Category: Personal

2017 is my year.

The “On this Day” feature on Facebook reminded me that last year, I promised myself to travel the world, and I somehow, semi- did. I have been to ten countries this year and I even went twice to four of them. I literally rode a plane every month; and weekly on March, August, and November – that people were asking what kind of job I have.

I am still with NOAH, still one of the information officers, still enjoying the company of my officemates-turned-close friends. Yes, still, despite the constant nagging of people telling me to find another job, or recruiting me in their companies, or offering me other jobs abroad. Still, because sometimes, we choose the one that would make us happy, safe, protected, and loved.

Those choices made me lose opportunities, it sometimes kept me up all night, God, they even made me want to completely shut down; but still I started every struggling day with a smile telling how cruel the world is. Yes, “Good morning, cruel world, I’m gonna slay today” was my morning chant. It helped.

It helped me through my social anxieties, through my sadness, through my depression.

Depression is the ghost under my bed. It is the shadow that kept me up at the rooftop of my apartment desperately asking the stars for someone to talk to. Depression is my dark side that I keep on fighting against, constantly telling it that it will never beat my being because I have friends, I have my family.

However, I now accepted that even with all the love flowing from my family and friends, I always have to fight the dark shadows alone. I always win the fight, though. I can easily escape it. I finally know how to deal with its demons. I never let it overwhelm me, even if it meant constantly reminding myself that it is not because I am 23.

I actually busted the idea that being 23 makes you feel the worst. There were also accounts of anxiety attacks, but I didn’t hate my year.

This year, I was literally in places I never imagined going. I brought my younger siblings and cousins to Cebu, the oldies in Bohol, my Mama in Korea, but most of my travels, I was still alone. That didn’t change just as I have predicted this day last year because I need to channel my strong independent woman image *laughs*

But, whatever.

I am so close to saying “to more travels in 2018” but I guess next year is for self-care, recognizing self-worth, and being selfish if necessary. Next year would be dedicated to getting rid of the demons inside my head, to throwing away the dread of opening up to my friends, to shedding every bit of those anxieties of going out with other people, and to finally disposing those reservations when someone wants to know me better.

2018 will be a yes year. I will try harder to saying yes to things that scare me. I will say yes to people asking me out for drinks and late-night outings. Yes to becoming better physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Yes to more opportunities. Yes to life challenges, and yes to whatever that makes me happy.

Here’s to wishing that everyone will do the same. Let us all continue to fight the battles we can win with God’s guidance and grace.

---

YEAR-END REPORT

Countries I have been to:

• South Korea (March and December)
• Singapore (February and March)
• Malaysia [Johor Baru, Kuala Lumpur] (February and March)
• Thailand [Hat Yai, Phuket, Bangkok]  (February and November)
• Taiwan (August)
• China [Shanghai] (November)
• USA [Hawaii and San Francisco, California] (November)
• Canada [Vancouver]  (November)
• Vietnam (December)
• Cambodia (December)

Local places this year:

• Antique
• Apayao
• Bacolod and other parts of Negros Occidental (Cadiz Cityyyyy x Lakawon!)
• Bataan
• Bohol
• Calaguas
• Cagayan de Oro
• Cebu (City and South)
• Eastern Samar
• Guimaras
• Ifugao
• Iloilo
• Kalinga
• Palawan (Puerto Princesa)
• Roxas
• Sagada
• Southern Samar
• Tacloban
• Whole of Region 2 (yes friends, I am from region 1 but I haven’t been to most of Region 2, haha)
• Zambales

What I acquired:

• Huawei P10
• Fujifilm Xt20
• Travel gears
• Fats and chubbier cheeks

---

2017: Young, contented, financially-unstable but wise on saving and spending. Thank you, 2017. It has been so great. *throws hearts*

One item in my bucket list is to bring my brothers and cousins to any local destination. Last June, I did.

We were not complete, though because my youngest brother chose to complete his hours of hospital duties (he’s a nursing student) than come with us; which was fine but I bought the plane tickets to celebrate his birthday.

In his absence, we took photos with our old photo instead.

I was in Cebu last year but I went North. This time, we headed South where there are more adrenaline rush for adventures and a weaker internet connection. It did not dismay.

Day 1: We reached Cebu City at 1 in the afternoon. If you don’t want to carry those heavy bags while touring around the City, walk to Traveller’s Lounge. It’s near where the bus stops in SM City Cebu parking lot. Pay Php 50 storage fee for all those bags.

After we left our bags, we headed straight to Larsian for grilled [sea]food.

HOW TO GET THERE:

I don’t know how to get there if you intend to commute but the cheaper way is to:

• Take the airport shuttle bound for SM City Cebu
• Book an Uber or ride a taxi to Larsian

From Larsian, I booked another Uber to J Centre Mall where we could get habal-habal going up to Temple of Leah. But our driver, upon hearing that we’re headed there, agreed to drive and wait for us for Php 600. A better catch because I have to pay for Php 550 for three habal-habal given our number.

Our Uber driver even agreed to drop us off in Magellan’s Cross.

After getting that fresh Avocado drink near the church, we hailed a cab back to SM City Cebu to get our bags and took another cab to South Bus Terminal. We rode a bus bound for Badian (Look for Ceres Bus with signage ‘Bato via Barili’).

I’ve coordinated with Badian Lodging and Tours two days before our trip and the owner agreed to give me a discount for Php 350 each per night (should have been Php 400). I could not ask for more. The room is air-conditioned and it has its own CR!

Wallet damage: Php 8, 745 ~

• Php 125 – Shuttle bus from Airport
• Php 800 – Larsian Lunch (for 5 people)
• Php 50 – Bag drop
• Php 600 – Uber
• Php 6, 300 – [350 each x 5 x 3 days]
• Php 870 – [174 each from Cebu City to Badian]
• Unaccounted: Uber and taxi rides

Day 2: It was the most exciting part of our trip because Canyoneering!

We had to wake up early, though because the tour organizers (Badian CEBU Canyoneering) arranged everything for us. I also recommend their service because Chris and his Papa (omg guys, I forgot his name because you know, I have this short-term memory) were so friendly and they were really after our safety.

You have to sign a waiver first and there’s a briefing before the activity. This is what it looks like:

Here are some of our photos:

Watch my crappy-edited video here. Bonus is how I fail in life *laughs*

We were not able to go to Osmena Peak because we were so tired but I suggest you also do that tour. The same organizer can accommodate you with that.

Wallet damage: Php, 9,400 (Php 1,500 each for the tour + Php 400 for the lunch).

Day 3: Pescador Island Hopping

I’ve coordinated with another tour organizer here but the service is just the same. We went Snorkeling/Diving + Pawikan Chase + Sardines Ruuuuuuun ~

Our trip ended at 10 in the morning so we had enough time to buy lunch and rest for a while. We went back to the City at 1PM.

Wallet damage: Php 2, 990

• Php 2, 500 – Pescador Island Hopping Tour
• Php 490 – [98 x 5 people]

That’s basically it. ~

---

Photos were taken using my GoPro Hero 4 and my Huawei P10 xx