It all started with my father's wandering feet
My father has instilled in me his passion for traveling, as he loved exploring on his own. He has been to different places, and has always felt contentment from every travel.
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| Beach Bum! :) |
I was only able to fully grasp his concept of 'wandering-off' only at age 7. He really liked the feeling of going out-of-town, as I could always see it from his cheerful aura. And even as a single father, he would bring me and my brother to far away provinces (the farthest would be in Baguio). From then on, my love for these enriching escapades made me more drawn to the adventure that traveling provided us as a whole.
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| My brother and my dad at Burnham Park, Baguio. :) |
I started missing the thrill from our adventures right after he passed away in 1995. I was only 11 then. My hopes of seeing the rest of the world with him dwindled when he never woke up from his coma. He died from a brain aneurysm.
Through the years, I was still able to travel with my family and friends. I've also been to different parts of the Philippines years after. Yet it felt like there was still something missing. It just wasn't the same, knowing that my father wasn't around to enjoy these new sights that I was seeing up-close.
But my love for traveling was ignited, right after graduating from college in 2007. My cousin, who I call 'Kuya", gave me my very first plane ticket -- a plane ticket that was printed with the words: Destination - Hong Kong.
This was Kuya's graduation gift to me. And from this experience, I was able to get on my first plane ride, first Asian destination, first international travel with my Kuya, and my first trip out-of-the-country without my father. I felt some form of sadness when I should've felt utterly ecstatic.
I whispered the words "I miss you, dad. Wish you were here!" right when we set foot on this foreign country. But I was grateful for Kuya's sweet gesture. He knows my father would have done the same for me.
Right there and then, my dad made his presence felt. I suddenly felt happy knowing that he wanted me to see this new place with Kuya this time. From then on, I knew that he would always be with me, wherever I went or whoever I was with. And to every destination that I have successfully crossed out off my list, I felt my dad's wandering feet, guiding me and exploring with me.
My father has helped embrace the wanderluster in me. But it is my Kuya, who continued to nurture my love for wayfaring -- helping me feed that passion again by supporting my every endeavor to travel. He helped hone the BUDGET BIYAHERA that I am now (he even helped with the name study for my blog!). He taught me how to save, how to budget things, how to keep things organized and how to stay alert when traveling. Best of all, he continually reminds me to never forget to enjoy every journey made.
You know.. I'll always owe my wanderlusting feet to these two great men. Their love, encouragement and their support would have to be my inspiration. The thought of them encourages me to see the world forever on end. :)
Explore & Be Free!
Mai
This post is my entry to the Pinoy Travel Bloggers' Blog Carnival for July 2012 with the theme "The Journey That Made Us a Travel Blogger". Edmar Gu-Quibb of Edmaration Etc #TownExplorer hosts this edition of the blog carnival. You can visit Estan Cabigas' Langyaw to see the archive of Pinoy Travel Bloggers' Blog Carnival! :)
69 comments
Hongkong was my first travel via plane, too. And it also happened after I graduated from college. ^_^ Your father is definitely watching you and is with you wherever you go. Cheer up. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you sis! Actually, while I was writing this, naiiyak ako.. :/ Thank you for the kind words ah! Na-appreciate ko talaga. :)
ReplyDeleteLove d story... love d pix!...;-)
ReplyDeleteHurray from one Daddy's Girl to another! <3 This write up is so heartfelt. You are lucky, you are surrounded by people who inspire and influence. Keep writing, sis. <3
ReplyDeleteAwww.. thanks so much Rain! :) I'll keep writing so that I can be as good a writer as you. Cheers! :)
ReplyDeleteawww. thats sweet. it is really nice to have someone with you to enjoy the sights.:)
ReplyDeleteYour story is heartwarming. As I always saw the things my dad left in me when he passed away when I was still in high school, your dad also left you something you can hold on to this day and its your love for travel. You have carried his legacy and he must be so proud of the traveler that you are today.
ReplyDeleteNice. Daddy's little girl living up the passion of her dad!
ReplyDeleteIt might've been nice to have your father by your side as you travel to several destinations. He's not just a father, but also a teacher, as you are easily influenced.
ReplyDeleteThough it may be sad that he already have passed away, I think that he still travels the world, through your eyes.
