A collection of travel experiences cover out-of-the-usual destinations or revisit places close to the heart. Each of the travelers convey, not just a glimpse of the amazing planet we live in, they pass on a sentiment, a reflection, a heartbeat. Even while these are uniquely their own, resonance can inspire a desire to make a reservation, book that flight, cruise an ocean and go off on adventures of discovery and re-discovery! The options are endless, and as wide as your imagination can take you.
ABBA NAPPA
Cocos Island, Costa Rica
Some 300 miles southwest off the coast of mainland Costa Rica lies a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been short listed as one of the new seven wonders of the world and named one of the 10 best scuba diving spots on the planet. It was also the inspiration for Jurassic Park’s Isla Nublar. Its name is Cocos Island.
It takes over three whole days to arrive at Cocos Island from the Philippines, and depending on your luck, a potentially grueling 30-hour boat trip, one-way. So, you must really want to get there. Despite the challenging journey required, the famous oceanographer, Jacques Costeau, visited the island to dive its waters numerous times in his life, and pronounced it “the most beautiful island in the world.”
I arrived at Cocos Island on a balmy morning in early October and found myself anchored in one of its only two safe bays, looking upon a land filled with periwinkle billed brown boobies, over 200 waterfalls and a perennial cloud forest. Despite these, what makes Cocos so enchanting is actually what lies beneath its surrounding waters. It is famously known in the diving community for sightings of the largest schools of hammerhead sharks in the world. This is the reason I made the trek.
From the moment I slipped into the island’s surrounding blue waters for my first check-out dive, and spotted my very first tiger shark cruising around the shallow sandy white bottom, I knew the three-day trek getting here was going to be worth it.
True to form, the visit did not disappoint. Underneath pirate-faced rocky islets, I submerged to a magical world of night dives filled with 14-foot Galapagos sharks and frenzied white tip shark feedings. On afternoon dives, I back-flipped off the boat to find myself staring down at an eight-foot wing spanned manta ray gliding on by some 50 feet below me. I waited patiently at the edge of the reefs for the majestic tiger sharks to cruise by. Just when I thought I had seen it all, a school of over 100 hammerhead sharks appeared from out of the blue, as we were ascending from our very last dive. One after the other, a National Geographic moment to outdo the last one materialized. I checked off more things than I had imagined I would in the time I spent around this little island.
A fortnight diving in the middle of nowhere coupled with no access to mobile and data networks is definitely Pura Vida, a colloquial phrase that is more emblematic of a state of mind. Used in many forms, it is a form of greeting to a synonym for excellent to a way to enjoy life that is wonderful, which seems to be the law of the land in Costa Rica.
I came back from Cocos, weaned off from my iPhone (if just for a fleeting moment), and refreshed and mindful that the world is still so much bigger than what our everyday life shows us. More importantly, I took home Pura Vida, which is a pretty priceless frame of mind to have picked up.
CHEESE LEDESMA ON
Siargao, Philippines
I love exotic destinations, and I love home, so it is hard to beat exploring our own country, while juxtaposing it to the rest of the world. While Coron fondly reminds me of Africa, Siargao is my mind’s vision of what Bali must have been like in the very beginning of its discovery by travelers.
Siargao is raw and mystical, with the sounds of the surf and the vistas of carabaos plowing rice fields in the flatlands, with lush hills and mangroves in the background. The nearby powder-white sand islands are impressive, but in my eyes, are dwarfed in majesty by the primal lagoons of Sohoton and Sugba.
The silence while stand-up paddling on an aquamarine, mirror-flat, crystal clear lagoon is only interrupted by the meditative hum of insects from the jungle around you. Aside from being an ideal environment for reflection, the lagoons offer adventure activities like holding your breath underwater for eight seconds to access a cave, brief spelunking through stalactites and stalagmites to reach a 12-foot high bamboo diving board, and my favorite, hanging out with stingless jellyfish in a small pond.
The tour guides in Sohoton are well-trained, sharing Filipino humor and a positive attitude with guests. Before pulling you up by your arms into a small bangka, their spiel is “Our boat has an imaginary lift. Put your back against the boat, grasp one boatman’s hand on each side, and are you ready? One, two, three…smile!” As soon as you catch yourself smiling widely, they pull you up swiftly and into the boat, then tell you, “You have to make sure you smile, ok, because the imaginary lift won’t work if you’re not smiling!”
Foodies would be satisfied with the quality of the food on the island, since you have an Italian owner serving handmade pasta and pizza, a Czech owner serving goulash, and a French owner serving a proper quiche. Aside from being fresh and authentic, the ambience of many restaurants are a tasteful European interpretation of an indigenous aesthetic, using artfully installed nipa roofs, hardwood floors and posts, and incredibly lush landscaping surrounding open-air pavilions. While the food may not be Michelin-starred, the options are definitely far more sophisticated than your typical provincial fare.
At the end of they day, Siargao still offers the enigmatic air of a lightly-trodden path, a vibe that attracts and challenges anyone with the spirit of an explorer.
