During the third month of my backpacking adventure, I made a side trip to Singapore and Boracay. I was supposed to be in Chiang Mai or Laos but there were sudden changes of plans that I had to reroute the destinations and go home earlier than expected.

I told myself that I’d be gone for at least six months; however, it wasn’t really something I wanted to carve in stone. The point of this whole digital nomad lifestyle gig is to show to others that it is possible to bring your work with you and travel at the same time. I think I’ve done fairly enough to say that it can be done.

leaving Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok

Singapore

Singapore was not set until the first week of August. I was going to visit the country when I had more money in my bank. I knew that this was going to be an expensive place given that this is a First World country so I wanted more time to save before I check out its attractions. Due to circumstances, I arrived here too soon.

Merlion Singapore

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I hurriedly finished my work and delegated tasks to my peers. I also made sure that all my client sessions were in place before I left. I clocked out early so I could meet up with my friends outside. We were going to see the whale sharks (butanding in Tagalog or tuki in Bisaya) in Oslob, Cebu!

Whale Shark Sighting in Oslob, Cebu, Philippines
December 23, 2011

Drew’s Butanding or Tuki Encounter
photo by Doi

I'm really lucky that my day job has a little flexibility when it comes to special requests whenever the need arises. So long as I don't compromise the deliverables, then all is well.

We arrived at the South Bus Terminal station around 3:30am and the bus left after 15 minutes. It was only a 3-hour ride – a quick nap that wasn’t even enough since I didn’t have any rest.

Entrance to the resort in Cebu's Tanawan, Oslob, for whale shark watching

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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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