Travelling has been a part of my life ever since I can remember. I was born in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao and when I was 5 years old my family moved to Bulacan which is only around 2 hours north away from Manila. (Just for those who might not be familiar..) Ever since then we have been travelling back and forth specially in the summer and when my grandma used to come home for vacation from overseas. Also, my grandma was originally from Cebu so we also visit there to spend some time with our relatives.
I can still remember when we used to travel by Boat like Super Ferry, it takes I think 3 days from Luzon to Mindanao back then. There was a time when we can only afford the cheapest economy cabin and had to bring food with us like- rice puso and chorizo barbeque. We also travel to nearby beaches at the back of a truck. We were just kids so we didn’t really feel uncomfortable or anything like that. Time has changed and so are the travel options, we can now travel more comfortably. Those were one of the moments that made me who I’am today. A part of me always wanted to go somewhere, anywhere as long as its a place I’ve never been.
It doesn’t matter if its just out of town, north, south, in Visayas, in Mindanao or abroad. It also doesn’t have to be in a luxurious accommodation or you visit all the tourist spots in that area.Travelling for me helps heal the mind, the body and the soul. Everybody needs a break, a time to be away and just relax. Find a beach, pick a spot and just get lost in the sky. Seriously this is what I do, I just sit and stare at the sky blankly. Its as if my world stops and I’m just living in that moment of complete serenity. Like I don’t even have to worry about work or anything else. (At least for that moment..)
It’s also nice to meet the locals, see how they live and learn about their culture and history. It’s the only way I can validate if what I see and hear in the news or social media is true. I was never the type of person that can easily be influenced or converted by what people say. I always dig in my core, I look for the good in the bad and the reason behind. You know when people say its greener on the other side, I want to go there first and see for myself if its true because most of the time its just all a facade. A good photo doesn’t always mean its a good life..
Don’t get me wrong, I haven’t been to that many places as you may think. I haven’t been to all the provinces in the Philippines either but planning to do so (as long as we can afford it..) but the more we travel, the more I feel alive because I’m being aware. I feel more connected to the world and the earth that we are living in. I learn not only the language but their way of life and I take all the good things I learn and keep it in my back pocket. So when I come home, I can practice it or make use of it to help me be a better version of myself.
If you have a chance to go somewhere you have never been (hopefully not work related), go for it. Even just for a day or two. It will be much enjoyable if you have someone with you but solo is also fine. When you find that sweet serenity, that spot where time stops its almost a magical moment, then you’ll know what I’m talking about.