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Published: June 26th 2017
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My 6 months in Philippines and what I will miss… The saying never gets old, that time really flies by. Somehow, in a blink of an eye, my work assignment in Manila is ending. Truth be told, I hardly experienced Manila outside of my small comfortable bubble called Bonifacio Global City (BGC) where I both work and live in. I’m either spending precious weekends doing what I love, going for day treks somewhere nearby or taking short trips to see what’s beyond the bustling city of malls and congested traffic. That said, the past 6 months have still been more than fulfilling, as I did activities I loved, cumulating to a rich experience which felt so fun-filled and overwhelming!
On the professional front, I remembered feeling apprehension before starting a new role in a new environment, a little lost initially, and slight confidence shift especially coming into my final rotation in the work program. But of course that picked up along the way with the help of amazing and friendly colleagues. Now, I’ve never felt more self-assured ever since I started working! On the personal front, I recalled having a to-go/do list at the start, striving to tick off
places which I wanted to see. 6 months in, and I definitely have no regrets on places I’ve not been or things I’ve not done! With the numerous opportunities to travel, these are the trips I’ve made:
1. Tagaytay A quick escape to relative high lands whether heavy traffic and constant car honks are replaced by cool crisp air and cafes overlooking Taal Volcano. This was my first trip out, solo, and I will remember it for the refreshing view and kids’ laughter at Sky Ranch Amusement Park.
2. Mount Pinatubo Another day tour, this time to the legendary volcano which last erupted less than 30 years ago. Though the final destination: volcanic lake was not as impressive as I thought it would be, the trek in was interesting with a varied international group. I will remember this most for the incredibly dusty and bumpy 4x4 drive through the large lahar field, and the landscape of the whole area.
3. Banaue / Batad A long weekend trip with Steph when she visited, Banaue and Batad were revitalizing, not just for their remarkable rice terraces, but also for the peacefulness of the whole place where
we could spend the entire day just letting our minds down without worrying about anything other than what’s for the next meal. I will remember this trip for the most beautiful sunrise when we first reached, the afternoon walk along the rice terraces and just staring into one of human’s most incredible creations. And yes, Steph’s muddy shoe when she stepped deep into the muddy rice field accidentally. :D
4. El Nido, Palawan Palawan island was top of my to-go-list and it didn’t disappoint a bit. The journey to El Nido with JX and Cindy though, took a good 8 hours of flight and road journey. El Nido was really pristine beauty, with clear blue waters, limestone cliffs and a small town lined with several restaurants and shops. My only hope is for it to continue retaining its rustic feel and not develop too quickly like any other touristic beach town. What I enjoyed most were the day island hopping, swimming and snorkeling at the many islands, chilling out on the tour boat, walking care-freely in the town and climbing the Taraw cliff for an unmatched view of El Nido town, something I would totally do again when
I visit the next time.
5. Subic Bay, San Antonio Steph visited again and this time round, we rented a car and drove up North to Subic and San Antonio, where we did island hopping to Camara and Capones islands and Anawangin Cove. The drive itself was rather scenic with views of mountain ridges in the north and coastal views after heading west. We had a relaxed stay in Subic where I was impressed with the city’s orderliness (unlike Manila). The memories I’d take from this trip are getting fined for speeding on the highway (!!), taking the small and narrow motorboat once to the choppy seas, having the most amazing BBQ meal at the Anawangin Cove campsite, and roaming by Subic Bay. Texas Joe’s House of Ribs dinner puts a sweet end to the trip.
6. Boracay Back in Bora for a 2
nd time but it still blew me away with its charm. Remarkably clear blue waters by the beach, buzzing with activities and nightlife, with a sense of ‘you’ll never get bored here’. What makes the trip memorable was the company of friends in this incredible place. This was where the hashtag #sixinbora was
born. I will remember this trip for the crazy things we did and the fun we shared: banana boat, jet ski, flying fish, drinks and cards at night, café chilling, go kart, getting henna tattoo, dinner by the beach, playing in the pool, and reverse bungee. Yes, the last activity topped it up perfectly. It’s been a long time since I did something for the first time. In fact, it was all our first times. One which made me realize that expectations of fears are often over-amplified, and that I am actually much more courageous than I think I am. Bungee jump / sky-diving next!
7. Mount Pulag Pulag was sitting on my list right from the start and I’m so glad that it happened, more so because it was with my siblings who flew to visit. We were blessed with perfect weather for the entire trip, from the drive both ways, to the entire climb. This trip was really more about creating memories with my siblings on our first ever climb together, than about the destination itself. It was nothing short of fun, laughter and being kids all over again. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and
these are memories I will recall most fondly: Playing spyfall while waiting for bus to Bagiuo; top-loading the jeepney enroute to the national park; running across the crazy long hanging suspension bridge; helping local farmers with carrots harvesting; reliving childhood memories with food from the past; sleeping like logs in the guesthouse; laughing at each other while trekking; and running to the peak just in time for sunrise.
Beyond the trips out of Manila, there are of course other day-to-day moments which I will miss, such as:
• Daily walks to work and around BGC, especially in Burgos Circle and High Street where I get my daily meals. Top pick being my favourite restaurant: Teriyaki Boy
• Evening runs around BGC
• Drone flying in the open area across my apartment
• The Timezone Arcade and Fully Booked bookstore (where I’m typing this) in Bonifacio High Street
• Thurs evening Futsal sessions
• My almost routine morning breakfast at Macs with Cheesy Eggdesal
• Weekend climbs at Climb Central Manila
• Weekend treks with Ivervie and friends to nearby mountains
• Late night hanging out with SG friends: drinks, HTHT, casino, ice skating, wakeboarding, etc.
• Daily night skype calls
For all
the moments and experiences which I’ve enjoyed and will eventually miss, I’m extremely thankful for the opportunity to spend a good first half of year 2017 here in Manila, Philippines. The locals here have been very accommodating, and the friends I’ve had here made the time such a fruitful one. I will be heading back home to Singapore soon, but I will never forget this period of time where I had the privilege to call this place my second home J
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Josevich
Josevich
Paalam!
Glad to know you had a lot of fun here and will take good memories with you. Cheers!