What living in the cabin in Bailen, Cavite, taught me

There were eight-weekend concepts to choose from this week, and I chose the third one on the list, which is the Where you live: Would you rather, and states the following question,

If you could choose between a small shack on an idyllic beach or a cabin in the woods, which would you choose and why? Explain your choice and tell us about your ideal place in a post of at least 300 words.

In the small town of Bailen, it was surrounded by scenic forestry and home to majestic falls and rivers. The very first time I went to Bailen with my relatives, I fell in love with the fresh, moist air that makes the place cooler. As I opened the car’s window while my uncle was driving, the pleasure was heightened even more. I closed my eyes, trying to feel the good sensation coming from the breeze and inhaling the positivity the forest was emitting.

Manong Lucio, one of the oldest residents in the barangay, welcomed us with a warm smile and a basket of ripe mangoes. I suspected the girls behind him were too shy to speak but continued to wave their hands. I smiled at Manong Lucio and the two girls at the back. He accompanied us to where we will stay for two nights and one day.

It was a small cabin, eight meters in height, and made with two durable known materials, acacia, and bamboo. You’ll notice that it was newly swept since no fallen mango-dried leaves were on the ground. My uncle tapped my back and signaled me to go in. Although the cabin was small, I believed it was sturdy enough to handle typhoons and torrential rains.

I stayed inside for thirty minutes, unloading some of my stuff inside my bag, and the refreshing atmosphere gave me an unusual vibe compared to the city. Even though the room had one electric fan, we didn’t use it since the environment was cold enough for us not to sweat. I adored that particular cabin so much because it was my very first time staying there. The old lamps that were hung outside illuminated the specific area, and the buzzing sounds of various insects can be heard.

A chill, windy breeze whooshing atop the trees and enjoying the hot chocolate my uncle made for us. The bonfire Manong Lucio ignited continued to give warmth to our skin. Manong Lucio’s granddaughter handed us a radio, signaling to play FM music. It was one of the best moments of my early life when all I needed to do was chill and enjoy life to the fullest. However, when I started to feel like peeing, I felt a sudden fear coming from my deepest trauma. All of the horrifying movies started to appear one by one.

For my two nights and one day staying in the cabin in Bailen, it was surely the nicest experience, even though, as a young kid back then, there were overthinking and exaggerated thoughts about ghosts and mythical creatures that old folks often told me. I still can’t forget when we swam in three different waterfalls in the area because the water was too cold to bear. Every time I want to dive, I have to let my two feet submerge for a few minutes so that my body doesn’t feel too cold.

I haven’t been to Bailen for ages, but my memories of that place are still fresh. It’s not far from our town; I roughly guess you’ll reach Bailen in two hours drive and two hours and 30 minutes when you travel by bus. Manong Lucio’s granddaughters are in college today and taking medicine courses. I still have contact with the two, and it was fun meeting them at the university from time to time. My experience in a cabin in the woods is unreal and irreplaceable.