Chasing Seasons, Cities, and Moments: A Year in Motion

I recently looked back at my last post and realized it was a recap of 2024 as I welcomed 2025. Now, somehow, we’re already well into 2026. Time has a way of moving quickly when you’re constantly on the move—but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

This past year has been a whirlwind of destinations, events, and experiences that blurred together into one long, continuous journey.

It began in Zamboanga City, where we welcomed the new year. Not long after, I boarded my first international flight of the year for an ocular in Sapporo, Japan. There’s always something exciting about seeing a destination for the first time with work in mind—imagining possibilities, mapping out experiences, and setting the stage for what’s to come.

By February, I was back in Sapporo—this time not just to plan, but to execute. There’s a different kind of energy when everything comes together, when months of preparation finally turn into a lived experience for others.

March didn’t slow down. A quick trip to Bohol offered a brief pause, but the pace picked up again just as quickly with visits to Portugal and a return to Taiwan—all within the same month. It was the kind of schedule that leaves you checking what country you’re waking up in, but also reminds you how lucky you are to be doing what you do.

April brought me back to Türkiye, but this trip stood out for a different reason. For the first time, my partner Carlo joined me. It meant a lot to finally share that side of my world—the behind-the-scenes of tour groups, the organized chaos, the little wins that make everything worth it. And Türkiye, with all its beauty and character, couldn’t have been a better backdrop.

May was, without a doubt, one of the busiest months. Hanoi for an ocular, Italy shortly after, styling an event in Bangkok, celebrating Ma’am Siony’s birthday back in Manila, and then returning to Hanoi again for the actual event. It was fast, demanding, and at times exhausting—but also incredibly fulfilling.

In June, I found myself back in Melbourne, a city that always feels both familiar and new at the same time. Then came July, with a trip to Da Nang, followed by a return in early August for another event. That same month, things shifted closer to home with a company team building in Laguna, a visit to Davao where I finally experienced Pearl Farm, and another travel group in Hong Kong.

By late September, I was back in Melbourne for the actual event, which carried on until the first week of October. From there, I flew to Greece, where the pace slowed just enough to take in the beauty of a place that feels almost timeless.

November took me somewhere completely different—Bhutan. Reaching the Tiger’s Nest was more than just a physical climb; it was one of those rare moments that make you pause, breathe, and fully take in where you are.

December brought me back to Italy, this time exploring Milan and Florence. Shortly after, our company sponsored trip took place in Seoul. The year wrapped up quietly, spending Christmas and New Year in Toronto—a welcome contrast to the constant motion of the months before.

The new year began with a quick trip to Florida and New York, before returning to Toronto and eventually flying back to Manila.

February picked up the pace again—Seoul, an ocular in Hanoi, and events in both Osaka and Melbourne, all within the same month. March had me back in Sapporo for ten days, revisiting a place that had already marked both the beginning and middle of this journey.

And just this April, I spent the long weekend in Seoul, followed by another group in Hanoi, before heading back to Osaka once again.

Looking back, it’s easy to see this past year as a list of destinations—but it’s really a collection of moments, people, and experiences that shaped each stop along the way. The early mornings, the late nights, the unexpected challenges, and the quiet wins in between.

It’s been a year of constant movement—but also of growth, gratitude, and perspective.

And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: no matter how many places you go, there’s always something new waiting to be discovered—not just in the world, but in yourself.

Here’s to slowing down just enough to share more of these moments—and continuing the journey, wherever it leads next.

Hello 2025

It’s been a year since I last updated my blog, and so much has happened over the course of 2024.

I started the year in Toronto, Canada, and was also able to visit Montreal during that trip. On my way back to the Philippines, I spent a few nights in Tokyo, which made the journey even more memorable.

In April, we moved into a two-bedroom condominium and rented out our old unit—a big step forward for us.

May turned out to be a busy travel month. I was able to return to El Nido and Puerto Princesa, visit Barcelona, and also make a trip back to Zamboanga—all within the same month!

By July, I found myself in Seoul, South Korea, exploring its vibrant city life. Then in August, I had the privilege of hosting the Teddy Manuel Masterclass, which was truly an honor.

Towards the end of the year, I traveled to Turkiye in November and returned to Japan the following month. I wrapped up the year spending Christmas and New Year back in Zamboanga with family.

Looking back, 2024 has been filled with blessings, travels, and meaningful opportunities. I have so much to be thankful for—and I’m looking forward to even greater things in 2025.

