New York Times Best Selling Author. Master’s degree graduate. Another Bachelor’s degree under my belt. Owning a car. Settling down. This was my vision of myself five years post-graduation.
But reality paints a different picture. Here I am, at Iloilo airport at four in the morning, reflecting on how far I am from those dreams. Instead of achieving those milestones, I find myself, just days before my twenty-third birthday, embarking on another solo adventure. This time, I have no set itinerary, no specific goals, no clear destination, and no expectations.
I found myself boarding a v-hire to SM Iloilo, then hopping onto a jeepney heading to Parola. By six in the morning, I was at 7/11—hungry, sleepy, and still unsure of what the day held. On a whim, I bought a ticket to Guimaras, the island across the burgeoning city. As I sat between a child playing with a unicorn and an old woman clutching her gallons of tuba, I realized for the first time that day what I truly wanted: to let life take its course.
And in that solo adventure, several things dawned on me.
1. Things don’t usually follow according to the timeline you’ve set for yourself.
2. Some things are better done alone.
3. There’s nothing wrong with keeping your circle small.
4. Enjoy your youth.
5. The best things in life come free to us.
6. If you can’t beat them, try harder.
7. Keep it slow and steady.
8. being single is definitely better than being with the wrong person.
9. Love when you’re ready, not when you’re lonely.
10. You don’t need to know everything—and some things are not worth knowing.
11. Life beats in the same rhythm: you try, you fail, you learn, you change, and you grow.
12. Sometimes, we are the very demons we’re so afraid of.
13. Everyone wants happiness. No one wants pain. But you can’t have the rainbow without a little rain.
14. Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.
15. The mountains will always have the answer.
16. Add some little chaos to your life.
17. Bravery is doing something without fear, but true courage is facing your fears.
18. Not because something sounds crazy it already means that it isn’t true.
19. No matter what the situation is, never let your emotions overpower you.
20. You’re free to speak your mind. But everybody is not obliged side with you.
21. Sometimes, the best response is no response at all.
22. There is no assurance that life will get better. And it’s okay.
23. Have a little faith.
By two in the afternoon, I decided to head back to the port and return to Iloilo to visit Miag-ao Church. I didn’t try island hopping, and there were many places I missed in Guimaras. But who cares? Guimaras taught me the last and probably most important lesson for every traveler: travel, not for the sake of traveling. It’s not a competition. I am on my own journey.
As one of my favorite bloggers says, “The journey to finding yourself and growing up is harsh, painful, exhilarating, heartbreaking, and confusing all at the same time. There’s never a certain answer. Nobody’s got life figured out. Sit back. Relax. Enjoy. Be a child. Make beautiful mistakes. Pick yourself up from adversity. Be a person full of love. And live like every day is the first day of your life.”
Planning for a solo backpacking or group trip to Guimaras? Feel free to contact Kuya Felix at 0909-686-5229 or 0909-881-1250. Island land trips range from P800 – P1,800, depending on the package. For details, send a private message or contact me via Facebook or Instagram.😊😊😊
Dakilanglaagan 