Ingat sa mga travels mo! :)
nakakatuwa naman :) thank you for sharing mai! :)
ReplyDeletelike father, like daughter... me pinagmanahan... lol. and wow, first plane ticket HK agad... the best. keep on doing what you love best... Yahweh bless.
ReplyDeleteBe grateful for every safe trip! And enjoy! That maybe your father's wish for you. He must be very proud and happy for you!
ReplyDeleteVery nice post! Kind'a touching, really...
ReplyDeleteOne of the coolest dad you got. I my dad is a home boy. Hahaha. Bihira lang kami magtravel together. He just let me travel on my own. Pero sya bahala sa allowance, sa pamasahe and everything. I just wish he can go with me too just like you and your dad. :)
ReplyDeleteThis post is more than a tribute for your 2 great heroes in life. Keep those feet wandering! ~ http://the-urban-walker.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThe memories of your father will live on inside of you wherever you are.
ReplyDeleteAwww Mai..you may have spent just a short time with your dad but you were left naman with great memories! Have fun traveling, i pray that you will see God's glory in His creations!
ReplyDeleteow, teary eyed me while reading this post. kaaiyak naman, sad tuloy ao bigla. ninamnam ko talaga bawat word ng post mo. You are lucky to have a father and a kuya.
ReplyDeleteI was touched on your article. And really you got your father's hobby, "Traveling".
ReplyDeleteHow sweet of your Kuya. It feels great to do things you love and knowing that your family supports you all the way.
ReplyDeletewow! how you naman dear!! i wish i could travel with family with mum and dad as well i wanted to do a lot of things with them while they're with me. kakalungkot nun tong eksena n ton.. god bless x0x0
ReplyDeleteThanks Mavin. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your dad's also as proud, especially with your achievements, Franc. :) Thank you for the kind words.. very touching! :)
ReplyDeleteYeah! :)
ReplyDeleteI believe the same things.. :) Thank you so much for your kind words.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love your name by the way.. hehe! :)
Sure ate! :)
ReplyDeleteWill always do, thanks Ralph! :)
ReplyDeleteAwww... thanks you so much Ric! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Rizza! ;)
ReplyDeleteAww... well funded ka pala, hehe! Maybe ma-convince mo rin siya to travel someday. Pakita mo blog mo sa kaniya at baka ma-enganyo na siya sumama next time! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Dimaks -- those would have to be the perfect words to describe what I feel right now. :)
ReplyDeleteI believe the same thing, Teresa.. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Cai. I will always be grateful for his gift of life. :)
ReplyDeleteAwww... thanks po Ms. Tess. Nakaka-touch naman po ang words niyo. Even I, was a bit teary-eyed while writing this..
ReplyDeleteSure did.. thanks for the kind words, Joseph! :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, Thanks Badet! :)
ReplyDeleteAwww... ako, thankful na lang din na I got to travel with my dad before he passed away.
ReplyDelete*teary eyed*
ReplyDeleteYour dad will always be there, ate. I hope I could also travel with my family. (bakit kasi hindi sila gala.) hehe.
Beautifu
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, a moving story, Mai. I am a bit choked up because your story echoes my own story about how my passion for travel was awakened.
ReplyDeleteMy dad passed away in the year, they were suppose to visit me in Germany, and I have prepared for him and my mom a European tour. The money for that travel and visit, went to his burial, and eventually renovation of our then house in Manila. I still have a hard time sharing this so I will stop now.
Wishing you all the best in your future travels, I feel your father is looking over you proudly wherever your wandering feet brings you!
Aww.. thanks Lilibeth! And onga, why don't you start asking them out? Things can still change. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the sweet and thoughtful words, ate! I really appreciate it.. I think we also get to appreciate more of one's life when they're no longer here.. I could only and gratefully acknowledge my dad for giving me life. And as much as I would've hoped for his life to be longer, I know God already needs him up in heaven -- as with your father. May we always bring their memories with us, wherever our feet takes us. :)
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ReplyDeleteHi! I am awarding your super blog the One Lovely Blog Award.
