Have you ever had that haunting feeling of wanting to go somewhere else alone and rethink about you decisions in life? One weekend, I did.The impulsive travel was an attempt to go solo backpacking in Mindanao before I turn a year older this year. That, I chose Davao.

I was supposed to be taking the Civil Service Exam scheduled on the 6th of December concurrent with my scheduled trip on 5 until 7. I have told my family and friends the moment the news about the rescheduled exam went out that I won’t pursue my travel plans.

I booked the flight a week before the announcement and I indubitably turned the trip down thinking that I can always book another flight.

I was thinking that taking the exam was really more important until I could not access the online portal where the school and room assignment of CSC announcement should be.

Then, when I was on my way to Tarlac for my writer and photographer duties, it dawned on me that I need to be alone more than anything for the weekend.My flight was at 8:45 in the evening and I was home from Tarlac at 3 in the afternoon. I packed my bag with light clothes that could last for 3 days, my travel loot (when you constantly travel, you should have the basic necessities/toiletries already packed in a pouch), a book, a notebook, and a pen.

I also got with me my Canon 1100D partnered with a 50mm lens and my GoPro that were both barely charged.

I left the house at a little over four in the afternoon with only my cousins knowing. I sensed that they did not want to let me go but my stubbornness just cast its victory.

I didn’t know that the traffic to airport is at its worst at six in the evening so I had to haggle with the Pasay boys for a ride to the airport. Then they found a ride for me.

Had I not taken their offer of 300 pesos cut to 200, rode with a Muslim family (who are very friendly and are also running late for their 7 PM flight), and still ran for maybe 3 kilometers, I probably could have not reached the airport just on time for the final call for boarding.But I reached my destination safe and sound, didn’t I?

I hardly even had a hotel reservation more so an itinerary but I know I wanted to go to Samal island for a much needed rest.

So much for hopping in and out from the taxi just to search for a hotel to the next but I still had a good night sleep, though.

Before I slept that night, I momentarily searched for “Where to go in Davao,” but I didn’t know that my impulsiveness led me to feature worthy adventure.

Again, I have to assure you, I was alone but I was not lonely.