My Must-have Travel Essentials

These are the things I cannot afford not to bring while travelling:

• Notebook & pen

I                    I always have a notebook and pen inside my bag to write down stuff that pops up inside my head.

• iPod (want to replace this with an iPhone)

                      I love listening to music even while I'm sleeping. This is the easiest way to pass time while on a long bus ride, waiting for flights & when in long queues. 

• Long scarf

                     My ultimate travel accessory with versatile functions such as an alternative jacket, a head gear (for sun protection), blanket, shawl or even as a towel.

• Kikay kit (powder, lip gloss, alcohol, mirror, comb, tissue)

                     If you're a girl, you'll understand why.

• Sweets (gum & candies)

                     An instant solution when you feel hungry.

• Camera/DSLR

                     To document the places you've been & share your stories with others.

• Wallet (with money, cards & IDs)

                      Need I say more?

My Travel Checklist

I’m the type of gal who does not want to forget items I need while travelling. I live by the Girl’s Scout's motto, “Laging handa.” (Always prepared) and writing ‘To-do-lists’ is one of my fetishes.

As a result, I came up with a list of travel essentials (for women) I have noted and identified since I started travelling. I wrote down all of them in a Mini Memo pad, which I keep inside my wallet.

So now, every time I have travel plans (be it overnight or a week and even for months), I always refer to my “Travel Checklist” (found below) for the things I need to bring for my trip.

On Loss & Heartbreak...

2011: a year of tears

Barely a year after the loss of my lil bro, Jojo, I experienced my first heartbreak.

I lost two important individuals in my life, thus, leaving my heart in shatters.

Reality bites.

I felt all the sadness, anger, bitterness, hurt and pain from the moment I wake up in the morning until the time I am about to sleep at night; every second of every day. (And I am not even exaggerating.) It finally leads to depression and I even started contemplating of ending my existence, the darkest point of my life.

Visa Exemption for Filipinos

By twentyfive

Visa Free for Pinoys

If you’re a Filipino and a holder of Philippine passport who likes traveling and exploring the beauty of the world, but hates the visa requirement to some countries, frown no more for you can still go to wonderful places without hassle-visa-appointments.

The list of countries below doesn’t require a visa for Filipinos prior to arrival. All you need are passport, plane tickets / itinerary, and some moneyfor your tour.

No Visa Required for Filipinos in the Following Countries…

Click this link for the detailed list of countries: Visa Exemption for Filipinos

TO JOJO

Sep. 24, 1989 - Jul. 6, 2010

The sudden loss of my little brother, Jojo, was a real shock to me. Most of the time I see him, eat meals with him, and we spend times together over the internet, movies and pizza. We live under the same roof. There was even a time that we share just one room and sleep in one bed. But not once have I told him how much I value him in my life and showed him the real extent of my love for him. He may not know this, but he was one of the reasons why I decided to study again here in Naga; to look out for him and guide him.

Jojo was a respectful son, a kind brother, a sweet cousin and nephew, a playful Tito, a fun friend and a loving boyfriend. Jojo is a happy-go-lucky guy, a clown, a good leader and very friendly. When he was still a kid, while the family attends the mass, we always find him playing with other kids inside the church. That was how it was easy for him to make friends. From my parent’s officemates and to the friends of his Ate and Kuya and even his cousins, Jojo was very familiar to them. He was a person that builds long-lasting and wonderful friendship from his childhood playmates and neighbours, schoolmates in Naga and Legaspi, to his DIA classmates, DOTA friends and to the table tennis teammates.