“There is freedom in exploring especially when I encounter unfamiliarity. There is bliss when I see mountains and seas. There is sense of fulfillment when I reach new destination. There is sense of belongingness when I feel accepted by locals in an unknown community. Every new place I conquer, though it has already been discovered by many, is a new life because it is unique, and for me it is my discovery.”
Paved road going to Mapanuepe Lake
We may have different stories and beginnings when we heeded the call of wanderlust, but the moment we responded to the call, even if we have different reasons for choosing to be nomads, we already establish a common ground—we travel to heal.
Why did I say so?
I heard a lot of interesting narrations from travelers why they have chosen such to be part of their lives. Even ordinary people share their longing to travel and explore the Philippines and the world someday. Heartache is one of the many reasons though not the dominant one. In order to forget an unrequited love and pacify the pain, people go far away. They prefer to be alone and enjoy their solitude while traversing the seemingly unknown road, or sipping a cup of coffee or reading a book by the beach to mend what is broken and to find peace in their hearts and minds again. Some climb mountains and scream their hearts out at the summit to be relieved from the pain even just for a moment. Eventually, they healed and found new love in traveling.
For workaholics, they travel to unwind, get rid of their workload, and sometimes arrogant bosses for a number of days. So by the time they are ready to work again, they feel revitalized. Whenever workaholics feel burdened by work, they look forward to travel once more in order to heal their weak physiques. Little did they know that traveling is their weekly or monthly dose of medicine. Same goes for the sick— sunsets, blue skies, flying birds, mountains and seas cure them. Nature heals them.
A few people close to me look forward to traveling when they retire. And some want to file an early retirement for them to explore the world before the beauty of nature wanes. There are some in their 50’s and 60’s but still travel. Despite aging they travel, because traveling heals aging.
How about young professionals and students? How does travel heal them?
Everything went unexpected.
2010 was one of my most memorable years in terms of personal growth. I experienced to work for 25 hours when I dynamically participated in the much-touted national elections. I was supposed to pursue a graduate course in writing but chose to study law (my second choice). Two months after I enrolled, I got a job promotion. When I was both fulltime student and employee, I read at least 6-8 hours a day and only managed to sleep for 2-4 hours every day. Eventually, I got exhausted and left law school. I was very frustrated for I thought I abandoned one of my dreams. My friends, mentors, and two law professors convinced me to go back but I said I needed to rest. Then I spent one night writing a long feature story, specifying my reasons of leaving so people would end their harangues on why I ditched my dream.
I bought my first DSLR which I named Lala a week after the tempest about law school raided me. Then I contacted my friends to join me on my first travel that year. Amid all the frustrations and stresses I had, I unearthed peace on Puting Buhangin in Quezon in October. It was my first healing. The next thing I knew I was planning my next trip, reading travel blogs, starting my own blog and making pledge to myself that I would travel at least once a month and share my stories with people. Everything was like a breeze, I returned to my first love—writing—and discovered new life and passion in traveling and photography.
Then it suddenly felt like I was in a race.
After my first Quezon trip, I began mapping out travel plans. November was full. I visited La Mesa Eco Park, Bataan, Nuvali and Enchanted Kingdom of Laguna, Tagaytay’s People Park, and had my first climbed on Mt. Batulao in Batangas with new found friends.
I just woke up one day that it was already December—my birthday month. Getting accustomed to celebrating it, I invited my friends to join me in Subic and Bataan. I started with short and budgeted trips before I embark on long journeys which of course entail bigger funds.
I explored Quiapo, Intramuros, and Luneta Park when January 2011 came.
In February, I went to Zambales to experience Pundaquit beach during the less humid season. I also visited Pampanga to witness how giant hot air balloons float in the air. On its last week, I found myself sitting comfortably on a Deluxe bus going to Baguio for Panagbenga Festival and to be reunited with my two high school buddies.
From Baguio, we went straight to Sagada in March. It was a fulfillment of my dream. Eversince I was a college student, Sagada has always been my dream destination. It was when traveling felt surreal for the first time. But March didn’t end there. A week after my one week vacation, I tagged my brother and cousins to join me in exploring Anawangin Cove, Camara Island, and Capones Island in Zambales. Before the month expires, I discovered Puerto Galera’s abundant nature.
Holding a wild berry from Sagada
I realized that it was already April when I saw our neighbor’s yard filled with golden yellow petals fell from Golden Shower Tree (April showers). Summertime was exciting! On Semana Santa, I toured all 14 towns of Zambales and visited the church of each town as part of my Visita Iglesia. I also conquered 2 islands and 3 beach resorts. Magalawa Island was my new discovery. It was in April when I failed to attend my home province’s Dinamulag Festival, so instead of getting upset, I rode a cab to Manila Ocean Park. Same month, I met my fellow travelers in Corregidor Island and drew inspiration from them.
