Ever since I started working, I have traveled to various countries–South Korea, Australia, Canada, Japan, and Indonesia, to name a few. It gave me a broader perspective on life. I got introduced to unfamiliar cultures, met new friends along the road, and explored the underrated cities. But, I'm going to tell you a secret. I haven't explored my home country that much, and it's such a shame.
You see, the Philippines has a lot to offer. From highlands to islands, from the towering verdant landscapes to the turquoise and cerulean waters. It was a personal choice not to explore my own country because I thought I had already known my home country. The truth is, I barely scratched the surface. Every region is unique–culture, language, and food. Years after years of traveling abroad, it felt I had become a stranger in my own country. Now it is about time to get reacquainted with my motherland. Together with my friends, I traveled to the north to visit the Ilocos Region, the hometown of my paternal grandfather. It's such a shame I don't speak their language, and my knowledge of this region is limited. Welcome to Ilocos Region, the best of culture and nature, and the heritage village of the Philippines.
