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Tarlac

Journeying North Luzon: Microtel by Wyndham – Luisita, Tarlac

I found it difficult to write this post. Not for lack of things to say but more because I don’t know where to start. It has been overwhelmingly fun and…

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September 2, 2017

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  • Journeying North Luzon: Microtel by Wyndham – Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija

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December 2012. Kalinga, Philippines. . ‘Cos I ne December 2012. Kalinga, Philippines. . ‘Cos I need a dose of happy. So here’s a throwback to simpler and sunnier times. . Days before Tara and I did backpacking to visit #indigenous #tribes in the Philippines, I was scared, anxious. . BUT, I took the plunge because I NEEDED IT. I needed to be brave, to do something big. Being in a place in my life where everything seemed like a blur – like I was just reacting to what life threw at me – I grappled for direction, desired for a plan. I aimed for control. Taking this trip was my way of taking the reins back in my life. ... Right now, I’m sad, angry, and disappointed. More than ever, I need a change in scenery. To catch my breath. Regroup. See things from a different perspective. Similar to almost 8 years ago, I need to be brave, to keep the faith. . I am praying for courage, strength, and hope. I am praying that, one day, things are going to be better and that we find a way for our sadness, anger, and disappointment to translate to real and tangible changes and reforms. . #MulaSaBaul #PilipinasKongMahal . . . . . . . . . . #backpackingphilippines #backpackingpilipinas #philippinestravel #Kalinga #mustvisitPH #seepilipinas #itsmorefuninthephilippines #choosephilippines #speechlessplaces #GirlsWhoTravel #seekmoments #girlpowertravel #mytinyatlas #letsgosomewhere #suitcasetravels #sheisnotlost #culturetrip #lgbtfriendly #beautifuldestinations #prettylittletrips #wanderfolk #shetravels #collectingmoments #passionpassport #flashbackfriday #offthebeatenpath
Traveling expands you. It makes you cross borders. Traveling expands you. It makes you cross borders. It helps you see what’s beyond what you’ve always believed to be the only truth. It helps you grow. It makes you see the beauty in the littlest of things. It makes you appreciate simplicity. When you travel, you come out of it as a different person - better and stronger. . Through traveling, I learned to allow myself to get lost, figure things out along the way, and make things work. It allows me to let go, to trust in the universe, and see again with fresh eyes the beautiful people in it. . One day soon. . #Taipei #Taiwan #MulaSaBaul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #taipeigram #discover_taiwan #taipeicity #taipeipride #taipeistation #taipeitravel #taiwanphoto #igtaiwan #taiwanview #amazingtaiwan #GirlsWhoTravel #seekmoments #discovertaipei #taipeimainstation #trainstagram #girlpowertravel #mytinyatlas #letsgosomewhere #suitcasetravels #sheisnotlost #culturetrip #beautifuldestinations #prettylittletrips #wanderfolk #shetravels #collectingmoments #passionpassport
Instagram post 17879175913634930 Instagram post 17879175913634930
It has been a tough few weeks, emotionally, mental It has been a tough few weeks, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. We are in the middle of a pandemic seemingly still at its infancy. Mortality is screaming its head off, reminding us of its inevitable presence. Grief from the loss of life as we know it, anxiety from not knowing what is about to come, and restlessness from all the questions, doubts, frustrations. My mind has been working nonstop and, for fear of going crazy, I will endeavor to keep my sanity in check by focusing on things that made/make me happy. My very not active blog (lol), The Boho Travels, has long been in existence - mostly for me to document my travels. And, I am glad I did, too. Too often in my life, my mind goes astray. My brain says that I didn’t do anything good. I’m not doing enough. I am not enough. And, to some extent those may be true. But, I need to (time and again) re-learn to love myself. Re-focus. See the beauty of life. See what matters to me. Acknowledge my flaws and also what I have accomplished. Focus on the many beautiful things that God has given me the opportunity to see, hear, taste, feel, do, and experience. So, when I need to, I just go back and read my blog again and I am transported back to a happy place. Perhaps this is a post reeking with privilege. Perhaps not. Believe me, I have long drafted this and thought twice, thrice, a hundred times if