My 2023 Fitness Journey

I can’t believe it’s been two years since my last blog post. A month after my last recipe entry, I joined a non-profit that advocates for HIV and AIDS treatment and prevention. I stayed with them for 18 months before eventually moving to our partner clinic. I was so busy during that period that I never had the chance to blog about my new career path.

One thing that remained consistent, however, was my pursuit of the elusive six-pack abs. My fitness journey has been anything but consistent over the years, but this year has been different—I’ve seen the most progress so far. Right now, I’m working on lowering my body fat percentage to around 12% so my abs can finally show.

I’ve been following a calorie deficit diet, and it’s been effective. For cardio, I stick to incline walking on the treadmill, and for strength training, I rotate muscle groups throughout the week. My current goal for the next 10 days is to double my gym time—either with longer sessions or splitting them between morning and evening. The only challenge I’ve noticed is sleep: evening workouts tend to keep me awake longer. Hopefully, by shifting cardio to the morning and strength training to the evening, I can improve both my routine and my sleep.

My eating habits have also changed. Yesterday was actually the first time I overindulged on a buffet during a cheat day and ended up throwing up—a reminder that balance is still key.

Here’s a look at my workout and meals yesterday:

Morning Workout

• Dumbbell Row: 22.5 lbs (3 sets of 10)

• Lat Pulldown: 55 lbs (3 sets of 8)

• Seated Row: 55 lbs (3 sets of 8)

• Incline Treadmill: 14 incline, speed 5 (20 minutes)

Breakfast

• Coffee with Splenda

Lunch

• Chicken breast

Afternoon Workout

• Seated Row: 30 lbs (3 sets of 10)

• Lat Pulldown: 55 lbs (3 sets of 8)

• RDL: 20 lbs (3 sets of 10)

After the gym, I went to S&R supermarket for meal prep essentials: 3 kg of boneless chicken breast, 3 kg of frozen California mix vegetables, and an entire tray of eggs (I now eat 4 eggs per meal).

I got home just before 9 PM, steamed a portion of the vegetables, and ate 3 slices of the remaining chicken breast. I also prepped my meals for the next day.

100 Ulam Challenge 1: Stir Fried Bean Sprouts with Tofu And Carrots

Everybody is very much affected by the pandemic.  I have lost my job and is now based at home attending to most of the household duties including the budget and meals.  It is essential nowadays to tighten the belt and maximize our money's worth.  I have decided to do a 100 Pesos Ulam (Meal) Challenge to see how far I can go and the recipes I can create.  Since it's only dinner time that I get to sit down with my partner to have a meal, all of the dishes are designed to cater to 2 persons. Here's my 1st attempt.

Stir Fried Bean Sprouts With Tofu and Carrots

Ingredients:

 250 grams Firm Tofu (30 pesos) Sliced or Cubed

1 pack Bean Sprouts (25 pesos)

2 Small Carrots (40 pesos) Shredded

From the Pantry:

1/3 cup Dried Tiny Shrimps

3 Cloves of Garlic, Crushed

3 Tablespoons of Vegetable Oil

2 Tablespoons of Soy Sauce

1-2 Medium Egg

Procedure:

Fry Tofu until golden brown and then set aside.

On a separate wok, add oil and saute garlic and dried shrimps.

Mix in Bean Sprouts and shredded carrots.

Add the fried tofu and season with soy sauce and powdered seasoning.

Serve 2/3 leaving the remainder for the fried rice.

In the same wok, add the egg and lightly scramble.

Add a day old cooked rice and break the lumps.

Continue mixing until the color is even.

Season with salt and pepper!

Serve and enjoy!

Comment below if you have other recipes!

A Visit To Santa Cruz Island of Zamboanga In The New Normal

Zamboanga City is known for many things, and among them is the Pink Beach of Santa Cruz Island.  The 1^st and last time we visited the island was 8 years ago, and I was just delighted that island reopens December 26, since the lock down just in time for our arrival on the 23^rd.

Sand Bar

The tint on the sand is from the crushed red corals abundant in the area and is more prominent during the summer months.

 

It is the local City Tourism that regulates the activities of the island and pre booking is required to visit.  Even before our arrival, actually while waiting for boarding on our flight, I already expressed our interest to visit. To book, you may reach the PAMO with the following details:

       Zamboanga City, Protected Area Management Office

       Email: zcpamolgu@gmail.com

      Globe: 0905-601-6316

      Smart: 0951-939-0114

 

As a displaced tourism professional myself, I look for opportunities to help local guides regain their livelihood, and hopefully this visit would do just that.