KARL CHUSUEY
Mediterranean Sea
Last year, Royal Caribbean International launched yet another of their biggest cruise ships in the world—a feat that happens by topping off their previous biggest cruise ship record.
They unveiled the Harmony of the Seas, which is three meters wider than its predecessor, Oasis of the Seas. Both are Oasis class ships in the Royal Caribbean roster. What made this cruise truly memorable were the people I was with, my family.
We sailed the Mediterranean Sea from Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca, Marseilles in France, and all over Italy. We got to see places nowhere near the usual tourist spots. Everywhere we docked was fantastic. Also, the ship wasn’t just a ride. It was a complete experience—from all-you-can-eat buffet everyday to multiple-course formal dinners, where you can order as much as you want. The gym overlooked the sea, the jogging path tracked around the entire ship, and the theater staged amazing shows every night. As a family, we have made it a tradition to ride the biggest cruise ship every time one is built. So currently, we are awaiting the next big thing!
MELANIE LOK
Maldives
Our trip to the Maldives was a check off my bucket list, with a meal in 5.8m Undersea Restaurant as one of my highlights. The eatery is the world’s largest, all-glass undersea restaurant.
We were lucky that the restaurant was only a short walk from our villa. At the entrance, you see the floors made of glass pockets, revealing the corals on the seabed. The receptionist led us down a winding staircase, surrounded by glass walls showcasing surrounding fish. We even saw a baby shark!
At the table, drinks were served. Food matched the amazing ambiance. We started off with Shrimp Ceviche and Cucumber Wasabi Sorbet topped with green peas and corn, then moved on to Scallop Butternut Squash with pine nuts and raisons. For our entrée, we had a tender Angus Beef served with grilled vegetables and saikio miso jus. Dessert was a Blueberry Cheesecake topped with a pistachio sponge and homemade blueberry ice cream. To experience fine flavors under such a special setting is definitely an experience to look back on and always remember.
DR. Z AND AIVEE TEO
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Aivee and I had always wanted to visit Slovenia, which is also known as the “Heart of Europe.” This small country, nestled between Austria, Croatia, Italy and Hungary, is one of the prettiest European countries we’ve ever been to. The capital Ljubljana shines with Baroque architecture, alpine peaks and forests in its outskirts. Restaurants line the Ljubljana River, which separates the old town from the new. This river gives great insight to the history of the city. You can go skiing in one place, then go diving in the lakes an hour away. It’s a magical place blessed with a little bit of everything, accessible by everyone.
We also visited Lake Bled, a wonderfully tranquil spot. Bled Island sits spectacularly in the middle of the lake. We hired a row boat so we could explore the church in the middle of the lake and enjoy the spectacular scenery at the same time.
One of the main reasons we visited Slovenia was to go to the Fotona Headquarters, a place where dermatology and surgery lasers were born 50 years ago. The founder of the company is a laser physicist, and his vision for his company is to make the most advanced lasers for the medical and beauty fields. Learning firsthand from the founding engineers, scientists and European dermatologists gave us better insight on how to use our clinic’s Fotona lasers in Manila. Who says work cannot be mixed with pleasure?
We ended our trip by driving to the city of Piran, a port 45 minutes away from Venice. We enjoyed a romantic sunset dinner with orange wine—a produce of Slovenia. To top it all off, we had a stunning view of the sea.
EMERSON YAO
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Renting a car during a trip to Paris led me to rediscover France. Equipped with a reliable car navigation system, pocket-WiFi, and the latest travel apps, my family and I were able to navigate places off the beaten track with less tourists. Paris was my testing ground, as it has a reputation for being the most difficult city to drive in with its numerous roundabouts that crisscross bus lanes, bikers, and pedestrians. I knew that surviving Paris traffic would give me the confidence to drive across France.
This year, we opted to visit the south of France, which is the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. We went through small medieval walled villages, perched on top of hills and century old wineries, to the historically-rich cities once ruled by the Roman Empire. They were filled with ruins like the coliseums, amphitheatres, Roman baths, castles and churches. We traced the footsteps of several known artists like Van Gogh, Pablo Piccaso, and Paul Cezanne, and visited their ateliers and other places that served as inspiration for their paintings. We also drove to the French Riviera, where many beautiful seaside towns and luxury resorts are known to be the playground of Europe’s rich and famous.
Another highlight was seeing a beautiful 19th century clock, which chimes every quarter. It was probably owned by a prominent family in Europe. The dial was made of enamel, and the movement is mechanically-wound to last seven days. After some serious bargaining, we were able to agree on a price!
The trip was not only meant to be enriching. It was time to bond with family, especially with my son, who works in San Francisco. The stories shared are priceless and the memories unforgettable. My children are at an age when they are able to appreciate the history, architecture and food.
