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12 Life-Changing Moments this 2012

Posted on December 22, 2012 by journeyingjames 43 Comments
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2011 was a Year of Unexpected Journeys.

2012? What a year it has been! 2012 has been a life-changing year for me, my life journey has been truly enriched by lots of experiences that would have happened if I stayed in the comforts of my house.

Without further ado, here are the 12 Life-Changing Moments of 2012:

1. Swimming with the whalesharks.

Made me think of how small and insignificant I am.

The experience was something like this photo. Full story here: Close Encounter with the Whalesharks (Photo grabbed from Google search)

Nope, not in Oslob where they torture these gentle giants but in Bicolandia. Having a close encounter with the Whalesharks of Donsol is a dream come true. The experience was so surreal I felt I was still dreaming underwater. Finally, I am crossing out another item from my bucketlist. If I would summarize it in one sentence, “It was ten solid minutes of bliss.” There were three whaleshark sighting before I was able to swam with one. I was speechless on the first encounter. For some seconds, no, for a minute, I forgot everything, I was in awe, bedazzled, amazed and yes add all the synonyms of the adjectives I just said.

2. Rescued Turtle Laid 156 Eggs under my Hammock.

Made me appreciate turtles’ important contribution to the ecosystem.

I thought I was just dreaming. But it was for real, video and story here: Rescued Pawikan Lays Egg in Dahican Beach

I was in Dahican Beach, Mati City- a safe haven for sea turtles, dolphins and seacows. During my first night of stay, some locals invited me to come with them to rescue the strangled pawikan. I haven’t seen a live turtle as big as that before. Not only that, after three hours, the mother pawikan laid 156 eggs just below my hammock. Unbelievable!

3. Becoming a Big Brother to the Victims of Typhoon Sendong.

Made me cry and be emphatic with the orphans.

It was in Iligan City where I saw these kids taking a rest in the comforts of hammocks near the bus terminal. I asked around and found out that they were mostly orphans courtesy of Typhoon Sendong that struck Iligan months ago. I wanted to show concern so I planned on staying at the Tent City, where most are relocated to have their temporary homes. Here I met Honey, Connie, Heidi and RJ who offered their tent for me to stay for two nights. In return, even with a tight budget, I brought them to Tinago Falls to somehow help tem in their recovery.

You can check out the short video I made below:

4. Visiting all the 80 Provinces of the Philippines.

Made me thankful that I’m still young when I did this feat.

Full story: 80 Provinces Done!

Yep, last April 20, 2012 I was able to finish setting foot in all the 80 Provinces of the Philippines. Making me part of CLUB PH80, a feat that only four Pinoy Travel Bloggers has done and documented as of today. I ticked off all the provinces after being addicted to traveling for 3 years. To cap it off was Siquijor, an island province full of beauty and mystery.

5. Fulfilling my dream of backpacking the Philippines for 100 Days.

Made me believe more in myself and trust humanity for its generosity.

Backpacking the Philippines Done! Epic story here:

Backpacking the Philippines Done! Epic story here: ISANGDAAN Journey- A Success!

I guess I will be known as the guy who traveled the whole Philippines for 100 days straight the cheapest way possible. This will be forever etched in people’s minds. But then again, this is not yet done! I’m to publish a book and release a short documentary film about it. Watch out for those next  year!

6. Being interviewed by three of the largest TV networks in the Philippines.

Made me instant celebrity! haha *just kidding* Made my blog readers doubled, no tripled.

With Howie Severino and Kara David after the live interview

Kapamilya, Kapuso and Kapatid was able to interview me because of this epic journey around the Philippines. It was life-changing as I never knew that my crazy adventures would give me airtime. Plus, watching the replays still gives me goosebumps. Really!

7. Becoming one of the Finalists for Globe’s TattAwards Explorer. 

Made me realize that I’m doing something noteworthy.

