2014 had been a great year to me in terms of travel and
adventure. We’ve been out for almost every month of the year enabling me to get
some respite from work, bond with friends and love ones and rejuvenate my
energy to face the demands of my job.
First off, we started the year with a climb in the majestic
peak of Mt. Pinatubo in January together with Kuya Ja & ate
Pearl, Jex & Jean, Rick & Antoi.
February was spent TWICE
in the north. First was around valentine weekend in Baguio together with Rafi’s folks followed by another trip to the
Mountain Province, specifically in Sagada
together with Andeng, Tin and Biteng.
March was Bruhildas initiation in Baler. It was my second
trip to the place but it was our first trip there as a trio. And it fanned
everyone’s desire to do surfing again and again and again. So it wasn’t the
first and only trip to Baler that we did for the year.
April was spent in the beautiful islands of Calaguas in
Camarines Norte, where we stayed for two nights. On our last day, we had a side
trip in Bagasbas where I did a bit of surfing again. :D
In April, the company where I work also treated us to an overnight stay in Pico Sands in Batangas.
May was spent in the beaches of Padre Burgos in Quezon, one
of which is the famed Borawan, together with Lowcal.
In June, Rafi, Andeng, Tina and Biteng gathered together
again for another road trip in Subic. We went to Zoobic Safari and Clark this time
around.
July was supposed to be spent discovering the Seven Lakes of
San Pablo City and Liliw but work commitments and typhoon halted the plans so
we moved it to August instead.
Also in August, I convinced Rafi that we spend the long
weekend on a trip to a destination less travelled. And so we packed our things
and braved the buses going up north to explore what Quirino Province has to offer.
In September, the girls went to Baler again to satisfy our craving for surfing, this time with Peiglet. This time around, we went to the breathtaking Dicasalarin Cove. There’s always something
new to see in Baler! Plus the great food - Baler longganisa, Kusina Luntian's liempo and paco salad! I'm drooling every time I remember it. I just hope they get to serve food faster next time. ;)
In October, we got to travel twice up north again. First was
with Lowcal in Ilocos Region and it felt awesome to go back to the place that
sparked my interest to travel to other Philippine destinations. It was also
great to see that there are more windmills now than when we first went there.
Pagudpud however is not the same pristine and virgin strip of beach that I
remember it to be. But I was still happy
that I got to try surfing here, and was able to do a couple of long rides
despite the challenging waves.
One of the brightest, greatest highlight of my 2014 was when
we finally got the chance to travel to Batanes, one of the ultimate travel
destinations in my list – precisely because not everyone is able to go here due
to its isolation, expensive transportation and unpredictable weather. What’s
more awesome was that we stayed there for a week, enabling us to be laid back
for 7 days but still do a bit of adventure as we went to Itbayat, the
northernmost inhabited island of the Philippines. We were told that not
everyone who visits Batanes is as courageous as us to brave the waves getting
there and some are also not as lucky as us since others get stranded in the island
for a few days due to bad weather.
November was spent again in Baler (my fourth time overall, and third time this year) with Andeng to celebrate her 27th birthday.
December was the most travelled month as we went to three
destinations. First was in Taal Pusod Conservation Center to spend my birthday
weekend. There is always joy and beauty to be found in simple things. No grandiose hotel accommodation nor luxurious food. But it makes for a perfect place to contemplate on things and be more grateful about all the blessings I received as I get a year wiser, sexier and prettier. ;)
Second for December was La Union with Bruhildas to satisfy our surfing craving again before we bid adieu to 2014.
Finally, we went to Tagaytay with the whole family as part of our annual Christmas / year-ender tradition.
And as last hirit for the year, Lowcal celebrated our annual
Christmas get-together in Parque Espana in
Alabang with games, exchange gifts and of course, lamon-galore. :)
ON OTHER THINGS THAT MATTERED IN 2014 :)
HOME
I have started refurbishing our tiny home in QC. The loft
now has its wall. The stairs have already been wood-ified. Shelf for
entertainment set has already been mounted as well as kitchen shelf. Next
project is to paint and install tiles, to be continued this year.
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
This year was a better one for the company. I’m glad that
our stress and occasional sleepless night had finally paid off this year. Thus,
we can smell bonus come summertime of 2015. Yay!!! :) What’s also great is that, I
am able to change my attitude now, thanks to workmates/friends who made working
in an ever stressful environment more bearable. I am not the whiner type and I tend
to work on my own but having people to share sentiments with from time to time
is a good way to relieve me of any heavy feeling I may have at any point in
time at work. These people also helped me to view things in a more positive
light. Regardless, I still hope that 2015 at work will still be kinder, less
stressful and filled with more blessings.
Add to this the small rewards and surprises that I received towards the end of the year. Happiness calendar entry and 70-day challenge participation come to mind. :)
LOOKING FORWARD TO 2015
2014 will be quite difficult to top in terms of travel and
adventure but I am hoping that my 2015 will still be filled with adventure. As
of this writing, we already have two international destinations lined up for
the year. So we’re currently saving up and preparing our visa for these trips.
I am praying that the weather, political situations, etc in these destinations
would all be conducive for travel. I am also hoping to be able to scratch at
least two new provinces off my Philippine map.
I also aim to lose weight this year as I have gained so much
weight in the past two years. Specifically, I wish to be at least 110lbs again
this year. Declaring this, so I get more pressured to fulfill it! :P I wish to be stronger and fitter too, so I can stand up that surf
board with more ease and grace the next time I go surfing. Hence, I will
combine diet and active lifestyle to make this happen. Perhaps I should add
running a 10k this year. Why not? J
Also, we got to save up for that car and wedding in the next
1-2 years.
Finally, go deeper and stronger in faith and prayer and thankfulness to the
Lord this year.
May 2015 be more awesome, travel-filled, healthier and
fitter, more abundant for everyone this year. J
