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Humans are naturally emotional. Each of us experiences all kinds of emotions that correspond to our situation. However, if we are to choose our ‘favorite’ feeling, most of us will more likely choose happiness.
There is no doubt that we often wish to be on cloud nine, to be in a place where our joy knows no bound.
Speaking of cloud nine, a place in Brgy. Sta. Cruz along Sumulong Highway in Antipolo City is named after this euphoric feeling, the Cloud-9 Antipolo. The reason why it is called Cloud 9 is because it is up towards the hanging bridge of a famous hotel and restaurant. With just an entrance fee of P50.00 per head, you can experience the 360 point view attraction that allows its visitors to witness the beauty of the whole city of Antipolo, parts of Laguna de Bay, and the Metro Manila skyline in all its glory. It can make you feel like you are on top of the world.
Aside from the wonderful view Cloud-9 offers, what makes it stand out among others is its terrace where one can go up through a hanging bridge. Also, this place has a tunnel-like exit from the terrace which is called the 7th Heaven.
However, this is only one concept of cloud nine.
For the children living in different orphanages, cloud nine for them is to have toys, to earn friends, to have a home, and most especially, to have parents that will support, love, and guide them.
For elders who were sent away from home and is trusted to the Home for the Aged, nothing could bring them to 7th heaven apart from seeing their family again. Nothing is more lonely than being left alone, than being abandoned by your own sons and daughters–your own family.
For the Badjaos however, to be in Manila might be their concept of being on cloud nine.
For the people who are critically ill and are only days away from their ‘day’, to watch the sun rise again together with their family is most probably their kind of cloud nine.
For students, to graduate is definitely their kind of cloud nine. To watch their dreams come to life and to see their parents proud is most likely the euphoric moment they could ever experience.
We all have our own kind of cloud nine, some are up above–extravagant, while some are just lying on the ground–simple but, it definitely counts, and others are like treasures buried in the deepest oceans.
Make your own kind of cloud nine. Choose your own kind of happiness.
— Venice Bilolo
The Oculus 
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