Distant Shores, Shared Dreams: Our First In-Person Meeting (Day 02)
Day Two of our first in-person meeting began with full hearts and hungry stomachs. From Korean cuisine to Chinese cravings, Mike and I spent the day exploring McKinley Hill and BGC. This first in-person meeting already felt both brand-new and comfortably familiar — as if all those months of calls had simply been leading us here.
Opening ourselves up to others, especially after being hurt, can be incredibly daunting. It feels like opening a treasure chest filled with our deepest vulnerabilities — and that is terrifying. Yet our first in-person meeting proved that opening up can be worth it.
Thankfully, life has a way of throwing us curveballs that force us to re-evaluate what truly matters in our relationships. That is exactly what this first in-person meeting asked of me: to be brave, stay open, and trust where the road was leading.
Choosing Self-Worth
We all have different needs and desires in relationships, depending on our stage of life. Some of us crave supportive friends, while others yearn for a romantic partner.
It is easy to fixate on a specific idea of what — or who — we “need.” But life often surprises us with unexpected connections. It may not feel like it at first, yet things have a way of falling into place in ways we never expected.
Some people come into our lives only for a short time, but they still leave a mark. A prime example is someone who cannot decide whether they want you in their life, constantly sending mixed signals.
As far as I am concerned, if someone cannot make a decision and I am just one of many options, it is best to gracefully step away. It might sting for a bit, but that temporary pain is far better than a lifetime of uncertainty.
Making Room for the Right People
There was a time when I dealt with a confusing situation: a parent who seemed to prefer someone else for their son — or perhaps was not ready for him to be with anyone at all. It was hard to say for sure.
This parent kept pushing me to find someone else, saying their son was not ready. But the son’s actions told a different story. It was a confusing back-and-forth — a total emotional rollercoaster.
Honestly, anyone thinking clearly would walk away from that chaos. It is hard to build a healthy relationship with someone who manipulates or withholds the truth. Fortunately, genuine people are still out there — finding someone sincere is, in part, a matter of choice.
As the Polish proverb goes, “Not my circus, not my monkeys.” In other words: do not take on drama that is not yours. If you have done your best and communication is still unclear, the other person may be choosing to stay ambiguous.
Feelings are not a light switch — they cannot be turned on and off at someone else’s whim. Expecting someone to change their feelings on demand is unrealistic and immature.
Choosing Genuine Connections
I read this somewhere: “Know your worth. When someone treats you like you are just one of many options, help them narrow their choice by removing yourself from the equation.”
It is not about pride; it is about knowing your value. You have so much to offer, and you deserve someone who appreciates that.
Don’t settle for a part-time role in someone’s life when you deserve a starring position! Hold out for someone who makes you feel valued and cherished.
Setting Boundaries
Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect and clear communication. When someone sends mixed signals or makes you feel like an option, it can be confusing and hurtful. It is okay to acknowledge your feelings — even if that means stepping back from the relationship for a while.
From my perspective, until someone acknowledges their behavior and takes accountability — a sincere apology, not just an empty “sorry” or “pasensya ka na” — I would not feel comfortable moving forward. I would rather approach the situation using the art of detachment.
Detachment means developing the ability to distance yourself emotionally from things that cause you stress, anxiety, or unhappiness. As Psychology Today explains in its overview of detachment, it is not about becoming emotionless, but about managing your emotions in a healthier way.
I believe in healthy forgiveness, but not toxic forgiveness. Toxic forgiveness is when you rush to forgive someone before they have truly acknowledged their wrongdoing. It can leave you feeling unheard and disrespected.
A real apology means taking ownership of your actions and showing genuine remorse. It should not be a quick fix to get back together and pretend everything is fine, hiding behind an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach to life.
Taking a Step Back for Clarity
Sometimes, taking a step back helps us see things more clearly. Maybe the other person needs time to figure things out, and that is okay. In the meantime, you deserve someone who is excited to have you in their life — someone who makes it clear that you are special.
As the saying goes, “Rejection can be a redirection.” Being turned down can lead you to something better. It is like a detour on a road trip: not the original plan, but it can take you somewhere new and exciting. That lesson stayed with me, and I carried it into our first in-person meeting.
Recognizing Your Worth
Even experiences that hurt us at the time can become turning points that push us toward a happier, more fulfilling path. They teach us valuable lessons and help us grow.
The key is to appreciate what those people brought to our lives, wish them well on their journey, and then focus on the people who are truly invested in us now.
This applies to every area of life, from love to work. Life should not be a constant question of “Am I valued?” If you are giving your all, you deserve to be appreciated.
And if your efforts are not being recognized, it might be time to reassess your environment — and the people in it.
And now, let’s dive into our plans for Day Two. It was the second day of our first in-person meeting, and we were ready for more.