For 2018, we are looking at northern Spain (Santiago de Compostela- Rioja-Pamplona-Bilbao-San Sebastian) and areas of France that border this region. I have a year to prepare, and I hope it will be as enjoyable as the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
MAY YAO
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France
The last time I was in Europe was eight years ago. My family and I traveled to several countries to see the usual tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower in France, Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, and Sagrada Familia in Spain. My recent trip to South of France, however, was different.
My dad drove us to numerous quaint towns in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. We went to various villages, from the lowlands to the highlands, to see castles and cathedrals. These towns may not appear as top places to visit in travel books, but they all still have their own particular charm. All the villages reminded me of the movie Beauty and the Beast, especially when locals greeted us with a passing “Bonjour!”
It is stunning to see ancient structures built without any machinery assistance. The Theatre Antique d’Orange structural design caught my eye. The form of this amphitheater is very precise, ensuring that the actors’ voices could resonate all the way to the back (since there were no speakers back then). I am glad to see great efforts are done to preserve such a wonderful piece of history. It must have been amazing to see the rawness of theatrical performances, wherein emotions are expressed purely through gestures and the tone of their voices. They did not use any special effects to impress the audience.
This trip is unforgettable to me, as I was able to visit the homes of personal art icons, who influenced my journey in the arts. To see where an artist’s inspiration stems from is fascinating. First, we visited the hospitals that Vincent Van Gogh got admitted to in Arles and Saint-Rémy-de- Provence. This is where many of his known artworks were painted. Then, we visited Paul Cezanne’s studio in Aix- en-Provence. Most of his original tools and sketches are still present. He constructed the studio in a certain way to make sure his works are painted with natural light. The final artist we visited was Pablo Picasso (whom I actually did a whole research paper about in High School). There were many other artists’ works we could have seen, like Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall, but there was no time left. It was amazing not only to see their final artworks, but to also understand what their lifestyle and conditions were centuries ago. South of France is a great place to visit for an art enthusiast.
The whole trip was gratifying. It was a perfect getaway for a city girl like me. The views were mesmerizing. The food refined and savory. Most of all, the memories are unforgettable. To me, traveling is not about seeing all the famous monuments and attractions, but more on the immersion and understanding of the local culture. It is important to be aware of the country’s roots to be able to fully enjoy a trip.
MALU GAMBOA
Paro Valley, Bhutan
None of us knew much about the place, only that it was somewhere in the Himalayas, known to many as “The Last Shangri-La.” My favorite travel buddies Rajo Laurel, Nix Alañon, Tina Bonoan and myself heard that there was a maximum number of visitors allowed per year, which made the trip even more alluring. We happily discovered Amala Destinations, who could arrange details of this much-anticipated trip in less than a month.
We chose a 5-night, 6-day journey, which included the usual basic travel expectations: sight-seeing, shopping, good food, and a new life highlight. For Bhutan, this life highlight was to hike the fabled Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the pinnacle of every first-time visitor’s trip. This Monastery hangs on a cliff 10,240 feet above the Paro Valley. It was astounding to imagine anything built perched on a rock 3,000 meters above sea level.
We later learned that this temple complex was first built in 1692, around the Taktsang Senge Samdup cave, where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours some time in the 8th century. Padmasambhava introduced Buddhism to Bhutan, and is the tutelary deity of the country. Paro Taktsang is the most popular of the 13 taktsang (tiger lair caves) where Padmasambhava meditated.
The first four days of our journey were to prepare us for this life highlight. With our excellent guides Mani and Dorji, we first visited Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, with its famous fortresses and post office. We, then, progressed to Punakha, where we began to see Bhutan’s strong sense of tradition and deep reverence to their religion. There were phalluses at every turn, a revered symbol of fertility and protection. We visited the mystical valley of Paro, with clean rivers running, apple orchards and pine forests amidst a stunning backdrop of natural landscapes.
Our visit to Bhutan ended up to be a trip beyond our usual travel expectations. We may have been to other places with better food, shopping and more comfortable travel amenities. However, it was in Bhutan where we happily found ourselves slowing down from our usual manic paces, taking in the clean air, watching an archery match, picking stones from the river, and embracing the magical landscapes. Most of all, our victorious climb to Tiger’s Nest made us discover that we are still able to do certain challenging activities. It was a journey within ourselves—somewhere we happily go back to whenever we need to be reminded “to go placidly amidst the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.”
JASON GO
Bologna, Italy
Three years ago, I decided to pursue a business in the food industry, which led me to enroll in Italy’s most famous gelato school, Carpigiani Gelato University. I didn’t know what to expect. All I knew was that Italian food is great and the Italians are loud. Indeed both were true.
I spent a good month studying the art of gelato and experiencing the city of Bologna. I enjoyed my morning routine, as it began with lining up to get a delicious shot of espresso from a café ran by an old Italian couple. I would then walk happily to the bus stop and marvel at the beautiful architecture surrounding the city. Half the day was spent studying and creating gelato under the tutelage of Italy’s finest gelato maestros. Then, I’d end the day with a long meal with my classmates, wherein we’d share stories about our lives and experiences. Most of my days started and ended like this, but I never got sick of it.
