My Wander Adventures in My 20s [PART 1]

My Wander Adventures in My 20s

Today marks the last day of my 20s. Tomorrow I will wake up celebrating my 3rd decade in this world and I couldn’t be any more grateful.

So, I decided to sit down and look back at all the memories I had in my 20s. There were a lot of challenges, so many highs, and lows, but I made it through and I’m so proud of the person that I am today.

I’ve started this blog when I was 27. Since then, I haven’t been really that active in documenting everything. I still doubt myself and feared I’d be judged. But sometimes, you just have to do it because it’s what you love.

In today’s post, it’s all about me and my adventures. The 20s has been the most exciting decade as I was able to wander and experience the real-life after school.

Because I know it’s going to be a long post, so I decided to divide it into two parts. So, let’s dive into the first part!

My Wander Adventures in My 20s

20

Not so many adventures this year since my world runs around school, studies, and doing tons of projects. I’m on my last year and I’m working my butts off so I can graduate college.

My only treat (when I get a chance) is to unwind at People’s Park which is not too far from where I’m staying. And my only getaway is when we went to Villa Margarita, a resort in Toril, Davao City, to celebrate a successful project presentation with the entire class.

21

I graduated from college and that’s my biggest accomplishment so far.

Job searching ain’t that easy for a fresh graduate like me. It took me probably a month or two to finally land my first job. But 5 months after, I quit and started working from home as a Virtual Assistant. And my life of travel begins!

My adventures started with a day trip to Davao’s famous Crocodile Park with my colleagues. (Sorry not a fan of taking photos at that time. hehe)

After that, I had my first overnight stay in a resort. We went to Paradise Beach Resort in Samal Island.

my wander adventures at 21 - Paradise Beach Resort
Paradise Beach Resort in Samal Island

Which followed with my first ever flight going to the beautiful Cebu! From Mindanao to the Visayas region! I can’t imagine how excited I was to finally be in an airplane and wander around Cebu city. Places I’ve visited include Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark, Cebu Taoist Temple, and Tops Lookout.

Day Tour Adventures in Cebu 2011
Day Tour in Cebu: Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark and Plantation Bay Resort

And lastly, I went on another overnight stay in a beautiful private resort in Samal, the Chema’s by the Sea.

Wander Adventures at 21 - Chemas by the sea
Chema’s by the Sea in Samal Island

22

Since I started a career working from home, I’ve decided to move back home. I’m new to this field so I spent most of my time learning and getting the hang of what online stuff was. (I’m proud to say that until now, as I’m writing this, I’m still working for them.)

I’ll never forget when I first experienced a strong typhoon which severely affected my hometown and the people’s livelihood (my family included).

But of course, I went on some trips as well. I visited Paradise Beach Resort and Chema’s by the Sea but this time just for a day trip.

The highlight for this year would be my first trip to the Philippines’ capital city, Manila! From Mindanao to Luzon! It was just a short trip but it was amazing. We stayed in Makati city just in front of Greenbelt 3. This trip was mostly spent visiting different malls. We went to (of course) Greenbelt malls(1-5), SM MoA, and Powerplant Mall.

First Manila Adventures at 22 in Makati City
Wander around Makati City on my first trip to Manila.

Also, this was the time when I started using Instagram. Follow me @mywanderstory.

But just a few days before I turn 23, I went on another overnight stay at Hof Gorei Beach resort in Samal.

Travel at Hof Gorei or a Weekend Getaway
Hof Gorei Beach Resort in Samal Island

23

Because of the typhoon, I have to move back to Davao city so I can continue working. Since Bluejaz Beach Resort and Waterpark is very accessible to my apartment, I set my first adventure will be at the resort with my family.

I also had the chance to experience staying in one of the famous hotels in Davao, the Marco Polo, for the first time.

Travel and stay at Marco Polo Hotel - Davao City
The Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City.

The most memorable part of this year is joining a family reunion with my mom’s clan. It was held in New Corella and we visited a waterfall that’s very popular with the locals.

New Corella waterfalls
Famous waterfalls in New Corella, Davao del Norte.

Took some time to unwind overlooking the city of Davao at Jack’s ridge with my cousins.

Jack's Ridge Resort and Restaurant - Davao City destination
Jack’s Ridge Resort and Restaurant in Davao City

Lastly, went to Villa de Mercedes with my best friend and his boyfriend (now husband). Yes, I’m third-wheeling. haha! I couldn’t be any more grateful to this couple.

Villa de Mercedes in Davao City
Villa de Mercedes in Davao City.

24

Another accomplishment! Passed the Civil Service examination. So I am now eligible to work for government agencies. ๐Ÿ™‚ (But sadly, I never used it.)

For the first time, I joined some festivities in my home town, the Araw ng Compostela and Buganihan Festival.

Araw ng Compostela and Buganihan Festival
Araw ng Compostela and Buganihan Festival

I went to Surigao del Sur to visit the famous Britania islands with my family and relatives to celebrate mother’s day.

Surigao del sur - Britania Island trip

At 24, I learned and start loving photography. I’ve been practicing for a while. And then, a close friend of mine asked me to take their prenup photos. I’m not sure if I’m ready but I said yes! My first engagement photoshoot happened at the beautiful Costa Marina Beach Resort in Samal. It was entertaining to shoot your friend with your dear friends as backups.

Trip to Costa Marina with Friends
Costa Marina Beach Resort in Samal Island

I went on a weekend getaway and tried the newly opened resort in Samal, Secdea Beach Resort. I had my first amazing jetski experience that totally burned and damaged my skin. It’s no longer just a tan line. haha! Going on a jet ski for two hours with no sunblock in the middle of the day was not a great idea but my excitement prevailed.

Secdea in Samal escapade
Secdea Beach Resort in Samal Island

Another exciting adventure shared with my dear friends from high school. We went to Eden Nature Park. We had fun playing and riding a horse.

Eden Nature Park in Davao City - Adventure with JIRLDMS
Eden Nature Park in Davao City

It was December and me and my family decided to go on a quick getaway at the nearest inland resort in my hometown called Junora Family Inland Resort. We rarely do this so it’s something I’ll remember forever.

The Best Year Ever!

Before 2014 ends, I went on a week-long vacation to the most popular tourist destination in the Philippines, Boracay Island. We welcomed 2015 in a crazy fun way. DJ on stage, girls pool dancing on the side, people hopping to the beat, and of course the countdown and fireworks. We love the beach, the clear water, and the relaxing and fun vibes there. Note that if you go there in the month of December, make sure you have an extra budget since most prices increase. Its a peak month!

Boracay Island - Famous Tourist Destination in Philippines
Boracay Island Adventure – Famous Tourist Destination in the Philippines

Alright, days before I turn 25, we went on an exciting island hopping with my friends. It was fun sharing that experience together with my friends and our love ones.

Island Hopping Adventures in Samal with Friends
Island Hopping in Samal

Overall Adventures

The first half of my 20s was indeed filled with so many first time experiences and few accomplishments. I get a little teary-eyed writing this. It reminds me of the people whom I should thank for all these experiences. More wandering and exciting adventures in the second part. So make sure to check out my wander adventures in my 20s part 2!

Also, most of the places mentioned here were not documented so if you have any questions, I’ll try to answer everything.

I’d also love to know what’s your most favorite adventures when you’re in your 20s! Please leave a comment!

One thought on “My Wander Adventures in My 20s

  1. In my ’20s I experienced the amazing adventure of backpacking alone in Eastern Europe before the fall of Communism. But that was more than 30 years ago…medyo matagal na

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