“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” -Anonymous

Baguio-Bataan-Batangas-Bontoc-Boracay-Bukidnon-Cagayan de Oro-Caliraya-Cebu-Clark-Davao-Iligan-llocos-Iloilo-Liliw,Laguna-Lucena-Majayjay,Laguna-Nueva Ecija-Nueva Vizcaya-Pagudpud-Palawan-Pampanga-Pangasinan-Puerto Galera,Mindoro-Sagada-San Pablo-Subic-Tagaytay-Tarlac-Vigan-Zambales-Zamboanga

As I was pondering on my travel goals the other day, I was starting to feel disappointed because last year I only had the chance to visit two provinces for the first time namely: Nueva Vizcaya and Lucena.  Every year I would always set a major trip. Meaning, explore a strange land for the first time at least outside of Luzon. So I was looking at my list and sadly added these two. Not enough. Sigh.

Bangkok-Cambodia-Hong Kong-Laos-Malaysia-Singapore-Vietnam

On second thought, looking at my list I realized I have so much to be thankful for after all! I have been privileged to go around our country and other nations as well. Yet, there is still so much to explore. The Philippines truly is rich in natural beauty. No wonder a lot of foreigners come to visit.

This famous expression “it’s a small world” yet, how many fortunate individuals can say they have travelled around the world? If I had the luxury of time and money I would go to 10 countries in a year! Really, if there is one favorite advise I would always impart to people I meet, that would be “to travel and see the world; if not the world at least your country.”

31 provinces, 7 countries. Not bad. It makes me smile to look back and reminisce. But of course, I will not stop there.  There is still so many sights to see, oh so much more to see!

Since arriving to the Philippines a little over a year ago, I have been privileged to travel to the many beautiful parts of this country.  Here are some of the places (cities, provinces) I have gone to, and I can’t wait to travel more.  Photos to follow

Baguio City - Thanks Alice for your family’s hospitality!  This was our first major trip.  I enjoyed Baguio so much more because of the people I traveled with.

Pagudpud - We stayed at my mom’s ancestral house.  We fit almost 30 people there.  I’m from Ilocos Norte, but I’ve never been to Pagudpud.  What an awesome beach!

Vigan - I’ve been to Vigan before; my mom is from Ilocos Sur.  Some of my cousins live here.  We hired seven Kalesas to take us around.  We even landed in a huge zoo!

Batangas - Balai sa Laiya and Anilao.  Resort.  Diving.  First time diving.  It was great.  I want to do it again.

Cavite - It was more of a business trip, but I still enjoyed.  One client invited me to become a commencement speaker at their school graduation.  Another client invited me to become their keynote speaker for their Foundation Day.  Thank you for the gifts.  I didn’t expect it.

Lucena - Several times.  Vin’s uncle’s resort.  Amazing pool.  Great beach.  Great service.  Great company.  I want to go again.

Naga - What a ride!  From Manila to Naga.  Freaky, but worth it.  Especially in the middle of the night, not knowing where you are.  But we made it!  Friend’s graduation.  Friend’s father’s funeral.

Camarines Sur - Damn!  I gotta go again.  I went to do some wakeboarding was twice denied due to events.

Puerto Galera - Great beach, though it doesn’t compare to the beaches in Hawaii, hehe.  Still, I’ll go there again.

Boracay - Wow!  The beach is really, really nice.  I went there with a few friends, but it was just over the weekend.  Too short.  I can’t wait to go again.

I love this country.  There are so many beautiful places.  My brothers sometimes think that this is a “God-forsaken” place, and they envision chaos and ugliness.  I can’t wait for them to visit this beautiful island.