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Mula Sa Baul Travel Stories Instagram Giveaway Details
#MulaSaBaulTravelStories
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Mula Sa Baul Travel Stories Instagram Giveaway Details

I started traveling intentionally in 2012. And, since then, I have been taking pictures of the places I visit and the people I meet, capturing moments. These days, I find…

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November 6, 2020

Latest posts

  • Mula Sa Baul Travel Stories Instagram Giveaway Details
  • Bohol, Philippines: Sunset at Chocolate Hills
  • Bohol, Philippines: Meeting the Eskaya tribe in Duero, Bohol
  • Kalinga, Philippines: Getting to Tinglayan, Kalinga

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SOLO TRAVELING. For some people, it is an adventur SOLO TRAVELING. For some people, it is an adventure, a way of life. For me, it was an opportunity to face my fears, step out of my comfort zone, and explore the world beyond my own. So, while it scared the hell out of me to go travel by myself, I was also excited and interested to see what’s out there - to find out if it is as liberating and empowering as solo traveling is described to be. - In 2015, I finally did it! For an introvert, it was nerve-wracking. But, I allowed myself to be uncomfortable and intentionally put myself in situations wherein I would need to talk to people. And, I tell you, I loved every second of it. - I checked myself in a hostel; bar-hopped (ha!) on my first night; visited temples while balancing myself on a Segway Gibbon; and, went out of Chiang Mai to immerse in the art offered by Wat Rong Khun, be in The Golden Triangle (where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet), and connect with the Karieng Tribe at Mae Hong Son. I shared these experiences with the beautiful people I met along the way, some of them I still talk to to this day! - Shauna Niequist said that “When you’re traveling with someone else, you share each discovery, but when you are alone, you have to carry each experience with you like a secret, something you have to write on your heart, because there’s no other way to preserve it.” And, I agree. - For me, one joy of traveling is sharing experiences with the people you love. But, the high of wandering in the streets of Chiang Mai, having that independence to choose my rhythm, being responsible for my person, and just knowing and proving to myself that I am capable, that I can do it - these I will carry in my heart. Always. - - 🔆 GOT YOUR OWN TRAVEL STORY TO TELL? @budgetbiyahera & I have teamed up with 4 amazing female-led businesses (@hull.stern @lasislaslifestyle @marutalavera & @shopsartcast) who also believe in the power of sharing travel stories as a way to take care of our mental health & we launched #MulaSaBaulTravelStories. JOIN THE CHALLENGE! Share your own throwback travel story! - ➡️ SWIPE for mechanics & prizes
Brussels, Belgium. May 2017. - Brussels was not pa Brussels, Belgium. May 2017. - Brussels was not part of the plan. I was supposed to visit museums in Amsterdam that weekend. But, when I received an invite from a friend who was already there for a short trip, I thought, hey, it would be nice to explore a different city, even just for a day. Who knows when I would be back in this side of the world? - I marveled at Grand Place’s awe-inspiring design. Admired Palais de Bruxelles, Galeries Royale, and Cinquantenaire. And, enjoyed the view from the Garden of the Mont des Arts while drinking a bottle of beer. The intricacies of their architecture could make me stop in the middle of the road, so I could just stare a while longer. - But, what caught my attention the most were the artworks by Benoît, found on the walls of the Maalbeek platform. - They say that the faces represent the people you randomly meet at the metro. They seem familiar even if you do not know them at all. With how they look, you can make up a whole story about their lives, but this will be far from what is the truth. - In 2016, many lost their lives as a result of the terror attack at Maalbeek. Benoît said that “these ‘anonymous portraits’ has come to be the face of the anonymous, innocent victims.” One of the 8 portraits by Benoit was damaged because of the vibration from the bombing. In its place, they put up a temporary memorial wall to pay tribute to the victims of the attack. - The artworks were so simple yet powerful. An important reminder that our vulnerabilities are also our source of strength. That we have it in ourselves to face and bounce back from any adversity. That despite differences, we can thrive in diversity. We all have our own stories. We all have our own identities. LOVE, RESPECT, and COMPASSION - these are all we need. - - 🔆 GOT YOUR OWN TRAVEL STORY TO TELL? @budgetbiyahera & I have teamed up with 4 amazing female-led businesses (@hull.stern @lasislaslifestyle @marutalavera & @shopsartcast) who also believe in the power of sharing travel stories as a way to take care of our mental health & we launched #MulaSaBaulTravelStories. JOIN THE CHALLENGE! Share your own throwback travel story! - ➡️ SWIPE for mechanics & prizes
