Sundown is my favorite part of the day. It has this melancholy tone that somehow makes me feel a little more in touch with my emotions, and nostalgic of my past experiences. No, I'm not trying to sound melodramatic here but sunsets, and its golden colors of life trying to bid goodbye to the blinding light of the day, make me want to just sit down and drink a hot cup of coffee, write poetry or read a book.

What am I trying to say in this post? Well I'm not quite sure yet. I just know that the most beautiful sunsets for me are the ones by the ocean and the one I see every weekend in front of my family's home. But ever since I slowed down writing on this travel blog, I've forgotten how in-touch I was with my feelings whenever I write or look at sunsets.



This week I bought two books to help me improve on my strategic thinking practice (which is my primary job at work). Last Christmas, two of my friends gave me each a book. And on top of that, I still have plenty more lined up for me to finish reading. I've put reading in the back burner for the past year. That's entirely my fault, and definitely not my job's. I've been procrastinating and I've been suppressing all my feelings. And while I'm trying to push things I wanna do for the next day or the next weekend, the sun continues to go down daily, not minding my emotions or my goals for the day.

You know one thing I've also been procrastinating on? My love life. Ha! I know it's cliche to write about this since it's Valentine's season. But seriously, finding love is so much more burdensome than finishing hundreds of books. I just don't feel like I'm the type of person who enjoys looking for love--as they put it.  Even though I tried to download this online dating app to meet new people, it just doesn't fit well with me. I either 1) unintentionally judge people by their online profile 2) completely ignore friendly people 3) feel burdened by talking to strangers. I'd rather chase sunsets in places I have never been.

I'm trying to tie all these together but I feel like writing this shit randomly, without any particular aim at the ending, is something I need to do right now. It's been a while since I've been this honest in my writing.

My life is not one exciting adventure after another. I spend more time fulfilling responsibilities and planning for my next big spend than looking at sunsets or working on my passions. I know there are many out there like me. Thinking about how much time they're using trying to survive than living happily. 

I'm starting to get old and all I can think about now is how much I've missed reading books and chasing sunsets--those things make me happy.  But I'm not particularly sad right now. The thing that's bothering me is my ability to ignore the things that I like/love. So I'm putting this thought here: I FUCKING LOVE SUNSETS, AND BOOKS, AND WRITING, AND FEELINGS. 

I will stop filtering myself when posting about my life. You won't see carefully curated posts in this blog anymore. I'm done sharing "travel only" posts. I want to be more honest with myself, and I think we all should be.

Thanks for reading. =P



If you want to see where I've been to, check out my other posts.

Ever since I was a young girl, I've always enjoyed moving my body. From dance to sports to cheerleading, I just find it really fun to have something to do that's not sitting or lying down. But nine years ago, I had to say goodbye to sports and dancing when I started working in the corporate world. I spent two-thirds of my life doing both and as soon as I hit my mid-twenties, I noticed a big change in my body that made me panic and feel scared.

I easily ran out of breath, my knees felt pain when I stand for too long, I felt heavier and my clothes just wouldn't fit me anymore. I needed to get back in shape.

I know it's important to accept how I look and not be influenced by ridiculous beauty standards, but I love my body enough to know that I must take care of it. And even though some workout felt a bit daunting at first (hello, circuit training) I learned to incorporate exercise in my life in a way that gives me absolute delight.

Yoga is Love. Boxing is Power.
I started practicing yoga more in 2012 and it helped me become better both mentally and physically. In a previous post I listed down the reasons why I loved it.  In 2014 I tried running (even though I used to hate it so much) and it showed me a different way of refocusing my energy and clearing my mind of stress. This year, to improve my endurance and build more strength in my muscles, I tried my hand in boxing and core conditioning. I feel empowered every time I box, just like when I danced in college.


I don't have a perfect body and it's really hard for me to develop some of my muscle groups. But this only drives me to work and play harder in the gym. My fitness journey continuously evolves as I grow old and the things I get from working out goes well beyond my physical fitness.

