I miss traveling. There was a year when I had the budget and time that I made it a point to go somewhere out of town every month. Throwback to seven years ago, the year was 2011. Indeed, I was able to successfully travel every month to a different destination, most of which were within the Philippines. I will just share the highlights and soon will share in detail.
JANUARY Pagbilao, Quezon
I suddenly miss my long hair. This was taken in Borawan (short for Boracay-Palawan) Island where me and my friends stayed overnight. The island did not have any structure nor electricity so it was such an awesome first month experience.
FEBRUARY Singapore
I was mesmerized by these flowers that looked like onion bulbs. Unfortunately, I was not able to take any selfies in Singapore because I was only there for a yearly youth training.
MARCH Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
This was taken in Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. I was there for a lecture series in my spiritual organization. I took the one-day KL pass where you can hop on and hop on the bus. I actually made a friend on the bus, a tourist from New Zealand.
APRIL Sagada, side trip to Banaue Rice Terraces
I went to Sagada with my nephew and on the way back, we passed by the famous Banaue Rice Terraces. This picture was taken there. I love the cool weather there.
MAY Nagcarlan, Laguna
I went with family, my siblings and their families, to Nagcarlan, Laguna for our family summer outing. I absolutely love waterfalls and although this one is small, I love the fact that it's a twin called Bunga Falls.
JUNE Pundaquit, Zambales
My first (and last so far) experience surfboarding happened in Pundaquit, Zambales. I went there with my sister and my nephew. We were supposed to go island-hopping but the waves were too strong that boats were not allowed. We just went around the island, found a waterfall that I loved and also tried to surfboard. Failed. Hahaha!
JULY Corregidor Island
I went with my travel buddy nephew to Corregidor Island where we learned much about history. It was such a learning experience and I enjoyed the buffet that comes with the tour.
AUGUST Bohol
I believe that this was my favorite trip for the year. I had so many memorable experiences here. It was my first time to see the the Chocolate Hills, the tarsier, and many others. I guess it was also because the people I went with were really fun to be with.
SEPTEMBER Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia again
I was back in KL because I attended another youth leaders' meeting. We usually hold it in Singapore but this one was an exception.
OCTOBER Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, Camiguin
This is probably the scariest yet most thrilling trip of my life. My friend and I were supposed to join a tour in Zamboanga then side trip to Cagayan de Oro where I was visiting a family friend. However, the tour was cancelled because of a bombing incident in Zamboanga. We already purchased flight tickets (Zamboanga in and CDO out) so I decided to push on with the trip. It was my birthday trip after all. I just made my own itinerary and it wasn't that bad. But the scariest part was the 12-hour bus ride from Zamboanga to Cagayan de Oro, passing by Pagadian at night. There was zero visibility outside and the bus would be stopped every once in a while because soldiers with rifles would come up to check on us passengers. Scary!!!
NOVEMBER Albay and Camarines Sur, Bicol
My first solo trip was in Bicol Region, first in Albay to see the famous Mayon Volcano and to experience wakeboarding at Camsur Watersports Complex. I rode the Bicol Express train on the way there. The trip took longer than taking the plane but I was after the experience. I had the time of my life all by myself.
DECEMBER Coron, Palawan
I loved the sights in Coron. Everywhere I looked and clicked my camera, it seemed like it came from a postcard. We went island-hopping, snorkeling and even visited the Calauit Safari Park where I saw for the first time some animals such as the zebras and giraffes. I even scaled a mountain unprepared, taking about 700 steps to the peak of Mount Tapyas by myself. Tiring yet fulfilling.
Looking back, I remember all the wonderful experiences I had and I really hope to get to travel somewhere again soon. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed touring with me. I shall share some details of these trips in my future blogs. In conclusion, I really made it a point to travel within the country first to discover the hidden gems of the Philippines. Love your country, of course. Indeed, it is more fun in the Philippines!
