Travel Hacks

5th anniversary

An open letter to my travel and life partner on our 5th year.

Hon, 

Five years have gone by. But it seemed like it was only yesterday when we first laid eyes on each other. Starting out with an impromptu date with a group of people, which eventually lead to just us two -- sharing sentiments and crazy ideas over hot cups of Caramel Macchiato drinks. I will never forget that official first date. It was a mark of a new and blessed beginning. 

December 2007

 I know you can attest to the fact that our first year wasn't a "walk in the park". We had our moments. We had our struggles. We had our misunderstandings. We had our own dose of break-ups along the way. Then again, what's a relationship without those few bumps on the road, right? 

Puerto Galera, April 2008

 But one thing's for sure.. we most certainly had that kind of strength and love that kept us from being astray from one another. It didn't take long for me to realize that it was you who I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. You are "the one", as others may put it. You will always be THE ONE, no matter what. 

CWC, Camarines Sur, October 2009

 Thank you for sharing my passion for traveling. I never imagined journeying off to different cities and towns, and even to Asian countries without you by my side. Seeing the world one step at a time has been more meaningful ever since we went on our first out-of-town trip to Puerto Galera. It has been a constant and enriching adventure since then. I really can't wait to explore the rest of the world with you! 

Macau, May 2010

 Thank you for your patience, for I know that it may be hard to keep up with my quirkiness, craziness, bitchiness all at the same time. You actually deserve an award or a trophy even, for being the boyfriend-who-kept-his-sanity-this-long. You are a winner to me! A great catch even more. 

 Thank you for your generosity, for I know that I may not always have the means to constantly provide for fancy dates, fancy gifts and such. So thank you --- you never ask for anything in return. 

Thank you for your time, for I know how much your job takes a great toll on both your health and body. Thank you, for you still make time for me despite being sleep deprived. Thank you for never making these trials as an excuse not to spend time with me. You are a keeper. 

Enchanted Kingdom, Laguna, January 2011

 Thank you for your understanding, and for loving my every strength and weakness. I may not be able to give you what you want in life. But rest assured that I will be able to provide you the kind of love that you will never get to experience with anyone else, ever again. That is a promise. 

Saigon, Vietnam, November 2012
Always know that you're one of my greatest sources of joy. You have been my rock, my best friend, my love and my life. The past five years have been absolutely one of the best ones for me because you exist to be at my side. 

So, here's to half a decade of love and happiness.. and a few more decades to come! Thank you for a journey well spent, hon. I love you! Cheers to our accomplishments! :) 

 Here's to more travels!!! Japan next year, perhaps? :P

Always & Forever, 

 Mai

Budget Biyahera

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71 comments

  1. Aleah | SolitaryWanderer.comDecember 20, 2012 at 12:13 PM

    So sweet naman! *kilig* If I can find such a travel partner, I'd willingly forgo being a solo traveler too haha

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  2. Mai_FloresDecember 20, 2012 at 12:27 PM

    I'm sure maraming nakapila for your hand.. ikaw pa! But make sure to pick the fairest of them all.. parang Disney Princess lang ang peg! Hehehe.. :P Thanks again, Aleah. :)

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  3. lovemindanaoDecember 20, 2012 at 1:16 PM

    kinilig ako promise !!! hayyyyyyy. i can only wish ...:D

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  4. Mai_FloresDecember 20, 2012 at 1:29 PM

    hihi! Thank you, Dennis! :P

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  5. Jherson JayaDecember 20, 2012 at 4:55 PM

    Congrats!!! Sana naisasama ko rin yung THE ONE ko sa mga travels ko....

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  6. Mai_FloresDecember 20, 2012 at 9:31 PM

    Thank you! And....... Why not, Jherson? Sama mo na siya next time.. mas masaya yun. :)

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  7. Franc RamonJanuary 9, 2013 at 11:06 AM

    You've been together for so long and been to so much travels already. I somehow hear wedding bells. =>

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  8. Noria P. Adam-LimJanuary 9, 2013 at 11:13 AM

    Amazing how our travels can bring us to places and events in our life we never thought five years ago will happen. I had the same thoughts this new year and I was doing the same brainstorming with my sister. Congratulations on your 5th year and may you have more than 5 years to come...