I was immersed in the warm and passionate culture of the Italians. It felt very meaningful and memorable. It’s been awhile since this trip to Bologna, but I still remember the sights and, more importantly, the feeling of the whole experience. The passion of the Italian people continues to inspire me to be a better craftsman today.
BONG AND KATRINA GONZALEZ
Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
Together with some teammates of Bong, our second leg after the Paris Marathon of April 2015 was San Sebastian. They wanted to go on a well-deserved food trip after the marathon. What a gastronomical trip and treat it was! The ambience was lovely, and the vibe was very laid back and cheerful.
We stayed in Londres, which had a fantastic view of La Concha Beach—one of the best in-city beaches in Europe—which was also strategically located. It is walking distance to the Old Town (Parte Vieja), where each bar is bursting with pintxos. Tapas and pintxos are enjoyed with a glass of wine or beer. It is Spanish tradition to have one round of tapas/pintxos with wine in one bar, then move onto the next bar. It was happiness!
The two restaurants we ate at were the highlights of our food trip. The first one was called Asador Etxebarri, an hour away in Atxondo. This Spanish restaurant in the Basque Country was voted 10th best in the world in the Restaurant Top 50 Awards 2015. The chef is Victor Arguinzoniz, who cooks everything over a grill. It was a lovely 15-course tasting menu. You can imagine how content we were after!
The second highlight was Arzak, also in the top 50 restaurants of the world. It is known for its Modern Basque cuisine. We took a bus from our hotel to the restaurant, and like typical Pinoys, we were taking pictures on the bus. A lady seated across me on the bus was kind enough to offer to take our pictures. She started a conversation and asked where we were going. I told her we had reservations in Arzak, a restaurant highly recommended by friends back in Manila. To my surprise, she said, “Oh, how nice! I am Elena Arzak.”
She was the kindest and most unassuming “celebrity chef” I’ve ever met. The restaurant is situated on a hilltop. It serves elegant Spanish cuisine. I remember noticing how creative their dishes are—all very unique and beautifully presented. The restaurant has been in the Arzak family for generations, but it was Elena’s dad, Juan Mari, who revamped the menu and made it what it is today. Elena is as talented as her father, and runs the daily operations.
If there’s a place I could travel to again and again, it would be San Sebastian.
JIN PEREZ
Ubud, Bali
I have traveled to many incredible cities in the past, but the most meaningful for me was a trip to Ubud right before 2016 ended. I had no restaurant reservations, no friends to meet, no meetings to rush to. I woke up every morning, greeted by lush greenery and the sound of waterfalls outside my bedroom. The only decision I had to make was whether I would spend the day lounging in my terrace daybed or go out and explore the city.
There is something magical about Ubud, with its calming lotus ponds at the center of the bustling town, pocket temples, enchanting music, smiling people, and the colorful tiny baskets that line the streets. I learned to make these baskets, which are hand woven by the locals and filled with flowers and snacks, before they are offered in prayer and thanks to their gods many times a day. It was so heartwarming to see how spiritually and culturally rich the Balinese are, and also a great reminder for me to be thankful everyday.
I joined a cooking class, explored a local market, learned to make Balinese dishes and sauces from scratch, and got to enjoy them, too. One night, I watched a movie in a vegan cinema while eating an organic dinner of falafels and vegetarian nasi goreng, washed down with kombucha. The following night, I went to a local warung and devoured the tastiest, most tender beef rendang with more rice than a girl should eat. I indulged myself in Balinese art and feasted my eyes on the colorful and eccentric works of Don Antonio Blanco, who adored women and moved to Bali after falling in love with a Balinese dancer. I hopped on a scooter taxi for a long and breezy ride through the lush Jalan Raya Campuan to Yellow Flower Café, where I had a lovely breakfast of banana pancake and a dragon fruit smoothie bowl while being serenade by chirping birds, and later on, the sound of rain.
I attended my very first meditation class and, on the next day, my very first Kundalini yoga class, which ended with a gong bath that left my body, mind and soul immensely relaxed. Most days, I took long, serene walks through the scenic rice fields with almost nobody in sight, like God created the space just for me. I found a little gem of a restaurant in the middle of the paddies and stayed there for hours, sipping fresh coconut water from the shell and delighting in homemade chicken curry.
It was exactly what I needed—to slow down, be by myself, reflect, breathe deeply, be close to nature, be still, be grateful for the little things. This Bali trip is an experience I will always cherish because in this crazy, fast-paced, complicated world, nothing is more extraordinary than going back to the ordinary.
KEITH HAW
Belgium
How can I start with my Tomorrowland experience? It is one for the books! Though that is not enough to describe it. Getting tickets for the biggest dance event in the world is not easy. Luckily, we were able to get an All Access Pass using our company, The Palace Manila. We anticipated and prepared for this trip seven months before the actual event. Getting the ticket made me so happy and excited!
