March 4, 2010—It’s been a year since I started sharing my travel adventures and misadventures to the world. Tripadora was born out of my love for travel, photography and of course, my country, the Philippines.

Traveling gave me new perspectives in life. As Mohammed puts it, “Don’t tell me how educated you are, tell me how much you traveled.”

Indeed, I learned life’s lessons beyond the walls of a classroom. For others, travel is just for leisure. For me, it’s getting to know the world and its people. Every place has its own story to tell.

Last year, my itchy feet visited the Callao Caves of Penablanca, the Churches of Cagayan, the Sand dunes of Ilocos Norte, the surfing capital of the North La Union, Hot Air Balloon Festival of Clark, the organized city of Davao, the enchanting Samal and Talikud Islands, the underwater treasure of Boracay, the colorful MassKara Festival of Bacolod City, the heritage houses of Silay City, the captivating wonders of Coron, the safari of Calauit Island, and the magical Disneyland in Hong Kong.

This year, my ultimate dream destination came true—I finally set foot on the unspoiled beauty of Batanes. I also conquered Mt. Pinatubo and survived the huge waves in Palaui Island.

And as I write this piece, I’m at the Blue Lagoon, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte traveling with the Lakbay Norte group for the second time around. I feel so grateful with everything. God is great!

Thank you Lord for all the blessings and fruitful travels,  for the dreams that came true, and for the people who later on became my friends. Special thanks to the generous Nina Fuentes of Justwandering.org, who hosts my blog, and to the Lakbay Norte friends (Cha, Ivan, Melo, Estan, Karlo, Ida, Marge, Ella, Rhaine, Ferdz, Mishy) who influenced and ‘infected’ me with the “travel fever.”

To the readers of this blog, thank you for taking time to read, comment, and even email. I hope my travel stories inspire you guys to explore the unexplored and live your lives to the fullest.

Cheers! Happy 1st birthday Tripadora!