Read the full story at Bigger than TattAwards

I didn’t win but being among the finalist with big names such like  Bogart the Explorer, Byahilo.com, PinoyMountaineer and Anton Diaz was enough for Globe to let me know that I’m doing something worthy of the award right? Again, I thank those who supported me!

8. Helping Rizal Elementary School in Gubat, Sorsogon have their library. 

Made me proud as a traveler/backpacker, knowing that simple acts like this can really make a BIG difference.

Rizal Elementary School Library. Before and After photos. Be inspired by reading the full story here: Leaving a Legacy in Gubat, Sorsogon

Three months ago, I was in tears as the kids cut the ribbon of the newly built and furnished library in Rizal Elementary School. I can’t believe that a small group of bloggers and friends an do such work after I blogged about Travel With A Purpose: Book Sharing Project 6 months ago. DepEd and the Alumni pitched in and what we saw that day was a dream come true- A Bayanihan Library, built not with lots of money or under the name of a particular politician, but with heart and soul. I would be forever proud of this bayanihan project.

9. Having a colored full-page feature on Manila Bulletin. 

Made me WOW! Yep, my family, friends and loved ones included. I was humbled by the feature.

Sorry, the text are too small. You can read the feature here: Around PH in 100 Days

I almost forgot that I was featured on Manila Bulletin’s Lifestyle section last October 29.haha Thanks to Sir Alvin for the 2-hour interview that brought a full-page feature in one of the countries dailies.

10. Visiting the typhoon-ravaged Provinces of Compostella Valley and Davao Oriental.

Made me appreciate more of life and understand how deeply we humans are connected with one another.

Behind me is the ravaged Municipal Bldg of Cateel, Davao Oriental. The stench of the dead bodies made me wear a face mask. If you care, you can read my story here: The Aftermath of Typhoon Pablo

Seeing the devastation that Typhoon Pablo did in Compostella Valley and Davao Oriental. Monkayo and Trento were like ghost towns, both under the province of Compostella Valley. In Boston and Cateel, Davao Oriental, I cant help but cry inside as we give out relief goods to the families affected. Their bodies weak and eyes blank, everyone wished that what had happened is just a bad dream. The stench of the dead was so strong I was forced to wear a face mask. far from my memories of what I have seen a year ago when the locals here are all smiles.

11. Being a Featured Story on Cebu Pacific’s SMILE magazine.

Made me SMILE and a perfect ending salvo to a year well-lived this 2012.

Cebu Pacific Smile: 100 Days Around the Philippines

Cebu Pacific Smile: 100 Days Around the Philippines

December issue, the thickest and most-read of all the issues had me for a 9-page feature article about the highlights of my epic 100-day journey around the Philippines. Sorry for bragging, but I think I deserve it as I look back on how I sacrificed a lot during the entire trip. It was tiring and I almost lost my life before I was successful in the challenge. Ohh well, you can read the full story when you fly with Cebu Pacific Air or order your fave frappe at Starbucks. No money like me to do any of the two? Read the Ultimate Budget Tour: Around the PH in 100 Days

12. Branching out of www.journeyingjames.com.

Made me plan for my future.

Limited edition dry-fit “Travelers Will Change the World” shirt

I guess it just fitting to end the year with me being entrepreneurial about my passion for travelling. Please don’t get me wrong, I have needs too and a hungry tummy to fill. :p

So I decided to organize tours in Palawan, sell shirts and hammock to fund my wanderlust as blogging alone can’t fund my incessant desire to go out there. Hope you support me in this endeavor too. Don’t worry, I’m still a backpacker and will continue to help less fortunate communities in the country. 🙂

____ ____ ____

This is my entry for the December edition of Pinoy Travel Bloggers Blog Carnival. Pinay Travel Junkie and Between Coordinates are this month’s host of 2012: THIS YEAR IN TRAVEL.

You can view the previous blog carnivals by clicking the Blog Carnival Logo.
___ ___ ___

These unforgettable moments are not only written in my blog, it is forver etched in my heart and mind. Twelve stories that I will be proud to tell and re-tell to my future kids and grandkids.

