THE LADY WHO TRAVELS BY HERSELF

"Mag-isa ka lang?" (Are you one? hahahaha - just kidding. "are you alone?")  is the only greeting that I get from homestays, backpackers’ inns, budget hotels, in airport’s waiting areas, in ferries, boats, in restaurants, and the FAQ (frequently asked question) in my facebook photos when i post them.

I am still somehow puzzled, even at the moment, on how to answer that. I should have created a script or spiel. But my normal answer is a simple "Yes!" with a sweet smile, and a little nod, and my eyes widening a bit.

bodyboarding in Sentinela, Claveria, Cagayan Valley

Then there comes the next question, a straightforward  "Why?"

(silence. count 5.. 4.. 3.. 2.. 1..)


That is exactly what fills the air -- silence.

Did I really have to answer?

Now that I finally put in writing the reason why, there have been a lot of lingering pauses, which has lasted months, since that time that I decided that I would travel on my own and start to document my travels though this blog site. It took me to first explore already and have my own adventures in some islands, before I can even write why.


What if I respond with an uncomplicated “I just.” (Basta lang.) ahaha! The end.

A little seriously speaking (I am really sincere about writing this, but it has really been so tough), here’s why:

Maybe it is by Chance. I had all my weekends to myself. And my company has provided me with almost a 20-nonwork day paid leaves. Hence, I can have an early weekend or extend it. Good for me. Also, I can actually have a straight 3 weeks off, which I will avail when I go to Japan, hopefully end of this year. In relation to my semi 8 to 5 desk job mixed with a little bit of fieldwork and land travels, I do my version of  Lakbay-Norte. From Manila, I take a bus to Pampanga, I traverse to Tarlac; go out of the way to Subic, Olongapo & Zambales; visit the Bangus Capital, Pangasinan; surf to La Union; chill in Baguio, then go farther North, Laoag. What do I do? I visit the people of my company assigned in these areas, see how they are, ask “Kumusta?” (How are you?), keep them alive and happy. And I am all by myself doing this. Somehow, I have been “trained” to go solo.

Chillax in Cagayan De Oro

It had become my Choice. I didn’t want to be stuck. I didn’t want to just live. I didn’t want to just wait and see. I didn’t want to grow older and later die not seeing that other part of the world and the rest of the 7000 islands of my country.

walking the rocky bumpy road to Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan

I didn’t want to wait for my friends, cousins, work mates, to have a free time that will match that same time that my feet would like to wander and wonder, so that we can travel together. Besides, our free times don’t match after all. As they are either busy with their priorities in life, families, career, love life, business, shopping, movies, among others. I didn’t want to wait for my savings to reach billions so that I can enjoy a package tour and a suite life. I didn’t want to wait for my bones to be weakest that I can’t climb Mount Pulag or Mount Apo any longer, or walk the paths of the Great Wall of China. I didn’t want to wait for my eyes to have the least vision that I can’t see the beauty of the sunrise and sunset up in the sky anymore.

chasing the sunset at Larena, SiQuijor

Last but not the least, (and the crucial reason... hahaha) I didn’t want to wait for a partner that I still have to persuade to travel and come along with me. Ang tagal e, ahaha. (It has been taking a long time #impatient) (But I am still waiting, though. He can just come along.)

waiting, waiting, waiting at El Nido, Palawan

I am a Cool and Calm Traveler. When I am just by myself, I begin to have time to listen to the music of nature, be it the sounds of birds, insects, waves, winds. I begin to see the beauty, not only of the natural wonders, also the people I interface with along the way. It is likely that I can capture the total magnificence of a place when am alone. It is also when I am with no-one else that I become very independent, more resourceful and find my way out; ask around, be street-smart, be myself, and be brave-r. When there is nobody to talk my senses out, I naturally chat with someone who looks sensible. This has brought me new friendships. And there is something magical when you start to laugh with strangers. Fears of being all alone in an unfamiliar place completely vanish, and are replaced with security. This magic is what makes me want to go back to that place for a second time, or even more. Or stay there forever.

waiting for the sunrise at Camotes Island, Cebu

It is my Commitment. To myself. To live my life. Morbidly speaking, to live the remaining active weeks of my life to the fullest. Live every moment and make each moment count. To savor. To intently be joyful. This may sound sentimental and emotional to you, but I am writing it romantically. Please believe so J. It’s not only living my life, but loving it and everything that goes with it.

at Calayan Island

This may not be all of the reasons why. As I continue to travel solo, I know that it will all be more sensible, with the new experiences, new people, and new places that I will encounter.

The above is difficult to utter in its complete context when I am asked why I travel by myself. Maybe I will print this and carry a copy with me when I travel. Or save it in my notepad. Haha. I can imagine myself that I can actually do that. Kidding aside, will I ever attempt to deliver this speech word for word and be understood? I prefer not to. I would stick to answering with a simple "Yes!" with a sweet smile, and a little nod, and my eyes widening a bit, followed by the sweet silence, with all the love and sincerity in my heart.

praying in Camiguin

To put all of these words into a simple statement, God led me to travel. Solo (maybe for a while J). And I just go with it. Freely. So let it be.

with Lakay Lakay, Baket Baket Rock Formations in Taggat, Claveria, Cagayan Valley