Moving from the vibrant, tropical island of Cebu to the cool, picturesque landscapes of British Columbia is more than just a change of scenery — it’s a transformation of daily life. In celebration of British Columbia Day (Aug. 5), we asked several Cebuanos who have made the move: What’s the biggest lifestyle change you had to adapt to for the better when you moved from Cebu to BC? Their answers reveal a journey of growth, adaptation and the embracing of new opportunities in a land far from home.

“As someone who hates the heat of the sun, starting to love hiking is one of the major lifestyle changes I adapted to when we moved to BC from Cebu. After experiencing the cold and depressing winter season, I realized how one must enjoy summer, and there’s no better way of doing it than exploring the beautiful mountains of BC through hiking!” Jessa Cantillas “Moving to BC has taught us the value of simplicity. We have transitioned from driving to work to relying on public transportation and walking extensively.

This shift has encouraged us to spend our hard-earned money more wisely and live a healthier lifestyle.” Banny de la Torre “Living here mainly revolves around embracing a faster-paced and technology-driven daily routine. Despite this, the emphasis on work-life balance is heightened, which helps me prioritize my personal life and leisure.

I used to dislike walking, but now I enjoy it; I can even reach more than 10,000 steps a day wearing anything I want, thanks.