Since the pandemic, life have been so different; from passing my CG assessment to rebuilding myself, starting over from scratch, getting to know new people, catching up with friends; through gatherings and outdoor activities (trekking, freediving, etc.) Those years gave us all the chances to do what is right, to learn the lessons and make things right.
I believed we have passed the test of time. We’ve became resilient and we started doing things NOW instead of delaying it for later. It taught us the importance of taking action now because if you won’t, you may never have that same opportunity again. Take it while you can; value time because the world is changing. We may never be this young again, and our grandparents may not be that funny anymore like they used to.
Pandemic was the time when fear was no longer an option. You have to do it, if you want to stay. You must trust in yourself that you can. Trying something new was the only option because the old ways is no longer working. Because of that, we decided to travel, to learn that skill, to eat whatever we want and to pursue our dreams; to move on and start over. As a result, we worked harder and travelled far, far from home, out from our comfort zones.
We did not give up when Odette strike our homes in 2021, and we were forced to move somewhere far to keep going. We learned to stand on our own, paid our own rent, accept changes and adjust with the environment. We met new people and learned new things that helped us grow confidently. We took every opportunity that pushed us to create new mindsets, which leads us to where we are right now.
We learned to understand, forgive and move on instead of dwelling unto thoughts and experiences that doesn’t serve us anymore. We learned to accept defeats without regrets nor any plans of revenge. We moved on and we were blessed and happy.
The Lord God never disappoints anyone who never hold grudges, because what you think and feel attracts, thus became your reality. Forgiveness is the hardest and understanding is the only key to forgiveness. If you’re still confused right now and unable to decide, remember to always choose something new, something you have not experienced before.
February 2023, I was given the chance to learn and start over, after I decided to let go of everything that doesn’t make me happy anymore. It was a signal for me to go, pursue my heart’s desire and show the best in me, in an environment with people who can support and understand people.
- Mt. Manunggal, April 2023 – one of the highest peak in Cebu.
I visited the place with a couple and it was successful. We camped for a night and got home safe. It was quite an adventure due to heavy fogs and rains. It was my first time camping at Mt. Manunggal (wish granted). After that, I often visited the place to camp alone, stayed for two nights and walked all the way up.
2. Danasan EcoAdventure Park – 30th Birthday
On my 30th birthday, I decided to make my dream happened! We had a nice ATV ride, Skydrop and Wakeboarding! Things I haven’t done in my 20’s because I was confused and undecided. Now that we’re in our 30’s, the fogs have lifted when I decided to try something new, anything my 20 year old haven’t pursued due to fear and lack of support. Spoiling ourselves in our 30’s wouldn’t be too late as long as it makes us happy and motivated, single or not.
3. Catmon, Cebu! 1st Team Building with K, now TCC. We rented and Airbnb for a night and we had so much fun right after because we went to a nearby spring. It’s the clearest spring in Cebu! It was a time where I learned to express personal needs so I can be helped. I used to be super shy but it’s not helping me anymore. We must speak up in order to be heard and I’m empowered by the team to be vocal.
4. Camp forest, Mabini Cebu!
Who would have known that there’s a beautiful Forrest in Cebu near Country Mall, Banilad. I was amazed by its beauty and got carried away by the view that I saw on my FB friends post. I finally camped there, twice (2023-2024). I will be camping again whenever I am bored and needed some silence and clarity. Solo is much better, with my BTS Bias in mind, haha.
5. Camp Adela, Guadalupe Cebu! December 2023 – January 2024, I had my new year at the camp with a brave heart, thanks Jo! I imagined myself walking up to Camp Adela but I do not know the way, I searched around the internet and there is no clear guide, so I have to ask a local and a brave friend to come with me!
It was the time that I learned, “Endings are just new beginnings.” I really thought after we reached the top, that’s it; but it was not, we found ourselves seeing a new goal like it never ends. We just kept on walking until we finally arrived. Do not give up, keep going! 1:11 PM Jan 23, 2025.
It’s been a year, I must climb again, but I will stay for two nights! I’m still scared to do it alone but I must face my fear of getting lost because I already knew the way. Good people comes to good people, so praying for the best. What am I really scared of? Snakes or nothing? Usually it’s just nothing.
5. Sirao Gardens – Sirao, Cebu! – if you let others decide for you, you will never achieve anything because they are their own priority. So you must do it, on your own. Growing up will teach you that in order to achieve your goals, you must start doing it without anyone’s approval.
A lot of people will make decisions based on their own limitations. You know yourself better, so just do it! Teach them a good lesson! It will inspire them and it will make them believe that they too, can! Someday you will meet someone who will uplift you to do anything you want that makes you happy, just like I did. I have met three of them so far. I am proud of them and me for meeting them.
6. Soul Sierra – Cebu! Keep your heart and mind open for change. Be ready for change because it is constant. We weren’t planning of camping at the place, I thought I was just visiting, but I liked it so much that I decided to stay for the night, solo. If it’s safe for me, I’ll stay.
