Living as a BS-IS student in Benilde while commuting from Bacoor Cavite and juggling a schedule filled with night classes is no small feat. My day doesn’t start like most people’s. It begins when many are already halfway through theirs. At 10 AM, my alarm wakes me up, signaling the start of my routine. I spend a few minutes scrolling through my phone.
By 11 AM, it’s time for brunch. I head to the dining and eat something made by my dad, usually sinangag paired with eggs or any kind of meat. This meal has to power me through the long hours ahead, so I make sure to eat well. As I eat, I mentally map out my tasks for the day and prepare for the journey to school.
At around 12 PM, I take a bath, browsing through my closet for an OOTD then I begin packing my essentials. My bag holds my Ipad and charger only. Forgetting something isn’t an option when commuting from Cavite. It’s a long trip back. With everything ready, I grab my trusty airpods, knowing they’ll be my lifeline during the commute.
The commute begins at 12:15 PM. It’s a long and sometimes unpredictable journey. Traffic in Metro Manila is a given, so I’ve been riding by bus and train so the commute is much easier and shorter.
By 2:30 PM, I arrive at Benilde. If I have time before class, I head to the library or find a quiet spot on campus to relax. Sometimes I’ll grab a snack or finish an assignment, savoring the brief calm before my schedule picks up. On days when I have a 2:40 PM class, the academic grind begins with technical lectures or group discussions about system design and programming.
After my afternoon class ends at 5:40 PM, it’s time for dinner. I usually eat at the campus canteen or one of the nearby restaurants. This is my chance to recharge and connect with classmates.
During Tuesdays, 6 PM, night class kicks off. With only 10 students in the room, the atmosphere feels quiet and lackluster. Lectures often drag on, and activities, while necessary, lack the energy of a lively class discussion. The hours crawl by, and by the time class ends at 9 PM, I’m more drained from boredom than from actual learning. It’s a relief to finally pack up and head home, ready to put the dull evening behind me.
The commute home starts at 9:30 PM, and it’s often the most draining part of my day. Public transport at night is quieter but slower, with fewer options available. Music, movies, reels, or even zoning out during the ride helps pass the time.
At 11:30 PM, I finally walk through my front door. Exhausted but relieved, If I’m hungry, I grab a midnight snack, and if there’s still energy left in me, I watch a show or scroll through my phone to unwind. By 1 AM, I’m in bed, ready to rest and recharge for another long day ahead.
Living this life isn’t easy. The commute is long, the schedule is demanding, and the energy it requires can feel overwhelming at times. Yet, I’ve learned to adapt. Every day is a lesson in resilience, time management, and determination. Despite the challenges, I know this grind is temporary and part of the journey toward my dreams. For now, I embrace the chaos, knowing it’s shaping me into someone stronger and more prepared for the future.
by Philip Andrei Teves