I Dare You Juan, Can You Spell TRAVEL?

Every Juan is dreaming ….
 To experience the Juanderful Hidden Gems…
   To capture those picturesque and Juantastic Scenes

    Shout it out to the world,“Let’s Visit Philippines!"

 Jonathan Orbuda

FYI : Its not just a country , its Philippines ! ( Bohol Beach Club)

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I was born and nurtured in a remote place in Bohol where I started to build my dreams. I  always looked up to the sky every time I heard an airplane passes by and  I wonder how it feels to fly. Sigh……

After High School, I decided to move to Manila to study in a State University. It was my first time to travel - unfortunately via ship. Sigh…..

It was never an easy road for me; it was a great fracas towards the rapid changes of my lifestyle and adapting to an environment I’m not used to. I had to survive in bare minimum and continue studying despite of scarcity. Luckily, I became a student leader and University Publication Section Editor which had its benefits (e.g. free meals). Regardless of these sacrifices, I never failed to recall my dream … To experience being in an Airplane to soar high and see the view from above…. Sigh…

But those hardships ended when I finished my degree. Aside from my Diploma, the greatest gift that I received was a round trip air-ticket to Bohol for free from the Publication team. I had the opportunity to fly home with the University Publication staff.  It was very glorifying and indescribable feeling. It made my dream come to reality. I no longer needed  to look up because I was seeing the world in a different angle - from above... Thanks to Cebu Pacific Air. Sigh...

HHWW : A romantic scene in Panglao Island , perfect for lovers

When the airplane landed, I was nostalgic and there was a sudden flashback from childhood. Tears fell down from my eyes. I was no longer dreaming of being on a plane Ive experienced it.  We visited the Baclayon Church, Loboc River, Tarsier Sagbayan Peak, Chocolate Hills, Wildlife Sanctuary and the wide white beaches of Panglao Island (prior to the devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake). I never realized how rich Bohol is, though I grew up here yet I never experienced these hidden beauties before.

After that experience, I started to dream all over again ; to TRAVEL perpetually.

‘We meet People maybe because we are either meant to change their lives or ours.  

Boracay :In the dark, you can do what you want;you can also explore 

yourself and know who you are.

The best part of travelling is you get to meet and talk with random people in the middle of the road – People that when you meet as acquaintances would end as a friend.  And sometimes would be so inspiring that it would change your perspective of life.

As I continued to travel and experience the different cultures one place has to offer, Boracay would be one of the best.

Boracay everybody’s dream destination. Known for its powdery white sand, blue and clear water,Definitely a tourist target, but for me, it was more.

Behind the paradise are Innumerable Tales ... 

7PM wherein the Boracay  rave culture starts, the people begin to paint the town red, the sea is totally silent but the shoreline of Station Two is alive of various entertainments – ei. Boracay Fire Dancing. I planned to drink and party all night without spending money (Yes, I have to be insightful and it’s a challenge.) .So I sauntered the stretch of Station Two and Three alone. Since it was summer, every twenty meters you will find a free taste of liquors as part of Brand Promotions .Until I realized that I had way too much to drink.  And found myself  lying in the middle of the wide shore of Station One – far from the crowd and the placid environment exist. Until I noticed a silhouette coming …

“It seems that you’re drunk, are you with someone? Are you alright?” a modulated voice uttered. “Yes, I am ok, I’m just indulging the beauty of the place because I don’t know when I’ll be able to come back here” I answered. He introduced himself and so did I. We began to talk and as the night went on we got to share a lot of things even though we barely knew each other. “I grew up in a luxurious life, I can do what I want, and I almost have everything” he said. “But wealth is worthless if you are not happy , if you are limited .I travel to enjoy life because life is too short.” He stressed in a sad manner. “I’m immune-suppressed and diagnosed for three years now” as he blurted out these words, I was shocked; I didn’t know how to respond, he didn’t even look sick.

He continued to travel even on medication. I felt a sudden gush of emotions and tears fell.  And in that very moment, I was changed. It improved how I looked at things, to should spend my every waking moments and to enjoy being in the moment. For all we know, it could be the last. 

Can you afford spending your life in a status quo? Or can you now spell the word TRAVEL?

When I had youth I had no money; now I have the money I have no time; and when I get the time, if I ever do, I shall have no health to enjoy life.-  Louisa May Alcott

This Article is an “I Love Tansyong” Official entry in a Writing/Blogging Contest organized by Wego in partnership with Cebu Pacific Air, the Tourism Promotions Board, and ABS-CBN Choose Philippines with a theme “Your Life-Changing Travel Story”

Thank you Eliza J. Diaz (Market Development Manager for Wego Philippines) for the invitation.

Also thank you to the four judges, Anita Duffin, Doming Ramon C. Enerio III, Phillip Kimpo Jr.

Post by Wego.