From Virtual to Reality: Our First In-Person Meeting, Day Two
On Day Two of our first in-person meeting, Mike and I set out to explore McKinley Hill and BGC, wandering around in search of good places to eat. It was our second day of seeing the city together — and we were determined to make the most of it.
We started with lunch at Romantic Baboy in McKinley Hill, just a short walk from our place, which was very convenient. For our first in-person meeting, sharing a Korean BBQ lunch felt perfect: as a huge fan of Korean dramas, I absolutely loved their food.
I have watched everything Korean — from K-pop to reality shows! I even got Mike hooked on them, and we watched Empress Ki together when we first started dating.
It was Mike’s first time in Manila, and I had not been back in two years, so everything felt new to both of us.
Romantic Baboy McKinley Hill in Taguig offers a delightful Korean BBQ experience. Here is a brief overview of their menu and business hours:
Menu Highlights
Romantic Baboy is known for its unlimited Korean BBQ offerings. Some popular items include:
- Samgyeopsal (pork belly)
- Woosamgyeop (beef belly)
- Yangnyeom Galbi (marinated beef ribs)
- Dak Galbi (spicy chicken)
- Cheese Dip and various side dishes like kimchi, japchae, and steamed egg.
Business Hours
For more detailed information, you can visit their Facebook page or check out their menu on Restaurant Guru.
Latte and Laughter
After lunch at Romantic Baboy, we took a stroll around McKinley Hill, enjoying the scenery and tracking our steps as we discovered new sights together. Every corner felt new during our first in-person meeting.
Our next stop, Starbucks, was the perfect place to keep talking. The calm ambiance let us recharge — both our devices and ourselves — while the aroma of freshly brewed coffee made everything feel warm and inviting. It was one of those first in-person meeting moments I never wanted to end.
Reminiscing about our past phone conversations over steaming lattes brought a wave of nostalgia. Moments like these — the shared stories, laughter, and easy conversation — were the heart of our first in-person meeting, and they are the cornerstone of the joy we find in spending time together. This is what our first in-person meeting was all about.
Ramen Date Night
We capped off Day Two of our first in-person meeting at Old ChengDu Restaurant in BGC Forum. After a long day of walking, we were starving. We ordered Dan Dan Mian and indulged in our shared love of spicy food — the generous serving proved to be a challenge to finish!
While I enjoyed the meal, my preference for Japanese and Korean ramen remains strong. Still, I have a deep appreciation for Chinese cuisine. I often bring Korean and Chinese flavors into my own cooking, and after experimenting with Korean recipes, I am now venturing into Chinese dishes to satisfy Mike’s cravings. Exploring these flavors together was a delicious part of our first in-person meeting.
Old ChengDu Restaurant offers an authentic Chinese dining experience with a focus on Sichuan cuisine. Here are some menu highlights:
- Appetizers: Dan Dan Mian (spicy noodles), Hong You Chao Shou (spicy wontons), and pork skewers.
- Main Dishes: Hot Pot, Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao Chicken, and various Sichuan-style stir-fries.
- Sides: Duqqa rice, steamed buns, and a variety of vegetable dishes.
Business Hours
For more detailed information, you can visit their Facebook page or check out reviews on Restaurant Guru.
A Day to Remember
Day Two of our first in-person meeting was a whirlwind of exploration, delicious food, and heartfelt conversations. I truly cherish these moments with Mike, especially sharing our passion for diverse cuisines and trying new spots together. Moments like these are what a first in-person meeting should be.
Our feet were screaming for mercy while our stomachs were singing praises! (Lol!) A day well spent is measured by both the steps taken and the delicious food enjoyed. Here’s to more adventures, tasty discoveries, and — hopefully — less foot pain tomorrow. It was only the second full day of our first in-person meeting, and I already knew I never wanted to forget a minute of it.
Here’s one of my favorite songs that I dedicate to him.
More From Distant Shores, Shared Dreams
Thank you for following our first in-person meeting. If you are reading the series in order, start with Day 01 of our first in-person meeting, then continue with Day 03, Day 04, and Day 05.
Author’s Note
I firmly believe that hard work eventually pays off, one way or another. Sometimes the rewards are not immediate, or they come in unexpected forms.
The key is to pour your heart into your endeavors and trust the process. Even if others do not always recognize your efforts, we tend to attract what we deserve in the end.
The more we open our hearts and share our true selves, the deeper our connections become. It takes courage, but the potential rewards — love, friendship, and fulfillment — are immense.
Take a deep breath, be brave, and let yourself be seen. You might be surprised by the beautiful things that await you on the other side of vulnerability. 🌸
Disclaimer:
The experiences and opinions expressed in this blog post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of any other individual or organization. The content is intended for entertainment and informational purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, errors or omissions may occur. The author assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions, or for any damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
