Finally Free – A New Chapter Begins in Mindanao
It’s been just a few days since my last blog post, but the whirlwind of events since then makes it feel like weeks have passed. Four long, gray days filled with the soul-crushing monotony of my support job here in Lisbon. A job that, at best, I’ve endured rather than enjoyed. But on Monday, April 14th, 2025, something incredible happened — something that changed everything.
🎉 A Life-Changing Surprise
Out of nowhere, my Swiss second-pillar pension payout landed in my account. A lovely five-digit sum. Finally. After years of waiting, hoping, and dreaming, this was the rocket fuel we needed. NO2 in the engine of our future. An unexpected but deeply welcome injection of momentum that set our long-held plans in motion.
Naturally, I did what any sane person would do: I called in sick at the boring job the next day. Told my team manager a half-believable story, then turned my back on that grey cubicle for 24 glorious hours. I spent the day with Penky — my partner, my co-dreamer — drinking a good bottle of red wine, letting the feeling of freedom slowly settle in.
🍷 We talked, we laughed, we cried a little too. It was the first time in ages that life felt fully alive again.
💍 The Wedding Is Finally in Sight
We’re still waiting on one final document from the Philippines before we can proceed with the civil ceremony here in Portugal. It's been a long journey to this point — the paperwork, the cultural red tape, the patience we had to cultivate — but it's all coming together.
Our wedding won’t be an extravagant affair. It’ll be personal. Meaningful. The start of something new.
🏝️ Goodbye Portugal, Hello Philippines
Let’s be honest: I’ve never loved it here in Portugal. The sun is generous, the food is fine, but my heart was never fully here. Penky, on the other hand, has roots. She’ll feel the pang of farewell. She’s made connections, memories, friendships. But deep down, we both know: our future isn’t in Lisbon. It’s 12,000 kilometers east, in the vibrant heart of Mindanao.
That’s where the real story begins.
🌴 Touching Down in Mindanao – A Soft Landing
Waiting for us in Davao City is more than just a tropical climate and low cost of living. It’s home. It’s where Penky’s big and amazing family is ready to welcome us with open arms. Her uncles, aunts, cousins, and lifelong friends — a true village in every sense.
We won’t be landing in the unknown. We’ll be landing softly — caught gently by the loving embrace of Penky’s roots, the island’s warm spirit, and the legendary Filipino hospitality.
It’s almost overwhelming. The idea that soon, very soon, we’ll be surrounded by the scent of tropical flowers, the sound of karaoke in the distance, and the radiant smiles of people who truly get us. Who are happy we’re coming home.
✨ The Vision Grows Clearer
That pension payout isn’t just money. It’s the green light. The door swinging wide open. A second chance at designing life on our own terms.
We’ve already laid the first bricks of our dream: a small, cozy bed & breakfast that we’ll build in Davao City. A place that reflects our values, our culture, our desire to connect with travelers from around the world.
The vision is simple but powerful:
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Comfortable, charming rooms that feel like home 🛏️
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A community area where stories are shared and friendships are born ☕
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Delicious breakfast with local and international favorites 🥭🍳
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Personal touches and curated experiences that make each stay unforgettable 🧳
We’ve been sketching out the website, mapping out our future guest flow, and brainstorming clever names. Every night, we get a little closer to making it real.
🌍 Letting Go to Truly Begin
Leaving Portugal behind won’t be entirely easy. There were good days too. Good people. But to grow, we must sometimes leave what’s familiar. And to be honest? This move feels less like leaving and more like coming home.
To those who’ve followed our story, thank you. Your messages, your encouragement, your presence — they mean more than we can say.
Stay tuned. The adventure is just beginning.
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