“COLLECT MEMORIES, NOT THINGS.” 

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43 thoughts on “12 Life-Changing Moments this 2012”

  1. Achtung said:
    Reply
    December 22, 2012 at 9:31 am

    Wow! I hope to follow by your plans and footsteps someday.. i am a new to traveling and an aspiring one..

    Nice!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 1, 2013 at 4:09 am

      i now you can blaze your own trails. go ahead and follow your heart

  2. Claire | Traveling Light said:
    Reply
    December 22, 2012 at 10:56 am

    Life-changing moments indeed! Congratulations, James! =)

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 1, 2013 at 4:08 am

      thanks claire! i want to thank you again for joining the trip to sorsogon. here’s to more projects in the future, cheers!

  3. Kyle Patrick Ribo said:
    Reply
    December 22, 2012 at 11:17 am

    Congrats idol! Indeed, life changing nga talaga…You are such a blessing. It’s an inspiration for the rest of us. Sana by 2013 and the coming years, dadami ang mga journeyingjames sa Pinas at sa mundo. 🙂

    God Bless!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 1, 2013 at 4:07 am

      oh yes, i hope that happens!
      gbu

  4. riza del said:
    Reply
    December 22, 2012 at 11:30 am

    As in, you swam with the whale shark? huh! that’s so scary yet enjoyable & unforgettable. I love to see the picture but I’d rather not do it hahaha! Bongga ka talaga James, Congratz! I salute you…

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 1, 2013 at 4:07 am

      yep, every pinoy should experience that riza and you too. thanks!

  5. tindoy said:
    Reply
    December 22, 2012 at 2:39 pm

    IDOL!

  6. Jam said:
    Reply
    December 24, 2012 at 11:32 am

    Wow ang ganda ng picture mo dun sa magazine! Hehehe

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 1, 2013 at 4:05 am

      thanks jam! courtesy of Hannah Reyes 😉

  7. mhe-anne said:
    Reply
    December 25, 2012 at 2:25 pm

    Wow! Great year indeed. Congrats to all your accomplishments and meaningful travels.Cheers to a wonderful 2013!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 1, 2013 at 4:02 am

      i would never forget how you helped me during the 100 days journey.

  8. Missy said:
    Reply
    December 25, 2012 at 4:15 pm

    Ohh geeez! These things you posted here makes me green with envy. Indeed a list to be proud of! Very inspiring, very great!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 1, 2013 at 4:02 am

      thanks missy, im really thankful and humbled to experience all of these

  9. Reiza said:
    Reply
    December 26, 2012 at 2:22 am

    Saying you’re an inspiration is an understatement. You are someone all travellers should emulate. You are the epitome of responsible travelling. Kudos!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 1, 2013 at 4:01 am

      waaaah! that’s too much to handle reiza. thanks for your warm words, you are doing great with your volunteerism acts too!

  10. chyng said:
    Reply
    December 26, 2012 at 3:52 pm

    this is really an awesome year for you james! na-wow ako sa manila bulletin feature. i actually saw your feature in Smile Magazine. congrats!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 1, 2013 at 3:59 am

      idol kita eh! haha
      thanks chyng, more travels for you this 2013

  11. hana banana said:
    Reply
    December 26, 2012 at 4:36 pm

    haaay, nakaka-inspire ka talaga <3
    gusto ko nang gumala nang bonggang jabongga ^.^

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 1, 2013 at 3:59 am

      go lang hana, explore more!

  12. Turista Trails said:
    Reply
    December 26, 2012 at 7:39 pm

    congrats, james. you’re an inspiration to us all. love manila bulletin’s feature about you.

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 1, 2013 at 3:56 am

      thanks man! more travels for everyone this 2013

  13. j0N-j0N said:
    Reply
    December 27, 2012 at 8:09 am

    HI James,

    You changed my life to… haha Hoping for more travels this coming year. God bless you this 2013!

