XXIX: Birthday Post

Today, I am officially a year shy of turning three decades old!!!

So last year, I did this list, and while I am nowhere near accomplishing even half of it, at least I was able to cross off a number of them.

This year, I'm making another list but it's more of a recap of how the past 12 months went. Think of it as my year-ender since I don't have any more 'planned' trips for the rest of the year. I'll be using the remaining months to plan for the trips I've lined up for next year. 

Anyway, onto the recap...

On top of Cabugao Gamay Island, Islas de Gigantes, Iloilo

Just a couple of days after my birthday last year, my friends and I flew to Iloilo to explore the pristine islands of Islas de Gigantes.  My cousin and I then did a side trip to Boracay.

December was pretty busy. My mom and I (together with our neighbors) went to Singapore with a side trip to LEGOLAND then we spent Christmas until New Year's Day in Baguio.

2013 started with a Binondo Food Trip slash meetup with fellow travel bloggers. I got a chance to travel with most of them in the months that followed.

The rest of Q1 involved mountains and beaches.

Mt. Pinatubo Trek with Byaheng Victory, Mt. Gulugod Baboy with Sombrero Island side trip, Calaguas and Apo Reef Natural Park

The first quarter was all about stepping out of my comfort zone. I was able to survive two climbs, actually enjoyed camping, slept on the beach twice and managed to take a bath with half a dipper (tabo) of water! Ha!

Orion Hotel, Puzzle Mansion, Hacienda Isabella, Parque España, Luljetta's Garden & Spa, Casa Ibiza

While I'm very proud that I was able to rough it up at the start of the year, I was also very fortunate to be pampered with staycations.

High Sierra, Para'Kito, Towelite, Paccube, Sassa Active Wear, loudbasstard, Lagu, Headware, bobble and Purple Cow's Attic

Mid-year, I hosted my very first Blog Anniversary Giveaway which got an overwhelming number of entries. And I am very grateful to the very generous sponsors who made this giveaway happen. 

And even after the giveaway ended, brands like Paccube and Para'Kito became travel partners, too. :) 

Cebu Marriott Hotel, Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort, Bellevue Resort Bohol, Bluewater Panglao

In August, staycation was turned up a notch higher when Endette and I stayed at luxurious resorts in Cebu and Bohol! We were treated like VIPs and were spoiled rotten with gorgeous rooms and mouthwatering buffets day after day.

With Riz of Lamyerda and Claire of Traveling Light

And just last month, I spent a day in Malaysia before flying to Myanmar. Claire and I were adopted by Riz who toured us around Putrajaya.

Myanmar - (clockwise) Yangon, Bagan and Mandalay

Aaaaand the biggest trip of the year goes to: Myanmar! 

My friends and I fell in love with the country, not only for its thousand-year old pagodas/temples and food, but more so, for the warm hospitality of its people.

As if all of these were not enough, just last July, I got a full time home-based job that pays me weekly which I didn't even apply for!  

Needless to say, I am more than thankful for everything that I have received and achieved the past year. I hope the next 12 months will be just as awesome!

Now, if I can have only one birthday wish, that would be...a direct flight to Morocco! Is that too much to ask? :p

K

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