It’s been awhile since my last post but before anything else, I just gotta say this first: 2018 was freakin’ unbelievable! It was a very tough year for me but I realized and never expected that it brought me to a better version of myself.
Looking back, it has been an exciting year. Though I didn’t do much traveling this year what makes it wonderful was I focused on myself and learned something new as well.
It’s truly amazing to recall the moments of how I juggled my passion, my work, and my studies. I’m overwhelemed with joy and gratitude.
For the good and not so good, still always thankful.
Now as the new year creeps in, I would like to share with you my 2018 adventures and experiences. Yes, let’s catch up! And I hope my journeys will inspire you!
2018 Year in Review
January
A bittersweet start of the year…
CEBU. After a few months of suffering from illness, my grandma passed away on the 7th of January. It’s hard to let her go but I know she’s in good hands now.
After the 9 days wake, I flew to Cebu with friends for another great adventure – Sinulog Festival! We celabrated Sinulog together and explored some famous places in Cebu.
It was indeed a bittersweet January for me.
Here’s a recap of my Cebu trip:
My Sinulog 2018: Amazingly Fun Celebration
Cebu City Tour: 8 Destinations in 1 Day
South of Cebu Itinerary: Oslob Whale Shark, Sumilon and Simala Adventure
Explore Bantayan Island in Cebu, Philippines
February
Celebrated my birthday away from home…
MANILA. After about 3 years of not seeing each other, I decided to visit my older sister in Cavite, Manila on my birth month. But what really excites me was seeing my one and only niece for the first time. Can’t explain how happy I was when I laid my eyes on her. She’s so adorable!
Two days before my birthday, my sister treated me for a beach celebration in Batangas. And then, we spent my birthday in Makati. Before flying back to Davao, we spent some time in the Mall of Asia.
It was a simple yet extra special birthday celebration. π
March – May
Juggling between work and studies…
My goal is to learn something new each year. This year I decided to learn a new language, the Japanese language. I love anime and I’ve always dreamt of visiting Japan so I thought learning their language is a good start.
It was tough managing my time between work and studies but it was all worth it. This is what I want! I can do it! And I did.
June
Quick Getaway in Kaputian, Samal Island…
SAMAL. After three months of just focusing on my studies and work, I deserve a break. I’ve been to a few resorts in Samal island but never been in Kaputian. Found out about this resort in Agoda, the Island Garden Resort of Pangubatan, and booked it out of curiosity. A much-needed me time!
July
Quick Trip to Manila…
MANILA. I went to Manila for 3 days for some family stuff. It was my first time in NAIA terminal 4 and on my flight back to Davao I had food poisoned. Few hours after arriving at my home, I was throwing up all night. It was crazy!
August
My usual day…
Back to my usual day – work and studies! But of course, I took a break and joined the celebration of Davao’s Kadayawan festival.
September
CEBU. Went on a 3-Day trip to Cebu with my best friend and her husband. Our goal on this trip is to visit Simala — my second time and their first.
DAVAO. A week after my short trip in Cebu, we went to Davao Crocodile Park. Can’t remember the last time I visited this place but it’s part of my childhood. We’ve visited this place during our school field trips back when I was still in grade school.
October
Family time…
COMPOSTELA VALLEY. October was spent a lot with family. Three of my family members celebrated their birthday: my mom, sister and brother. I’m grateful that even if I spent most of my time at work and studies (will be taking the exam soon) I managed to spend some quality time with my family on their special day. Truly blessed!
November
BUKIDNON. The last time I went to Bukidnon is to climb a mountain for the very first time. Back in 2017, I climbed Mt. Kalatungan traverse to Mt. Wiji. Now, I finally went to the place that I’ve always wanted ( yes, it’s on my wishlist) — Dahilayan Adventure Park. Dahilayan is famous for its dual zip line. I’ve reserved my first zipline experience for this! haha!
CAGAYAN. After Bukidnon, we head on to Cagayan and experience the fun and exciting Seven Seas. Ahoy there! It was freakin’ hot but won’t miss to take a dip and scream my heart out on those giant slides!
December
My big wins…
On the last month of 2018, I’ve accomplished a few of my goals:
- I took the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test N5 Level.
- Completed the 9 days Simbang Gabi / Misa de Gallo.
- Launched a big project at work.
Overall
It’s time to start reflecting on my year. Thinking about how much I have accomplished in 2018 and brainstorm what I plan to accomplish in the following year. I want to continue challenging myself to set higher goals while applying the lessons I have learned in the past years.
Going by how 2018 played out, you bet that Iβm excited for what 2019 has in store for me.
How about you?
- How was your 2018?
- What do you want to achieve in 2019?
- What are your travel goals this 2019?
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