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2011: A Year of Unexpected Journeys

Posted on December 21, 2011 by journeyingjames 44 Comments
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Boom!

17 major destinations,

24 new provinces visited,

25 domestic flights,

100+ bus, jeepney, van and habal-habal rides,

120 blog stories,

4000+ tweets,

84 new friend encounters,

in 1 unexpected  year.

Days from now, we will say good-bye to 2011 and say hello to the New Year. Welcome 2012! But before I forget, I wanted to look back to the travels that has surprised me for the past 365 days of 2011.

Let me guide you along of what has happened for the past 12 months thru this simple number map:

 

2011: A Year of Unexpected Journey

1. Catanduanes (Mis)Adventures.

Travel Date: January 7-11.

Majestics, Puraran, Catanduanes

I now know why they call this province “The Land of the Howling Winds.”  I have to face the natural design that this island province is just blessed to have more rain showers compared to my home province, Laguna. This doesn’t bother the traveler in me, I don’t know but there is some bliss in the rain I cannot explain. Want another fact? I only saw a total of 4-hour of sunlight during my entire stay.

Blog entry- Catanduanes: Battered but Blissful

 

2. Northern Mindanao Escapade- CDO, Camiguin, Iligan and Bukidon.

Travel Date: January 19-25

Nagpahangin lang sa Giant Cross, Camiguin

The 7-day escapade has taught me to appreciate the rugged beauty of Mindanao, her lovely people, varied terrains, fine weather. I would compare this blessed land to an unpolished gem, the beauty is within, and only a keen traveler can see and find charm even in the most mundane of situations.

Blog entry: Northern Mindanao Escapade

 

3. I Love You Batanes.

Travel Date: February 11-14

One of the posters inside Honesty Cafe

Having won the SEAir Batanes Tour because of my love letter to Batanes, “Ichaddaw Ku Imu.” (Batanes, I Love You), I recalled the love story that blossomed while I was in Batanes. I was a bit cheesy this time as I am definitely in love with this group of islands in the northernmost part of the Philippines.

Blog entry: Visit Batanes Series

 

4. Secrets of Northern Samar.

Travel Date: February 21-25

Dwarfed and amazed at the beautiful Biri Rock Formations

Northern Samar put a spell on me! I can’t believe that this “undiscovered” province would offer the most unique adventures ever. It has the unspoiled white beaches, lush mountains, enormous caves, unnoticed waterfalls, stunning rock formations, surf breaks, amazing people, gastronomic food and rich heritage. It’s off-the-beaten and I love it!

Blog entry: Secrets of Northern Samar

 

5. Taking A Break: Tagaytay

Travel Date: March 13-14

My feet is so much at home with the comforts of Summit Ridge Hotel, Tagaytay City

Taking a Break is a different kind of trip, a timely break from my hammock-hanging-escapades. A 3-part series wherein I feature some restaurants and a hotel for everyone’s enjoyment. Don’t you think I need some comfort and convenience too?

Blog entry: Taking a Break Series

 

6. The Shoestring Diaries: Zamboanga City

Travel Date: March 28-30

My first article with Cebu Pacific Smile magazine

I’m so honored to kick-off the new feature of Cebu Pacific’s in-flight magazine SMILE, THE SHOESTRING DIARIES where I wrote my Zamboanga City adventure. This article shows everyone going to Asia’s Latin City, some places to visit, foods to try and pasalubongs to buy complete with expenses summary each day. For this article I did a 72-hour suggested itinerary for the budget traveler.

Blog entry: FREE Downloadable PDF Zamboanga City On A Shoestring

 

7. Pagadian City Adventures, Zamboanga del Sur

Travel Date: April 6-8

Tapay-Tapay boat, Pagadian Fish Port

It was one of the no-itinerary whatsoever trip I did last April. I was breaking my own tip of doing research (well, I did a lil bit of googling). I think there will come a time in your travel adventures that you just want to arrive in your destination and from there “come what may.”

Blog entry: Pagadian City Adventure Series

 

 

8. Quezon on GMA7’s Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho

Travel Date: April 11

Mahabang Buhangin, Pagbilao, Quezon

I still can’t believe that I’m saw myself on National TV. It was not only a dream come true but a “tap on the back” that Filipinos are now open to the idea of cheap travel or “backpacking.”

