I always go to Cebu — sometimes for fun, but most of the time, for work.

This time, however, Cebu felt different.

It wasn’t supposed to be Cebu. It was supposed to be Thailand. We had another plan, another destination, another version of how this trip was supposed to happen. But somehow, the universe had other plans for us. And maybe, just maybe, Cebu was exactly where we needed to be.

There was no strict itinerary. No meticulously planned schedule. No pressure to see everything or make the trip “perfect.”

Just me and my bestie, being our spontaneous selves — the way we’ve always been since I met her back in 2015.

This was actually our first trip together, which is almost unbelievable considering how long we’ve been friends. She’s a flight attendant for Emirates, while I work as a lifestyle and entertainment reporter at Daily Tribune. Finding time for both of us is not easy. Our schedules are constantly moving in different directions, with flights, deadlines, stories and responsibilities always getting in the way.

Somehow, the universe made room for us. Even the storm couldn’t stop us — a fitting reminder of our friendship: plans may change and life may pull us in different directions, but somehow, we always find our way back to each other.

So we went to Cebu without expecting too much. We went simply to breathe.

To pause. To heal. And maybe, secretly, to manifest.

Our first stops brought us closer to Cebu’s history and spirituality. At the Taoist Temple, overlooking Cebu City, we found a quiet pause from the city’s bustle. Its traditional Chinese architecture, gardens and sweeping views made it a fitting start to a trip that was less about ticking destinations off a list and more about finding a little clarity.

We then visited the Yap-San Diego Ancestral House, one of Cebu’s oldest surviving residential homes and a glimpse into the city’s Chinese-Filipino heritage. Walking through its old rooms and seeing generations of history preserved in its walls made me think about how much of our own lives are also shaped by the people and memories we carry with us.

At the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, one of Cebu’s most significant Catholic landmarks and home to the revered Santo Niño de Cebu, we found another reason to slow down. It was moving to be in a place where generations of Filipinos have come to pray, give thanks and seek guidance.

Then there was the Temple of Leah. I’ve been there several times, but somehow, this visit felt different. It is perched in the hills of Busay, is an enormous Greco-Roman-inspired monument built as a grand symbol of love and devotion.

Looking at its towering columns and elaborate structures, I couldn’t help but wonder: Who is going to build an empire for us?

Not necessarily an actual temple, of course. But a life. An empire built on love, friendship, laughter, ambition and the kind of loyalty we already know so well.

Because somewhere, somehow, I still believe there is someone out there for both of us.

Somewhere. Someone. Soon.

Cebu, consider this our little prayer.