Check out the details on our post: http://faraazandaneesa.wordpress.com/2012/07/18/one-lovely-award/
Mai, you know how I was moved by your entry, remember my PM? Just can't resist to give you a friendly hug upon reading your post. It was truly moving. Being the host of this carnival, I am so much blessed to learn your stories, eveyone has their own inspiring story to say. Thanks Mai for joining, it is truly an honor :)
ReplyDeleteAwww... Thanks Edmar! It's actually a blessing to meet you and be your friend. I really enjoyed your company. Thank you for sharing your travel plans to me, and for making me feel more inspired with your stories, especially your goals #TownExplorer @edmaration ! :) Can't wait to read your compilation for the Blog Carnival!!! :) #PinoyTravelBloggers
ReplyDeletenakakaiyak sis Mai :( and I gotta agree with everyone elses comment. this is definitely moving <3
ReplyDeleteawww... thank you so much sis! I really appreciate it. :)
ReplyDeleteMai my virtual friend!I knew another side of you reading this post. Glad you have your dad and kuya to instill and continue to nurture the love of travel - and your talent in writing them made you a great travel blogger!
ReplyDeletewow...i could not say anything...but right after i read it, my tears suddenly drop and just missed my mother....i was just so envy because you and your father was a buddy, not like to myself, we're not close enough, i was a tatay's boy...same as you...hope my mother and your father would be really proud to us, where we are right now binded to travel, have own purposes and dreams to ourlives...more power and more travels....BUDGET BIYAHERA....^_^
ReplyDeleteAwww... thanks Ate! :) Your words bring so much meaning! Thank You!!! I hope we could get together soon, as I would really love to see you in person.. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Brian! :) Don't worry, I'm sure your mom and my dad are already proud of what we've become throughout the years. Just keep pursuing your passion, and never let the fire die out. :) More power to Lakwatserong Tatay!!! :)
ReplyDeleteVery touching and poignant. Thank you for sharing to us this very personal story. And what a wonderful gift from your father to pass to you his love for traveling. Carry on his legacy. I'm sure he is smiling wherever he is.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Drew by the way. I wish to introduce myself to you.
Hello Andrew! Thank for you for the sweet words.. I believe that my father is indeed, still --- looking out for me. :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a heartfelt post. I could that sadness while reading this post.
ReplyDeleteYour father will definitely be happy to whatever you have achieved right now. :)
Like you, it's also my parent (my mother) who inspires me to travel.
As a child you really could sense how happy and deeply contented she is when she travels.
Cheers to all of us inspired by our parents to travel! :D
Thank you so much for that heartfelt message. Truly, my dad.. and your mom are great inspirations in life. Well wishes your way and to your mom. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you still kept some photos of your father as remembrance. It's hard to live without one.
ReplyDeleteSimply had to read this again. Guess Father's Day and like celebrations make us more sentimental than usual. Remembering my own father as well...
ReplyDeleteThis is truly a tribute to your dad and a constant reminder how parents can be such a big influence in the lives of their kids - whether directly or indirectly. Enjoy your travels.
ReplyDeleteNice to see Little Budget Byahera here. I'm sure there are additional chapters to this story by now.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure, there are moments that you wish your father is with you enjoying wonderful trips. If only we have the power to travel back in time...
ReplyDeleteI admire you for having such a wonderful father. I also believe that what you are as a person is because of the people who honed you. This post is very moving and heartbreaking. Just the thought that you didn't get to share the places you've been with your dad is so sad.
ReplyDeleteA great tribute to a great man who shaped your life. Sana, I can gift my kids some inspirational memories.
ReplyDeleteAn awesome story from the heart. I remember how I first had a genuine bonding with my dad. It's truly memorable. Thanks for reminding me of my dad's value. ;)
ReplyDeleteAww. This is truly a heartfelt post. Nice to know that your passion for travelling has been ignited by your dad and honed by your kuya cousin :) More travels ahead!
ReplyDelete;-)...Somehow this reminds me of the very person who inspired me to travel and become a travel writer too. May he be in peace wherever he is....
ReplyDeleteSalamat Paula. :) I miss my dad everyday.. :)
ReplyDeleteaweee. such heart melting post. You made me miss my dad ( Im going home tomorrow tho). Namana ni dad ang pgkalagalag ng lolo (who happens to be a batangenyo who wandered around Mindanao in his early 20s where he met my lagalag lola) ko na namana ko din. A goood kind of pamana that I will treasure forever.
ReplyDeleteAwwww Shugs! Now ko lang toh nabasa :( I'm so happy for your grannies and dad.. at namana mo ang paglalakbay from them! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know that you recognize the presence and love of your father. :) I believe that all of us owes the realization of our dreams from our dads!
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