SOLO TRAVELER

Out of the many personas that I could be, this isn't something I ever dreamt of. Yes, I do love being alone at times, especially when I want to de-stress I retreat to a quiet cafe, read a book, or blog (which I am currently doing now). I find it therapeutic. However, going on a trip for more than a day wasn't on my bucket list. 

My first taste of travelling solo, is a surf weekend in Baler, could just be an accident when a friend didn't show up. Although on the same year, for it to happen again on a long planned international trip, my faith tells me that nothing happens by accident. I believe that surf weekend was a preparation for the big one later last year. When everything is booked and paid, with God's confirmation, I knew I had to ride that plane alone - with big hopes of coming back whole and alone. And, that happened again this year. 

Because of my busyness turned idleness, I failed to blog about my first solo trip. Until now, I'm not convinced to be a travel blogger or writer - maybe not yet. For this blog to make such sense, I'll give a few details of my two international solo trips. 

Saigon, Vietnam - Phnom Penh, Cambodia - Siem Reap, Cambodia (October 2016)

A 7-day trip of multi-cultural exposure while crossing cities and two countries. My travelling mantra was not to be itinerary-bound, so I depended on the locals' tips and recommendations. Since this was my first, I grew a desire of talking to strangers, thus a photo album on my Facebook. My favorites were: Cu Chi Tunnel (SGN)  for its well-preserved historical value and hideaways (plus the tour guide was funny); Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (PNH) left a painful scar in me for the unbearable stories of torture and survival;  Angkor Temples (REP) is undoubtedly a world's best. This trip had many idle moments on a bus or sitting still while basking on a scenic view, so I was also able to have a lot of reading and quiet time. A highly recommended itinerary for first timers. 

Taipei, Taiwan + Taroko Gorge 

A last minute quick trip to replace my real goal as recommended by a friend. There's been a few great things written about Taiwan. A few city monuments or landmarks are the highlights as told by most. Thanks to my research I targeted for hidden gems that are worth all the walk. (oh this one got me walking endlessly!) Favorites are Elephant Mountain for a breathtaking view of Taipei & whole of Taipei 101; Yehliu Geopark had this rock formations that are beauty from a catastrophe; Bopiliao a quiant block of how old Taipei looks and turned to be a hub of everything hipster; and Taroko National Park, located in the province of Hualian, is way too beautiful to describe, thus must be included in the world's best list. Plus, Taiwanese are the kindest people ever (yes, more than Filipinos), I have never felt so safe in a foreign place until I came here. Short but truly sweet, a great country with many surprises. 

So, what now? The real goal of this post is to share why I am embracing this new persona. There are a lot of things written on why one should try travelling alone - all of which I agree, but I want to write in my own words. 

1. Deepen dependence on God. Technically, you are not alone because your travel buddy is right within you - a compass, map, protector, comforter, wisdom, and friend. With no one to talk to most of the time, it's a blessing to be able to consult Him with every decision and praise Him for keeping you safely right on track. He never failed me and will never fail anyone. 

2. Horizons widen from meeting new people. Travelling alone is a huge step outside one's comfort zone, and it's a risk worth taking because of the vast discoveries specifically the people you are able to meet or be acquainted with. More than the places, it's the people in your journey that holds the best stories you will forever keep, and eventually influence your growth. 

3. Appreciate the joys of your decisions. You grant yourself more credit on your spontaneity. Since you make all the decisions, you are doing what you actually love or would love to do. There is a thin probability of regret. You discover your capabilities and desire to stretch it out more. It's not self-centered, rather contentment from being self-equipped. 

4. Love for creation and humanity. Solo travelers surely seek adventure than those themed-park kind of places. And eventually, you reap the best of God's masterpiece. A non-stop wandering until you reach where your heart skips a beat. While on the journey, you appreciate all the help and kind gestures of people you meet along the way. And there are a lot of them. They are God's masterpiece as well. 

After indulging in two solo travels, I am surely hungry for more. My heart and mind yearns for so many places to visit alone. Lastly, I just have to say this, solo travelers are not soul searchers or finding themselves, I believe they are the most well-rounded people. They are complete on their own, with a bag full of stories and treasures all to themselves. 

Where to next? 2017, tell me! 

All from and for Him. 

WINNING FROM LOSING

I lost. That might be the most heartbreaking two-word sentence ever but I am totally fine with it. Not because I don't care about the prestige of Mabuhay, rather it is already way more than enough of a blessing to being sitting there as a nominee. And so while I am thinking on how I would write my Mabuhay experience, my heart just screams gratitude and praise to God and those He used to carry me through the journey. Grace, undeserved gift, is the theme from start to end. 

LOSING

True enough, I am already a winner just by being nominated and I'll be so crazy to think I am loser. Aside from the fact that I technically lost the "competition", there's still something that I lost - simple life. My renewed life in Christ has stripped me off of "ambitious" and "competitive" desires. My hunger for success before was unstoppable that I always wanted to be at the forefront of things. And now that my eyes are fixed on Christ, I just want to finish the race well through the humblest and simplest routes. This prestigious experience will now be forever linked to my resume and name (a great booster indeed), however, great expectations and pressure come with it. I am not complaining, so don't get me wrong. I know for a fact that that is something I have no control with. Fact #2 is only God knows what the future holds for me. So, I lose myself again (again and again) to God's sovereignty. Having this contradictions in  life will turn out for something good in the long run. Romans 8:28. 

