been good friends to us but they somewhat felt like they became family also.
Lahug is a barangay in Cebu City, Philippines. It is miles away from our homes. We have no nearby neighbors who are family members, we have them, our neighbors whom we treated like family.
When we left Lahug, we went to Lapu-lapu since we found a whole house that we rented there because that was the time I really wanted to have a dog. Our rented place in Lahug is just so small. We needed to rent an entire house.
After we moved to Lapu-lapu City, months of staying there, I finally got
a call from the Division Of Cebu Province that I will be having a teaching position in Tuburan National High School.
We the packed our bags and left to Tuburan. After being able to work as a public school teacher, we lose contact with our friends in Lahug since our lives got even busier.
Fast forward, The biggest nightmare that once could ever imagine happened. There houses were burned down by a fire coming from another neighbor's house. Causing all the houses to burn down.
They are now living in a newly built building provided by the government for them.
Although we felt relieved that we already moved out from Lahug when the fire happened, because if not, all our belongings would be burned down also, we could not help but feel the pain and sadness of our former neighbors whose houses got all burned down.
Most of them are just simple, earning minimum wage and sadly, their houses got burned down. They did not had much in life, and they lost it. They had to begin from scratch once again.
We visited our closest neighbor whom we have shared many good memories with.
They were so surprised to see us when they arrived here in their home since we did not told them prior to coming here that we will be visiting. They are both so happy to see us.
We then bought one of the Philippines' most favorite beer - the Red Horse Beer. Every time there are special occasions and events in the Philippines, we always buy Red Horse Beer.
We then started our conversation with asking how were they now after the fire. We can't help but feel their pain especially the thought that they lost almost have of their things, and lost their entire house.
This area in Lahug is somewhere that does not have a huge road for firetrucks to pass by. So whenever there will be instances like that fire, it would really be difficult for firefighters to pass by.
They told us about what they did during the fire and that until now, they are still recovering from it. Nobody ever prepares for such tragedy.
Every pour of that beer in that glass — is every story we meant to hear with open hearts. If only we could give so much but we ourselves are not that too financially abundant also.
Now that they are living in their new house provided by the government, they are slowly getting back on their feet. They are working hand in hand to give their children a sturdy house and a home full of so much love.
We are so glad we are able to finally reunite with them despite of the short time given that they also need some rest since they have work the day after. As for us it is the weekend so our time is intended just to relax.
Beer is something we drink when we celebrate, or sometimes when we mourn. It is already a part of any occasions may it be happy or sad.
As for tonight, we celebrate new beginnings, we celebrate the life they still have. We celebrate the joy of surviving. And soonest, they will not just survive, but they will live their life to the fullest.
We ended our talk at 1:00 am. We then left Lahug. Our next planned destination is to go to Pasil, Cebu. Pasil is a place where fish vendors buy and sell fishes in wholesale and it is the place where there are a lot of best-tasting "LARANG" is sold.
Larang is a fish soup recipe where fish is being seasoned by a handful of tomatoes. The soup then becomes sour and we really love that sour taste.
On our way to Pasil, I needed to urinate so we stopped by Shell Gorordo so I can use a comfort room.
Every time we stop at gasoline stations, I always buy something from their convenient stores.
I was really thirsty and I needed some cold drinks. I chose to buy Pocari Sweat and I saw some chocolates that reminded me of my childhood.
Every time my dad comes home from Germany, he brings all Ritter Sports flavors of different sizes and different colors and flavors.
I saw this flavor and this is one of my most favorite so I bought one for myself.
After I came back from the rest room, I saw my partner taking a nap. He looked like he was praying. Lol
I love the designs this Shell branch has. Look at that.
After almost twenty minutes of staying here, we finally decided to hit the road so we can sip on some hot larang soup.
MAYA'S LARANGAN - PASIL, CEBU, PHILIPPINES
Maya's Larangan located here in Pasil is one of the most-visited larang place since they offer a wide variety of fish choices and the hot larang soup is a perfect meal for people who wants to get sober. Most people who comes here are people from parties. They are open 24hours.
Back when we used to live here in the city, we always eat here after my shift. My work ends at 2:00 am, so we immediately come here to have some larang then we proceed to the fish market to buy some for our viand.
Pasil holds a special place in my heart. It has seen many version of the drunk me.
Me and my partner was full and we also got so sleepy. After we ate, we headed to the nearest lodge to get some rest. We will hit the road after we get enough sleep.
Thankful for the chance to be reunited with friends and to finally eat the best larang in Pasil, Cebu, Philippines.
To new beginnings and unending hope! Ciao! ❤️
