After 6 years, I visited the Philippines again. The sunset and black sand beach somehow represents the unfortunate passing of my grandma, with whom I grew up with (together with my parents and the rest of the family). This trip was planned after she was diagnosed with an incurable and progressive disease that had already taken away much of her physiological functions. I have many fond memories with my grandma. She was an anchor, a loyal confidante, a story-teller, an inspiration not just to me but to all the people she met during her lifetime.

We were talking in November about how we would spend time at the beach. As I was spending much time in the hospital as well, I couldn’t leave Norway earlier. I arrived in PH on the 9th of December, and she passed away on the 11th. Everybody was saying that she waited for me. I came to her house as soon as I landed. I was informed that she had been somnolent and bed-ridden for days, and could barely recognize people. After some time, I talked beside her ear – she opened her eyes and smiled. She held my arm. Her last words to me were “I love you” and “I miss you”. I told her that I would still go to the beach as we planned, and even if she wasn’t there physically, I would carry her in my heart. She said “Okay”. I was given the chance to “nurse” my grandma for a day. Then, she was gone.

Going through our old chats, my grandma was a constant in my life. She supported me, always took my side, and always was proud of me. I would often spend my summer vacations with her when I was young. Last night, I found an old voicemail from her and it made me miss her even more.

I am very grateful and blessed for having had a grandma like her. And if she was alive, she wouldn’t want me or anybody to choose grief over life. Her physical body might be buried under ground, but her soul and the memories we shared are always present in me.

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It took me 6 years to travel to PH because, well, the pandemic, and the illogical fear of flying after the major turbulence during a flight in 2017. But this year, I was brave. It was also nice to take a break from freezing cold Norway. My husband convinced and urged me to take the trip, and semi-booked the tickets for me. Thankfully, the flight with Emirates (with a layover in Dubai) went smoothly!

Looking back, I enjoyed the meals going to the Philippines more, than the meals going back to Norway. Dubai was a sight to behold at night. Although I really think that an 80 NOK bottled water from a restaurant was too much. During my flight back to Norway, I bought bottled water from an airport kiosk in Dubai and it was only 5 NOK.

Nostalgia creeped in upon descent.. Hello, Philippines! Corregidor island looked like a sperm cell.

The traffic in Manila hasn’t changed much. But I was surprised that going to the malls from our house now takes only 10-15 mins! My family picked me up, and the drive was graced by the lovely Philippine sunset. During my stay, I ate the foods I missed like halo-halo, corned beef, pancit, puto and other kakanin, Chowking, Jollibee.. I saw (and petted some) stray cats, and experienced riding a tricycle once more.

Now, the trip to Lemery, Batangas. I chose that location because it only takes 1-1,5 hours. I was considering my grandma then, so she wouldn’t have to travel far. I booked a house from Air BnB and a 14-seater van. However, only 7 adults and 2 kids joined the trip, which was okay.

We have visited Batangas a few times before. The province is known for its beaches, diving spots, mountains, highlands, and one of the smallest volcano islands in the world – Taal volcano, which last erupted in 2022. Some of its popular products are butterfly knives/daggers (balisong) and bulalo stew.

The kids enjoyed playing in the water. We took some lovely pictures and barbequed. It was the first time I was away for Carl’s birthday, but we videochatted and everybody got to greet him.

If there’s anything, a lovely sunset is almost always guaranteed in the Philippines. Perhaps it has something to do with its tropical location.

Or maybe, it was my grandma bidding farewell.

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