Tomorrowland is like Disneyland for adults and electronic music lovers. Over 200,000 people from all over the world go to this magical place, where you can dance and enjoy a musical journey with over 16 different stages. Being a DJ myself, it was a dream destination to see all the best DJs in the world in one place, and share it with my closest friends and partners.
Hands down, the experience features the best music, fireworks, lasers and stage setup I’ve ever seen. I’ve never seen a bigger crowd than 50,000 people converging into one area for one big party. Tomorrowland is something I will never forget.
HAPPY ONGPAUCO TIU
Santorini, Greece
One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to is Santorini. From the crystal clear Aegean Sea to a coastline filled with white architecture, it is truly a breathtaking destination.
The food too is amazing. The rich flavors of Greek dishes will make you crave for more after every bite. I will definitely be back again and again and again.
JEANNIE JAVELOSA
Amman, Jordan
In connection with my social enterprises ECHOstore Sustainable Lifestyle and Great Women, I continue to travel the world. In these trips, I am asked to share the advocacies of doing good, helping the world become green and supporting gender.
In 2013, I was invited to Jordan by Oxfam to speak about Great Women at an International Arab Women’s Conference. The Arab women, covered from head to foot, where strong women, aggressive and vocal for their rights. They were eager to know how to bring their products to market and what could be done. It was a trip I would never forget. After the conference, I met up with my Jordanian friend, who was my co-finalist for the Cartier Women’s Initiative Award in Paris just a year before. She was the finalist from the Arab countries, and I was a finalist for Asia-Pacific. We both thought we would never see each other again. Little did we know then that she would be showing me around Amman a year later. Jordan’s capital is a modern city next to ancient ruins of Roman temples and 8th century Umayyad culture.
During that trip, I experienced such a different world, totally surreal to me. It began with surveying ancient rock formations and pink sandstone cliff-cave dwellings in my climb up the ancient rock city Petra, the archeological site dating 300 B.C. I must say, I tried my best atop a mule to feel the Indiana Jones-spirit of adventure. Then, I was silenced when I turned to face the spectacular and gigantic Petra temple they call “The Treasury.” How, how, how did the ancients build this colossal structure? I thought to myself.
My adventures saw me floating, covered with mineral-rich black mud, in the Dead Sea (400 meters below sea level), which borders Israel, the West Bank and Jordan. The lake is hyper-saline, so one naturally floats up!
In great contrast was my bouncy ride through the vast Wadi Ram desert on my camel. I was trance-eyed looking at the vast brown land all around me. Brown, all brown, parched, dry and empty. The remaining travel was in an open jeep, and save for a stop in the exact location where the movie Laurence of Arabia was filmed, it was as if the landscape never really changed: just gigantic rock mountains rising against dry, parched land with the enigmatic blue sky as backdrop.
I chose to sleep overnight in a Bedouin camp (although I think I would have been better off in a hotel with a bathroom!!!) and eat their traditional lamb, vegetables and potatoes cooked underground. As I watched the sun, I marveled at how the desert people’s lives are so different and how they must try to survive in such harsh environs. I blinked, as the last rays of the setting sun, no doubt seen by generations of desert people, were ablaze against such empty vastness. It was a message of timelessness, with my memories of this trip, forever too.
CELINE GABRIEL LIM
Squamish, British Columbia
Let me tell you a little secret about myself. When I start to feel overwhelmed by the concrete jungle that is Manila, I like to daydream about being surrounded by nature. I think about forests full of trees, mountains, lakes and flowers. Even though it’s just my imagination, it helps bring me to a place where I feel like I can really breathe.
When I am eventually faced with the real thing, I feel so much joy in my heart that it feels like it could explode. Even the simple pleasure of being able to walk amidst such beautiful surroundings becomes something incredibly special. It’s something I have learned to never take for granted, especially after spending countless hours stuck in heavy rush hour traffic.
One very memorable and fairly recent experience was when my husband and I drove up to the mountain town of Squamish, British Columbia to check out the very scenic Sea to Sky Gondola—a $22-million gondola that takes visitors all the way to the top of a mountain, where a state-of-the-art Summit Lodge is situated.
First of all, it’s a beautiful drive from the city of Vancouver. It only takes an hour, or roughly 59.7 kilometers, to get to. We could not have picked a more spectacular summer day to do it. The sun was out, but the wind was cool.
From the base of the mountain, it only takes 10 minutes to ride to the top. As you rise from the water’s edge on the valley floor, the view opens up to the blue waters of the Howe Sound, the steep mountains of the Coast Range, and old growth rainforests. It is absolutely breathtaking.
To be honest, we didn’t have an itinerary. As a business woman, I spend a lot of my days fulfilling checklists and following a very hectic schedule. So when I travel, freeing myself from all the must-see’s and to-do’s is my means of catharsis. Instead, I let my heart dictate my choices, and on that particular day, it whispered to me that all it really wanted was a steaming almond milk latte and a freshly baked cinnamon roll to be enjoyed with a stunning view.