It excites me as much as traveling or eating and so I decided to start documenting my journey and share it to more people through my blog. Inspiring other people and close friends to start working out also gives me a kick--like I'm doing something with a bigger purpose in my life. ;)


You might think that I'm lucky to have enough time in my hand right now to regularly workout, but I wouldn't say that I didn't consciously decide on it. This is a choice that I put effort and time everyday. Taking care of myself is top priority, and for as long as I can, I will integrate it in everything that I do.

On my next post, I will share some of the gyms and fitness centers that I have tried in Manila. I hope you, too, will find a fitness program that you will enjoy and love. =)

In 2012 after a painful breakup, I packed my bags and went on a solo trip to Hong Kong with only one goal in mind: watch one of my favorite bands alone. And do everything on my own. Finally. I had no itinerary and no idea what I wanted to do so I booked a few weeks before the concert and went. What I experienced after that trip was so much more than I could've asked for. It was an eye opener.

Back then I was a scared mid-twenty who was so used to being with my partner or my friends when I go places. Without the company of other people, I couldn’t find happiness and fulfilment in my day to day.  I never truly enjoyed solitude until that short Hong Kong visit that became so much more than a concert trip. It was a turning point in my adult life that I’m glad happened in the right time.

Starting with that spark of courage, I slowly challenged myself into taking adventures without waiting for the company or approval of other people. I became more acquainted with myself which I never really experienced in the past 26 years of my life. Traveling and the thought of being in another place helped me a great deal in dealing with my personal challenges. Now I have been living independently; I'm no longer the scared girl who doesn't know how to enjoy life by herself.

Some people may not be interested in the prospect of traveling alone but in case you’d like to consider it, remember, you have quite a number of exciting revelations and helpful gains right in front of you when you go solo.

Going places helped me immensely as a person, and that's one of the reasons why I started this blog. 

You feel braver and you do get braver
There will be times when you don’t know what you’re doing but you’ll eventually feel that it’s okay, to fail and to still try--that a little surprise is not that bad. Gain experience and sooner you’ll no longer feel afraid.

You get to meet some wonderful souls
One thing’s for sure when you’re traveling alone: you have the perfect opportunity to meet people who would want to talk and be friends with you because they also long to interact with someone. And you will be amazed by their stories and experiences. Learn from them.

Banteay Srei, Cambodia

Preah Kahn, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Things and people inspire you to be your best and go take on more adventures
Have you ever read or heard stories of adventures and misadventures from other fellow travelers? Exciting, right?  And inspiring, too I must say. Sometimes you’ll start imagining yourself taking the same trips and paths that they’ve had. You never know: the next person you meet might change your life.

You gain wisdom, patience and endurance
When you travel you become more humble and realize that there’s a number of things bigger and more important than your own worries. You also become stronger in determination and spirit. And how you deal with every situation thrown at you add up to the treasure of learning you can use for the rest of your life.

Golden Palace, Thailand

You get to try awesome food and activities, and see places that will take your breath away

There’s a reason why UNESCO declares several wonders of the world. The earth is a wonderful planet, and to stay rooted to one place all your life is such a shame. We are extremely lucky that diversity and cultures exist in our lives. 

You collect some amazing memories you can share with your family and friends
Wouldn't it be amazing to be able to tell many stories to your friends and family about things you've seen and try outside of your comfort zone? It feels great to inspire other people to take their own journeys and adventures while they’re alive.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand

You get back to your home with a renewed energy
Nothing beats stress and fatigue more than a long and nice vacation. It works, every time. The feeling is like no other that's why traveling is quite addicting.

You become a part of something truly beautiful in places that you go to
If you think there’s no point in busting your ass to work everyday, just imagine the places you can go to because of your hard-earned money. In my opinion, that’s enough reason to keep you going forward in life.

Geo Park Hong Kong

Philippines

You discover something new about yourself that you’re not aware of
Sometimes we’re so preoccupied by our work and social activities that we no longer have enough moments to be alone and introspect. When you travel alone you have plenty of time to talk to yourself, challenge yourself and depend on yourself. And the revelations will come out one by one much to your delight.

The excitement of doing something is magnified three times or more
There’s absolutely nothing that can excite me more than traveling. Nothing. Not even the prospect of a new love or relationship. 

Central Police Station, Hong Kong