Doing extraordinary things...Defying the Gravity and pushing the limit

Green Minded  Team : Athan, Irene, Bonj as execute their trademark pose in every travels (Mitra's Ranch )

I always stressed, “I will not allow my life to pass without doing an extraordinary thing”. Living in my comfort zone is a big no no for me. Trying something new to spice up my life is my goal. Can you afford spending all day long in a four-corner room doing nothing ?. A person who is afraid to  take  risks will not enjoy life. The world is huge outside.

My eagerness to travel became my passion. I make sure that wherever I go I had pictures or souvenirs as proof that I was able to do it. I learned to plan  ahead of time and also how to prepare myself for these travels both physically and mentally. Then I started to share my trips through my travel blog. And was motivated to be a practical nomad. I was inspired by a letter from Lois Yasay, - a woman who quit her job just to travel Southeast Asia for six months with PHP 100,000 (non-stop). James Betia (I joined some of his travels and learned surfing),-who backpacked the Philippines for 100 days for PHP50, 000 (non-stop). Lastly, Rinell Banda a Filipino Dreamer who travelled the whole World.

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After knowing these true-blooded nomads personally, I learned to celebrate the Panorama of life, to travel and not to be afraid. We must take risks  in order to know where we truly belong.  And as with travelling you’ll never know what to expect.

I was able to rove, survive and enjoy the so called “City in the Forest” for only PHP4500. Together with my friends, we booked a round trip air ticket to Puerto Princesa City and this trip took six days from April 4 -10,2013.

April 4, 2013 at 6PM we arrived at the airport with no plans, no accommodations  and no fixed itinerary at hand. But that didn’t stop us from laughing and taking pictures. Literally, all we cared about was having fun and being in the moment.  We then  proceeded to this  restaurant the offers Birds nest soup. You haven’t been to Palawan if you haven’t tasted it.

Moreover, with the PHP4500 fund which we spread out for six days. It covered the round trip tickets, accommodations, foods ( Chaolong , Nido Soup, Sea foods), Swimming at pristine beach, experience Underground River, City tour, Bar Hopping, Hair Tattoo and of course “pasalubong (souvenirs)” .

Since I was trying to push my limit in terms of travelling I got to thinking how far would PHP500 take me? This idea pushed me to dare my friends to go on a 3 day trip to Rizal from August 9-11, 2013. To go as far as we can with that thought in mind.  It was crazy yet exciting.

First day we met in Cainta Rizal (Goodies Capital), and then we went to Taytay, Rizal known for its  Garments and Woodcraft products to visit the “Bantayog ng mga Bayani (Guerillas Memorial Shrine)” and in Jardin Miramar situated in  Antipolo City. The second day, we hired a tricycle for PHP300 for the entire trip. From Morong Rizal, we went to Baras, Rizal to visit the longstanding church, then lunch at Daranak Falls in Tanay, Rizal and experienced the Art of Rock Balancing , then off to the Floating Restaurant in Pililia, Rizal and ended up in Jala Jala, Rizal. On  our last day, we visited Angono Rizal (Art Capital and Home of Original Hegantes) before we went straight to Thunderbird Casino and Resort where I was invited to conduct a motivational speech for a journalism seminar. It was indeed relaxing and an unforgettable experience. The best part of it? It was totally FREE !

Doing Crazy Thing : Zambales

Aside from the tourist spots, the historical sites, the innumerable resorts, culture and practices;truly Rizal Province is definitely more fun because of its local inhabitants.

Who would expect that I got the chance to interview (impromptu) a businesswoman and the owner of the World’s Popular “Casa Santa in Antipolo City”. How about the creative man who revives “Stone Age” through his craftsmanship in Binangonan, Rizal and a fisherman who lived at the heart of Laguna Lake in a Nipa Hut that narrates his tales of resiliency and triumph against typhoons.

Not surprisingly, after these challenges  mentioned above , I learned some things that I never acquired during schooling. Those things wherein you can only encounter outdoor; how to deal with people , how to manage any fortuitous events might happen , how to live life in a simple way. And in the same manner, I was able to discover who am I and my capacity level.

“Travelling doesn’t need to be expensive” that’s what I learned. You just have to know how to be resourceful, wise and make TIME for it.  And as a full time employee, getting approval for a vacation leave is not easy, so being tactful is also required .

As Jack Canfield said “ If we  are not a little bit uncomfortable every day, were not growing. All the good stuff is outside our comfort zone.” 

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.