“You can grow in comfort.“
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Now that we’re adulting, one of the steps some of us are taking is moving out of our family homes. While the idea of living on your own is thrilling, it becomes scary, lonely, and exhausting after a month, not to mention expensive. The comforts of home-cooked meals, familiar faces, and the feeling of security are now replaced with the uncertainty of a life in a new city. Before you even realize it, you’re living out of unpacked suitcases and in deafening silence. Well, what we’re feeling is the reality of OPM collective, Dilaw.
Coming down from Baguio City, this talented group of musicians has always shared a common dream—to make it big in the music industry. Thanks to Uhaw, Dilaw blossomed into a fully-fledged band. However, that meant leaving behind the comfort of their homes, families, and setting out on a career brimming with uncertainty. But with back-to-back releases and the launch of Orasa, we can all agree that they are stars in the making. We got a chance to chat with the OPM band as they share a message for everyone who’s moving away to chase dreams.
Where are you from, and where are you living now?
Leon: Born and raised in Baguio, currently living in Metro Manila.
What’s the cultural difference between a small town and the big city?
Leon: Well, everything moves at a faster pace here. There’s a tight schedule for everything and everyone; once you mess up, your whole day is f-ed up. Basically, back in Baguio, we had more control of our time. We had a laidback lifestyle, and we were never in a rush to get somewhere or do something. Sometimes it’s a crutch because you don’t want to be stuck resting your whole life, but if you’ve been living in a city that never sleeps—hustling and bustling 24/7—for the past six months, a little bit of rest would’ve been nice.”
What is something that you miss the most back home?
Wayne: Baguio. We miss home.
En: Shout out to my cat!
Wayne: My bed, my mom, my neighbors na chismosa.
Leon: Our chismosa friends.
Do you think everyone needs to move out of their comfort zone in pursuit of their dreams and careers?
Leon: I don’t think so. I feel like there are people who thrive outside of their comfort zone and try all of these things. While I always recommend breaking free from your comfort zone, there are other ways to do things that don’t require you to move to the big city. You know, how everyone says that you have to move out to Manila and away from the province to get these opportunities. Everyone has a different path, so if you want to chase that dream somewhere far from home and be busy all the time, go ahead. It can be fun, like what we’re feeling right now, but there’s nothing wrong with taking your time.
Wayne: Tama, tayo ay mag chill lang.
Leon: I mean, as long as you’re responsible enough to get whatever you need done, then there’s no rush. There’s no reason to force yourself into an uncomfortable situation just to grow. Like, you can grow in comfort.
What are your tips for anyone who’s planning to move out of their homes?
Leon: Keep in touch with the people you love. You’re not going to miss the house, you’re not going to miss the view back home, but you’re going to miss the people around you. If you can make close connections where you’re going, and whenever you get the chance to visit and reestablish lost connections—take them. And have fun, please. Just because you’re out of your comfort zone doesn’t mean you have to be miserable.
What’s your message to anyone who’s chasing their dream careers?
Leon: We’re all on the same boat. We’ll see you at the end, we’ll see you on the way, we’re all in this together.
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