MY mom would tell me stories of life when we were still living in Manila, but I could not recall any of them. I have always thought I grew up in La Union. What was memorable was the time I had to travel to Manila by myself for university. I remember acting brave even after the bus rolled out onto the highway, but I could not help crying after seeing my mom shrink off into the horizon. Since then, I have spent most of my adult life in Manila.
With everything going in the past year, I could not help but think of when I was still living in the province, more so now after spending a weekend in La Union and experiencing the relative calm and unhurried life of provincial living. It made me think of the multiple benefits of living in the province and back to my childhood where everything was seemingly simple and comfortable.
For one, work is not as stressful as that in the city. Talking to my sisters and other relatives have made me realize that work is not as hectic as in the city.
Not so much in terms of workload, but in the working environment. People in the province are generally more laidback than their urban counterparts. Work is spaced out to allow for other activities which in turn lessens the tendency of people burning out. People can go home for lunch and reconnect with their families or friends. Others use their time for their hobbies or even just take the time to rest. On the other hand, work opportunities with high pay can be scarce but the low cost of living helps balance it out. It is all a matter of which one you will prioritize.
Rural living also allows for people to plant in their own backyards. This reduces what they need to buy from the market and lessens their dependency on their salaries alone. Some even go so far as to sell their own produce during the weekend at the public market. And even if they do buy from a seller, the prices are relatively cheaper than in the cities. So, in effect, the low cost of living more than makes up for the salary difference of jobs in the city.
Backyard garden patches are common in the province. You could plant a bit of everything that you need for your family, and even give to neighbors when you have more than what you need. I used to go to our neighbor and ask for some green mangoes, or even ask for cuttings from their plants for our own garden. People knew each other through sharing and talking to each other. Here in the city, I barely talk to my neighbor, much less know their full names.
Provincial communities also enjoy organic living and readily accessible natural sceneries for relaxation. I remember when I was still in high school, we would go to the seashore after school just so we could play in the sand and afterwards sit on the sand and watch as the sun set over the waters. During the full moon, we would play bilog ang buwan, patintero, or hide-and-seek while our uncles, aunts, and neighbors talked about everything and everyone.
The abundance of nature also helps in adapting to a healthier lifestyle. The availability of fresh fruits and vegetables help people make good choices for their diet and improve their overall health. The air quality in rural areas also tends to be significantly better than in the cities. Being close to nature helps you get good food and excellent air quality, and at the same time reduces your chances of getting sick from pollution.
The good air quality in the province is due to the reduced vehicular traffic and less dense population. Traffic is bearable in rural areas and time is not wasted being stuck in a standstill. You have more time to spend on more interesting activities. On the other hand, if you do not have your own car, transportation options can be limited. But what I also like about being in the province is that places are walking distance from each other. With scenic routes and the abundance of foliage, I do not mind walking or even riding a bike.
Rural areas also allow for better work-life balance. From workload to time spent in traffic, to other costs of living in the city, provincial living allows people the time to spend on other activities they enjoy. People have this notion that time is slower in the province. But in reality, people have more time for themselves. Instead of being stuck in traffic or doing overtime, they spend their time on their more important relationships and on their favorite pastimes. It is no wonder that people in rural areas are more relaxed and not prone to burnout.
What I also like about provincial areas are the close-knit communities where everybody knows each other. Whereas in Manila, you do not get to know your neighbor unless you have to, or when there is a complaint. People will just keep to themselves and not mind other people’s business. In the rural areas, everybody knows everybody else. Sometimes it can be a disadvantage especially if you need your privacy. But the same community that criticizes you will be the same community that will help you in times of crisis. The bayanihan spirit is still strong in the rural areas.
There are so many things I miss living in the province. People are generally friendlier and have a better appreciation of what they have. I guess they understand what contentment is and the idea that life is meant to be lived right now more than later. What I know is that I will always find my way back to living in the province. Nothing beats the familiarity and communal living found by living in the province.