Intocuction to this blog
At 38, I find myself reminiscing about my transformative years in Makati, the pulsating heart of the Philippines. My twenties were a whirlwind of defining moments, where love, career, and self-reliance danced together against the backdrop of a city that never sleeps. Here's a journey down memory lane:
At the age of 38, I often find myself bathed in the warm glow of nostalgia, reflecting upon my vibrant and formative twenties in Makati, the pulsating heart of the Philippines. This city, with its ceaseless rhythm and dazzling lights, was the theater where I played out some of the most pivotal acts of my life: from grappling with the duality of ambition and love, to navigating the exhilarating waters of independence, and building meaningful connections that anchored me through life's tempests. As we journey together through this blog, anticipate a tapestry of experiences – tales of forging a career amidst Makati's bustling streets, stories of love and its intricate dance in urban life, insights on striking a balance in a city that never truly sleeps, and reflections on finding one's tribe in the vast maze of human interactions. It's more than just a retrospective glance; it's a deep exploration of growth, resilience, and transformation in a city that promises as many challenges as opportunities. So, buckle up for a profound trip down memory lane, filled with revelations, memories, and life lessons that charted the course of my becoming.
1. Deciphering Heartfelt Priorities
At 22, life presented a crossroads: the allure of a promising career, the embrace of love, or the exhilarating challenge of independence. It was a time of introspection, where I sculpted the blueprint of my upcoming years.
At the tender age of 22, standing at the threshold of adulthood, life unveiled itself as a vast canvas with myriad possibilities. Every direction beckoned with its unique charm. There was the unmistakable allure of a promising career that whispered the dream of success and fulfillment. Then there was the magnetic pull of love, a realm filled with shared dreams, heartbeats, and the promise of companionship. And amidst these siren calls, was the exhilarating challenge of independence – the untrodden path that spoke of self-discovery, self-reliance, and the potential of crafting my unique narrative. This juncture in life was much more than just choosing a path. It was an introspective journey, a period of soul-searching where I weighed my desires against my ambitions, measured the depths of my passions, and truly began to understand my own aspirations and dreams. It was during these transformative moments that I sketched the initial blueprint of my upcoming years, setting the stage for the adventures and lessons that lay ahead. This pivotal time became the foundation upon which I built the skyscraper of my life's experiences.
2. Makati's Mesmerizing Rhythm:
By 23, I had made Makati my sanctuary. The city, with its scintillating lights, eclectic eateries, and ceaseless energy, was both a playground and a proving ground. Here, amidst the hum of urban life, I planted the seeds of my professional aspirations.
By the age of 23, I found myself deeply woven into the tapestry of Makati. It wasn't just a place I lived; it was a city that lived within me. Its scintillating lights became the backdrop to my nightly musings, while the eclectic eateries, serving dishes with stories of their own, became my culinary sanctuaries. From the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting from hidden cafes to the murmur of conversations in bustling plazas, every sense was ignited. Makati pulsed with an energy that was impossible to ignore. Every corner teemed with life, from the entrepreneurs setting up their dream ventures to the artists capturing the city's soul on canvas. Amid this vivacity, I found my niche. It became both my playground, where I could lose myself to its myriad pleasures, and my proving ground, where every challenge met was a step closer to realizing my dreams. It was in this vibrant milieu that I sowed the initial seeds of my professional journey, watering them with dedication and watching as they took root amidst the city's fertile opportunities.
3. The Delicate Dance of Balance
The city's pace was electrifying, but mastering the art of balance became my saving grace. Drawing lines between ambition and relaxation, work and passion, I learned to dance to Makati's rhythm while staying true to my song.
