HOW TRAVEL CHANGED MY LIFE?

Mt. Pulag's summit, December 13,2015

They say "Life begins outside your comfort zone". I couldn't agree more to that. Because for someone who's life rotates within a four-cornered room, travelling is such a blessing.


I was once a typical girl who only stays at home, spend 9-13 hours in the office, drink coffee, watch movies and read books. Its like my daily life was confined in a cycle that you have to repeat the steps 1 to 3. Its boring right? I know! That's why I decided to break that cycle ,add some spice to my life- and my journey started. 

Catching sunset at Anawngin Cove, Zambales

I learned to be contented. 
I travel with only enough money in my pocket. I don't always book in luxurious hotels, I don't eat in fancy restaurants- my tent, my hammock and cook set were my best friends. For me, spending a night inside my tent at the campsite,counting stars and be mesmerized by it is far better than staying in a 5-star hotel. 

Relaxing at Pag-asa Beach, Camarines Norte

I learned to be confident.
Before travelling, I was always worried about what other people think of me. How I looked and dressed, how I talked and act were really important to me. I always had to look “nice and good” to impress people and I thought I really needed it for people to accept and like me. 

Now, I am more confident with myself. Wearing dry fit shirt and trekking shoes is much more comfortable for me than a branded dress and a high heels. I am more confident with myself that I will be able to attract people who would like and accept me for who I am. 

at the summit of Mt. Sipit-Ulang, MASCAP, Rizal

I learned to be humble. 
Of course I learned to be humble! Before travelling, I thought achievements in life is what will define a person. I thought it is your knowledge that will bring you to different places. But when I started travelling, I became no one. Whatever I achieved in life suddenly became nothing and I love it! 
Humility is one of the best things I've learned from climbing mountains. Mountain thought me that no matter how high you reach, your feet are still on the ground. 

Mt. Pundaquit, Zambales

I learned to live. 

As I visit different places, explored remote areas within our country, I discovered more people that needs a helping hand. I was blessed to be given opportunities to be a bridge of help to indigenous tribes and less fortunate children in remote places. Though I don't always understand their language, culture and beliefs, there's one thing I know, "I want to be a blessing to them". So i decided to get involved and even lead outreach missions that would deliver medical  and school supplies to remote places. Seeing them smile would totally relieve all the problems you have. Hearing tiny voices saying "Thank you" would energize you again to do another 8 hours trekking.

Outreach Mission with my team, Ulayaw-Ahon at Camarines Norte (nebeficiary: Tribu Kabihug) 

We all have our own reasons why we travel. To meet new friends, understanding one's culture, eating mouth-watering dishes (I think that's everyone's favorite, lols), waiting for the sunrise on the mountain top and waiting for it to come down while lying on the shore. With all those reasons and learning, I think I know now how travel changed my life?

with one of the local kids of Dumagat Tribe at Mt. Paliparan who received our Joy pack! 

"Before, I travel to escape the life I have. Now, I travel to find life and share it to others"

How travel changed my life could also change yours. 
So get out of your comfort zone, plan your first adventure and see how amazing this world could be.

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   Keep traveling!

   Raine

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