2011. GA Tower 2. Right smack in the middle of Metro Manila’s skyline is the GA Towers roof deck. From that plane the uplands of Rizal and Batangas/Laguna would look accessible. Oh, how they looked accessible!

Circa 2005. UP College of Business Administration. When I had troubles as a teenager/college student/business administration major, I paced myself on the CBA roof deck to reach my inner calm. I found more than that.

Before 2003. Country Village Subdivision. There was no roof deck here, just wide, open spaces that made up my Eden, the Eden that has inspired the longing for and nostalgia over places that make you feel alive and free. Since I chose to live in the city, the roof decks have come close to being my Eden, my refuge, my hidden paradise now that I’ve grown up.

Now

2012. San Antonio Village. The night lights, the sunset, the Manila sky. My sister and I are fortunate to have lived and be living in houses with roof decks. In our current home, we’ll always have a place to run without hiding. Our refuge hides us, as it helps us find ourselves.

This one just in. Ayala FGU Center. I’ve found my dream place. From this view you’ll access the airport, the Manila Bay and its port, the mountains of Rizal and Batangas/Laguna, and many other take-off points for life’s adventures. I’ll be bringing my notebook here from time to time and plot those points. Well, the search for Eden is not over, but this one almost brings me home.

The photos above were taken Friday the 9th; the moon rose so big and bright and I and my friend/team mate/ate (big sister, the one I never had ) Jona took the time to capture it. I even joked that the moon must have risen nearer the Fort, where she lives. You’ll never know what solace we find until you get your butt up here yourself.

Eden may just be round the corner for you, or the riverbend, or up on the roof deck — depends where you are right now. Get there while you can.