My A2E of 2016

Another year means another year of discovery and exploration for me and, as I have been accustomed for the past years (I think I am on my 7th year now), I always start my year by writing done 50 things that I want to accomplish for the year. These things range from stuff that I want to buy, things that I want to accomplish, things that I want to do, and destinations that I want to put my feet onto.

I have always made it a point to start my year of travel blogging by sharing my destination goals for the year and this year would not be different. In fact, it took me quite a while to decide on my travel theme for 2016 and deciding on which destinations to put on my list. You need to understand that there is so much to see and discover in the Philippines so narrowing down my travel list is a difficult task every year.

2016 will be about adventures, blast from the past, celebrations, discovery, and encouragement.

This year my travels will revolve around A2E:

A is all about adventure.

I would like to go on a weekend backpack adventure along the Pagsanjan, Laguna area. Our recent #iV7 #Road7rip piqued my interest with its old town charm mixed with its laid back atmosphere. I would like to go around and explore that particular area of Laguna with a backpack.

B is about the Blast from the past.

I have a couple of places that I have included in my previous bucketlists that I have not yet crossed out and this year I have selected two destinations that I would like to include on my list.

Burot Beach was on my list last year and my plans to go camping last 2015 was marred because of work so I am including it on my list this year. I would like to watch the sunset by the beach and enjoy its colors. I would also like to explore its pristine beachfront before it is further developed.

Potipot Island, on the other hand, has been on my list a few years back and, after going through the destinations that I missed out previously, I decided to include this island on this year’s list. I want to see its beauty up close and enjoy its cool waters this summer. I guess, it is going to be another road trip coming up soon.

C is about the Celebration.

After the Dinagyang experience, I am now taking on the invitation of my Cebuano friends to finally check out the mother of all festivals – the Sinulog of Cebu City. I have read and seen a number of blogs about the event and nothing gets more exciting that having to experience the festival first hand.

D is about Discovery.

I would like to put Mindanao’s tourist destinations on the spot and I plan to do at least one destination per year. This year I would like to face the fear and discover a hidden destination – Sulu. I think that by understanding the situation, people will understand how we can help improve the lives of our Muslim brothers and sisters.

E is Encourage.

This year I am wrapping up the “Explore Manila!” project. I would like to encourage fellow viajeros to walk the streets of Metro Manila and discover its hidden tourist gems. I also hope that with this project I am able to raise the awareness among local governments to also focus on developing their city’s local tourist spots.

I am also excited to start exploring destinations close to Metro Manila with a new project that I will be launching soon. These are quick trips that are worth taking and I hope that you can also join us during these trips. I will be posting details of the projects soon.

2016 is going to be an exciting year for me. I am looking forward to discovering places and experiencing the local culture. These are my travel goals for 2016 and there are a couple of destinations still to be lined up since I always take on the opportunity to travel when I am given the chance. It is all about discovering, re-discovering, and immersing. I hope that you will continue to join me as I show you the beauty of the Philippines through this blog.