During my first solo trip in Magalawa Island
May didn’t come as a surprise. I knew I would have to spend it in Metro Manila as I need to save up for bigger trips in the coming months. But it was hard for me to keep work as my daily routine. I broke the cycle thrice when I headed to Antipolo, Marikina, and Batangas during the three weekends of May.
Rainy season started to beleaguer my plans when June arrived. Though most of my planned trips did not push through, I have had the best trekking experience when I vanquished the arduous 3-hr trek to Mt. Pinatubo together with a group of travelers on June 4, 2011. After, I treated myself to a very relaxing volcanic ash spa.
July and August were my coldest travel months. I only visited Malabon Zoo and didn’t go out of town. But the good thing about it was I was able to spend most of my weekends with my family.
September didn’t start good. I cancelled my trip to Puerto Princesa, Palawan due to work-related concerns. I think it’s already part of a traveler’s life—to plan and eventually cancel it to give way to other pressing matters. But it was pacified by a food trip in Binondo and an outline of my autobiography which I long to write in the future.
After tree planting activity of Center for Environmental Concerns (CEC)
I was counting the days before Christmas when October barged in. It was fast. Since all of my major travels were in Luzon, that time, I’d given in to my desire to conquer Visayas. I toured Bohol for 3 days. Finally, I can call myself a traveler because I had already boarded an aircraft.
I was back in Luzon in November. I got mesmerized and petrified at the same time with the story of Mapanuepe Lake in Zambales. I also entered the ancestral house of our late President Ramon Magsaysay.
December was very unprecedented and kinda expensive. I made it special. Aside from indulging into the buffet dinner at Shangri-la and dining in at various classy restaurants in Metro Manila, I also flew outside the country for 6 days for the first time. Macau and HongKong were my destinations. After my vacation and holidays, I noticed that my pockets were empty but I’m full inside.
Yours might be diverse, but that’s how I discovered my passion in traveling.
Senado Square, Macau
Students and young professionals have various reasons why we love to travel compared to those who got settled, had built their own families, and managed to have stable jobs but still travel. We, in a very broad perspective, are still finding ourselves and our niches unlike them who have already mapped out vivid paths to take. Rooms for growth are ahead of us because to say it bluntly and in most likeliness, we are still nobody or we are still carefree. So traveling helps to heal our cluttered minds for us to clearly realize our goals in the future. In times we travel—be it with our friends, partners, or we are alone—we are in our peaceful state. The more we travel, the more we allow ourselves to be in that state, the more we attract positive thoughts, and the more we gather strength—physically and mentally. Disparate from people who never really go out and wander, our dreams in life are more lucid.
I know that everybody wants to travel, but only few are brave to see the world beyond utopia. If money is what hurdles you, I always say that traveling is not about budget, it is about passion. You can always find ways to save and start traveling.
Let’s travel while we are young. To those beyond the boundaries of youth, it is never too late. Products of science are there to help you relieve that aching bones and muscles. Remember what I had written earlier that traveling heals aging. On the contrary, traveling heals the crispness of youth. It develops us to be mature individuals with a lighter and younger hearts, and tougher minds.
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and explore!
Very true, this is a very inspiring post @Roman and you really nailed everything. I also gave up my law school because I can no longer manage my time working and studying at the same time, and like you, I have limited time of sleep. I promised my self to ecome a lawyer before I die but now got frustrated, hehe.
After exiting the law school, I also read many travel blogs and this inspired me to revive my passion of traveling that became almost dead when I was still working and studying at the same time.
That’s why I can relate a lot with this post because I personally experienced some of the things you mentioned
)
Regards!
Thanks, Mr. Edmar! Do you still plan to go back?
I wish I have the same freedom (and the resources) to explore as you…
I know you can make up for resources. For freedom, it lies on your own will. Just learn how to keep the balance.
We will be traveling our whole life so let’s make sure that the places we visit are those that we really dream of reaching. Life is short and the world is so big to delay traveling. There is peace in motion and for me, traveling brings satisfaction even in solitude. I have traveled alone and with a group, and both are fond moments I’ll never forget…
“Life is short and the world is so big to delay traveling.” – I will always remember this.
We will all be travelling if we had a choice. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to give up work and stable jobs. Good for you.
All our decisions are our choices. And also, when you choose to travel, that’s not tantamount to giving up your work or your stable job. I’m sure one can spare a little of his time to step out and travel without giving up anything.
Thanks for dropping by!
inspiring post! luv the color and emotions in the photos:)
Thanks, Traveling Morion! I’m sure you also have inspiring stories to share when on the road.
Many would love to travel near and far but only few are lucky enough to fulfill such kind of passion mainly because, travelling entails much – time, which sometimes is too limited due to work and more importantly, money.
I’d say…you are very lucky that you have the resources to make this passion happen.
Thailand might be a good travel place for you. Traveling here is way less expensive and many good places to visit too.
Looking forward to read of your next travel destination.
I am looking forward to visit Thailand soon. I hope before the year ends.
Thanks for dropping by.
very inspiring article.
now I’m having a courage to travel alone to a much remote places and capture photos too 
thank you very much
You’re welcome and Thank you too! Would love to hear/read your travel stories.
