sadioreyeya-blog

[sadioreyeya-blog]

Live with no excuses, travel with no regrets

            It would take a lot of years to travel around the world, 7 continents, 195 countries, many choices of places to visit but still treasures the most memorable and unforgettable ones.

           “Give your stress wings and let it fly away.” Studying and working is hard and stressful that a lot of people can relate and admit, but out of nowhere, you will notice that you are already planning for a vacation or holiday to rest and have time for yourself.

           Filipinos are one of the most religious in the world and admit it, when one member of the family is having a vacation, they tend to plan and visit devoted and remarkable locales. Like the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Manaoag that can be found in Manaoag, Pangasinan. Families usually visit Manaoag at least once year. For the knowledge of everyone, Manaoag means “to call.” A lot of tourists visits the church and wants to see the image of Our Lady of Manaoag because of the divine mysteries and miracles she did. It is always a peaceful and heartwarming feeling and experience to have the opportunity and chance to see and learn about Manaoag. And since you are already in Pangasinan, after visiting Our Lady of Manaoag, you can also go and swim around Pangasinan and Dagupan, like the very common Tondaligan beach where you cannot find white sands like the other beaches but you can feel enjoy the heat of the sun and the cold breeze of the wind. You can also see people who sell foods especially seafoods that you can buy, cook, and eat then have a foodtrip and picnic with the family.

           Another stop is in Monasterio de Tarlac located at the Mount Resurrection Eco Park in the barangay of Lubigan. Here, you can find and go near the replica of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil and you can also find in the monastery the relic of the True Cross where Jesus’ crucifixion happened. This is a thrilling along the way especially when you use the iconic jeepney. Laughters and smiles are visible in everyone’s faces.

             Going north, Baguio, City of Pines, where you and your family can join the celebration of Flower Festival or known as Panagbenga Festival. Baguio is full of captivating destinations like Minesview Park, Burnham Park, Botanical Garden, and many more. A lot of people say that your Baguio escapade is incomplete if you did not have a meal in Good Taste, a restaurant with affordable yet delicious food that will make you drool over and over again. It is a healthy holiday in Baguio because of the natural surroundings and cold breeze of the wind that will not make you feel so tired.

           And after a long journey to the north, let’s make it longer and try to make it more unforgettable and make it to Ilocos. Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte are both a worthy “stay-cation” to everyone. Delicious foods and breathtaking views will make you stay and prefer not to the leave. Ilocos Sur, where Ilocanos acknowledge their tasty longganisas and empanadas. Tourist spots like Calle Crissologo in Vigan is worth visiting especially with your family and loved ones, what a lovely and memorable night you will have. While in Ilocos Norte that will take you to another hours of drive, you can almost see windmills everywhere, feel and breathe the fresh air brought by the winds from the sea just like in Bangui Windmills, Pagudpud Windmills, and Kapurpurawan where you can ride a horse that leads and shows you around the vicinity. Exciting oart of the Ilocos Norte escapade are sunrise and sunsets, this is the place where you can have the breathtaking view of the sunrise and sunset, Sand Dunes, geological yet electrifying and thrilling sand adventure where you can try and ride 4x4 jeeps and unlimited sandboarding. And don’t forget to give your devotion in Paoay Church.

           Going south, Caleruega in Batangas with colleagues would be fun. These experiences mostly happen in Dominican students because Caleruega is known for retreat house since Saint Dominid de Guzman used to live in Caleruega, Spain. It is an imitation of his home and a memory of his journey as a saint.

           “Stress is sometimes just an excuse. You choose your own actions to the world. Kick that excuse over and find smiling up at you the joy of choice and the choice of joy.” Life is unpredictable, you will never know what will happen, a lot of challenges, obstacles, and hardships that you will encounter, but you, yourself is the only person who can help and cheer you up. Choose to be happy, do things that make you happy, avoid things that bring you too much stress, have a vacation, unwind, and relax.

           Life begins at the end of your comfort zones. Traveling with yourself makes a lot of realizations. Self-love and care but admit it, having someone by your side as you experience and get out of your comfort zone is a different one. Family will always be the first thing that comes on your mind. A tiring journey yet memorable and unforgettable since you will know that your loved ones are the ones who stays at your side and never leaves.

           Traveling will teach you lessons in life. Not only physical but also mentally and emotionally. Yes, you will learn how to budget your money, decide where to eat, look for the appropriate and affordable things to buy. But in life, it will teach you how to value things better than before. It will let you realize that this is the life that you deserve. It will make you feel contented, loved, and satisfied.

           “A journey with a thousand miles must begin with a step.” Learn to wait, things will go on place and where they belong. Just like you, one day, you will be on a place where you truly find yourself and where you truly belong; one’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.