Cliché. Overrated. Too commercialised. Overly crowded. Terms that I used to associate Bora with. (I’d like to believe that) I am the type who, as much as possible, avoids riding on bandwagon—the type who loses interest in anything exceedingly popular. And I think it is true most of the time.
It was nearly the end of 2015 and what better way to end it than to go back home for the Christmas holidays! Ok, I did not originally plan to be home in December 2015 because (1) I already went home in April that year, and (2) going home in December is a little bit expensive due to more expensive flights and because it’s a time of festivities and meetups and what have you.
It was supposed to be Batanes, one of my dream Philippine destinations, but because I wasn’t able to get flight deals (and because I am not willing to pay the regular price of the flight), I ended up booking for a flight to go to a Batanes-like destination–Palaui Island.
April 2015 (Summer–very summer!)
It was a one-way plane ticket to the hottest city (they say) in the Philippines, Tuguegarao, and then Jillian and I took it from there!
‘cause they’re the backbone of my existence; my strong support group. They are the constant reason that makes me nostalgic and melancholic while working my ass heart out and simultaneously daydreaming about traveling and seeing the rest of the world. While I have the means and opportunity to somehow feed my wanderlust, they don’t. And therefore, I made a silent promise to myself that as long as I can afford to, I want them to experience a part of my life—a life that I embraced while I was away from them. I wanted them to see and experience the places which I believe are beautiful and which I believe they would love to see and experience for themselves!
I am back with my red backpack!!!
That moment at the Monolith was all worth the scare and nervousness that I felt while climbing to be on top of it! It was an accomplishment, I believe. And as usual, being on top gave me a sense of fulfillment—that kind of feeling that I can’t explain to my mom everytime she asks me what I get when I travel, especially when I climb the mountains… that I always end up saying “happiness!” (full stop!) :)
**An entry to the 2014 Inspiration Travel Contest by WeSaidGoTravel.com.**
And I’m dreaming of home again… And when I say home, I refer to my birthplace, Zamboanga City. If you don’t know where Zamboanga City is, which is quite surprising (if you are a Filipino), I suggest you watch the news.
I should be ready for a fall…
*This is a guest post from a friend, Chad “Tsadiktus” Mercado*
When I was asked by my friends, whom I invited for this trip, on what we are going to do on the island, I definitely didn’t know what to answer, so I just said – “you know, the usual, appreciating mother nature’s beauty while reflecting on what’s currently happening with your life.” But seriously, there’s nothing much to do in the island, aside from the usual diving or snorkelling activity. So why did we still choose this place despite the expected long travel and hassle? Well, simply because the island itself, for me, is like a paradise, and i believe, beneath this island lies another paradise – the underwater kingdom, and above all these is our great paradise.
…stays together :)
Yes, I’m kind of feeling a little homesick right now… It’s been quite a while since the last time I’ve had a video chat with my ermat, my sis, my nephews and nieces. :/ Puro messages na lang via Facebook! Oh the problem with time zone difference!
So here I am, browsing some old pics, of old travel memories…
RESIDENT SLACKER 