New York City, often referred to as the "Big Apple," has inspired countless songs, films, and stories, each capturing its dynamic essence. Songs like Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York" and Alicia Keys' "Empire State of Mind" immortalise the city’s energy and allure. You may wonder, as you listen to these iconic lyrics, what makes New York so special? What is it about this city that resonates so deeply with people worldwide?

The answer lies in the experience of visiting New York itself. This time I will recount my memories while I visited New York in 2016 as a Fellow of the United States Department of States. Once you’ve walked its streets, heard its sounds, and felt its rhythm, you’ll understand why these songs seem to welcome you into the heart of the city.

“Start spreading the news, I’m leaving today… I want to be a part of it—New York, New York!” I visited New York because I was thinking that I may never be returning to the USA after my Fellowship, and if you've never been to New York after visiting the United States and you come back to the Philippines, it seems you had never been to the USA at all. So I took a plane from Minnesota to visit New York for one week and explore this place in which I just heard songs about it.

The moment you step onto the bustling streets, you’ll realise why these words like, "New York! New York!" will strike a chord. New York is a place of vibrancy, where every corner pulses with life. Walking through Wall Street, especially at night when the lights dazzle against towering skyscrapers, you feel like a star in your own movie. It’s not just a street of business—it’s a global stage. Famous brands line the sidewalks, showcasing the latest in fashion, luxury, and design.

As you observe the street performers, the energy is infectious, reminding you that the world is vast, and everyone here seems to be chasing something bigger. You’re not just walking the streets of a city—you're part of a moving, living tapestry of ambition and dreams. There are also many kinds of nationalities walking in the streets and everyone will talk to you and say, "Hi! Where are you from?"

Then there’s the iconic Empire State Building. Standing at its peak, gazing out at the panoramic view of New York’s skyline, it’s as if you’ve touched the sky. Skyscrapers stretch as far as the eye can see, a testament to human ingenuity and determination. The glass-floor experience offers a thrilling perspective, as if you’re floating above the city itself. Standing there, looking down at the expanse of New York, you can’t help but reflect on the heights you’ve reached in your own life. The Empire State Building isn't just a landmark; it’s a symbol of power, achievement, and the infinite possibilities that New York represents. When you take photos from the different sides of this building, it feels like flying in a helicopter.

But New York is not just about glitz and glamour. Visiting the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, you are confronted with a profound reminder of the city's vulnerability and resilience. The museum offers more than a historical account—it provides a deeper understanding of why New York was targeted in such a devastating attack. As a global hub, New York holds the attention of the world, for better or for worse. The city may be geographically small, but its influence is immeasurable. Walking through the exhibits, you feel the weight of its history and its ability to rise again, stronger and more united.

While visiting this place, I pay tribute to the innocent souls who were victims of the tragedy in 2001, and it is clear that their sacrifices have made them forever New York heroes. This place also reminded me of my own mortality and humility as well as that no matter how great a place like New York is, it's still vulnerable to terrorism or atrocities. In this way, you come to terms with your own self and the common thing all of us share: we all have one life, and it is so very fragile.

To truly grasp the essence of New York, you must visit its two significant islands: Ellis Island and Liberty Island. Staten Island, once the gateway for millions of immigrants to the United States, tells the story of those who arrived in search of a new beginning. As you learn about the immigrants who passed through its doors, you begin to understand how their labour and dreams shaped the economy and culture of New York, and, by extension, the entire country. You will also reflect on the struggles of those first immigrants who passed the different kinds of test given to them to be allowed to enter this place.

A trip to Liberty Island to see the Statue of Liberty is a reminder of hope, freedom, and the promise that New York has always represented. The statue, far larger than you can imagine from photos, stands as a beacon for the millions who arrived with nothing but a dream. It’s impossible not to feel moved as you stand beneath her, thinking of the countless people who looked to her as a symbol of a new life.

New York is more than a city—it’s an experience. It’s a place where dreams are made, history is honored, and cultures collide in beautiful harmony. The lessons learned here go beyond sightseeing; they speak to the resilience, ambition, and diversity that define both the city and those who visit it. Even before reaching this place while you are in the big boat going to this island, you will listen to the sounds of different races having the same journey going to this island.

I also realized that New York City is a haven for museum enthusiasts, offering some of the most renowned cultural institutions in the world. At the heart of this artistic landscape is the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a treasure trove that spans centuries and continents. From the masterpieces of Van Gogh to the majestic relics of ancient Egypt, the Met showcases a world of art under one roof. It’s easy to find yourself questioning whether there’s even a need to travel beyond New York when so much of the world’s artistic heritage is right here.

But the Met is just one of many cultural gems. The city is home to a vast array of museums, each offering its own unique perspective and immersive experience. Whether you’re wandering through the halls of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) or exploring the natural wonders at the American Museum of Natural History, you’ll find no shortage of inspiration and knowledge. Every corner of New York’s museum scene provides a blend of entertainment and education, captivating visitors with stories from the past, present, and future.

When your feet grow tired from exploring, there’s no better place to relax than Central Park. This sprawling green oasis in the heart of the city offers a tranquil escape from the urban bustle. As you sit on a bench, you can’t help but recall scenes from countless films set in the park, where it often feels like you’re one of the stars. Central Park isn’t just a place to rest—it’s an iconic symbol of the city’s beauty and a reminder of its role in pop culture.

As I reflect on my visit to New York, I’m struck by how incomparable this city truly is. Its design, its energy, and its spirit are unlike anything I’ve experienced elsewhere. New York’s towering skyline and vibrant streets challenge you to think about the heights of your own dreams and aspirations. Are your ambitions as bold as the Statue of Liberty, standing tall as a symbol of freedom? Or do they soar as high as the Empire State Building, a beacon of power and possibility?

Whatever your dreams may be, New York inspires you to believe, as Alicia Keys famously sings, "There’s nothing you can’t do." Once you’ve experienced this city, you’ll carry its spirit with you, knowing that the possibilities of life are endless.