I should post it. But, what pushed me to share this is the realization that I may not be alone. We all have different circumstances and we all deal with them the best way we know how. I have let my fear of being judged come in the way of me acknowledging that, in my life now (and perhaps in yours, too), emotions come in waves. Let us also be kind to ourselves and remind ourselves once in a while that IT IS OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY. Let us take one day at a time. And, when we have recharged, we can go back out there and fight this battle. In the meantime - Be kind. Stay safe. Stay at home. Save lives. _ One day at a time. Photo taken from SM Light, #Mandaluyong, #Philippines, on April 8, 2020, 5:59 am. #thebohotravels
If taken a few years ago, this picture would never If taken a few years ago, this picture would never have been shared. ‘Cos, #bighair and imperfect skin. I have been insecure for most of my life, still am in a lot of ways. Insecurities that stopped me from taking care of myself, loving me for who I am, sharing myself to the world. The past couple of years, though, I’ve started embracing myself - my unruly hair, every scar on my face and body, my acnes, big arms, legs, and tummy. I still have a long way to go in practicing #selflove but I’d like to believe that I’m getting there. Thanks to the CGM group who empower women like me, and to this beautiful person who never gave up in engaging me in conversations until I see beyond my #insecurities. So, letting the world know - I’m loving my waves and I love you 😘 #latepost #panglao #bohol #thebohotravels Reposting cos I accidentally deleted 🤦🏻‍♀️
Merry Christmas! 🎄From my pale lips and Rio’s Merry Christmas! 🎄From my pale lips and Rio’s liptint. Chos. #panglao #bohol #pilipinas #christmas #pasko
Monica & Rio, signature pose. #whodiditbetter LOL Monica & Rio, signature pose. #whodiditbetter LOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #Bilar #manmadeforest #Bohol #Pilipinas #travelgram #instatravel #wanderlust #travelblog #mytinyatlas #letsgosomewhere #suitcasetravels #culturetrip #beautifuldestinations #mytinyatlas #prettylittletrips #wanderfolk #shetravels #seekmoments #collectingmoments #passionpassport #wavyhair #signaturepose #saansaph #travelPH #thephilippines #itsmorefuninthephilippines #exploreph #explorephilippines
A few years ago, I shared this photo taken at St. A few years ago, I shared this photo taken at St. Peter’s Basilica. A place where I cried my heart out of overwhelming gratefulness to God’s presence in my life. It has been one tough year, riddled with challenges, broken relationships, lost friendships, lost love. I had bouts of #depression, panic attacks, anger, and resentment. I was insecure, had moments of self-doubt, self-loathing. Getting out of those episodes was never a walk in the park. It took hard work and persistence, not just from my end, but also from my support system. I am extremely grateful and blessed that I have people who love me and know the real me. When I felt deserted, I have never been truly alone; I never was, even if I wanted to believe so. I had people who constantly check on how I’m doing, out of the blue. People who truly care about me. People who are full of love, compassion, and empathy. They made me realize that the sadness, feeling sorry for myself, doubts - they are just moments. They reminded me of who I really am. They helped make me see the beauty of living. They gifted me with hope and possibilities. I believe that my God sent them to me. Despite failing Him countless times, He never faltered in making me feel that He is with me. He carries my cross. He sends me His angels and His messages in the littlest of things to remind me of His love. I would like to honor Him and the people He sends my way by practicing gratefulness. That, even if I’m experiencing one breakdown after another, life is beautiful. I just need to have faith in Him and choose to see the good in everything. What are you grateful for? #practicegratefulness #practicegratitude . . . . . . . . . . #stpetersbasilica #rome #vatican #vaticancity #thebohotravels
Still waters and pretty sunset. 💛 #immukiislan Still waters and pretty sunset. 💛 #immukiisland #elyu #pilipinas #latergram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #LaUnion #girlswhotravel #traveltheworld #travel #travelphotography #travelgram #instatravel #wanderlust #photooftheday #Fujifilmxa3 #mytinyatlas #letsgosomewhere #sheisnotlost #beautifuldestinations #mytinyatlas #prettylittletrips #wanderfolk #shetravels #seekmoments #collectingmoments #roadtrip #longdrive #choosephilippines #sunset #silhouette #beach
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