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  9. Rochkirstin SantosJanuary 9, 2013 at 11:36 AM

    I'm happy for your 5-year relationship. Many couples are now falling apart when they reach their fourth or sixth, and I don't know why. Nagkakasawaan daw. It's just nice that you have your traveling plans with you to also keep your relationship alive. There's always something new to meet along the way. :-D

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  10. Daquio JanineJanuary 9, 2013 at 12:09 PM

    you guys are cute couple. bagay na bagay. stay stronger! alam mo ang pag travel together, parang un ung pinakamasarap na mararanasan ng every girl with her man, noh? haaay!

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  11. Mary jane Tauyan FitzsimmonsJanuary 9, 2013 at 1:31 PM

    omg so sweet! its very nice when you already found that special one for you. I feel for you! My life is complete already I have a good loving husband and a daughter. I couldnt ask for more! xx

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  12. Noks SosaJanuary 9, 2013 at 2:54 PM

    You already found the BEST travel buddy in the whole world. Every travel will be special when you are together. Happy 5th anniversary!

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  13. Earl PabloJanuary 9, 2013 at 3:22 PM

    So sweet! Keep the romance alive as always. This letter confirms the fire love you both shared. Pictures are great and so the memories are. Thanks Mai for sharing this to us.

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  14. Demi Barbra AngelesJanuary 9, 2013 at 3:30 PM

    Awwe, that's so sweet! I hope to find someone who will be more patient and understanding. Somehow I miss having someone whom I can share my stories with..


    Stay stronger, more travels and more years to come! God bless! :)

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  15. jsncruzJanuary 9, 2013 at 6:01 PM

    Aww this is too sweet :) It's great to see how much a person can grow via travels and the experiences enjoyed through these trips.

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  16. Green MondayJanuary 9, 2013 at 8:56 PM

    our journey becomes memorable because of the people we have beside us. such a nice travels, i hope we can travel outside the country too.

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  17. Jo-AnnJanuary 9, 2013 at 9:48 PM

    Kakakilig, two people will always be together through love and commitment. Happy to see that both of you have those strong positive feelings. keep it up!

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  18. Donald PagulongJanuary 10, 2013 at 12:06 AM

    Thank You Mai for sharing your cute and inspiring love story. :) A relationship lasts when 2 people agree by heart to live with their differences.

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  19. mark pogiJanuary 10, 2013 at 7:53 AM

    Traveling together can really make one's relationship with his/her beau grow stronger and better. And this would be the first time I saw someone express one's love for her partner. ^_^

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  20. Ron LeybaJanuary 10, 2013 at 10:08 AM

    Sweet and sincere message! Congrats on your long and sweet years together Mai!

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  21. ArleneJanuary 10, 2013 at 10:14 AM

    I've never been a traveler all my life but I'd love to tour around the world if I can do it with the love of my life. Unfortunately, he's not much into travelling, too. You know, every place becomes more memorable, every experience becomes unforgettable, if you share it with someone you love. Congrats on your 5th year, and many more years to come!

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  22. Maria Gemma Defeo-HilotinJanuary 10, 2013 at 10:36 AM

    So sweet! THank you for sharing your story to us! I'm glad you've found your soul mate!!! Wedding bells next?:)

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  23. Teresa MartinezJanuary 10, 2013 at 2:03 PM

    I'm sure you know by now that the simplest things can get very special when you do it with the person you love. Even in your travels, the one thing that will stay with you longest is not the magnificent scenery or sensational activities, it will always be what you did with your loved one in each and every place you visited. Your relationship is young and exciting, enjoy every moment of it while you stack on memories which you can talk about in your golden years. I wish you both the very best.

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  24. Rossel Encarnacion DacioJanuary 10, 2013 at 11:27 PM

    It feels great to travel with the most important person/persons in your life. Every moment is precious that must be treasured forever. Happy 5th year!

