Something about 2012...

Thank you 2011, Hello 2012!

Something about Firsts...

One of my friends told me that the “firsts” are usually the hardest. In three weeks I’ll be celebrating three firsts without her - Christmas, New Year, and my Birthday. In my previous entry, I mentioned that I found myself closest to her when I’m traveling, I guess, it’s the same reason why it feels like the ocean is calling me again. I want to be close to her, I want to feel her touch, her embrace, hear her voice.

Truth is, for most times, I just forget that she’s not with us anymore, but whenever I remember, it starts all over again. But then I’d realized that she’s somewhere else, somewhere better that any place she’s been.

I miss her. I miss my Mom.

Something about why I love to Travel....

Why do I love to travel?


While searching for a new adventure, I’ve started reading several travel blogs. I came across sole sisters’ travelogue that reminds me of the “accidental adventures” I shared with my best buddy in Cebu and Bohol. In one of their post, they asked their readers “Why do you travel?”.
I’ve been to a lot of places in the Philippines. My mom made sure of that. She would spend almost the whole year to plan that special summer escapade that I get to share with her, my dad, and my brother. She loved to travel – a passion that she was able to pass on to me. At that time, travel is a means to reconnect with my family. It was a bonding experience shared with my family that I will be forever thankful. It taught to me to be open to possibilities, to be flexible, and to enjoy what life can offer to us.


My first true travel adventure sans my family was in 2007. At that time, travel (and photography) was my solace. It was an escape route I eagerly traversed to forget the unfortunate realities of that time. When traveling I found a sense of direction, a sense of fulfillment, and an adventure that will last for a life time.


Since then, travel became a passion I eagerly explored. It allowed me to discover the unknown, to test my limits, and to experience culture that is different to what I am accustomed to. It brought challenges that I was excited, albeit scared, to overcome. It became a way to build new relationship and strengthen existing ones. It built character and provided an opportunity to grow. Moreover, when traveling, I feel closest to her, to my mom, the first person who taught me the wonders of travel.That’s why I love to travel and why I will continue to do so.

It was one of those moments when you know that you are at the right place, at the right time, and with the right people.  Unplanned, it may seem; unprepared, we may be; as indulgent, as it may appear, it was definitely an adventure that I will forever remember.

It was crazy at work.  My boss is out of town, my co team leader is in the middle of a maternity leave, and I found myself at the middle of the busiest season, with two sign offs I needed to make. As expected, I can only think “I want a vacation”.

And then, my phone rings, and my adventure began.

“Follow us!” they kept on insisting.  All I can say was “we’ll see”;  “ There’s a bus leaving at 8pm this evening, it’ll arrive here around 6am.  We’ll meet you at the bus station”.  Again, I replied “We’ll see”.

I can’t skip work, well, I’m weird that way.  But all I know is, I had to be there… with my friends, at the beautiful island of Calaguas.  It was a good thing that my credit card arrived a week before.   I immediately booked a flight, and few hours after my shift, I was on my way to Naga.

I arrived at Naga airport around 8am, rode a bus to the terminal, where I met my friends.  We stayed momentarily at their hotel to catch up with activities and our journey begins.

To get to Calaguas from Naga, we took a Daet bound bus, a shuttle to Paracale, and ultimately, a banca to the island.  Approximately, travel time is a little over 5 hours, but it was all worth it.  

Photos below are taken by my friends Ange Pedro and Kathy Seraspi

 

Something about Challenge #5...

Day tour challege in a Visayas or Mindanao City...

City of choice: Iloilo City

It started with a to-do-list turned to an all year round challenge. I spent the day with my friend/competitor and had one of the best times in my life. It was an all day laugh trip and adventure.

We got lost, ate one whole chicken, listened to what it seems like an never ending speech from local officials, met interesting people... All in all, a wonderful experience.

It was supposed to be a one time deal, but I ended up looking forward for another adventure (similar to this) with him.

Something about Independence Day...

I was supposed to celebrate Independence day today but I ended up receiving this from someone ...

Something about Gratitude...

I’ve always been a to-do-list girl. I list everything that I need to do, who I want to be, and what I need to achieve. What most people don’t know is that coupled with my obsession in listing everything, I used to believe that I know exactly who I will be at a specific time of my life.

In the perspective of the School Girl Nina, by the age of 25, she is on her way as one of the best lawyers in Manila. Having graduated in the University of the Philippines Law School and having earned the number one spot at the recent Bar exam, her success in her chosen field is inevitable. She doesn’t mind being single, believing that not all people are destined for marriage, and probably she is one of those people who are supposed to spend the rest of her life alone, and quite frankly, she doesn’t mind at all, and actually loving it.

But reality strikes and at the onset of my 25th, I was thinking what have become of me. I used to know what I want and exactly how to get it, but at that moment, I was clueless. I didn’t know where to start because I don’t know where I’m supposed to go. It was as if I went blind.

For a person, who find happiness in planning, and in getting what she wants, it was a very confusing time. I was questioning the person I had become. I was thinking that I was a failure. I am not a lawyer. I did not attend UP. I am single but no longer believe that I am destined for solitary life. I felt I was dissappointing a lot of people, most especially myself.

It was just fortunate that I was surrounded by people who have been a very good influence on me. They continuously inspire me to build new dreams, to achieve them, and never give up. Having been blessed with a family that loves me, friends that support me, and faith that uplifts me, hesitations and doubts became an option, and I choose not to be affected by them. I choose to continue being happy, building dreams, and achieving them.

On the last day of my 25th year, I realized that although I am not the person I thought I would be at this age, I could honestly say that I am happy of the person that I’ve become and it is all because of everyone that has been part of my life.

I hope that this is enough to express my gratitude. Everyone who became part of my life, inspired me to be the best that I can be. Every moments, every conversation, every experienced shared, will be treasured. I am really thankful that you allowed me to become part of your lives and that you let me show you glimpse of my true self.

Thank you.

At the onset of my “new” year, I promise to always choose to be happy, determined to make the best out of everything, continue creating opportunities, be thankful for each experience, and to continue to dream, aim, and believe.