The Philippines

Explore through...

Manila

Talisay, Batangas

Antipolo, Rizal

Mindoro, Puerto Galera

Coron, Palawan

3 weeks, over 7,000 islands and 100 million people - no time in the world could have been enough to explore through the country that holds my entire heart and soul.

My mother and father immigrated from the Philippines to Canada’s capital in the 80’s and continued to raise a family of their own, while leaving another one behind.

Certainly, I caught views of the most beautiful crystal blue waters and limestone rocks that were truly beyond belief, but the lessons I have learned about my ancestral roots and the Filipino culture on their values of family, religion, art and food, was what made this trip the most special and truly a life changing experience.

15 years ago at the age of 6, I flew down to the Philippines for the very first time, to meet my grandparents and relatives on my Dad's side of the family, and on my Mom's side for my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary. This past year, my mother's parents celebrated 65 years of love, and in December of 2018, I was fortunate enough to fly back and spend 3 weeks surrounded by family and spectacular culture once again.

22 days and half way across the world, I created memories that I will hold close to my heart for the rest of my life. We first landed in the country's capital - Manila, then spent the first 2 weeks visiting an abundance of family from Talisay, Batangas (my Mom's side) and Antipolo, Rizal (my Dad's side). From the country side, up to the city side, we scavenged through museums, local restaurants, fresh markets, churches and magnificent views.

Our itinerary in the last week consisted of Island hopping in Mindoro, Puerto Galera and Coron, Palawan. On these islands I discovered the most phenomenal corals, hiked to the top of breath taking views, and ate the most flavourful fresh native Filipino food.

During my time away, I limited my social media usage to one platform, which I chose Instagram. I aimed to make use of a platform that would allow me to share my experiences like an online photo album. In addition to photography, I wrote down all of my thoughts and completed a traditional pen and paper travel journal, for all 22 days that I was away.

I wanted to keep my life from 11,000 km separate from my 3 week stay in genuine paradise. By making these small efforts, it allowed me to experience this journey to its fullest extent and enjoy all of the little things. In this journal, I started off by writing down 3 words that reminded me of what I experienced each day, along with a page of writing, just enough for me to recollect our ventures vividly through each paragraph. (click each header above to read more)