When 2015 ended, I was afraid what 2016 should store for me. Although I’ve been to five countries (Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore), all those in-between travel was the death of my father. Regardless of what happened, I tried to move on and replace all those sadness with travel experiences. I could say that 2015 was full of a roller coaster of emotions.
Here was 2016 and I never expected anything. I just go with the flow. I never made any New Year’s Resolutions. Maybe I just kept it to myself. I could still remember what the Indian doctor in Melaka told me about Karma. He asked me when I should return to Malaysia to help me about meditation.
Personally, I love Melaka and would like to go back there someday, but I still don’t know when. But if I have friends who want a yoga or meditation retreat, that would be awesome; I hope they could join me to Melaka. I kept his advice by heart.
Karma (Sanskrit: कर्म; IPA: [ˈkərmə] ( listen); Pali: kamma) means action, work or deed; it also refers to the spiritual principle of cause and effect where intent and actions of an individual (cause) influence the future of that individual (effect). Good intent and good deed contribute to good karma and future happiness, while bad intent and bad deed contribute to bad karma and future suffering. – Source: Wikipedia
Sometimes I asked myself, what have I’ve done in the past few years? I have to say I am blessed.
Looking back in 2014 and 2015
- When a stranger paid for my surgery so that I could go to Hong Kong.
- There was a friend paid my one way trip to Palawan.
- I met several people through volunteer work.
- These people I met through volunteer work helped me as well when my father was hospitalized in April 2015 while selling my travel photos.
- My former client gave me US$500 just to pursue my Japan trip.
- I met several people in Japan.
- My family in Japan paid for my Osaka trip.
- Friends helped me when I needed an emergency flight to Hong Kong which turned out to be an amazing experience.
- My aunt, I met for lunch in Hong Kong.
- Sad news I received in Malaysia that my father died.
- My host in Malaysia for being understanding I need to cut off my volunteer work.
- A person I just met in Thailand sent help when he found out what happened.
- Friends were calling me and sending their condolences to my family and me.
- After my father’s death, I traveled back to Malaysia, Singapore, Palawan and last stop in Japan (November to December 2015).
- I met several people while visiting and everyone was so kind to me.
The kindness in 2016 continues
Although there were some unpleasant moments, I need to let go and accepted that it happened.
Without further ado, here comes Travel Summary 2016 of iTravelRox.
January
Sabang Daguitan Surf Camp, Leyte
More stories on the link: Sabang Daguitan Surf Camp – My First Surfing Trip Experience in Leyte
https://www.instagram.com/p/BApFGO1wuPX/?taken-by=itravelrox
February
Be Resorts
My friend came back to Philippines and we had this quick photoshoot at Mactan Island.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BBW8ThTwuBD/?taken-by=itravelrox
Badian Canyoneering and Kawasan Falls
This is my second time around to experience canyoneering
https://www.instagram.com/p/BCB55ubQuAu/?taken-by=itravelrox
Barangay Adla-on
A friend invited us for a festival at the mountains and enjoyed Mother Nature’s gift.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BCB7B4oQuDN/?taken-by=itravelrox
March
Olango Island
My friend and I decided a quick escapade at Olango Island
https://www.instagram.com/p/BCzjQK6QuG6/?taken-by=itravelrox
Malapascua Island
A friend invited me a trip to Malapascua Island
Kalanggaman Island
A side-trip to Kalanggaman Island.
Related post at: Photos of Kalanggaman Island
Holy Week at Bantayan Island
Holy Week and Family Reunion with Tamayo family and relatives.
Related Post at: Holy Week at Bantayan Island
April
Meet up with friends
Meet up with Cebu Language Exchange
A Japanese festival we celebrated at Kawaii Cafe
https://www.instagram.com/p/BHml4RygEvj/?taken-by=itravelrox
North Sand Bar Island in Bohol
Summer Reggae Cruise hosted by Hey Fella Guesthouse
https://www.instagram.com/p/BEYzirXwuKj/?taken-by=itravelrox
Aventura Guest House in Siquijor
More stories at: My Stay at Aventura Guest House Siquijor
https://www.instagram.com/p/BEskvgIQuCP/?taken-by=itravelrox
https://www.instagram.com/p/BE3ANLAQuIM/?taken-by=itravelrox
May
Tamayo Clan Grand Reunion in Masbate
More stories at: 10th Tamayo Clan Grand Reunion – Tracing my Roots in Palanas, Masbate
https://www.instagram.com/p/BF8R9q3wuFo/?taken-by=itravelrox
June
Negros Oriental
Related Stories at: PADI Discover Scuba Diving at Pura Vida Sea Explorers Dauin
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGQysXNwuHt/?taken-by=itravelrox
Moalboal
After my trip in Dumaguete, I stayed with Ferna of Everywhere with Ferna. She hosted me for several nights and we went to Moalboal to meet her other friends.
