It’s been quite a long year yet it seems to have passed in the blink of an eye. I've spent quite a number of weekends and holidays outdoors - hiking, chasing sunsets, roadtripping, going to the beach, exploring little towns, trying out local dishes, and most of the time, simply getting lost. And as I look back on the past 12 months, I realized that I was able to visit 39 destinations in between my work and home life.
From the rolling hills of Rakuh-a-payaman to the laid-back city of Vientiane, these places have taken me to the far ends of the world and back. And as I continue to explore new destinations, I find myself pushing the boundaries of self-discovery.
Sometimes I still wonder what's the purpose of traveling and visiting all these places. Does it make me richer? What am I going to earn from this? Have I gone nuts? Then I remember stumbling upon this slogan at the Honesty Coffee Shop in Ivana, Batanes:
These words were enough to stop me from asking these senseless questions. Yes, to travel requires you to spend money and if you love traveling, you'll indeed spend more. I'm not saying that you should invest all of your money on traveling but with just a few hundred pesos in your pocket, it could take you to places that will open your eyes to a much bigger world. And the main purpose of doing it is what matters - the experience. You can have all the money in the world but in the end, you'll still be empty inside if you're not rich in experiences.
2011 has been a very very busy year and when I look back, I'm amazed on how far my journey has taken me and how richer I am in terms of experiences. There's so much to be thankful for as it has given me the opportunity to see these places and share this great odyssey with other amazing travelers. And before I welcome the new year, here's a short music video that I made to sum up the best of 2011.
Happy new year everyone! Let's pack our bags and see this world behind our walls.
Nice video :) More travels to come for 2012 :D
ReplyDelete-Biboy Ordinario, Adobo Photoshop
Wow! Ang dami nun para sa isang taon! Siguro kung di ako masyado busy sa work at kung anik anik e marami na din ako narating. I also love to travel kaya lang paunti unti lang muna. hehehe!
ReplyDelete39 destinations? wow! iba ka! hehe..
ReplyDeletehappy new year! babalikan ko ang cideo mamaya kasi blocked dito sa opisina. hehe
39? Nde mo pa ginawang 40...loko ka talaga...Idol!!! Sama ako sa iyo sa susunod ah
ReplyDeletecongratulations on all your travels for 2011! may you have more for 2012 :)
ReplyDeleteReading your post makes me want to go out and travel! I agree that the world is freaking awesome! :D There is so much to see and do in this world and one should travel while he/she is still young.
ReplyDeleteI wish that you will have more adventures to come this 2012. Happy New Year! ^____^
Congratulations! Reminds me that i need to write my own travel year-ender post. That quote is now my wallpaper. A good reminder indeed :D
ReplyDelete"You can have all the money in the world but in the end, you'll still be empty inside if you're not rich in experiences" - I agree, experience is something that money can't equal or be bought.How I wish I traveled a lot like you in just a year... For me, travel is an experience of lifetime - my travel blog slogan and a beautiful realization in every travels. Cheers for more travels for you in 2012!
ReplyDeleteAng kulit ng mga pictures nyo sa vid.. kaaliw! =)
ReplyDelete39 destinations in between work and home life in 2011... that's a lot! Happy New Year Alvin! Cheers for more travels this 2012! ^_^
ReplyDeleteandami! jampacked an jampacked ang 2011 mo. may you have more adventure trips this 2012!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! have a fruitful 2012!!
ReplyDeletei noticed how busy you were, heheheheh....more travels and even busier 2012 for you!!!
ReplyDeleteVin. Congrats for that 39 destinations that you have made last year. That was so awesome. Actually, I envy you guys that you traveled with that number of destinations, but on the other hand, it keeps me motivated to do what you're doing that makes you fulfilled. Passion, photography, to share your experiences in your journey to your destination, and so on. Hope that I could replicate what you did. To see the world behind the walls. Happy new year bro. :-).
ReplyDeletei totally agree with the travel quote... mabuhay tayong mga byahero/a! hehehe
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