37: Travel

I grew up going places - in that sense I was an army brat. Whenever my dad was assigned to places that weren’t as far off as Sulu or Basilan, my mom and I would follow. It also helped that both their families were in different provinces - my mom’s in Laguna and my dad’s in Negros Occidental. We were always going somewhere - whether for summer vacation, Christmas and special occasions.

I take joy in sitting by the window - whether of a car, bus or plane and looking out, of expecting, of enjoying. In that sense, I was patient. 

In a couple of days, I’ll be having my birthday. Can’t wait for my feet to take me somewhere. ;)

27: SCTEX

I grew up having to go to Baguio, Olongapo and Tarlac. Sitting through national highways can be such a pain. It usually entails the stress of criss-crossing through the supposedly two-lane highway, overtaking a 10-wheeler truck with a turtle pace and avoiding the oncoming vehicle - that is if there’s no traffic.  In comes SCTEX and everything’s a breeze. 

22: Baguio City

Most of my most memorable childhood photos were taken in Baguio. In fact, most of my birthday celebrations were spent in the summer capital because we always had to go up  in time for the PMA Alumni Homecoming. Growing up, I learned to hate Baguio. It seemed as if we do the same things all the time - worse, on the same date as my birthday. 

I stopped going to Baguio. I hated the city. It was too crowded, there were traffic jams, it was always the same… until I visited the city three years ago. I did things differently - I went to places I’ve never been to. Instead of having a ride, I took the local taxi cabs and I walked up and down Session Road instead of being dropped off.

I saw Baguio in a different light and it was then that I fell in love again with a place that means so much to me. This year, guess where I’ll be spending my birthday?

PHOTO BY EV ESPIRITU/INQUIRER NORTHERN LUZON

19: Bantayan Island

About a year ago, I found my way to an island in the northenmost tip of Cebu. What I love most about it were a couple of things so hard to find all together in one place: that the beach wasn’t overly crowded, the food came in large servings and tasted really good, the quality of service was good (most of the tourists were foreigners) and that all in all, the light and lovely atmosphere in the area made for a perfect vacation. In short, the place provided the luxury of rest I needed despite the fact it took several hours to get there.

2: The Beach

I grew up with families who have a love for the sea. My mom’s family usually heads down south - either to Batangas, Zambales or Subic for a quick trip to the beach. When we’re with my dad’s family in Bacolod, we have impromptu beach trips in the morning and have breakfast by the sea. Sometimes, when everyone’s up for it - we take road trips to Dumaguete. 

(Source: zoetropic.wordpress.com)