Once at the top (and after having our coffee and rolls), we crossed the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge and walked along the Spirit Trail. Then, we made our way to the Spirit Viewing Platform, which includes interpretive information on the surrounding landscape and what it means to the Stawamus First Nations people.
There were other hiking trails, but we chose this one because we weren’t dressed for a hard-core hike, and it had a magnificent view of the ocean below. After walking around and learning a little about the heritage, we found a cozy spot to sit on by the edge of the mountain, far from the madding crowd. We allowed ourselves to fully immerse in the beauty of nature and God’s wonder.
As a gypsy soul, I think I can say that I’ve been to my fair share of wonderful destinations, but this little journey stands out for me because it was so unexpected. Being one with nature at that moment, I felt like all the stresses from work and life were slowly stripped away. We felt so small surrounded by such grand beauty, that all our petty concerns melted into nothing, and all that was left was gratefulness. It was an extraordinary, spiritual experience, and one I will never forget.
GINGGAY DELA MERCED
New Zealand, Lucerne & York
Attending the World Cup opening in Munich, cheering my husband on during the New York and Tokyo Marathons and Barcelona Iron Man, and witnessing historical milestones such as the anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall, opening of the Atlanta Olympics, and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee—these are just some memorable experiences I’ve had in the course of my travels.
I’ve also had some rather unpleasant encounters, such as being held hostage in the Reichstag because of a protest, being evacuated in Athens because of a huge forest fire, and being stranded multiple times because of severe snowstorms in Lake Tahoe, Oslo, and Scotland. All these and more have added excitement and exhilaration to my journeys.
I’ve also been enraptured by the beautiful panoramas of Iceland, the natural wonders of Bhutan, the medieval charm of Estonia, the enigma of Budapest, the magnetism of Montenegro, the luxuriance of Russia, the paradoxical charm of Turkey, the historical appeal of Italy, the creative energy of Japan, the elegance of France, the astounding castles of England, and many more. Suffice to say, all these make the task of identifying my most extraordinary travel experience extremely difficult.
So I’ve set a parameter: What travel encounters have best brought out my inner child? Which trips rekindled my playfulness and helped me regain my sense of innocent discovery? Here they are…
Skydiving in New Zealand
About an hour away from Queenstown, Wanaka is a popular ski resort town in Otago in the South Island of New Zealand. While skydiving wasn’t originally in our itinerary, my family and I decided to make a quick stop in Wanaka, just after bungee jumping from Kawarau Bridge, before heading to Mount Cook. I guess, jumping off from a 43-meter bridge was not exhilarating enough!
Strapped onto the harness and propelled to 15,000 feet above sea level, I willingly and boldly jumped, along with a skydiving pro buddy, and marveled at the stunning horizon from a vantage point that only a few get to see. My son, Noey, plunged shortly after. Asked why he sky dove, Noey said it was his birthday present to me. Yes, that’s what we did on my birthday. What better way is there to feel alive on your birthday than by doing that?
Fasnacht in Lucerne
As we drove into Lucerne’s city center, we gazed upon countless people decked in elaborate costumes roaming the streets. Then, we saw more. And more. And more…until the town was literally blanketed with strange characters clad in the most whimsical garb. My husband and I stared at each other bewildered, thinking this must be some practical joke, grinning at the absurdity around us. It was far from Halloween after all. We were unaware that we had just chanced upon Lucerne’s traditional Fasnacht celebration, a carnival held annually at the end of winter. This is the time citizens don fantastic costumes and parade the narrow streets of this Swiss town to dance away the spirits of winter, as they usher in the abundant bounty of spring. Initially, we thought it to be bizarre. Then, fascinating. After a while, we were hobnobbing and partying with the locals. The atmosphere was so joyous and merry, it was impossible not to be sucked in.
Ghost Hunting in York
I love ghost stories! I even periodically plan trips to famed haunted places around the world because of this. When I read that some paranormal association verified York as probably the most ghost-infested city in Europe, it immediately became a priority destination for me.
We explored the city’s most haunted places: the York Museum, York Brewery, Black Swan Hotel, York Minster, Golden Fleece, Ye Old Starre Inne, Treasurer’s House, and Stonegate. We even went back to the same places at night. Are there ghosts in York? Why not go yourselves to find out?
MAI KAUFMAN
The Swiss Alps, Switzerland; Edinburgh, Scotland; Paris, France; and other parts of the world
Early on in our marriage, one of the luxuries David and I lavished on was to visit foreign countries whenever possible. It was always an extensive, expansive and immersing experience, as we partook in the native cuisine, music, language, arts and scenery. Our travels became a lot more interesting after the birth of our two daughters. We decided to home school our children, which turned out to be a great blessing, since we could continue to share love for travel with them.
I will never forget the breathtaking moment when we saw the Swiss Alps for the first time. I have a hilarious memory of when our girls upstaged a professional Bollywood dancer at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Another significant experience was while we were walking along Pont Alexandre III in Paris. Right then and there, we were asked if Alexa could join a photo shoot for W Magazine!