    BTW. Are you having more of the Coron packages for 2013? I really want to join your group this January but I could not find cheap flights. Thanks!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 1, 2013 at 3:53 am

      hi jon-jon, thanks! have a blast this new year.

      i can organize packages as long as there are 8 in the group form jan 25-feb 19.
      🙂

  14. Kara / Travel Up said:
    Reply
    December 30, 2012 at 2:14 am

    Wow. I don’t know how you can top that next year. Bibili ako ng hammock and shirt! Pa-autograph ng shirt ha? ;p Rock on, idol!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 1, 2013 at 3:49 am

      napaisip tuloy ako kara. cool, i’ll reserve you once available na. haha
      see you sa mga byahe

  15. Micamyx|Senyorita said:
    Reply
    December 31, 2012 at 6:17 am

    Happy Holidays, James! 😀 Looking forward to the novel this 2013 (yun talaga hinihintay ko eh hehe) 😀

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 1, 2013 at 3:44 am

      thanks mica! novel talaga? haha i really wish i can finish that the soonest.

  16. Lyndsay/ Discount Travel Blogger said:
    Reply
    January 2, 2013 at 6:22 am

    I defo agree that travelers change the world, in every little ways little things touch our lives, travelers always find a way to help, to reach out, making the world a lil better place to live in. No matter how little it is, it still BIG (if that makes sense to you) :).

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 6, 2013 at 10:05 am

      HIGH FIVE Lyndsay! i guess most of the times, its the little things that counts.

  17. Regine Garcia said:
    Reply
    January 2, 2013 at 6:52 pm

    Kuya! You never fail to light me up with. You always inspire me (don’t you ever forget that) 🙂 2012 is really something for you and I am so fortunate to have met you within those epic 100 days of your journey around the Philippines 🙂

    More travels this year! Cheers for being simply “awesome” in so many ways! Let’s travel again soon haha 😀

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 6, 2013 at 10:03 am

      thanks regine! you inspire me too (so mutual inspiration club na tayo?) haha, i inspired bec even at a very young age, you know what you want and you are rocking it big time!

      salamat kay Krystelle, haha see yah!

  18. Solo Wanderer said:
    Reply
    January 4, 2013 at 12:09 pm

    Awesome…seems like an eventful year you had…

  19. rhye said:
    Reply
    January 6, 2013 at 7:04 am

    Ang Taray ng no.9! Kaw na talaga!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 6, 2013 at 9:46 am

      haha! 🙂 isn’t amazing? thanks rhye sa suporta!

  20. rhye said:
    Reply
    January 7, 2013 at 4:33 am

    Oo nman. Colored eh. Haha.. Keep it up James! Bow na talaga kami sa’yo sir. 😉

  21. C.A. | Adventurous Feet said:
    Reply
    January 11, 2013 at 6:52 am

    I couldn’t agree more with all the comments, 2012 is your year! And I think this is just the beginning! Cheers for more this year! Wag mo kami kakalimutan hahaha! Saktong nanonood ako ng news sa qtv when I watched your interview. 🙂 Happy 2013!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 11, 2013 at 11:15 am

      wow, thanks for the confidence na its only the beginning, haha
      thanks CA!
      happy new year

  22. echo_logy said:
    Reply
    January 29, 2013 at 9:34 pm

    Hi James, when did your interview with News to Go aired on TV? I want to watch it online, or do you have a link for us to watch ur interview? I’m a huge fan of your blog… More power James! 🙂

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 30, 2013 at 1:26 am

      try this: https://journeyingjames.com/2012/05/gma-news-to-go-interview-about-isangdaan-journey/ thanks for the warm words!

  23. NOEL said:
    Reply
    February 7, 2013 at 9:26 am

    Your independent travel adventures were commendable. You showed us how to spend less but travel more. Keep on journeying James!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      February 20, 2013 at 5:14 am

      thanks sir noel! btw, you still running? havent run 8kms or more for the past months

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