Makati’s pulse was nothing short of electric. The city thrummed with a ceaseless beat, driving those within its embrace to move, to act, to dream. This relentless pace, while exhilarating, also presented its own set of challenges. Every day was akin to a dance, with quick steps of ambition matched by slower, more deliberate moments of pause and reflection. Mastering the art of balance in such an environment wasn't just desirable, it became imperative for my well-being and sanity. I found myself navigating the tightrope walk between professional aspirations and the need for personal relaxation. Between long hours spent in pursuit of career goals and the soulful moments of respite – be it a leisurely coffee break at a favorite haunt or an unplanned evening with friends. And while the city had its own compelling rhythm, a powerful beat that could easily sweep you away, I recognized the importance of finding and adhering to my own melody. It was a delicate dance, indeed, to remain in tune with Makati's vibrant tempo while ensuring that my own song – unique, heartfelt, and true – wasn't lost in the cacophony. Through trials, missteps, and triumphant moments, I learned to harmonize with the city's tune, blending its dynamic pace with the serene cadences of my personal journey. Makati pulsed with an energy that was impossible to ignore. Every corner teemed with life, from the entrepreneurs setting up their dream ventures to the artists capturing the city's soul on canvas. Amid this vivacity, I found my niche. It became both my playground, where I could lose myself to its myriad pleasures, and my proving ground, where every challenge met was a step closer to realizing my dreams. It was in this vibrant milieu that I sowed the initial seeds of my professional journey, watering them with dedication and watching as they took root amidst the city's fertile opportunities.
4. Charting the Waters of Independence
Stepping out of familial comfort thrust me into the vast ocean of financial independence. Budgeting, investing, and saving were no longer mere terms but essential life skills, especially in Makati's fast-paced world.
The transition from the cocoon of familial support to the expansive realm of personal independence was both thrilling and daunting. It felt like stepping off a familiar shore and venturing into uncharted waters, where the waves of responsibility could be both exhilarating and tumultuous. In the heart of Makati's bustling ecosystem, financial self-reliance wasn't just a lofty ideal but a pressing reality. It was here, against the backdrop of the city's towering skyscrapers and frenetic markets, that terms like budgeting, investing, and saving took on a tangible, immediate significance. These weren't just words in a finance textbook; they became the compass and anchor guiding my daily decisions. Budgeting became an art form in itself, a strategic dance of allocating resources to meet both current needs and future aspirations. Investing evolved from a vague concept into a deliberate strategy, as I sought avenues to grow my resources in a city brimming with opportunities. Saving, meanwhile, was the quiet discipline, the lighthouse guiding my choices, ensuring I was prepared for the unpredictabilities that life in such a dynamic metropolis might throw my way. In these bustling streets and amidst the relentless pace of Makati, I wasn't just earning and spending. I was learning – about the value of money, the importance of foresight, and the intricate dance of managing one's resources. It was a journey of empowerment, where every financial choice became a step towards carving my own path in the vast ocean of independence.
5. The Tender Pulse of Love
Amidst career strides and personal milestones, love wove its magic. Relationships brought lessons in emotion, partnership, and the sheer joy of shared dreams, adding warmth and depth to my urban narrative.
As the wheels of professional growth and personal evolution turned, the serenade of love played its enchanting tune in the backdrop of my life. While the skyscrapers of Makati touched the clouds and the busy streets echoed with ambition, the corridors of my heart reverberated with the tender notes of affection and intimacy. The pursuit of career milestones, as consuming as it was, never dimmed the luminance of love. Instead, love became the gentle counterpoint to the more assertive melodies of my professional journey. Each relationship unfolded as a chapter, a story woven with the intricate threads of emotion, understanding, and shared dreams. The highs and lows of love taught me invaluable lessons about human connection, vulnerability, and the beauty of finding someone whose aspirations harmoniously align with one's own. In the vast, sprawling narrative of my life in Makati, love was not just a subplot. It was a vital pulse, adding color, warmth, and richness to the tapestry of my experiences. Amid the concrete and glass of urban life, it was love that introduced me to the soft, comforting nooks where dreams were shared, challenges were halved, and joys were doubled. It was a reminder that amidst the relentless pace of city life, the human heart seeks, above all, the gentle embrace of understanding and the shared warmth of companionship.
6. Anchors in the Storm:
True independence was never about walking alone. In Makati's maze, I found my tribe: mentors, friends, and kindred spirits who became my anchors, guiding and supporting through thick and thin.