God bless!
naka relate naman ako sa post mo! went to Phuket one time for a week alone for soul searching… sometimes in life we come to a point where we just want to be alone .. repeated it again when i went to Bora for a week. i just love the beach, it completes me… been travelling a lot too, kesa naman magmukmok kakaantay sa wala di ba? sayang ang time! so let’s explore and have fun!! hooray!! love your photos by the way, so dramatic and meaningful!
Thanks Violy! Haven’t tried traveling solo for a week. And you’ve done it twice. How was it?
I couldn’t give up my job because I’m still providing for my family being the eldest child. But, one day, when life/time/funds permit, I’d love to travel endlessly and see all the dream destinations I have in my very long bucket list.
Hi Elal, I’m the eldest too and I know how it feels to be a bread winner. It’s priceless when we are able to provide for our family, but sometimes it also feels like carrying the world’s burden. When I feel burdened, I travel. Like what I said in my previous comment, you can still travel without giving up anything– in your case, your job. Give yourself a reward while working hard for you family.
I hope we can travel together, if time permits.
Thanks for dropping by.
I thought about ignoring your post because it will definitely give me second thoughts about my current job. I really wanted to travel and explore the Philippines if not the world. But I am chained to my OFW life and I wonder if I could ever have the chance to travel. I read your post anyway so here I am pondering on your words. Hehe.
Hi Julie Ann. Maybe you have chosen to be chained. Remember, our current state is our choice, so I’m sure you’ll have your chance to travel if you only permit yourself.
Thanks for dropping by. I salute all OFWs! God bless you!
This is very inspiring post. This is one of the blogs I read the most. Ang tagal ko na rin di nabalikan. Good luck in everything you do and hope to see you on the road too.
Thanks, Chino! At least I know I have an almost constant reader. Hehe. I hope to see you too with other bagets.
I love your post. And of course this one.. – realizing that your pockets were empty but your full inside.. love it!
Thanks Sionee for taking time to read this.
It seems that you had a really great year … its always a good thing to know more about oneself … and travelling I heard helps you know more about you.
Yeah. It was really great, Kathy. And I am looking forward to another great year.
Thanks fro dropping by.
nice one roman…. na pa ouch naman ako dun sa mga reasons why we travel…. traveling around the Philippines and soon the world is one of my dreams in life… siguro nga these things come into our lives for a purpose…. traveling has gave me different point of view and widen my understanding about things.
I hope this will inspire more people to travel while they are still young and able. =D Cheers!
I have the same hope too, Ian. May you have more meaningful travels. Eh mukhang marami naman na judging it from your blog posts. Thanks for dropping by, again.
its more fun when you’re travelling! this is such a moving post Roman. travelling is not just about exploring and bragging your photos. Its about wandering, learning and gaining experiences so you have something to share and teach others. keep travelling and keep blogging!
Hi Maydee! Thank you for reading and for sharing your thoughts.
galing
this is so inspiring…buti na lang napili ko din ang daang “Traveler” habang bata p ako. nakaka-proud. kitakits.. pakita ka sa mga meet up ng bagets, maraming humahanga sayo kuya, isa ako dun 
Thank you, Ivan! I am humbled (for how many times na ata ko na nasabi to. hehe). Pag nakatyempo ako magpapakita na ako sa bagets. Marami rin akong hinahangaan sa inyo dun. Madalas ko naman basahin ang post nyo sa page sa mga blogs nyo.
Very inspiring… Hope I can travel a lot like you. Nice photos. You really inspires me with this. Hope to see and meet you
Enjoy each travel….
Thanks for the kind words. I hope to meet you on the road too.
God bless!
I recently returned from a trip to the Philippines. In planning my trip, my cousin who lives there encouraged me to read travel blogs and I came across yours. I enjoyed reading your most recent post as it defined your reasons for setting off on this journey of discovery and why you’re so passionate about it. For me traveling is to get away from the stresses that come with life and it included finding my roots.
Blessings to you and your travels
Thank you, Lyn! When did you visit Philippines? I hope you had a great time. Continue to travel so you be relieved from those stresses that come your way.
God bless you too!
“If money is what hurdles you, I always say that traveling is not about budget, it is about passion. You can always find ways to save and start traveling.” – Sooo true! This is such a great read, so nice to know more about you and your sentiments
I wish i can do what are you doing in your life !!
Very inspiring .. Nice shots..
My latest trip to Sagada made me realize how much travelling heals my soul and brings me closer to the Creator who crafted every breathtaking view I take in
Created by traveler, a photographer, and a writer–what a great blog you have here. You capture glorious photos of the places you visit. Congrats and cheers to more travels!
I am always proud of you migs in whatever you do. I hope one day you will come and visit the land of oz and explore its beautiful nature. I will be very happy to see you here and maybe You can join our family and travel together.
I wish u all the best and may God always be with you wherever you go.
I miss you my friend