WINNING

My biggest, and the best award in everything, is LOVE. As God is love, He was just unstoppable in making His presence alive in this whole experience. This is the most nerve-wracking and most stressful phase of my life to date. God is so amazing to use this to pull me closer to Him during my anxiety attacks. He taught me a lot about honor - on using it for His glory and freeing yourself from it, and seeking wisdom at the end of the day from Him alone. Love was also shown in the form of people. I am afraid of enumerating names, as I might miss someone out, but also because I know everyone close to my heart became part of the process. I am overwhelmed to even receive so much respect and support from the company from the training, moral support and those that involves cash - it's beyond I ever needed. I have been blessed with mentors, who are seasoned professionals in the industry, who made time (a lot of time) to sharpen my iron for the panel interview. I have never felt like a "celebrity" with the pampering and sponsored gown from my boss / stage mom. I also realized that I have the best sets of friends from highschool and college who were cheering for me online / mobile that were deafening to my heart. My Sales and Marketing family gave me the sweetest gesture of flooding me with thoughtful encouragements. My prayer warriors from my church ministry and discipleship group who calmed me a lot and grounded me whenever my thoughts fly crazily. And, my family who was represented by my mom that night, the 30-sec spotlight moment was for her. See, I have a handful of trophies already. Receiving their love was unspeakable, that if I can resist, I would. But again, God freely gives without condition. I am still clueless on how I will repay him and everyone involved - which I am sure forever will not be enough to do so. So I let my words in this post (or the entire blog that is), proclaim His majesty all the time. 

As I write my ending, I look across the room and saw my Mabuhay trophy (all nominees get one, the winner gets a bigger one of course). It's being blocked by some other stuff on my study desk, and so it gave me this realization: this experience will forever remain in me, especially in my professional package, but as life goes one, there will be new memories as well. Those might be even greater or fall too short of its prestige, so Mabuhay could fade away in my memory bank. But it's still there. It will peek it's way through if I focus on the beauty it brought me. 

All from and for Him.

I AM MABUHAY

"Why should you win?"

"...."

The past days have been the most stressful with the pressure that comes along Mabuhay Awards, wherein I will be representing our brand. A brief background on Mabuhay Awards: it's the "Oscars" of the hospitality industry, that recognizes the "best of the best" on a national level. Hotels and restaurants send out their "best" to compete to win. It's that prestigious. For me to have a slot on that this year is truly an undeserving privilege.

As you read in my previous blog post, I only had simple career goals and Mabuhay was never in the picture. I can clearly remember last year when I supported my boss who was nominated, I was amazed to see this huge crowd cheering with pride for the nominees. It did came to me how grand this platform was, so I whispered to myself that I will never step on that stage. And by now you know what happened a year after.

"and God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work" - 2 Corinthians 9:8

How was my Mabuhay journey so far? It is a overwhelming to the nth level! People at work would nag me a lot how blessed I am, which I agree 100%. From the bottom of my heart (include all my internal organs), I am grateful beyond words. However, what some may not understand is that I am humbled to my knees. As much as the probable questions be of what have I done brilliant, that is also my question and my answer would always be it is because of God. 

What blows me away is that our Sovereign God knew this will happen ever since. That truth puts me to shame because I wasted 23 years of my life not living for Him. He knows me inside and out, He sees my actions even when no one else does, and He loves me in my most unlovable self. So I also ask myself, why me? Why am I supposed to win?

My company has been so generous and supportive with us (there are two of us representing in different categories). They set up coaching sessions to sharpen our answering skills to possible questions. I truly appreciate the wisdom from my coaches who are already veterans in the industry and experienced Mabuhay. I haven't cried so much out of pressure because they have rubbed on my face how seriously prestigious this is and I am representing our company there. On the other hand, they never lacked on bringing my confidence up and sharpening my eloquence.  

In the midst of pressure, I turned back to the Giver of blessing. What makes it difficult for me is my lack of will to win. If I can withdraw I would. Then God reminded me that this from Him and still for Him, so I must do excellent in what He entrusted me with. 

"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

That is my confidence to win. Not for the honor of winning, rather to be a testimony of His great faithfulness. This is indeed a huge opportunity for me to represent Christ in a nationwide platform. A tool I can use so they know who I am working for and how it works. As promising as it sounds, I aim to inspire my generation who are so competitive and driven to succeed in life, still spiritually lost and empty. I am representing not just God, the company but a bunch of aspiring millenials. Whether I win or not, the journey refined my character a lot and I can't wait to talk about it. 

Answering the question above: I am undeserving to begin with, but I am confident that God purposed me to be here and I have worked with integrity from day 1. The honor will fade away but the opportunity to speak boldly and inspire more people is my will to win and my drive to work harder each day. 

All from and for Him.