 

Immediately, I received a response with attached documents on what to expect and forms to accomplish.  They encourage minimal interaction, and pre registration allows them to manage the arrivals, which is limited to 150 per day.  I figured, an early visit would allow us to see how the island coped or recovers from the break in tourism activities.

 

Among the forms you would need to accomplish are the following:

• Health Declaration
• Commitment Form (In response to the Island Do’s and Don’ts)
• Manifest Form

 

The other attachments would be the government-imposed fees for the activities, which can be customized to your length of stay and the Do’s and Don’ts.

 

There are 3-departure times to choose from, 7AM, 8AM and 9AM. You are asked to be present 30 minutes before, but we got to the Check In Desk an hour early on the day of our schedule and left as soon as we made the necessary payments.

 

Our guides ushered us to our picnic hut where we settled our things.  

A few minutes later, we were invited back to the boat for the 10-minute visit to the Sand Bar.  The Sand Bar is actually part of the smaller Santa Cruz Island and is visible most of the year.

Unfortunately, we were not able to do the lagoon tour because of the tide condition.  We scheduled our departure at noon, just as when the water is rising.  Nevertheless, it just gives us reason to come back.

 

The rest of the morning was spent on exploring the beach, swimming, and taking photos.  With a beautiful island as your backdrop, you will never ran out of Instagram worthy images.

By noon, we were ready to go back to the mainland. 

 

The Local Tourism was very efficient with their controls and the visit was worth it.  The Do’s and Don’t’s was helpful in ensuring responsible tourism and has kept the island clean.

 

We will definitely come back!

Returning Home For The Holidays To Zamboanga City, What To Expect

It has been an annual tradition for me and my partner to visit his family for the holidays.  Since my siblings and Mom are in Canada, they make sure I'm part of his family and not miss out on holiday traditions. 

Coming home this year is extra challenging because of the pandemic.  Travel restrictions has to be satisfied in order to fly.  

Flight schedules are inconsistent.  Make room for adjustments and flexibility in your itinerary.  Our flights was cancelled and moved 3 times before the actual rebooked schedule.

Also, make time to process required documents.  5 working days before departure is ideal.  The requirements are different from different Local Government Units, but Zamboanga City has the following:

The first item we secured was the proof of residency.  This can be in the form of a Barangay Certificate coming from the hometown which can be secured by a relative.  A valid ID with the provincial address is also accepted.

We then applied for a coordination pass through the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdN3vvyl7KvYAJ6y2fax_tNxqvrg4lIE0U9vKEsDbrptlbbAg/viewform

Included on the attachment requirements is the travel pass, medical certificate, swab result, and valid ID's, but we were able to secure an approval with just the Barangay Certificate uploaded on all the attachment buttons.  The coordination pass was emailed the next day after the application.

The Health Certificate is next, coming from our Barangay Health center in Mandaluyong.  This is a required attachment for the travel pass issued by the City Police Department.  Once we're cleared from the community health center, we then brought the documents to the City Police Department that takes at least 3 days to process.  Be prepared to stand in line for hours since they're the only one allowed to issue the travel pass for all destinations in the country.  The city of Mandaluyong only issues travel pass on a specific travel dates.  It is best to ensure the finality of your flight prior to getting one.

We also had a swab test done 5 days before our flight.  We went to the Philippine Diagnostic Laboratory near NAIA 4 for their standard package that costs 4k and result within 3 days.  The result actually arrived within 2 days so there's no need to rush.  Just make sure the validity is within the requirement of your destination.

On the day of our departure, we arrived at the airport early.  

Make sure to download the Traze App, the contact tracing application used by all airports in the country.  Scanning the QR Code at the doors is required to allow entry.

We had all the documents printed out which was checked by the airline representative at the bag drop counter.  It was surprisingly easy as long as you comply with each item.

We arrived in Zamboanga International Airport as scheduled.

Complete Guide to Returning Overseas Filipinos To The Philippines During Quarantine

All returning Filipinos from abroad are required to undergo a an RT-PCR test upon arrival and a mandatory quarantine while waiting for a negative result.  But the process differs on classification.