David recently said, “Because of home schooling, the world is their school.” I thought about this and corrected it. “The world is OUR school.”
By the grace of God, we have managed to embark on many journeys together as a family, sharing the ups and downs along the way. Through challenges we encountered, especially while traveling throughout Europe, we managed to illustrate and teach the girls, both through positive and negative examples. They have seen how courtesy and consideration can overcome a language barrier. We have taught them to be more responsible and disciplined in picking up after themselves.
We have celebrated the practice of lifelong-learning in the British, French, Italian and Swiss capital cities. While there, we have tried when possible, to be part of the local scene. Dancing in the streets of Edinburgh and watching the nightly fireworks during the Fringe Festival were very memorable. To be close to animals and see demonstrations of the different farm-related industries, such as bee-keeping, shoeing horses, training sheep dogs, etc. at various Yorkshire agricultural shows gave us an appreciation of the farming community.
We picked as many grapes as we wanted in an Italian vineyard, then saw the process of how wines are produced. We shopped in small and large market stalls in towns and cities; hunted for unique items at antique shops, craft fairs and weekend markets; and met different talented artists and designers. We’ve been thrilled at indoor and outdoor theaters and concerts; gaped and held our breaths at awesome exhibits in museums and galleries. We’ve played and had picnics in wonderful parks, river wharfs, gardens, and famous monuments.
In Asia, we’ve had equally rich and eye-opening experiences in China, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea and Japan, and look forward to discovering many more places in the future.
Alexa, a keen reader, could always be relied on to read the captions of exhibits at museums and galleries. We encourage them to ask questions, never pretending to understand when they do not. I was much delighted when a relative asked Calista what pasalubong she brought back for him, and she replied, “I brought you back an English accent.”
MIGUEL AND AUDREY ZUBIRI
Zambia, South Africa
For our honeymoon, my husband and I decided to go on an African Safari. Our first stop was Zambia to see the famous Victoria Falls, known locally as “The Smoke That Thunders.” You can see the mist far and high above the actual site and hear the crashing sound of the waterfalls from a mile away. It was magnificent and humbling in its majesty. While there, my husband casually suggested that we go for a swim in a place called the “Devil’s Pool.” Without realizing what I was agreeing to, I joined him. We made our way to the “pool,” which was located at the edge of the falls—with nothing more than a naturally-formed low rock barrier to prevent swimmers from going over the edge!
As we swam towards the pool, I asked our guide if we should worry about crocodiles. He assured us there were none, as the current is too strong and dangerous to swim in. Apparently, the crocodiles knew better than us.
When we finally reached the pool, we were giddy with excitement. When we gazed down at the long drop below us, we noticed an ambulance about 100 meters away. I asked what it was doing there. Our guide nonchalantly answered, “They found the teenager who fell.” I then reminded our guide that he said the pool was safe. He said, “Yes, yes, very safe. Just don’t fall over!” Clearly, we had very different definitions for the word “safe.”
More than a decade later, Miguel and I still look back fondly on our honeymoon and laugh over our unforgettable experience at the “Devil’s Pool.” However,
with three young children today, we certainly won’t be going back for another dip there anytime soon!
GINA ROXAS
Batanes, Philippines
Our first motorbike ride started late morning. We covered the southern part of the island of Batanes and saw old stone houses, an old church, the Honesty Cafe, a lighthouse, and Marlborough Country. We got off our bikes and walked a few meters to see incredible, breathtaking views.
Our next bike ride was the following morning. We headed towards the coastline and covered the northern part of the island. Then, we traveled inland for more scenic views of a volcano, visited another small church and lighthouse. We also passed through the town of Basco and the port.
Motorbiking through Batanes is the best way to enjoy the scenery it is known for. You not only see the gorgeous views, you get a “feel” of the island, as well—biking through narrow streets of little towns, seeing the beautiful hills and cliffs up close, driving along the rugged coastline and sea. You encounter the local people. While riding, you also come across animals like cows, horses, goats, chickens and birds, who like you, are simply enjoying the fresh island air and sea breeze.
For motorbike rentals with tour guide, contact. Ryan Bala at (63 929) 225 4517.
CHESKA ORTEGA
Alaska
I decided to go to Alaska during Spring Break because I wanted to see the Northern Lights. I was looking online to see other things to do there when I came across dog mushing. It is a popular sport and tourist attraction in Alaska. It consists of several dogs pulling and transporting people on a sled on snow or on dry land.
When I got there, I headed to the venue located in the middle of the snowy mountains. There were many dogs chained around the area. They went crazy and started howling in excitement when they realized it was time to run. Their positioning in the line matters, as the sled depends on how each dog runs. There are different positions like the leader of the pact, swing, team and wheel dogs.
As I got on the sled, the dog musher yelled, “Alright!” This was the GO signal, and the sled started moving very fast towards the icy forest filled with pine trees. It was an amazing feeling being pulled through the forest by dogs that love to run. They were happy and strong. When it ended, I thanked each dog by giving each a hug.
