Oh, the Philippines! My homeland, where the story of my life unfolds like pieces of an island—some parts well-explored, while others remain untouched, waiting to be discovered. It’s a place of both wonder and reflection. I have many stories of beautiful places in my country, and I want to start with the one that always leaves me in absolute awe: Cebu.

I’ve visited Cebu many times since I was 12 years old because my mother is from Medellin, Cebu, a place known for its white beaches. Later, when my sister settled in Cebu, I started coming here every other year to visit her and her family. Cebu, being the oldest city in the Philippines, shows you why the Spaniards were so eager to colonise the country all those years ago.

In 2013, I had the privilege of working in Cebu City for almost five months, serving as protection support for those devastated by Typhoon Haiyan. This catastrophe claimed the lives of nearly 11,000 Filipinos in the Visayas region, leaving widespread destruction in its wake. My role was to assist and monitor the rebuilding efforts. It was a short consultancy, but its impact was profound.

The typhoon’s destruction didn’t spare Cebu, with towns like Medellin, my mother’s hometown, and Bogo severely affected. But amidst the rubble, I witnessed something remarkable: people striving to pick up the pieces, determined to rebuild. I saw firsthand the resilience that defines Filipinos—the ability to smile, laugh, and find humour even in the face of hardship. It's as though we know that no matter how tough things get, we will always come back stronger.

This experience made me pause and reflect on my own life—on what truly matters in this world. My work involved monitoring and visiting nearly sixteen towns affected by Typhoon Haiyan. This gave me the opportunity to see almost every beach in Cebu, watching both its sunrises and sunsets, and to experience what it’s like to live on such a beautiful island—even in the aftermath of the typhoon.

As my assignment neared its end, I decided to visit Oslob, Cebu—a small town famous for its breathtaking nature and rich history. Despite its size, Oslob offers something for everyone, especially for those seeking both adventure and tranquility. It also holds remnants of the Spanish colonisation, which will intrigue those interested in travel and history.

I embarked on a four-hour bus journey from downtown Cebu to reach Oslob. Upon arrival, my first stop was the majestic falls. I spent over an hour swimming in the crystal-clear waters, marveling at the rainbow mist dancing around the falls. The experience was rejuvenating, but it was only a prelude to what would become one of the most unforgettable moments of my life.

The highlight of my trip? Swimming with the magnificent whale sharks of Oslob. Every time I travel abroad and people ask me what the most exciting place is to visit in my country, I always reply that swimming with whale sharks in the Philippines is one of the best experiences. Many are taken aback. “Are you crazy?” they ask. “What were you thinking?” But my answer is simple: I did it, and it was incredible. And yes, I suppose I am partly crazy—what if the whale actually ate me? But anyway, I’m writing this because I survived, and it’s a story I’ll never forget. After this experience, I truly felt that sense of fulfillment that comes with being an islander.

Being in the water with these colossal creatures was surreal. At first, I felt a rush of fear. These whales were enormous, and part of me worried they might attack or even swallow me whole! But soon, I realised how wrong I was. The whale sharks were gentle giants, completely uninterested in me or the other humans around. They swam peacefully, paying no mind to the small beings that were so awestruck by their presence. The boatmen, who guide you to the heart of the sea, also take photos of you as you swim beside the whales.

Each time one of the whales swam past me, my heart raced. Seeing a whale shark’s massive mouth open is enough to make anyone think they’re about to be swallowed. The water beneath was dark, and you could feel the depth of the sea—an otherworldly sensation that even non-divers would appreciate. The boatmen had a hard time with me because of my fear of going deeper, but they wanted to get a good shot of me with the whale. Although I had many thoughts running through my mind, I knew these creatures were harmless—they're filter feeders and couldn’t care less about us.

During that hour-long swim, I found myself contemplating the whales' place in the vast ocean and what they might represent in my own life. The answer came to me with a clarity I hadn’t expected: I am but a small creature in this vast world, just like those tiny fish swimming around the whales. These enormous beings barely acknowledged my existence, yet I had been so consumed by thoughts of them.

It’s fascinating how often we humans fixate on things bigger than ourselves. We worry about what the world demands of us, how we measure up, and what grand purpose we serve. But sometimes, like the whale sharks of Oslob, the world just swims on, indifferent to our anxieties. Perhaps the lesson is to live more like these gentle giants: to move gracefully through life, unfazed by the noise around us, focusing only on what truly sustains us.