Sojourn Vignettes

26/09/2025

✈️ Every journey is a 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲: to consume, or to transform.

Sharing my reflections on 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙏𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙢 𝘿𝙖𝙮 2025's theme: “𝙏𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙢 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣.”

From the enchanting wonders of 𝗣𝘂𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀𝗮 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 in Palawan and the cultural harmony of picturesque 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗸𝗮𝘄𝗮-𝗴𝗼 in Japan's Gifu prefecture, to the riverside revival of charming 𝗠𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗸𝗮 in Malaysia, each story proves that heritage and nature thrive when cared for. The towering strength of redwood giants in 𝗦𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗼𝗶𝗮 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸, the timeless and vibrant community of 𝗣𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 in Seattle, and the sculpted stillness of the epic 𝗦𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗼𝗻 in California's 𝗔𝗻𝘇𝗮-𝗕𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗼 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘁 remind us that sustainability is both legacy and responsibility.

Tourism, at its best, is not just about seeing the world—𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙨𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙩.🌱🌍

Let's 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 to be transformed through the lessons and experiences we gain through tourism! ✨

Happy World Tourism Day! 🥳

(photos posted are from my personal travels over the years)

13/07/2025

Well done, PH Tourism!

23/06/2025

Please note some travel disruptions.

Worldwide Caution: The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East. There is the potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution. Please read carefully our Travel Advisory, country information, and any recent security alerts when planning travel at travel.state.gov/destination.
Full alert: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/worldwide-caution2.html

15/02/2025

𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤

This stunning strait was named by British Royal Navy officer and expedition leader Captain George Vancouver as "Deception Pass" in the late 1700s. He was deceived by its narrow waterway and geography, which led him to believe that Whidbey Island was a peninsula, when in fact it is an island.

The iconic structure, collectively called Deception Pass Bridge, is actually made up of two (2) two-lane bridges, the Canoe Pass Bridge and the Deception Pass Bridge, that connect the islands of Fidalgo and Whidbey in Washington, USA. This architectural gem was built during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and was completed in 1935.

The pedestrian walk on either side of the bridge is popular stop for visitors, with its commanding views of the Pass, the surrounding islands, the rugged cliffs and old growth forests, the occasional boats passing by, as well as the dramatic waters, mesmerizing whirlpools and tides flowing in opposite directions. There have been Orca, Minke whale, seal, porpoise and dolphin sightings in the area.

The Park's diversity of landscape offers plenty of scenic views and recreational activities to the traveller - from rugged cliffs jutting out from the sea, freshwater lakes, accessible beaches, quiet forests and trails, bio-diverse marshes and wetlands, to family and pet-friendly campgrounds.

When planning your visit to Seattle, do include a trip to Deception Pass State Park (under 2 hours by car). Best to explore the Park and stay for a day or two in any of its campgrounds or in nearby town of Oak Harbor.

07/02/2025

🍃Whispers of Nature in Miramar🍁
These photos were taken a couple of days before Christmas 2024, in Miramar, San Diego CA.

My thoughts on the quiet and simple reflections they offer:
🌼 A dandelion, soft and fleeting, resting beside a rock: It looks fragile and small. But as it sits alone in the cold days of early winter, its tiny presence exudes strength and resilience, reminding us to hold on, and in time, let go.
🍂 Sweet gum leaves shifting from green to fiery red: Seasons change, just like we do, yet each color and stage hold a story of beauty and growth.
🌱 A couple of agave in bloom, gracefully standing tall: A testament that patience and perseverance lead to something extraordinary.

Just like nature, our journey is ever-evolving. Cherish the moments, welcome the transitions with gratitude, and embrace the unfolding story in wonder and trust.

05/02/2025

🏞Cruising down 🚗 from Bakersfield to San Diego, the California highways unfold like a story—stunning mountains, vast farmlands, glistening lakes, winding passes, and the captivating coastline. Each mile of diverse landscapes and changing scenery make for a lovely reminder that, just like in life, the journey ahead is full of twists, turns, breathtaking moments and endless possibilities. After all, Life is a Highway—so enjoy the ride! 🚥☀️

03/02/2025

🕶🎒✈️Travelling soon and have a 7- to 24-hour layover in Taiwan?
Check out this announcement from Taiwan Tourism for free half-day tours!

🎟️Limited spots available — book your tour today!
🔗For more details and bookings: halfdaytour.taiwan.net.tw

02/02/2025

Sharing here some photos of the inflight meals served by China Airways
Class: Economy
Route: MNL-TPE; TPE-LAX (with a layover in Taiwan Taoyuan Airport)
Date: 19 Dec 2024

20/01/2025

Recently, I travelled via Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 (MNL PH), and did a quick vid of its interiors.

10/11/2024

An afternoon at the beach...

Tagkawayan Beach
Puerto Princesa City PH

27/09/2024

Why PH Passports come in 3 colors

Did you know our passports come in three colors? 🇵🇭 The maroon passport is for regular Filipino citizens, while red passports are for government officials on official business. A select few however carry an even rare color—blue—reserved only for diplomats and cabinet members.

27/03/2024

A few things to check before you travel.

Safe journeys to all!

🛫 Have you ever visited a doctor that specializes in travel medicine? What did they recommend? 💊