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  25. Myrns Geronimo RomanJanuary 11, 2013 at 1:14 AM

    Congratz! Great love ! true love that you have for each other enough for you two to be thankful in life! Wishing you more years to come, more blessings, more travel together!

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  26. Ephramar TelogJanuary 15, 2013 at 1:17 PM

    Travelling to other places is a truly a fun experience. But travelling with your special someone, makes your travel experience special.

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  27. Mai_FloresJanuary 16, 2013 at 9:42 PM

    Ako naririnig ko din.. pero parang mahina! Lol!

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  28. Franc RamonJanuary 16, 2013 at 11:24 PM

    Baka Jingle bells palang sya.

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  29. Budget BiyaheraApril 17, 2013 at 11:31 AM

    I couldn't agree more. And thank you Noria! ;) I really hope for more years to come...

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  30. Budget BiyaheraApril 17, 2013 at 11:33 AM

    I really believe that part ng isang relationship yung magkasawaan along the way. Believe me, it has happened to me a few times with him. But it's really just putting in the work and the right kind of love that will make relationships last. :)

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  31. Budget BiyaheraApril 17, 2013 at 11:34 AM

    Korek ka jan sis! It's always a different kind of high when you're traveling with the one you love. :) And thank you sa compliment!!

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  32. Budget BiyaheraApril 17, 2013 at 11:35 AM

    I'm happy for you sis! Hopefully, mine goes full circle real soon, just like you. :)

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  33. Budget BiyaheraApril 17, 2013 at 11:35 AM

    Indeed! Thank you Noks. :)

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  34. Budget BiyaheraApril 17, 2013 at 11:35 AM

    My pleasure, Earl. And thank you for reading and leaving a heartwarming message. :) We appreciate it!

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  35. Budget BiyaheraApril 17, 2013 at 11:36 AM

    I'm sure you will find the right man for you soon. Just keep the faith! And thank you for the well wishes, Demi. :)

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  36. Budget BiyaheraApril 17, 2013 at 11:37 AM

    Thanks Jason! Ikaw? Kelan ba kami makakabasa ng love letter mo for your special someone? :P

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  37. Budget BiyaheraApril 17, 2013 at 11:37 AM

    What's stopping you from traveling, Green Monday? :)

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  38. Budget BiyaheraApril 17, 2013 at 11:37 AM

    Thanks Jo-ann! :)

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  39. Budget BiyaheraApril 17, 2013 at 11:38 AM

    Indeed, itay! Thank you for sharing those enriching words. :)

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  40. Budget BiyaheraApril 17, 2013 at 11:38 AM

    Nice to know that Mark! Hehehe. :) Sulat kana din ng love letter sa wife mo. :)

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  41. Budget BiyaheraApril 17, 2013 at 11:39 AM

    Thanks Ron! :)

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  42. Budget BiyaheraApril 17, 2013 at 11:39 AM

    Hi Arlene! Why doesn't your beau like to travel? (If I may ask..)

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  43. Budget BiyaheraApril 17, 2013 at 11:40 AM

    Hahaha.. hopefully soon Ms. Gemma?

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  44. Budget BiyaheraApril 17, 2013 at 11:42 AM

    Thank you Ms. Teresa. :) Indeed, the best investment in being in a relationship aren't material things. It's the experiences spent being together -- wherever, whenever.

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  45. Budget BiyaheraApril 17, 2013 at 11:42 AM

    Indeed! Thanks Ms. Rossel. :)

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  46. Budget BiyaheraApril 17, 2013 at 11:43 AM

    Thank you po Ms. Myrns. :) Well wishes your way. :)

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  47. Budget BiyaheraApril 17, 2013 at 11:43 AM

    I couldn't agree more, Ephramar! :)

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  48. Budget BiyaheraApril 17, 2013 at 12:49 PM

    Traveling is a rewarding and fun experience, traveling with the one makes it more worthwhile.


    - Wanderer Juan

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  49. Budget BiyaheraApril 17, 2013 at 4:01 PM

    Siguro mas malakas na yung bells ngayon. More years to come. Sana may picture kayo together 5 years ago vs now. Let's see ano changes.