Related stories at: How to Enjoy Cebu South on a Budget
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGgcfmhQuKp/?taken-by=itravelrox
July
Scuba Diving at Malapascua Island
I was invited and came here for my scuba diving certification.
Stories at: Scuba Diving Experience with Thresher Shark Divers Malapascua
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIWdpMnAd4w/?taken-by=itravelrox
August
Back to Sirao Flower Farm
I was invited for a date so I never said no.
Related Stories at: Quick Things To Do in Cebu City
September
Bohol
Keep those invitations coming. A friend invited me for Bohol and Palawan trip which I managed to help with the bookings, research and things to do in Bohol and Palawan.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BOe1we0h3iQ/?taken-by=itravelrox
Palawan
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKXE_IZgUIg/?taken-by=itravelrox
Samar
Edgar of Eazy Traveler was looking for a Cebu-based blogger to for a trip to Calbayog, Samar.
Related stories at: 3 Days and 2 Nights Itinerary in Calbayog City, Samar
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKzz2twAtEF/?taken-by=itravelrox
October
Moalboal
I got invited for a date again which I can’t say no.
Related stories: Moalboal Beach Resort – Secluded yet a lovely stay
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLElPonBMmm/?taken-by=itravelrox
West 35 Eco Adventure in Balamban
This was a group date.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMYCuhJh4Js/?taken-by=itravelrox
November
Birthday Trip to Taiwan
This was my first birthday trip out of the country.
Related stories at: 4 Days 3 Nights Taipei, Taiwan for less than US$200
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMnnrsNh_g1/?taken-by=itravelrox
Back to Olango Island
Another date which my mom knew who I was dating with.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BOeyt5nBNjv/?taken-by=itravelrox
December
Mountain Bike Accident
Accidents do happen. We were on a difficult trail which we told the owner that it was not suitable for beginners. It was my first time using a mountain bike, but I had driven a motorbike already (I learned it when I was 3rd year high school). It was a downhill trail somewhere in Busay. A downhill trail is not okay for beginners but only for expert bikers.
I got hit on the head first. Although I had a helmet, there was an impact when it happened. Of course, it was painful. A hit on the head is always critical. I was disappointed when the owner/guide just told me, “Ma okay raka.” In English, “You’ll be okay.” He is not a doctor. He never offered any first aid kit – any hot compress or cold compress. He never suggested what to do. Should I take a rest or quit? He has done nothing. He just let me continue to bike as if nothing happened. I was able to bike though I quit when the difficult trail finished. By the way, there was no signed waiver.
It was my friend who brought me to the hospital. During the event, no nurse or medically trained personnel was with us. When I quit the trail, that was the time I could not move my neck. I started to panic. I asked the truck driver from the mountain bike company if he could bring us to the hospital. He said no. He suggested we should take a habal-habal ride or the motorcycle.
It was the nurse at the hospital who gave me first aid when we arrived – a cold compress before going to the CT Scan department.
Second time in Taiwan
I was worried about the mountain bike accident because I had a scheduled flight after the next few days. I asked the nurse and the doctor what was going to happen. Was it okay for me to travel? Should I cancel everything and stay at home? The result turned out negative. I told my clients what happened to me, so they let me rest for the whole week and not working. I felt better before my flight. My second trip to Taiwan was a paid vacation. It turned out to be two weeks of paid vacation because I lost my laptop, so I had to find it. I am blessed.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BOewfq6BP5D/?taken-by=itravelrox
I still have several things to blog. My goal for 2017 is to blog all my travels from 2014 until 2016.
I am sorry about your mountain bike accident T_T Head injuries should never be taken lightly. Glad you’re okay now 🙂 Happy New Year Roxanne! ^_^
Project Gora
Yeah, I don’t want it to happen as well. It was a terrible fall. Just imagine nag tambling ako nun.
Thanks for dropping by Project Gora <3
Sorry to hear about your loss, I had the same sentiments. Death is really inevitable. I am glad you had blast in 2016. I love to visit Kalanggam island next time. Happy New Year and Hope to see you when you go back to Melaka! 🙂
Thank you. Happy New Year Riz! Are you based in Melaka? 🙂
I felt your pain about losing your father along these amazing travel experiences. I am sorry for your loss.
However it may be, you are such a strong woman. I could see that through your words and your coping mechanism. Thank God there is this beautiful word called travel. Imagine the word without it. In a way, you seem to have made your way out of all the unpleasant things that happened to you with the help of traveling.
Cheers to more travel stories in 2017, Rox!
After my father’s death, my relatives told me to travel more so I did and still doing it. But there were times I get so emotional and cry again. So what I need to do is to look at my travel photos and reminisce all the fun and crazy moments. Somehow, I still have more reasons to laugh and smile.