WARNING: Lotsa cheese. - Exhausted from the Metro WARNING: Lotsa cheese. - Exhausted from the Metro Manila city trips we had busied ourselves with the past few weeks, we braved - for about 24 hrs - the cold weather of Taipei to experience the colorful and vibrant Shilin Night Market. - Rio's childlike curiosity was a breath of fresh air. Her outgoing personality complemented my shy, introverted self. Her energy was intoxicating. I could watch her all night get excited at the unique food experiences and the entrancing sights that Taipei offered. - But, what charmed me the most was her subtle show of love. I learned that she got excited about tasting that different-looking food because she wanted to share experiences with me. Her face lit up when we came across beautiful spots because she found something interesting that I could take pictures of; she knows that I like things pretty and unique. - She took care of me. Listened to what I needed, even without me saying it. She made sure that I did not overdo it, provided me space to rest when I got tired. And, pushed me gently when I needed support. When I felt spent and unattractive, she would sometimes whisper and say, "You are beautiful". To some, it may be petty. But, to me, it was like she was saying, "I see you." - They say that travel is the ultimate relationship test and that traveling can make or break a relationship. We’ve only started but I think we’re off to a good one. - - 🔆 SHARE your own THROWBACK TRAVEL STORY 🔆 - For many of us, one of the reasons why we travel is to take care of our mental health. But, now that we are not able to travel as much (for some, at all), what can we do? - @budgetbiyahera and I have teamed up with 4 amazing female-led small businesses (@shopsartcast @marutalavera @lasislaslifestyle @hull.stern) who also believe in the power of sharing travel stories as a way to take care of our mental health, and we launched #MulaSaBaulTravelStories. - Through this, we hope to help inspire other people in celebrating the many beautiful things in life despite the challenges that we face. We are hoping to help people take care of their #mentalhealth. - Join the challenge! Share your own throwback travel story! - ➡️ SWIPE for the mechanics an
#Throwback to 4 years ago in #Bali, #Indonesia, wh #Throwback to 4 years ago in #Bali, #Indonesia, when I first met in person colleagues from my old remote work. Awkward introverts creating and doing something good. This was first of the numerous times we organized get togethers that paved the way for deep friendships despite working in different continents and time zones. - It’s been over a year since I left and I have nothing but good words for the people who I had the privilege to work with, particularly those who started during the early years of the company. - It was through them that I learned to be brave. It was through them that I learned that mistakes do happen and it is part of the process; what is important is that you own it, you forgive the person, you forgive yourself, learn from it, and work together to make things work. - They gave me the opportunity to grow. They gave me the opportunity to discover what is important to me. They allowed me to give value to my life outside work. - While my cycle with them has ended, I am and will be eternally grateful for the opportunity to be part of this fantastic team. - This photo captures how beautiful that trip was. It's not everyday that I get to just walk to the beach and watch the sky find its light. While we didn't see the sun rise in its full colors this time, because of the gloomy weather, I didn't really mind. I am grateful to have witnessed this and experience calmness and love the entire time. Like My Maker giving me a show of how magnificent His powers are, reminding me that, life is beautiful, if we only choose to see it. - - 🔆 SHARE your own THROWBACK TRAVEL STORY 🔆 - @budgetbiyahera and I have teamed up with @hull.stern @lasislaslifestyle @marutalavera and @shopsartcast for a JOINT GIVEAWAY! 🎉 - We invite YOU to share your #MulaSaBaulTravelStories (travel stories from the archives), to help inspire other people in celebrating the many beautiful things in life despite the challenges that we face. - We believe that moments captured through our photographs can give us a reason to celebrate life and inspire us to see the silver linings as much as we can. Let’s make our memories matter. 💕 - ➡️ SWIPE for the mechanics and prizes.