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  50. Budget BiyaheraApril 17, 2013 at 4:11 PM

    Nakakatawang suggestion yan! :P Ang laki na ng 'nilaki' namin ni Rubel through the years! :P

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  51. Budget BiyaheraApril 17, 2013 at 8:21 PM

    What a lovely, romantic letter I ever read... Your love story is worth sharing...

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  52. Budget BiyaheraApril 17, 2013 at 8:48 PM

    Wow kilig much :-), anyway CWC, Camarines Sur is one place that i want to visit in the near future!

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  53. Budget BiyaheraApril 17, 2013 at 9:11 PM

    Wew ang sweet Mai! More years to come :) more travels with your travel buddy and soon to be forever partner :)

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  54. Budget BiyaheraApril 17, 2013 at 10:46 PM

    Don't bother... :(

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  55. Budget BiyaheraApril 17, 2013 at 10:53 PM

    Ka-tamis naman ng letter na ito. Though I am surrounded by people mostly in long term relationships I still get giddy with stories like this. It's like a glimpse of random people's relationship and I think a perfect way to balance the separation I've been seeing in a lot of couples these days.

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  56. Budget BiyaheraApril 22, 2013 at 6:48 AM

    this letter is giving me a toothache! it was too obvious that you are so much in love with this guy + from what you have noted in your letter, it is also a giveaway that he loves you dearly! nothing beats the feeling of finding the "one" + here's hoping you have more years of exploring the world together!

    cheers to 5 years + more! ^_^

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  57. Budget BiyaheraApril 22, 2013 at 8:52 AM

    What a wonderful and uplifting experience when you travel together with your partner in life. You both enjoy and even share together the burden just in case there is... meaning everything seems easyp. and trouble-free. Keep on traveling together... there is more fun and life is brightened up. :)

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  58. Budget BiyaheraApril 23, 2013 at 2:16 PM

    Awww... thank you for those lovely words, Jared's Mum! :)

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  59. Budget BiyaheraApril 23, 2013 at 2:20 PM

    Thank you Gene. :) I really aspire for this letter to give hope to couples who may find themselves struggling in keeping the love alive. Finding true love is indeed possible. :)

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  60. Budget BiyaheraApril 23, 2013 at 2:21 PM

    I like the "soon to be forever partner" =) Thanks Jeffrey. :)

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  61. Budget BiyaheraApril 23, 2013 at 2:21 PM

    Indeed, Joshua. :)

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  62. Budget BiyaheraApril 23, 2013 at 2:21 PM

    Thank you! :)

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  63. Budget BiyaheraApril 23, 2013 at 2:21 PM

    Do visit soon, Lanie! You'll enjoy it there, especially if you're up for some fun adventures. :)

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  64. Budget BiyaheraApril 23, 2013 at 2:22 PM

    Thank you Sir Gil. :)

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  65. Budget BiyaheraApril 30, 2013 at 10:38 AM

    True sis! :)

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  66. Budget BiyaheraMay 1, 2013 at 3:31 PM

    Two souls bound with the desire to travel. what a great relationship! Ang sweet naman ng thoughts mo. Lucky is your man. May the good Lord blesses more the two of you.

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  67. Budget BiyaheraMay 3, 2013 at 5:03 PM

    Thank you and may God bless you more, Tay! :)

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  68. Budget BiyaheraMay 5, 2013 at 4:25 PM

    aww. that's plain sweet. i want someone like that - similar indulgence as mine. it would be a match made in heaven. ^___^

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  69. Budget BiyaheraMay 7, 2013 at 8:58 AM

    Thank you dear. I'm sure you will find your prince charming, if not sooner, then later. :)

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  70. Budget BiyaheraDecember 12, 2013 at 3:53 PM

    aww... super sweet couple.. Happy Anniversary! :) more fun travels to come I'm sure! :)

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  71. Budget BiyaheraOctober 8, 2014 at 10:16 PM

    Indeed. Guess we are some of those who got lucky with our life partners. ;)

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