Upon arrival, the groups are segregated by the coast guards to OFW's and Non OFW.  Each are ushered to different holding areas.  

Photo by DOT NCR

FOR OFW's

The OFW's will take turns on the Red Cross Verification counter to validate their information.  

It is recommended that they are able to pre register online using this link: https://e-cif.redcross.org.ph/

After validation, bar codes are issued to be given to swabber with the remaining 1 to stick on the passport.  This unique barcode is important to monitor the status of your result.

You can verify your result through this link: https://e-cif.redcross.org.ph/

Nowadays, result from red cross are usually available within 3-5 Days of extraction.

After extraction, the OFW's will now be classified to either Land Based or Sea Based.  The Land Based OFW's are assisted by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) while the SEA BASED are taken to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Desk.  OWWA is in charge of providing the Quarantine Hotels for returning Land Based OFW while the Manning Agency will provide the accommodation for Sea Based OFW's at no expense to the passenger.  The privilege also includes transportation to destinations outside of Manila after the mandatory quarantine.  

But please bear in mind that only active members may avail of this privileges.  Inactive members are re classified as Non OFW.

For Non OFW

Returning non OFW's will have to undergo the RT-PCR test from private diagnostic laboratory stationed at the airport.  Price of the test is 4,500 pesos but the result is made available within 1 to 2 days, sometimes earlier.

For passengers of Philippine Airlines arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2, you need to register through their own Electronic case Investigation Form using this link:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=CwHXSIWn90GG3l93kpp6nm4esAJ-fclAnuuFwHYvxXZUN1I4QklBWFNKMEdDRzc4UUtZOEhIUTFGNSQlQCN0PWcu

After the swab extraction, they will be ushered to the Department of Tourism (DOT) desk to validate their hotel quarantine facility.  It is recommended that these hotels are booked in advance because the options at the airport are limited as compared to those online.  Just make sure that the chosen hotels have been inspected either by the Department of Health or the Department of Tourism.

DOT Desk at Terminal 1 (Photo by DOT NCR)

DOT Desk at Terminal 2 (Photo by DOT NCR)

List of Accredited Hotels For Mandatory Quarantine by DOH: http://quarantine.doh.gov.ph/facilities-inspected-as-of-september-30-2020/

List of Accredited Hotels For Mandatory Quarantine by DOT: Click on the Accreditation Page on the link http://www.tourism.gov.ph/

Please note that only hotel within Metro Manila are allowed as mandatory quarantine for returning overseas filipinos.  A booking confirmation must be presented at the desk.  It's best that you keep a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready on your device.  Messages and handwritten documents will not be honored.

Transportation

For OFW's

OWWA and Marina will provide shuttle transfers free of Charge.

For Non OFW

The are 3 options for returning non-ofw all to be paid by the passenger.

1. Hotel Transfer with identification

2. Coupon Taxi (Fixed Rate, SUV)

3. Yellow Metered Taxi

A handful of forms will be given, but the most important is the Affidavit of Undertaking.  This will be given to the Philippine Coast Guards upon exit.  Get ahead by downloading and filling out the form below:

This will serve as your gate pass.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I ask my relatives to pick me up?

Only accredited transport is allowed to enter the arrival area.  Having your relative pick you up totally defeat the quarantine purpose.  Only when a negative result is available and presented to the hotel representatives will you be allowed to reunite with your families.

I have my own condominium unit or apartment, and I'm the only one living there, why do I need to incur additional expense and book a hotel as a quarantine facility?

The Accredited and Inspected facilities adhere to strict health and quarantine protocols imposed by the government.  They will limit your mobility and report to IATF any violations.  Something the government cannot impose on private homes.

I just had a negative result before flying, why do I need to get one upon arrival?

The government is exerting all efforts to protect our borders from the virus.  Although you can vouch for your own health, there's no guarantee that the rest of the passengers on the same flight did the same thing.  You become a vulnerable candidate the moment you boarded the flight especially the long ones.  It also serves a preparatory document to your next destination.

What if I don't have money to pay for the swab test and hotel?

In extreme cases where you can't afford to pay for private swabbing, you may opt to avail the one by Red Cross, but be prepared to wait a bit longer for the release of result.  Government Quarantine facility is also available free of charge, but you might have to wait up to the last flight of the day to be taken to Eva Macapagal Quarantine Complex.  The Coast Guard needs to gather all availers from different flights and terminals before the transfer.

Please comment if you have other questions below!