As Ms.Jessica said, “Target kasi nyang makapaglathala ng libro na magbibigay ng tips kung paanong makapaglalakbay ng hindi lalampas ng Php500 kada araw and gastos.” (He plans to write a book that gives tips on how to travel with Php500 budget per day)

Blog entry: I’m on TV! Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Summer Special

 

9. PNG at Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.

Travel Date: May 21-30

First time to watch Gymnastics live (Photo credit: PSC)

I was chosen to be part of media team as their official blogger of Philippine Olympic Commission (POC) and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for the Philippine National Games (PNG).

Blog entry: Philippine National Games 2011

 

10. Mindanao Challenge 400: SOCCSKSARGEN, Davao Region & Caraga.

Travel Date: June 6-21

Sunrise at Dahican Beach, Mati City. I can wake up every morning here.

This is the first live-blogging I did. My Gen.Santos City – South Cotabato –  Saranggani – Sultan Kudarat – Davao del Sur – Davao City – (Samal Island) – Davao del Norte – Compostela Valley – Davao Oriental – Surigao del Sur – Agusan del Norte (Butuan) route has taught me to value friendship and human encounters. I learned to trust strangers while doing my Php400/day budget trip. It was a success and I can’t wait to be back in the places I visited.

Blog entry: Wrap-Up Mindanao Challenge

 

11. Albay, Camarines Sur & Calaguas, Camarines Norte.

Travel Date: September 21-26

Clara, me and Joan en route Calaguas Island

I was able to travel with two beautiful ladies- Joan and Clara. This is the first time I had travel buddies since I started blogging and it was fun. This also paved the way for more travel with buddies- I like traveling with Europeans because I want to learn their culture for the future trips.

Blog entry: Calaguas Island Trip Guide- The Cheapest Way Possible

 

12. Visayas Trails: Iloilo, Antique, Aklan, Negros Occ, Cebu, Bohol, Dumaguete City

Travel Date: October 1-25

Bugtong-Bato Waterfalls, Tibiao, Antique

Visayas Trails is a 25-day journey around Western and Central Visayas. My primary purpose is to learn the dialect, meet locals and rediscover the sites worth visiting for my dream escapade- Isang Daan.

I visited Iloilo, Antique, Boracay, Bacolod, Cebu, Bohol and Dumaguete spending a total of Php11,096 all-in excluding airfare. Thanks to CouchSurfing and friends who I met along the way, this trip would not be memorable and exciting without you.

Blog entry: I have lots of entries, but this one was the most read- Tragic Accident in Bohol

 

13. Ilocos Norte & Ilocos Sur

Travel Date: October 25-29

Somewhere in Vigan City- you know this place right?

I wasn’t able to blog this yet. But I will start writing the Ilocos Trip Series by January 2012. So watch out for that!

 

14. Dumaguete City for Batang Pinoy Games Visayas

Travel Date: November 9-14

This snapshot started it all! "Bilisan mo, pahiram ng sapatos. Eto na yung tsinelas."

I was invited again by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) as part of the media team to cover the revived Batang Pinoy Games. During one of events, I was able to snap a quick shot of young athletes sharing shoes. Didn’t expected that it was a start of the SHOESHARING Project. Blog readers were able to give shoes to the young athletes of Negros Oriental. Not only that, the surplus from the money received was donated to the victims of Typhoon Sendong in Iligan. Heart-warming and the true spirit of Christmas.

Blog entry: SHOESHARING Report and Plans 

 

15. Pangasinan with Mica & CrazySexyFun Traveler

Travel Date: November 22-24

with Mica and Alex from Slovakia at the historic President's Hotel, Lingayen

I wasn’t able to blog about this too. But will try my best to publish before this year ends. Ohhh I miss the Bangus, Lingayen Capitol, Mica and Alex! Thanks to President’s hotel too for a delightful stay while in Lingayen.

 

16. Baguio City for Batang Pinoy Games Northern Luzon

Travel Date: November 24-27

Lawrence is the only out-of-school youth boxer who joined the Batang Pinoy Games in Baguio City

For the Northern Luzon leg of Batang Pinoy Games, I headed to Baguio City. I covered a lot of games and blogged about Athletics, Archery and Boxing. But what captured my heart was a story about Lawrence, a 14-yr old boxer who stopped studying so he can join boxing events to help his family buy their basic needs.