ROSE BOSCH ONG
The Alps, Switzerland
I travel with my colleagues every year. Going out of the country with them has been all about relaxation with a little bit of business. Our first stop was at Germany. We went to ISH, the world’s biggest exhibition showcasing products related to water and energy, like sanitation solutions, efficient heating technologies, and more. This trade fair aims to gather exhibitors to launch their products, technologies, and solutions to the world market. Through the event, we gained ideas on what to bring back to the Philippines; we made connections in the world industry; and we became more determined to pursue our advocacy of sustainability in our country.
We also visited the Grohe Factory. Grohe is a brand of sanitary fittings that Wilcon Buulders has exclusively partnered with in the Philippines. Grohe embodies what efficiency and sustainability is all about. During our visit, we were able to get a glimpse of what goes on inside every carefully and masterfully manufactured Grohe piece. We got to experience not only the finished products, but also got to see the production facilities.
We squeezed in a visit to the gothic Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site constructed more than six centuries ago. The cathedral manifests the strength of Christian belief.
We were not yet ready to bid adieu to lovely Germany, but we were all excited to visit the land of the Alps, watches and chocolates—Switzerland. We climbed Mt. Titlis, which had glaciers, cable cars, and a variation of trails. Everything in this place was interesting, from the Alpine flowers to the grandiose views. Our group had a wonderful time at Mt. Rigi and Mt. Titlis. The next day, however, was a different story.
Out of 17 climbers, only six of us reached the peak of the Matterhorn. The challenges, fears and hopes of making it to the top made it feel like a survival competition. It was a constant battle between our physical and mental selves. The rigors of trekking through snow, the seemingly endless trails, and the gravitational pull, made it immensely challenging. Plus, we did not have a professional guide! I led the pack through steep grounds and rocky formations. One thing that made our climb bearable was the incredible view. Hundreds of feet above ground, the clouds seemed near enough to touch. We passed by the Zermatt churchyard and graveyard, which is where mountaineers lie buried. A sign that we must head back down? No, we continued upwards! Our goal was to see the cross at the top. The decreasing temperature and thinning air were the most challenging part of the climb .
When we finally reached the Alps, we were greeted by the exquisite grandness of a beautiful landscape. The mountain below us was covered with snow, and we were standing at the top of the Matterhorn. We offered our prayers of thanks for our safety. All the challenges we had on our hike up was worth it.
STEVEN PHAN
Rockies & Cariboo, British Columbia
Downhill skiing—going down a groomed mountain slope with beautiful vistas—is an exhilarating sport. When you downhill ski on fluffy, fresh powder snow, on the other hand, which we call powder skiing, it takes on a completely new dimension. Powder skiing allows you to glide on what feels like soft cotton, leaving your own set of tracks in the process.
The best way to powder-ski is to heli-ski. This means using a helicopter to bring you up a mountain, where you will ski down on fresh, untracked snow. Last March 2017, I went heli-skiing in both the Rockies and Cariboo mountain ranges in British Columbia, Canada We had the entire mountain to ourselves. We were one with nature, away from crowds and man-made structures.
Riding a helicopter makes searching for the ideal snow conditions easier. One could say that heli-skiing is a super-charged version of regular skiing, because you get to ski in remote, pristine mountains, where the only tracks on the snow will be your own or that of a wild animal’s. It is a great way to see amazing landscapes, ranging from forested areas to high-alpine glaciers, complete with blue ice cascades. You get to go to places where only a few have been, breathe clean fresh air, and experience nature in its purest.
Snow conditions permitting, one may ski as much at 10,000 vertical meters within a day. Oftentimes, the snow comes up to one’s knees. Sometimes, the powder is so light that the snow can reach waist deep. In these conditions, while skiing downhill with speed, the snow can go over your head, feeling as if you would need a snorkel to breathe as you cruise down the mountain. This deep skiing moment is one of the most exhilarating for powder skiers. I, sometimes, make the analogy that powder skiing is like surfing, but on a really, really long wave.
Powder skiing is also a social sport. Not only is it more fun to ski with a group of like-minded people, but it is also safer. If someone gets buried in an avalanche, other skiers in the group are the first responders. We all ski with a radio beacon/beacon finder, as well as a snow probe and shovel to find and dig people out. Every new week of heli-skiing starts with a refresher on avalanche safety, and search and rescue.
There can be as many as 12 people in a helicopter, including a lead guide and tail guide. We either ski in open terrain or amidst trees. Although a bit daunting for the uninitiated, who may see trees as obstacles, tree skiing is actually the most enjoyable for some powder skiers. Snow in between trees is usually preserved in excellent condition, and skiers can spontaneously choose their own path as they ski down.
In open terrain, us skiers try to group our tracks close together in parallel-like formation to minimize the risk of causing avalanches or falling into crevices. It is also good powder skiing etiquette, as it leaves maximum clear space for other skiers to ski down the same slope and make their own fresh tracks.
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