My day starts early, around 5:30 AM, when I wake up to the sound of my alarm.
The morning still feels fresh, and the world outside is quiet. I stretch, mentally preparing for the day ahead, and then get up to take a quick shower. I try to keep my morning routine simple, so after a shower, I grab a quick breakfast—usually something light, like toast or a bowl of cereal. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s enough to fuel me for the busy day that’s about to unfold.
By 6:00 AM, I’m already heading out of the house. My first ride of the day is a tricycle, which is a quick but necessary trip. The tricycle ride to the jeepney terminal takes about 10 minutes, and while it's a little bumpy, I don't mind. There's something oddly calming about the rhythmic motion of the tricycle as I make my way through the streets. It’s a short ride, but it marks the beginning of the journey that I repeat every day.
When I get to the jeepney terminal, the real adventure begins. The jeepneys are usually packed, but that’s all part of the experience. I find a seat and settle in for the ride to my workplace. The jeepney is an iconic part of my routine, a reminder of the busy streets and the daily hustle.
Sometimes, I sit and observe, sometimes I listen to music, but it’s mostly just me, the ride, and my thoughts. The drive can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 30 minutes, depending on traffic, but I’ve come to appreciate the quiet moments of reflection during this time.
After arriving at the drop-off point, I walk the last stretch—just a 2 to 3-minute ride from Kalaklan Gate to my office building. It’s a quick jaunt, but I love that final moment before I enter work mode. I take a deep breath, mentally gearing up for the workday ahead.
Once inside, it’s straight to my desk, where I open my laptop and get to work. I check my calendar, my emails, and dive into whatever tasks are waiting for me. My job keeps me busy, but I enjoy the focus it requires. From responding to emails to preparing reports or collaborating with colleagues, there's always something to do.
The day goes by quickly, and before I know it, the clock strikes 12, and it’s time for lunch. I try to take a break and grab a bite to eat, but even then, my mind tends to wander back to the tasks I’ll resume afterward.
The afternoon flies by with more work, more problem-solving, and a few moments of quiet reflection as I sip on my afternoon coffee. I enjoy the sense of accomplishment when tasks are completed or when I manage to solve a tricky problem. While my work can be demanding, I’ve learned to manage it in a way that makes each day feel rewarding.
When 5 PM rolls around, it’s time to head home. I wrap up my work, pack my things, and prepare for the trip back. The journey home mirrors the morning routine.
First, I catch a yellow jeep again, and then I hop onto another jeepney for the ride back.
It’s always a little more crowded in the evening, but it’s just a part of the cycle. I think about my day, what I accomplished, and what I’ll need to tackle the next day.
It’s a simple routine, but it’s my routine. There’s a comfort in the predictability of it all, in knowing what to expect from each part of the day. I don’t need anything too extravagant; the rhythm of my routine is enough to keep me grounded. Some days are more challenging than others, but it’s the balance of work, travel, and rest that keeps everything in check.
In the end, my routine reminds me that life is a series of moments, small and simple but deeply meaningful. As I get ready to start another day, I know that the simple flow of my routine is exactly what I need to stay focused and energized.
