July 31, 2025. Biometrics Day, Eggdrop Dates & Sleepless Skies
If you told me years ago that one day I’d be traveling with the love of my life to Manila not for a vacation, but for something bigger, something that brings us closer to our Canadian dream I would’ve laughed and probably said, “Only in the movies.”
But life? Oh, she’s a storyteller. And July 31, 2025? That chapter was a good one.
🌄 4AM Arrival & the SM MOA Shuffle
We touched down in Manila at 4:00 in the morning. No sleep. Just excitement brewing and eyebags waving. The city was still wrapped in slumber while Elaiza and I found ourselves in the heart of hustle once more.
We made our way to SM Mall of Asia, still closed but glowing quietly, waiting for the day to unfold. While I clocked in some work hours with Casey, glued to my laptop and the rhythm of my remote grind, Elaiza my sunshine wandered around to find breakfast spots. That’s one of her love languages: finding food. (And boy, I’m not complaining.)
Our first meal was at Eggdrop, and let me tell you, that breakfast sandwich hit like a warm hug on a sleep-deprived morning. The mall opened its doors at 10 AM, and like two kids on a field trip, we strolled in, giggling and grabbing toys not for us (okay, maybe a little for us), but for Elaiza’s nephews and my brother.
Small joys, big hearts.
🏨 Hotel Check-In & A Milestone on the 29th Floor
By noon, we checked into Eurotel Malate, our usual go-to. It’s comfy, familiar, and sits just right in front of Robinsons Mall a place we’ve created memories in, many times over.
Then came the main event: our biometrics appointment at VFS Global Makati.
We were early, hearts pounding, but everything went smoothly like fate was cheering us on. The office? Oh, it was on the 29th floor. I looked down and thought: “This is what it feels like to be closer to your dreams.”
And guess what? Before we exited, we were handed free Canadian SIM cards.
Coincidence? Maybe.
A sign? Definitely.
🍜 7/11 Lunch & Wandering in Bulacan
Late lunch was at 7/11, right across the VFS building. Just two rice bowls, two tired faces, and a shared relief that we did it. Biometrics: ✅. Another milestone crossed off in this long journey to Toronto.
Then we hopped on the road and headed to Malolos, Bulacan, where we walked around just the two of us, laughing, teasing, being. There’s something sacred in strolling unknown streets with someone who feels like home.
Dinner? Robinsons Place Malolos. Nothing fancy. Just the comfort of familiarity after a whirlwind day.
🛫 When Davao Calls But the Skies Say "Wait"
Our flight back to Davao? Delayed for two hours.
Why? Because, of course no power + heavy rain + the universe reminding us that not all things go as planned.
But you know what?
We didn’t complain.
We held hands.
We sat in silence and smiled.
Because some days, the delay is the story.
🌟 My Takeaways from Day 1 of 4:
“Every great journey begins with a small, brave step.” Ours was at 4AM, sleepy and determined.
Milestones don’t always feel grand sometimes they come with Eggdrop sandwiches and SIM cards.
Love is not just in the big things like biometrics and immigration it’s in the little things: waiting, wandering, working together.
Delays are not setbacks; they’re divine pauses. A chance to reflect. A moment to rest.
Tomorrow, I’ll tell you what happened next our second day of adventure, a little more fun, and a little less paperwork.
But for now, let me leave you with this:
“We may be two small souls from Davao, but we’ve got dreams big enough to fill the sky.”
Toronto, we’re coming. One small miracle at a time. 🇨🇦💙
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