Thanksgiving break. Is it the holiday that most college fellows enjoy? Or is it just the few days in which they can escape the stress brought by school related work?

The school I went to gave us a whole week off from school in which many went to their respective hometowns. Some stayed on campus, and some decided to fly out of the country where they can experience a vacation ridiculously far from everything school-related.

For myself, I’m stuck at home which is just twenty minutes away from the university. The week-long break gave me a chance to think and realize that there are more things that could be experienced in such a short period of time. I was able to connect to people; friends whom I lost contact with for a very long time. I also got a chance to open myself up to new friends who, in a similar case, are stuck somewhere close to campus and are being chase by boredom—the international students.

There are a lot of take home exams and homework that would due right after the break, but yet trying to accomplish these school requirements is such stress-free since it can be done whenever, wherever within that week. Whatever tasks are at hand, the special day couldn’t be ignored which is the main reason for the week-long break in the first place.

So what’s so special about this day? According to Wikipedia, it’s a day to express thanks for one’s material and spiritual possessions. Do people really think that? I’m not sure. But for the sake of argument, I’ll speak for myself. Thanksgiving is a day when dinner, served in a neatly set dining table, ridiculously flows out from the kitchen. It is a day when everyone eats right after eating just right after eating. A day in which gaining five pounds is as easy as taking a shower. A day when relatives show up from distant locations. Is it that special then?

Yes, it is. I would say it is special because it gave me an opportunity to relax, to think and analyze things, to watch tv shows and movies I never get a chance to see, to talk to friends and meet new friends, and of course, to write this blog which I hope would bore the reader, not.

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.