"There's beauty behind what we may perceive as ugly. Don't be so quick to judge something you haven't gotten to know." -BLW
So in South Korea, there was a long holiday break, Chuseok μΆμ (Thanksgiving). For my “Thanksgiving” break, I traveled to the Philippines. I decided that I would remove myself from the “social world” and embark on an adventure, learning something about myself; reflecting on all the things I'm thankful for, as well as, realizing what I should be thankful for. My trip to the Philippines allowed me to appreciate the life God has blessed me with even more and to admire and protect His wonderful creations.
Before I begin, let me just say I'm starting to see pattern with me having "difficulties" at the airport. I thought I was going to make it into Manila without any issues. π€¦π½ As an independent, female traveler, I always do some in-depth research before I make plans. I came across some information about the taxi scams, where some overcharge travelers for a ride. As I made my way outside the airport, I walked towards the metered-taxi queue. This guy with a badge (it looked “official” to me) across the street was telling me he had a taxi ready for me.π€π€·π½ After he filled out some forms, he told me the price, 3,850 php [about $70 USD] for a 30-minute drive. I went blank into confusion.π΅ I left him and the driver there.π With a metered taxi, it's supposed to cost about 470 php [about $10]. MAJOR DIFFERENCE! But, these metered taxi drivers can play you as well, turning the meter off and charging their own rate. My taxi driver played me...ππ€¦π½ I ended up paying 800 php [$16 USD]. He was a nice guy though, and I was content with paying that than the $70.... lesson learned. After that situation, let me just say I saw Uber in a whole new perspective. π²π
Okay, now to my trip… (trip details)
Manila
First Impressions: During my Uber ride into Manila, I was not impressed. I was a little annoyed and confused by the chaotic traffic, trash all over, and there wasn't really anything appealing to my eyes. I figured it had to get real out in the streets when my Uber driver double checked to make sure the doors were locked as the "sellers on the street" passed by.π
I travel to countries to see and experience with my own eyes the reality. When I travel, I try not to have any expectations, because expectations can make or break the trip. During my Uber ride to the airport, I began to reflect on my time in Manila. I didn't have high expectations for Manila, but I thought that since it is the capital city, it would have something to offer. I can definitely say I was pushed out of my comfort zone, feeling completely uncomfortable at times. I didn't like seeing the streams and oceans polluted with trash, I didn't like seeing and smelling trash on the streets (areas not designated for trash), and I didn't like seeing people "living dirty"; seeing a brother give his younger siblings a "wash off" at a public fountain just hurts my heart. Yes, there's poverty in every county, but it still isn't a pleasant site to see, anywhere. Through it all, it made me aware of the minute privileges God has blessed me with, and why I should be real appreciative of those privileges.
Now if you plan to visit Manila, don't let my experience stop you. "Bad" areas can be avoided. As I mentioned before, I prefer to walk around and see the reality. Everyone's experience is different. Also, DO NOT think Manila is a representation of the Philippines, because it's not.
Two Days, Two Tours
For my time spent in Palawan, I wanted to be a tourist, relax, and enjoy it all. For my first tour, I climbed through Ugong Rock and flew (zip lined) to the bottom. After that, I was able to experience (what I did not know) one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. It is unimaginable how mother nature works and the creations that are formed. During this tour, I met some wonderful Filipinos that made my trip and experience fun, entertaining, and well spent. They gave me tips on other islands to visit in the Philippines, as well as, trying other significant cultural food. π£"Let's take a picture!"πΈ-Jelly
The other tour was the Honda Bay Tour (island hopping). It was another day where I met some more amazing people, Filipinos and other foreigners on vacation. We enjoyed snorkeling together, taking pictures, and enjoying the beautiful weather and sea. There's nothing like meeting travelers and sharing stories together.
Living in paradise was amazing. Being surrounded by the beautiful nature and amazing scenery... I'll never forget those views. The Philippines isn’t a country I’d see myself living in, but it's definitely a country I'd run to when I need to escape "life." A lesson I learned, "there's beauty behind what we may perceived as ugly." Thank you, Philippines, for the lessons, the realness, the adventures, and the people that made my time THAT more amazing.
Until the next adventure... MABUHAY! ✌
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Favorites from the Trip