#Throwback to that weekend in 2017, when we drove #Throwback to that weekend in 2017, when we drove to @sanjuanitosph in #Batangas as sort of a last hurrah before one of our dear friend moves to another country. - No internet. No signal even! We had to walk to this place so we could send a message to another couple of friends who were yet to arrive. - For a few minutes, while we were finding that elusive spot, I watched these two young ladies immersed in their own world and I couldn't help but feel happy for them. - I grew up in the city and, once in a while, I long for a repeat of the summers spent in my father's hometown, Nueva Ecija. Breathing fresh air and having afternoon chats and laughter with my cousins in a small bahay-kubo (nipa house) at our Inang’s backyard. Those days were always awesome - like an escape from the loudness of city life, an effort to reboot. - And, these young ladies - they have this beauty all to themselves. - A reminder that - simple things, they do matter. - - 🔆 SHARE your own THROWBACK TRAVEL STORY 🔆 - @budgetbiyahera and I have teamed up with @hull.stern @lasislaslifestyle @marutalavera and @shopsartcast for a JOINT GIVEAWAY! 🎉 - We invite YOU to share your #MulaSaBaulTravelStories (travel stories from the archives), to help inspire other people in celebrating the many beautiful things in life despite the challenges that we face. - We believe that moments captured through our photographs can give us a reason to celebrate life and inspire us to see the silver linings as much as we can. Let’s make our memories matter. 💕 - ➡️ SWIPE for the mechanics and prizes.
📍#PintoArtMuseum, #Rizal, #Philippines - How wo 📍#PintoArtMuseum, #Rizal, #Philippines - How would you feel if you find out that you may not be able to travel again? 💔 - A few months before this trip, I thought that I would not be able to do just that - travel - which is one of my most favorite things in the world. See, I was suffering from severe back pain. For about 4 months, I could not move, walk, sit still, and lay down without feeling sharp pain radiating from my lower back through and down to my left foot. My doctor prescribed medications and physical therapy, but he also said that there was no certainty that I would totally heal. - When it finally sank in, I was so heartbroken. I thought about the plane rides I wouldn’t be able to take, the road trips I wouldn’t be able to enjoy, the countries I wouldn't be able to visit anymore, the experience I wouldn't have the opportunity of being in, and the streets and museums I wouldn’t be able to get lost in. But, more than anything, I felt sad that the chances of exploring the world with Rio seemed so far-fetched, like it was no longer going to happen. - It took a lot of sweat and buckets of tears, reminders to love and prioritize myself, 10 (!) sessions of physical therapy, a couple of sessions of bodywork with @katrina_mariano, continued movements and exercises, and a lot of support from family (especially my brother), friends, and Rio. - And, with faith, perseverance, and God’s wonderful grace, for the first time in what felt like eternity, a few weeks before this trip, I healed like a perfectly timed miracle. 💕 - - 🔆 GOT YOUR OWN TRAVEL STORY TO TELL? 🔆 - @budgetbiyahera and I have teamed up with @hull.stern @lasislaslifestyle @marutalavera and @shopsartcast for a JOINT GIVEAWAY! 🎉 - We invite YOU to share your #MulaSaBaulTravelStories (travel stories from the archives), to help inspire other people in celebrating the many beautiful things in life despite the challenges that we face. - We believe that moments captured through our photographs can give us a reason to celebrate life and inspire us to see the silver linings as much as we can. Let’s make our memories matter. 💕 - ➡️ SWIPE for the mechanics and prizes.
For a few years, #Myanmar was on my list. It was a For a few years, #Myanmar was on my list. It was a place that I so wanted to visit since I first saw pictures from a dear friend’s trip a couple of years prior. I fell in love with its architecture, the history that goes with those intricate carvings, and the innocence, the Burmese people’s warm, genuine smiles. . It took a few months of planning. We had limited time and resources, and we wanted to make the most out of our trip. Oh, make the most out of it - we did! . We took buses to travel between cities. Did a quick hop of pagodas in #Yangon. Spent four lovely days with friends we met at the hostel in #Bagan. Rode the bike along the highways of #InleLake, to get to a vineyard and drink up some wine. Watched the sunset by the #UbeinBridge in #Mandalay. Spontaneously decided to go to #Taunggyi for its fire balloon festival, and got so scared of the flames coming from those lanterns shooting out in random places! That was fun. . I particularly remember this instance when it was only starting to sink in that FINALLY, I am in Myanmar; that I am living what was once only a dream. . Shortly after I entered the grounds of #Shwezigon Pagoda in Bagan, I started being present to where I am. Feeling the cool breeze touch my skin as I took in everything around me, reminded me of how loved I am by my Creator. At this very moment, when the birds seemingly gave me a show, I felt like He was sending me the message - "Hey, you asked for this, right? You are here now. Just breathe and enjoy the moment. Remember, I love you. I got your back all the time. Everything will be all right." . . GOT YOUR OWN TRAVEL STORY TO TELL? @budgetbiyahera and I have teamed up with @hull.stern @lasislaslifestyle @marutalavera and @shopsartcast for a JOINT GIVEAWAY! . We invite YOU to share your #MulaSaBaulTravelStories (travel stories from the archives), to help inspire other people in celebrating the many beautiful things in life despite the challenges that we face. . We believe that moments captured through our photographs can give us a reason to celebrate life and inspire us to see the silver linings as much as we can. Let’s make our memories matter. . SWIPE for the mechanics and prizes.
