As a tradition that started in 2010, I'm recapping the highlights that happened this 2011. This year was a good run for me. I’ve a lot to be thankful for as the blessings just keep on arriving.

Trips

January: Siem Reap in Cambodia, Bangkok in Thailand and Davao City
February: Anawangin, Nagsasa & Capones in Zambales
March: Sagada in the Mountain Province
April & May were spent at the home & office writing about my travel adventures
June: Palaui Island in Cagayan
July: A free trip to Hong Kong courtesy of Airphil Express
August: Started my Podcast Sessions
September: Salay Cave & Moalboal in Cebu, Manila travel talks and meet-ups
October: got hired online
November: Osmena Peak in Cebu, Dumaguete & Siquijor, Siargao Island
December: Cagayan de Oro, Bantayan, Oslob & Boljoon in Cebu

15 trips that totaled 63 days of travels (including weekends and holidays) and most of the ones during the second half of the year were unexpected at all. After reviewing my leave credits, I have NOT consumed my Sick Leaves (15) and I still have 5 Vacation Leaves left!

I'm truly lucky but here are some travel tips you can practice in order for you to understand how I was able to do it:

• Part 1: How to Travel to 4 Countries within 4 Months and still Maintain Your Full Time Job
• Part 2: How to Travel to 4 Countries and 8 Local Destinations within 8 Months & Still Keep Your Full Time Job

Good Health

I've never really thought about this but after being sick on the road during a recent trip to Siargao, I realize that I don't often catch the flu. With my day job, freelance jobs, blog assignments, and my travels, my body does not get the rest it deserves. But I'm glad that I don't easily hit the sack because of some illness. This makes me appreciate the experiences that I've gained just because I'm healthy. I get exhausted at times, but it hasn't reached a point that I stopped wanting to travel altogether.

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For a month and a half, I spent my weekends out of town on different travel adventures with various people. The surprising thing was that these weren’t really planned at all.

I thought all my travels for the year were over and I was going to stay put in order to finish writing articles and other freelance tasks. I had unexpected trips but had a great time in the process. 

Weekend 1: Boljoon, Osmeña Peak, Kawasan Falls, Moalboal

November 12-13, 2011

• Boljoon Church
• Trek to Osmeña Peak
• Swimming in Kawasan Falls
• Chilling at Basdaku, Moalboal

Doi, Edwin and I went with travel blogger Dong Ho to Boljoon to visit the church and climbed Osmeña Peak, which is the highest peak in Cebu. Then we met up with another travel blogger, Jerome, in Kawasan Falls in Badian and chilled at Basdaku beach in Moalboal. We slept at a barangay hall, climbed down a mountain with hardly any light, took a dip in the waterfall, relaxed at a beach and visited our friends, George & Isa, at The Outpost.

Conquering South of Cebu

Weekend 2: Dumaguete, Siquijor

November 18-21, 2011

• Motorcycling in Siquijor
• Jumping in Cambugahay Falls and Salagdoong Beach
• Visiting Lazi Church & Lugnason Falls
• Food Trip in Dumaguete City

Headed to Siquijor with Ron & Monette, Chichi, and Doi and spent a couple of days on motorbikes while touring the island. We visited a couple of falls, jumped off a cliff, tried to swing like Tarzan (but failed), made crazy videos, and had a quick side trip to Dumaguete for food! We met up with travel bloggers, RV and Mervz, as well as chatted with a kind soul along the way.

Motorcycle diaries in Siquijor

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A few more steps and I was already at the Osmeña Peak in Cebu. Actually, it was a few hundred more but it didn't seem much as I was in a hurry to get to the top. I left my friend, Doi who was resting her swollen leg down below. I would've stayed with her but she advised me to catch up with our other companions before it turned dark.

I needed to deliver the tripod plate that was attached to the base of my camera. The tripod body was already with Dom but it was useless without the integral part of the device that was with me.

Osmeña Peak,
Mantalongon, Dalaguete, Cebu
November 12, 2011

Edwin already at the top

green

We've been trekking for over two hours and although we paused at times, I felt my legs weakening at every step. I wondered why my strength was failing on me. I realized I haven't been doing my rounds of exercise at home so my body was caught off guard due to the sudden physical activity. However, it didn't stop me from continuing the trek.

view from Osmena Peak

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I rarely ask for anything during Christmas except for travel gears as gifts. I've learned to live frugally so that I can spend more on airfare which allocates a bigger part of my budget when I travel. But there are times that I wish I had a device that would help make things more convenient for me when I go on a trip. Simple items that help make the whole adventure stress-free.

Fortunately, there are companies that develop innovative products that help every traveller. Here are some gift items you can buy for your friends who frequently travel.

GO Travel and Travelon products for the avid traveller

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I travelled to Cagayan de Oro because of an assignment and I spent my weekend there alone. The previous weekend, I went to Siargao by myself, too. I’m starting to embrace the notion of flying solo and it’s not really that much of a big deal for me anymore. I still prefer travelling with friends as I get to enjoy the company of other people. But this recent trip gave me another thought to ponder when travelling to different destinations as I spent this trip with another group of people; this time with a family.

White Water Rafting in Cagayan de Oro River
December 4, 2011

CDO's wild rafting adventure

Feeling restless that I didn’t have anything planned, I Googled ‘whitewater rafting Cagayan de Oro’ to finally experience one of the more popular activities in the City of Golden Friendship.

One of the websites that came up was that of 1st Rafting Adventure. I called them and made a reservation, hoping I could join a group that can accommodate one more head on their raft. It’s tough to get a good deal for packages when you’re alone. Luckily, I was given a go signal as there was an available slot with other companions the next day.

1st Rafting Adventure Office

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