LumpiaLife

After more than a year away, we finally made the journey back to our beach house in Mindanao — a place that’s given us both challenges and unforgettable memories. Our trip began in Cebu at Mactan-Cebu International Airport . In less than an hour, we were touching down in Butuan City on an ATR 72-600 prop plane. Waiting for us was Marilou’s brother in a colorful jeepney , ready to bring us back to the province. Of course, no homecoming would be complete without a quick stop at Robinsons Supermarket Butuan to grab groceries for the days ahead. The drive out to the village felt surreal. This was where we had lived for over a year and a half, where we built our beach house, and where we experienced firsthand the rhythm of province life in the Philippines . Returning reminded us of just how different it feels from the city — less convenience, more struggle, but also more peace and simplicity. One of the most emotional moments was reuniting with our dog, Bamboo . It had been over a yea...