Blog entry: Boxing- Sports is my Only Hope

 

17. Naga City, Camarines Sur for Batang Pinoy Games Finals

Travel Date: December 9-14

A vibrant dance presentation by the high school students of Camarines Sur National HS

The last and final travel I did this year. I covered the Finals of the Batang Pinoy Games. I was impressed on the preparations that Naga City did- it was a festive opening ceremony. You would laugh on the title of my blog post, hahaha

Blog entry: Bonggacious’ Batang Pinoy Games Opening Ceremonies

 

Before I forget, I was able to share and encourage others to “Spend Less, Travel More” too during these 3 Talks:

  • Travel Talk at Marquee Mall
  • Travel Bloggers Forum at Asian Institute of Management
  • Travel Talk with the SoleSisters and Langyaw at R.O.X.

What an UNEXPECTED Year of Journeys!

Whew! It took me a whole day to finish this post. I hope you can share this to others who love traveling. I know this will be an inspiration to others.

I’m excited for next year- ISANG DAAN: 100 Days of Backpacking the Philippines- The Cheapest Way Possible. SHARE it to others please! Its a make or break of my travel “career.”
That’s it! Thank you readers for commenting and sharing my blog this year 2011. Spend less, travel more ha!

Lastly, WISHING YOU EXPERIENCE REAL LOVE & HAPPINESS THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON. HAVE A BOUNTIFUL NEW YEAR TOO!

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44 thoughts on “2011: A Year of Unexpected Journeys”

  1. promding chamimay said:
    Reply
    December 21, 2011 at 1:54 pm

    yey kasama ang zambo sa 2011 mo! 🙂 i dont have a travel summary this year… parang preggy ako the whole year hehehe… cant wait for 2012 too!!!! 🙂 goodluck on the 100days project!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      December 22, 2011 at 2:09 pm

      yep, my second time in zambo and i think i will visit zambo again this coming 2012.
      hmmm… buti nlang hindi pwedeng maging preggy ang mga lalaki noh? thanks promding chamimay!

  2. akoaybatanggala said:
    Reply
    December 21, 2011 at 4:54 pm

    idol ka talaga,JJ (journeying james)! kudos!

  3. batanggala said:
    Reply
    December 21, 2011 at 5:11 pm

    ooopppss… my very first time to post a comment for a travel blog/ bery first time that i travelled (dec15-21) for my own blog- batanggala.com(soon)/ and i did my very first comment in blogosphere here in journeying james… YOU DID A GREAT JOB, james!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      December 22, 2011 at 2:05 pm

      wow! that’s quite an honor noh?
      let me know when your site is already up batanggala. thank you so much!

  4. Micamyx|Senyorita said:
    Reply
    December 21, 2011 at 5:16 pm

    Yey kasali kami ni Alex! Can’t wait to read your entry about the Pangasinan trip. Happy Birthday ulit James and more power! Keep on running din 😀

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      December 22, 2011 at 2:03 pm

      ahhhh… i wish i can still remember the details. hahaha
      thanks mica! you’re a great host!

  5. batanggala said:
    Reply
    December 21, 2011 at 6:33 pm

    my own travel blog will come out soon.. 🙂

    keep inspiring others, James!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      December 22, 2011 at 1:59 pm

      and im excited to see that…
      i checked it and it says “coming soon…”

  6. Ed Escueta said:
    Reply
    December 21, 2011 at 10:58 pm

    Anlupet! I’m gonna be like you soon! 🙂 *wishful thinking*

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      December 22, 2011 at 1:58 pm

      why not pre?
      kaya mo yan! -Milo

  7. gelai said:
    Reply
    December 22, 2011 at 12:43 am

    wew! nice one! inggit much @.@

  8. chyng said:
    Reply
    December 22, 2011 at 4:56 am

    how time flies. congrats on a very fruitful year! Ü
    wish u a better and more exciting 2012!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      December 22, 2011 at 1:55 pm

      indeed, next year we will be looking back naman sa 2012… exciting lang!
      same to you, all the best to chyng reyes this 2012

  9. rhye said:
    Reply
    December 22, 2011 at 11:56 am

    Thumps up!!! Hope to read more exciting places next year… Good luck James! Fan mo talaga ako. =)

    • rhye said:
      Reply
      December 22, 2011 at 11:59 am

      “Thumbs” (correction.. hehe)

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      December 22, 2011 at 1:54 pm

      thanks rhye! wish me the time and inspiration to write…

  10. Marky said:
    Reply
    December 22, 2011 at 3:37 pm

    Wow a packing year. I’m also glad that I was able to join you on one of those travels. The Masskara in Bacolod. Hope you double that or triple in 2012.

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      December 25, 2011 at 1:32 pm

      yep, i remember marky! that was real fun and crazy ayt?
      saan kaya tayo magkikita next year?

