Tra-Abel in the Year 2014

The year 2014 has ended, it’s that time of the year when companies’ trial balances are prepared to be closed and financial statements begin to take its form (optimistically speaking). Well for this blog, it’s time to reminisce and review the places I’ve been to for the past 12 months ended December 31, 2014.

I began blogging about my travels mid-2013, it jump started at El Nido, Palawan in July 2013, the place I’ve been dreaming of ever since I was a kid, and continued on with my work-cum-travel to the CARAGA Region in Mindanao. And the passion to travel still keeps burning. For the year 2014, I've set my goal to travel to 14 different places, both within and outside the Philippines. Fortunately, I made it to most of the places I've listed and some would have to wait this year 2015. So without further ado here are the Top 10 places Tra-Abel has set foot on in the year 2014.

In January 2014, I had to work and stay in the office (Lepanto, Benguet) without much time for travelling. It was all work and no play. I had to endure a month without travel to compensate for my planned 11 days backpacking trip which will be on February. Nevertheless, I was still busy with travel blogging and travel planning. So you see I’m kinda obsessed with traveling. Haha.

Comes the second month of the year, February. I have been excitedly anticipating for this month to come. Big travel plans for my first solo backpacking trip to Thailand and Cambodia. And here’s how it went:

Thailand (#starttheyearwithaBANG-kok)

 

This country holds a special place in my heart since it was where I first experienced solo traveling outside the Philippines. The plane ticket was purchased way ahead of time and the itinerary was planned months before the flight. It was for an 11 days solo backpacking trip to Thailand and Cambodia. I visited the usual tourist sites, stayed in Khao San Road, the backpacking mecca, tried different new food and met a lot of interesting people along the way. Being new to traveling alone in a foreign land, I was able to experience different kind of emotions. One moment I was happy and excited, while some moments I was afraid for my dear life and anxious for the uncertainties this travel entails. Still I was able to enjoy every moment, appreciate every experience and savor every day of this trip.  

Top 10 Destinations I've Been and Will Definitely Return To (Part 2)

6.   Bukidnon - can be found in the Northern Mindanao Region. I was given the chance to enjoy Bukidnon when I was assigned to audit a mining company in CDO. Our client was kind enough to take us on their weekend trip to Bukidnon. Here are the things I enjoyed most during my visit at Bukidon and I suggest you try them too when you get the chance to go there:

a. Zip line - the longest zip line in Asia if I'm not mistaken can be found in Dahilayan Park Adventure. Feel the cool breeze while feeling like superman is priceless and a unique experience when you do zip line.

b. Zorb & Other Fun Activities - Dahilayan park adventure has many fun activities to offer.


  

7.   Cagayan de Oro - CDO serves as the regional center and business hubs for the Northern Mindanao. As I said earlier, it was because of an audit engagement that I was able to tour CDO. But, what are weekends for if you don't get to explore the new place you're in. So, here are the things I enjoyed most during my visit at CDO and I suggest you try them too when you get the chance to go there:


a. White Water Rafting - CDO boast of its organized, fun and thrilling white water rafting. (Although when I was there, the water is not white at all, it turned brown due to the rainy seasons. But hey, it made it all the more enjoyable since the water is a little bit more rough, thus harder for rafting)

b. Limketkai - Walk around Limketkai at night or after office hours and enjoy the different local restaurants that offers a variety of food that can only be found there.



8.   Banaue, Ifugao -  It is where you can find the UNESCO World Heritage site Banaue Rice Terraces. Banaue is just 5 hours away from my home province Quirino but It was only in July 2012 that I was able to visit it. Nevertheless, I've been there thrice since my first visit (this only proves how captivated I was by its beauty). 

You can allot one day or half day if you only want to see famous rice terraces. But, aside from the magnificent view of the rice terraces, Banaue has a lot more to offer. You can spend your time sitting in a restaurant, sipping your tea/coffee while enjoying the view or you can hire a jeepney or a trike to tour you around. On the other hand, you can also try their hot springs and waterfalls, but this option will prolly take you a day or two.







9. La Union - This is where my family originated, more specifically at Aringay, La Union. La Union is the second of the three places I'm admittedly biased with (kekeke). My love for La Union was rekindled when we did our recent company outing at Shipside Resort, Poro. While La Union is plagued with many beach resorts, you can still have your serene and quiet beach experience since it is not your ordinary and famous touristy place.

10. Quirino - My home province, I am always proud of this little but massively beautiful province (ahem, can you taste the sugar coating? kekeke). Plenty of people, even Filipinos are ignorant of this province. Whenever I introduce myself and say I'm from Quirino Province, these are two popular responses I get from people: 1.) Where is that, with a big question mark on their faces and 2.) "ah iyong malapit sa Isabela." The province near Isabela. Here are my suggested places for you to visit if ever you get the chance to go there.

Aglipay Caves - You can start your trip to Quirino by visiting the most famous tourist activity & spot among locals - Spelunking at Aglipay Caves and Campsite.

Mt. Susong Dalaga & Nagbukol - Climb Mt. Susong Dalaga and  Nagbukel, both got their name based on their shape. Mt Susong Dalaga (Virgin's Breast) and Nagbukel (Round more like Bohol's chocolate hills with only one hill :D)

Dumabato Waterfalls - An eight level waterfall. The best time to visit the waterfalls is during rainy seasons to experience a grander and bigger fall.

And that's it, the top 10 destinations I've been and will definitely return to. I hope you enjoyed this entry!