We @thebohotravels and @budgetbiyahera, along with We @thebohotravels and @budgetbiyahera, along with @hull.stern @lasislaslifestyle @marutalavera @shopsartcast are hosting a joint giveaway and we are inviting YOU to share your #MulaSaBaulTravelStories (travel stories from the archives) together with a photo you have taken, to help inspire other people in celebrating the many beautiful things in life despite the challenges that we face. We believe that the moments captured through our photographs can give us a reason to celebrate life and inspire us to see the silver linings as much as we can. Let’s make our memories matter. HOW TO JOIN: . 1. SHARE YOUR OWN #MulaSaBaulTravelStories on your Instagram feed. - Use your own photo from your past travels. - Use the hashtag #MulaSaBaulTravelStories so we can find and repost your photo/s. - Make sure to TAG @thebohotravels and @budgetbiyahera on your photo/s. - Profiles should be set to PUBLIC so we can find and repost your photo/s. 2. FOLLOW our hosts and sponsors: @thebohotravels, @budgetbiyahera, @hull.stern, @lasislaslifestyle, @marutalavera, and @shopsartcast. 3. LIKE and SAVE the GIVEAWAY ANNOUNCEMENT PHOTO. 4. In the comments section, TAG 3 friends to join! 5. The winners will be announced at 10:00 PM GMT+8 on November 25, 2020. Win products from @shopsartcast (Be Kind to Your Mind line: tote, mug, sticker, mobile strap), @marutalavera (1-hr session of Body & Emotion in Motion), @lasislaslifestyle (Panay Island Hablon & Bukidnon and Abaca Face Masks), and @hull.stern (Adventure Dry Bags). *You can send in your entries until 11:59 PM GMT+8 on November 23, 2020. *Unlimited photo entries permitted BUT no duplicate posts. *Entries can be in English, Filipino, or a mix of both. NOTE: Instagram has not endorsed and is not affiliated with this giveaway in any way. The contest will run from November 6-23 and is open to Philippine residents only. The 3 winners will be announced on November 25. . . . . . When we can, let’s continue to see silver linings and swim in happy thoughts. . Take care, stay healthy and be safe. ♥️ We look forward to reading your #MulaSaBaulTravelStories! Monica
🔆 Are you a planner or the type of traveler who 🔆 Are you a planner or the type of traveler who just goes with the flow? 🔆 . We were thinking of skipping Bohol altogether because of the seeming inexistence of any indigenous peoples community in the province. But, when we did a search on Google Images for "indigenous peoples"+ "Bohol", that's when we saw the Eskaya scripts. From that moment on, we knew that we NEEDED to see this tribe. . While we planned this trip as much as we could, finding the Eskaya tribe was quite tricky. At that time, there was very little written about them. We searched for a possible tour guide (there was none) and details on how to get there (there was also none). Even our couchsurfing host, a local of Bohol, had not heard of them. . But, we still gave it a go, not knowing if we would actually find the tribe that we so wanted to meet and know more about. . It paid off! We met some of the members of the Eskaya tribe, with the help of beautiful souls of Bohol and the habal-habal driver who drove us to where the Eskayas live. And, this is while dealing with language barrier! . In the short time that we spent with the Eskayas, we learned that the scripts that we saw while we were doing our research were the letters of their alphabet in tablets. I found it interesting that they have 46 letters, basically derived from one’s body, body parts, and body movements. They hold classes in their traditional school, Eskaya ya Pilipayen, every weekend. And, they have their own rendition of our National Anthem, in the Eskaya dialect. . We also saw their manifesto, printed in their script, expressing their commitment to preserve their culture and traditions. . And, it is my hope that all indigenous peoples tribes in the Philippines would also commit to preserving their traditions, culture, and art and pass them on to the next generations. . This is one of the infinite moments that I am proud of myself and happy that I chose to go with the flow. Despite having some bit of fear that we may not get to our intended destination, I am happy that I trusted in humanity and in the people who genuinely want to help. The universe indeed conspires to make things happen, if you just open yourself to it. 🌸
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