  11. Marco said:
    Reply
    December 23, 2011 at 6:19 am

    Congrats, James! At good luck sa 100days project!

    Merry Christmas!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      December 25, 2011 at 1:30 pm

      thank you marco!
      have a very merry christmas too! enjoy the season… 🙂

  12. gayE @ pinaytraveljunkie said:
    Reply
    December 23, 2011 at 6:52 pm

    Epic! Can’t wait to read about international adventures someday. Hope to travel with you again panyero 🙂

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      December 25, 2011 at 1:29 pm

      *napahinga ako ng malalim kompanyera!*
      same here, all the best on your epic, rtw, family trip!

  13. joanne camille said:
    Reply
    December 25, 2011 at 2:20 pm

    WOOOOOW!!! i read this section of your blog for 3 times and ngaun ko lang nakita na andun ka pla sa tuktok nung giant cross in Camiguin. ASTIG!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      December 26, 2011 at 3:59 pm

      ahaha! nagpapalamig lang… pero as in, 3 times? that is WOW!

  14. angelo said:
    Reply
    December 26, 2011 at 10:52 am

    Ang sarap naman maging traveller/blogger 🙂

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      December 26, 2011 at 3:36 pm

      time to reap what i sow for the past 2 years of blogging. haha

  15. melvin said:
    Reply
    December 27, 2011 at 1:37 am

    sayang hindi kasama ang siargao,you should feature socorro din sana next time at meron lagoon dun na may mga maraming jellyfish like sa palau

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      December 29, 2011 at 4:47 am

      i hope i can visit that next year. thanks melvin!

  16. Exotic Philippines said:
    Reply
    December 27, 2011 at 5:05 am

    IDOL!

    I wish I could be able to give this kind of wrap up next year! This is totally cool!

    kakaingit…

    Keep it up!

    Cheers!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      December 29, 2011 at 4:43 am

      thank you Gay!
      i know you will be doing the same next year.

  17. dong ho said:
    Reply
    December 31, 2011 at 3:15 am

    such a great spread of location of your amazing trips around the philippines. you managed your time well in plotting all these. galing ah!

    cheers to more great journeys including the new challenge.

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 1, 2012 at 12:20 pm

      yep bosing dong, ikaw naman your destinations are off-the-beaten palagi.
      cheers to more adventures and have a good health narin this 2012

  18. pinoy boy journals said:
    Reply
    December 31, 2011 at 10:21 am

    iba ka brader! ayos! good luck sa 100 days! kinukuwento kita sa mga ka-office ko! Cheers to 2012!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 1, 2012 at 12:19 pm

      bosing, salamat ng marami! sana mrami pang makabasa ng 100days plan. woot woot!
      ikaw astig, HTC amba!

  19. mheanne ojeda said:
    Reply
    December 31, 2011 at 1:50 pm

    wow, great year indeed! have fun and good luck in your 100 Days Challenge!!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 1, 2012 at 12:18 pm

      thank you so much atty mheanne! really appreciate the sponsorship you gave thru that travel insurance.

  20. Kara / Travel Up said:
    Reply
    January 1, 2012 at 5:36 am

    Hey James, congrats on having such a great year. Wow, you’ve been to so many places this year. Astig! I look forward to reading about your adventures on the road in your upcoming backpacking trip! 🙂

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 1, 2012 at 12:17 pm

      thanks Kara! ikaw din, im always excited to read your latest blog post. grabe, isa ka sa mga idolo ko sa writing.
      thanks for being excited.

  21. crazy sexy fun traveler said:
    Reply
    January 2, 2012 at 11:16 pm

    I’m happy I was part of your 2011 trips 😀 And that I took the last Xmas tree photo 😀

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 3, 2012 at 2:27 pm

      glad i met you! yes, thanks for taking that photo..haha
      enjoy your travels dear

  22. Aiks said:
    Reply
    February 1, 2012 at 4:44 am

    James you’ve gone really far 🙂 From those pictures in Sagada (college days) to seeing these photos and blogs now, I can’t be any happier for you. 🙂 Hope to see you soon, maybe we can ask Mike to join us too 🙂

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      February 2, 2012 at 5:43 am

      banawe ata yun aika! hehehe i haven’t been to sagada eh 🙂
      thanks thanks!

  23. Bio Muscle said:
    Reply
    April 14, 2015 at 6:22 am

    No matter if some one searches for his necessary thing,
    thus he/she desires to be available that in detail, so
    that thing is maintained over here.

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