It's more fun in the Philippines!

Travelling! This is something that I really love to do. But who doesn't, right? I mean if everyone only has the guts and the resources to travel, why won't they?! ^_^

What do you get from travelling? Well, you get to see different places, different people and different culture. Sabi nga nila "mas lalawak daw ang pananaw mo sa buhay when you travel!" and I agree. Somehow, it gives you the feeling that this LIFE, this WORLD is BIG and that it doesn't only revolved around you. Siguro, somehow, nawawala ung pagiging self-centered! hehe

Anyway, marami pang benefits ang travelling! You get to take pictures para mai-post sa fb mo! hehe. And for me, na-develop talaga ung confidence ko. I was able to fight a lot of my fears, like fear of heights, fear of rejections, fear of looking like a fool (especially pag nawawala ka and you need to ask for directions), fear of taking the risks and a lot lot more! :D

My first "travel" was in 2003 (I think?), when I was 25 years old. I went to KL and Singapore. But since this article is about the Philippines, well, let's talk about my travel in our own country! It started in 2009 when I got out of a very painful relationship. A good friend introduced me to a guy friend who organizes travel in and out of the country. Because of my desire to really be "okay", I joined him and his friends and this is where everything started.

San-san na nga ba ako nakapunta dito sa ating bansa? Let's start from Luzon to Mindanao.

I've been to Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte (Vigan, Laoag, Baluarte, Malacanang of the North etc.), Baguio, Nueva Ecija, Baler, Padre Burgo Quezon, Naga City Bicol, Wakeboarding Center in CamSur, Bagasbas Camarines Norte, Calaguas Island, Boracay (been here 4 times), Bohol, Cagayan De Oro, Camiguin and Bukidnon. At sympre di mawawala ang Pampanga (where I grew up), Bataan, Bulacan, Manila, Makati, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Navotas (my husband's place).

I've also climb a few mountains such as Mt. Tarak in Bataan, Mt. Makiling in Laguna (take note Traverse hehe), Mt. Manabu in Lipa Batangas, Mt. Batulao also in Batangas, Mt. Sembrano in Antipolo and Mt. Famy in Sta. Cruz Laguna

So, let's start with my journey by showing you some of my pictures....

BORACAY!

I believe this is still the best beach ever. What to do here? Just like me, you can get a tattoo, drive a speedboat, snorkling, para-sailing, sailing, wall-climbing, watch the sunset and enjoy the night life. hehe!

BALER, Aurora!

Baler is located on the upper part of the Philippines. It's one of the best surfing spots in the country (together with La Union & Bagasbas). What's also amazing about this place is the journey coming here because you will pass by the famous Sierra Madre.

The waves are very nice, safe for beginners like me. However, be careful with the current. Make sure you dont swim pass by the safety line.

BAGASBAS, Camarines Norte!

This is where I did my first "surfing." Well, I know that this might come as a surprise, but do you know that I cannot swim? haha!

An old boss told me "Cristy, you are a dare-devil! How can you surf without knowing how to swim?" That's also my question. haha. But it's just basic surfing. Nothing to worry. The water is only up to my head. :D

Anyway, the first time we decided to surf, I was with 5 friends who all know how to swim! As we were listening to our instructors, my mind kept telling me "Cristy, don't do that! that's not safe! don't you dare!" However, there's this fire within me, saying "It's okay, face your fears, you can do it." I am not suggesting that you ignore safety issues, but be smart! Since the instructor told me it is okay, I decided to take the risk and do it! And no regrets. hehehe

CALAGUAS ISLAND!

The second most beautiful beach I've ever been to. The water and sand are perfect. There are only two negative things about this place. One is that there's no place to stay in the island. You have to bring your own tent and food. There's a caretaker who will allow you to use their comfort rooms, but don't expect that it will be clean and pretty. Second is that this island is very far from civilization. You have to take a bangka for about an hour. And I'm telling you, the bangka doesn't have any life vest and the waves are really wild. So, if ever you decide to go to this place, be safe. Better if you bring your own life vest!

PADRE BURGOS, Quezon!

This is where I first did "kayaking." It was a good experience because the water is just so quiet, very still. They also call this place "Little Palawan" and sure enough, it really looks like Palawan. Some of the people also do rappelling here!

BOHOL!

There's just so many things to see and do here. Seeing the Chocolate Hills brings me back to my childhood. It was surreal because I never thought that I could actually see something that I only see in books during elementary.

You can also see the Tarsier and Dolphins, have lunch at Loboc River and have dinner at Bee Farm. I also recommend going to Bohol Beach Club and of course eat a "sea urchins." I've tried it and it actually taste like a ripe mango. Yes! try it! :D

MOUNTAINS!

My eyes were opened to climbing in early 2000 when my grandfather died. It became my bonding moments with my sisters and cousins. It also helped me to fight my fear of heights and to lessen my so called "kaartehan." When you are in a mountain, walang c.r., walang ligo-ligo, punas-punas lang. hehe!

This is also a place where you'll really see God's creation in its rawest form. Sa bundok, walang ilaw, walang ingay. The stars will be your light and the birds will be your sound. It is a good place to bond with God, away from all the noise and chaos of the city.

There are a lot of mountains in other countries, yun lang, sa kanila either may snow or may wild animals! hehe. Kaya nga even sa climbing, it's more fun in the Philippines!

CAGAYAN DE ORO, CAMIGUIN AND BUKIDNON!

This is my first trip to Mindanao. Honestly, this is also the first time I saw a "Muslim" in person. Not knowing na okay naman pala. They are very nice and the place is very peaceful.

We did a lot of stuff here. We did water-rafting in CDO and it was "one-of-a-kind-experience." It was scary but very exciting. Grave! My feet were sore kasi isiniksik ko talaga sila dun sa boat para hindi ako malaglag.

Camiguin is such a beautiful island. Bukidnon is where I took my first "zip-line experience"! In fact, it was the longest zipline in the Philippines. It was scary but oh so worth it!!

There are still tons of places to go to like Batanes (sabi nila mas maganda pa daw ito sa New Zealand), Sorsogon (to see the butanding), Caramoan (maybe try wake-boarding? hehe), Cebu, Davao and Palawan. I am sure I will visit them all soon with my husband and kids.

So, are you convinced that it is more fun in the Philippines? YES! Of course! hehe!

Remember, what really makes our country beautiful is not only the place but it is the people!

I am proud to be Pinoy! ^_^