7. Kang-Irag Peak, Sirao Cebu! – Just do it! Get to know new people and be glad that you have met them. Do not force things because if it’s meant for you, it will fall for you; you just have to catch it! Catch and release, if it comes back, back to back to back, and they want to stay, then let them stay.
8. Mt. Naupa, Naga Cebu! The Universe will send you people who have same interest, you just have to be open for it. Sometimes it will take years and months so be patient. Everything is guaranteed, you just have to be patient. Even my “Hi5” with Jungkook may not be possible yet, but someday it will.
( Can I also hug him from behind? Hehe! I’m obsessed with the guy, and it’s not helping me sleep in the morning! Luckily, I am not yet wealthy, because if I am I will be visiting him in Korea just to say “Hi” and just to get his “Hello”. I also want to hug Jungkook from behind without him knowing that it’s me, hehe!)
Back to Mt. Naupa!
9. Kawasan Falls, Badian Cebu! Take time to see the best in Cebu! It’s Blue and Cold! The view from Cebu City to Badian is awesome! The mountains looked so green and deep, it’s healing! It’s been a while since I visited Kawasan, I was in a date (he was 26 and I was 20 but I feel like he’s still a child, I got scared of his parents and did not allow him to come back, haha!) I finally came back almost 10 Years after. Year 2024, I visited twice! Solo and with someone I met at work.
If you want a good and very nice dip, visit Kawasan . It’s only 3-4 hours travel time from Cebu, South Terminal. You will trek from the drop off point for about 10-15 minutes, depending on how fast you walk. Do not worry of getting lost, just follow the trail and you will get to the falls in no time!
10. Daan Bantayan, Cebu North! Stayed for two nights in a Nipa Hut! It’s always been my dream to sleep in a Nipa Hut again, just like when I was a child! Solo was awesome and there’s food (my favorite thing in the world! )
11. Sumilon Island, Cebu! We were just whale shark watching to celebrate my friends birthday (ate), but Kuya invited us to visit Sumilon Island too. It’s always my dream to visit Sumilon Island since I’ve heard of it and have seen it from a distant. It was expensive back then; you have to rent a whole boat and I was so thrifty, I cannot spend that big for a vacation.
Now that I’m grown up, I realized the value of being satisfied and happy, and because we can afford, why not? I don’t have the photos in this phone anymore, but I remember writing about sumilon Island adventure, just search sumilon Island. I was snorkeling and saw Nemo!
12. Bamboo Forest, Cebu North!
There no other bamboo forest in the north! It has a different vibe, it felt like I was being reconnected to my roots. I loved how beautifully the bamboos were planted. It’s like a park where you can chill and enjoy the sugarcane juice while listening to birds. To get there from Cebu, you’ll have to buy a ticket bound to Daan Bantayan, Kawit. Tell the driver to drop you off at Luy-a, Bamboo Forest. You just have to walk a little or get a tricycle to bring you to Bamboo Forrest.
13. Mantayupan Falls, Barili Cebu! The hanging bridge brings thrill to that place. Kawasan Falls water color is still #1 for me.
There are more falls in Cebu South! Google will help you more ! I have been to those places years ago, I hoped it has changed for good. Someday, I will be visiting Toledo, Cebu! I heard Lake Bensis is a good place to camp. There’s also a place where we can do horseback riding.
If you haven’t been to Olango Island, be there already. I have visited the place for many times, the sanctuaries felt like home to me now. It’s the easiest Island to visit from Lapu Lapu, City. Cebu is quite abundant with beautiful places to visit. I have not visited all of them yet.
If you want to see animals, visit Carmen’s Cebu Safari. I had my 6 km run there last year 2022. It was a spartan trail run and I had so much fun. Did it alone, better late than never, haha. I have also written about it here. Search Cebu Safari! I want to be back but I want to sleep there! So someday whenever I’m feeling rich. Haha.
14. Cebu National Museum! This is the best place to visit if you want to know more about Cebu and the Philippines! I finally took my first visit and took a few photos! Don’t worry it’s for free!
That place is located near Plaza Independencia, Fort San Pedro, The other Museum, etc. Santo Nino Church and the Capitol! Cebu is quite cute! I’m planning of writing the best restaurants to eat at. I have visited quite a few, thanks to our monthly eat out with the team! Food is always in my mind. Balamban West 35 must have good food, I’ll go visit someday. Little Kyoto was also cute. Mountain View, Temple of Leah! A lot more! As long as you have time, there’s plenty of places for you to visit.
I finally visited Camotes Island, 2024. I am planning of going back to Bohol, Kalanggaman Island, Malapascua Island and Bantayan Island. Dumaguete, Valencia. Camiguin, while Island. Siquijor, Island have plenty of places to visit too. My youth was never wasted, I had fun and I want more in the Philippines! I’m just getting to know her!
I have been to Bukidnon, Mindanao Mahayag. I will be revisiting then for sure, hoping to see more of our waterfalls in Mindanao. Follow me, to see more!
Climbing, Rocks! 