2025. It has been so long since I sat down and wrote down an interesting blog. So I decided to look into my drafts to check if there were unfinished posts worth publishing (after some editing perhaps). I found none. Most drafts were empty or were just simply forgotten. Then I stumbled upon this sort of reflective post for the year 2017. I scanned through it and decided and that is it good enough for publishing. It is bitin, but I think my lack of interest in blogging lately would more than make up for that. So here goes! I am hoping that once my personal affairs become more aligned, I may have time to travel, and write, once more.
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2017 was a turning point in my traveling year. It was the year of more laid back travels. Of carefully planned wanderings and deeper musings. It was the year of cutting ties with people who did not treat me well and a time of being grateful to those who did good to me. I got lonely at times. But when it striked, I encouraged myself to focus on what I have now and what I did not have in the past. Doing so helped me realize I am at a better position than I was in my childhood. Better than I was 20 years ago. Even so ten years ago. And at my best even just a year ago. With these, there’s no reason for me to stay sad for a long time. It would be such a waste of time, and very ungrateful to the heaves, if I did.
It was a time of self-reflection. Of ties rekindled and of strengthened relationships both with family and long time friends. I adopted a new kitty I named Pichi to accompany my Pochoy Pogi and our lone dog Popoy Baboy. I love them a lot and I hope they feel the same towards me even if I am not at home most of the time.
There were fewer travels. I’ve had a couple of solo trips and several tours with my closest friends. My solo sojourn to the majestic Siquijor reignited my love of solo travel. It was when I proved that I can do things even if I am alone. I was alone but not lonely. 🙂
My long awaited trip to Dipolog and Dapitan cities fueled the love for my country once again. Visiting Dapitan has helped me understand our National Hero even more. And it made me wonder how much have I really contributed to the positive growth of my native land. This trip made me dream to do more.
Later on, I found myself bonding with other kindred spirits when I traveled to Bataan, Antipolo and Cebu. But my most favorite travel this year was in South Korea. And yes, I fell in love with this beautiful country at first sight.