The journey towards genuine independence, while exhilarating, is not without its gusts and gales. Yet, in the sprawling labyrinth that is Makati, with its myriad streets and countless stories, I found more than just direction; I discovered my tribe. These were not merely acquaintances who came and went with the seasons, but the bedrock upon which many of my experiences were built. My mentors, with their vast reservoirs of wisdom and experience, became the lighthouses guiding me away from potential pitfalls and towards avenues of growth. Their insights illuminated my path, providing clarity amidst the sometimes foggy landscape of professional life. Friends, a blend of fellow travelers on similar paths and those with entirely different stories, added vibrancy to my days. With them, laughter was louder, and silences were comfortable. They were my companions in both celebration and solace, ensuring that the city's vastness never translated to loneliness. Then, there were those kindred spirits, the unexpected connections that transcended conventional relationships. They resonated with my soul's deeper frequencies, teaching me the profound beauty of unspoken understanding and shared purpose. Together, this collective became more than just part of my social circle. They were the anchors that held me steady during tempests, the compass that oriented me when I felt lost, and the force that propelled me forward towards newer horizons. Through life's highs and lows, in the brilliance of day and the uncertainty of night, their unwavering support and guidance were the constants, ensuring that even in a city as unpredictable as Makati, I was never truly adrift.
7. The Evolving Mosaic of Experiences and Insights
My twenties in Makati were a roller coaster, with each year presenting its unique set of triumphs and trials. But with each twist and turn, I found strength, adaptability, and an evolving sense of self.
The tapestry of my twenties in Makati was anything but monochrome. Like a roller coaster weaving its way through exhilarating peaks and challenging troughs, each year unfurled a fresh chapter replete with its distinct palette of experiences, emotions, and lessons. This was a decade of change, challenge, and most importantly, ceaseless growth. The city, in its infinite vibrancy, served as both the stage and the catalyst for my metamorphosis. With every encounter, be it a professional breakthrough or an unforeseen setback, I unearthed facets of myself previously unknown. The unpredictable rhythms of Makati trained me in the art of adaptability, teaching me to pivot with grace and emerge resilient from every challenge thrown my way. But beyond the tangible skills and learnings, there was a more profound evolution at play. Amidst the city's skyscrapers and sunsets, I fostered an evolving sense of self, deeply rooted in my experiences yet ever-fluid, ever-expanding. It was here that I honed my values, crystallized my vision, and laid the foundations for the person I would become. Now, as I gaze back from the mature vantage of 38, a wave of gratitude engulfs me. I am profoundly thankful for that dynamic, transformative decade. Makati, with its unyielding spirit and boundless opportunities, wasn't just a backdrop but an active participant in my journey, coloring my days with its vibrant hues. To every fledgling spirit teetering on the precipice of their twenties, remember this: Life is a grand, sprawling canvas waiting for your unique imprint. Approach it with audacity, paint with unrestrained passion, and cherish each stroke, for it's these very brushstrokes that will define your magnum opus.
8. In Conclusion to Llife back in the Days
Reflecting on my transformative years in Makati, this city wasn't just a backdrop but the heartbeat of my twenties. Through love, career, and personal growth, I've been shaped by its relentless spirit, cherishing every moment and lesson it offered.
As I sit at the cusp of my late thirties, memories of Makati rush in like a fervent tide, each wave carrying moments of joy, pain, laughter, and lessons. This city, in all its vibrancy and chaos, wasn't just a place where I lived; it was where my spirit found its rhythm, where my heart discovered its passions, and where my soul forged its strength. Makati witnessed my metamorphosis—from a young soul, wide-eyed and hopeful, to a mature being, still hopeful but with eyes enriched by experiences. The streets echoed my laughter, the nights concealed my tears, and its sunrise always promised a new day, a new chance. It’s hard to encapsulate in mere words the depth of emotions this city evokes. The relationships I nurtured, the challenges I braved, the dreams I chased, and even the ones I let go—each forms an indelible brushstroke on the canvas of my life. As you've walked with me through this nostalgic journey, I hope you've felt more than just the events; I hope you've felt the heartbeat, the essence, the very soul that is unmistakably mine, yet shaped by a city that never sleeps. And as we draw this narrative to its close, remember that every city, every moment, every person we encounter has the power to transform us. Cherish these moments, embrace the transformations, for they make the journey of life the wondrous, unpredictable, and beautiful adventure that it truly is.
Lynelle Hurni, originally from the vibrant streets of Makati, now crafts her tales from Switzerland's serene landscapes. Bridging her Philippine roots with her European journey, she offers readers a unique blend of cultural insights and personal narratives. As a writer and anthropologist, Lynelle weaves stories of love, ambition, and self-discovery. Join her as she merges memories of Makati with her present Swiss adventures.
Lynelle Hurni Content Creator