"God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say thank you?"
- William A. Ward
I was browsing my Facebook feed when I came across this AirAsia Thank You video. The video highlights a year of memorable journeys and AirAsia’s gratitude to have spent this time with its loyal passengers. What a unique way of giving this season.
After watching this Airasia video, I have reflected about the things that happened in my life this past year.
2016 has been a great year for me. I’ve been blessed to explore different places in the Philippines. I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone which I didn’t expect I would do. :) For the past years of my blog, I focused on skin care tips and product reviews for men and women. I never dared to explore. I was never tempted to travel. I was an introvert who was always confined in the 4 corners of my room. I never tried to mingle with others.
2016 has been an eye-opener for me that there's a WONDERFUL WORLD beyond MY WORLD.
2016 has transformed me to appreciate others.
2016 has taught me that having a tan line is fine.
2016 has taught me that being lost in a place can be fun.
2016 has taught me to try new things.
2016 taught me to travel, solo. Yes, backpacking. And enjoy the beauty of traveling.
To all people I met and those I shared moments with, this year,
Daghang salamat.
Madamo.
Dios ti agngina.
Balbaleg ya salamat.
Terima kasih.
Muchas gracias.
Samalaykum beks.
$@LamzH@tz fh0uus$z.
Salamat.
Thank you. :)
To my new found Malaysian and British friends who I met in Boracay; to my guide at Kawasan Falls who believed I can, and helped me when I did canyoneering; to people who cheered me when I did cliff jumping; to SM salesladies and their families whom I shared my Holy Week with at Baler; to my friend who toured me in Cebu; to hotel staffs somewhere in Baguio who let me stay for hours when all hotels in Baguio are fully booked, and to the owner of a transient house who texted me the following day when there was already vacant room; to Aurora residents who taught me how to make rice cake; to a British lady who commended my English speaking skills (she doesn't talk to locals because of language barrier); to the drivers of my 8 hour land travel to Baler who shared their life stories; to all people who took pictures of me when selfie sticks can't capture the scene; to everyone whom I shared a seat with may it be airplane, bus, jeep, tricycle or boat; to all joiners I met; to all brave hearts who travel alone like me; to street vendors and passersby whom I asked for directions, to all locals who genuinely smiled and welcomed me to their province, TO THE RANDOM PEOPLE WHO TOUCHED AND BECAME PART OF ME,
Thank you for making my 2016, A-W-E-S-O-M-E! :)
Indeed kindness is in the air. I never imagined my trips would have great without them. That's the beauty of traveling. You meet genuine hearts. As with any journey, who you meet along the way can be more important than your destination. :)
How about you? To whom are you grateful this year? :)
By the way, here’s my Best of 2016 compilation with some pictures and videos I haven’t posted on my social media sites. :)