2021 - Still A Work in Progress

2021 was indeed a rollercoaster ride. I know it sounded like a year-end cliche, but it's true. I have so many things on my mind, but this year was like a series of life lessons. 

A Short Staycation At K Lebrix Lakehouse

Since last year, it has been a tradition of my close colleagues to organize a getaway somewhere far from the metropolis. You know, as self-proclaimed food adventurers we are, it's one of our ways to destress aside from discovering new coffee shops, restaurants, and bars around the area.

And off we go to the place I've never heard of before. I was excited because it's been a while since I've embarked on an adventure, especially in this crazy post-pandemic era.

Four Years Ago

Okay, hear me out. It's hard to update this travel blog regularly for obvious reasons. I have written more posts on my (personal) blog this year! Today, before I went to work, I found my old external hard drive. It's where I store all my raw photos and videos from my travels from 2014 until late 2019. Since I still have unpublished and unedited photos, I started browsing the 2017 folder. 2017 was so special to me. It was the year I got transferred to Davao, finally got tenured at work, and visited Sydney for the first time, one of my favorite places in the world. Man, I miss my old life. 2017 feels like four decades ago! Those were the days when I'd message my friends and alert them about an ongoing seat sale, read all the travel blogs to formulate my travel itinerary, and watch some travel vlogs on YouTube.

These are some photos I've salvaged (LOL) from my old hard drive and post-processed on Lightroom. I am 100% that I haven't published these on any of my social media posts.

COVID-19 Recovery: The Outlook of the Philippine Aviation Industry

In 2019, the aviation sector of the Philippines was at its peak. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) recorded 737,812 aircraft movements that year alone. It was attributed to the increasing flight frequencies to both international and domestic sectors as more airports cater to the needs of the flying public. As an archipelagic country, it added connectivity around the Philippines, making it even smaller. The aviation sector was gearing towards a brighter and promising future, full steam ahead.

Ilocos Region: The Adventure to the Great North

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 much, and it's a shame.

The Philippines has much 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 traveling abroad, it felt like I had become a stranger in my own country. Now it is about time to get reacquainted with my motherland. With my friends, I traveled to the north to visit the Ilocos Region, my paternal grandfather's hometown. It's a shame I don't speak their language, and my knowledge of this region is limited. Welcome to the Ilocos Region, the best of culture and nature, and the heritage village of the Philippines.

Legazpi Village, Makati City: Through The Eyes of 7Artisans Lens

Okay, I haven't been updating my travel blog for two reasons: One, there are still travel restrictions around the Philippines, and there is nothing we can do about it. Traveling isn't the best thing to do right now, especially in the middle of a pandemic. And two, I have already finished writing and editing all of my backlogs from my previous travels.

Anyway, this post isn't just for the sake of updating my travel blog, but this is something about rekindling my passion, and that is writing and photography.