In mid-2019, I remember getting on an 18-hr ferry ride from Bongao, Tawi-tawi to Zamboanga City without any idea of what I'm getting myself into. It wasn't part of the initial plan but things went south. It was the best if not the only option I had if I wanted to catch the rest of my plans in Sulu and Basilan. I don't mind getting stuck in the middle of nowhere as long as it's livable. Then, I realized that with my ticketless, last-minute entry in the ferry, I would be left with no bunk to stay in. My resourcefulness found an untouched empty box which I turned as a makeshift bed that night. It's worrisome to retell the story but back then, I was just grateful to have found a safe space in the country's most feared destination.
Although I started traveling as a way to cope with heartbreaks after heartbreaks (that's a lot of heartbreak!😅), I'm grateful I did so alone. If not, I wouldn't have discovered and truly immerse myself in my country's unfatomable grandeur.
- Filipino hospitality is topnotch - in countless solo backpackings I did in the past, I always get things for free: an overnight ferry boat ride from Sulu to Zamboanga, free meals with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, free tour guide courtesy of Basilan's Tourism Board (I'm not even an influencer!😅), free hot cup noodles from kids I met in another ferry ride, free meals with free-flowing alcoholic drinks in Mati, free hangar tour by a bunch of bored plane mechanics 😅, free entrance fee in Pusan Point, the list goes on. It's heartwarming to be reminded what a great country Philippines is because of its people.
- Break stereotypes - I would usually get a map and share with my mother where I'm heading next but for my ZamBaSulTa trip, I informed her when I was already onboard the plane that would take me to Tawi-tawi. She was furios but here I am wrting this piece reminding everyone we might've grown up hearing news about unrests in these places but it's definitely worth a visit at least once in our lifetime.
- Explore the underrated - It's only logical to explore the country's top destinations like Boracay, El Nido, La Union, Siargao but there's more to the Philippines than these top destinations. Each time I decide to go a little crazier with my itinerary, I'm always left speechless with what I discover.
Traveling has a way of renewing the soul; it's humbling and invigorating at the same time. So what are you waiting for? Pack up your bags and go! 🥰😁
Living life intentionally every single day, she believes that there’s no limit to one’s potential. Right now, she’s on the loose for the pursuit of endless holistic self-growth and development. She wants to light the way for others. She believes there’s no better way to leave a legacy than to pay it forward.
Her ultimate goal in life is to reach the state of enlightenment where there’s nothing but peace, love, happiness, and contentment - nothing more, nothing less.
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You have a brave soul.😊😊