Best of 2011

As part of welcoming 2012, I'd like to look back on the past year - the highlights, destinations and discoveries that make my 2011 truly remarkable to me. A lot has changed, and still a lot to be thankful for.

"Best Adventure Trip" - Bacolod, Iloilo and Guimaras

The much-awaited 5-day reunion trip with my college friends was just epic. We were able to cover three major islands in the Philippines: Guimaras with its pristine white beach, Negros with its ancestral houses, natural Falls, and Iloilo with its historic churches and gastronomic delights. That was a lot to cover in five days and no wonder it felt like we were doing Amazing Race throughout the trip. :))

"Best Impromptu Trip" - Corregidor

After far too many attempts to schedule my last 2011 lakwatsa in the the Philippines, because of schedule conflict and weather conditions, I can't be happier that it all worked out in the end. This historic, informative and relaxing day tour is something I'll always want to look back to.

"Best Road Trip" - Clark and Mt. Samat

I'm so glad I got another check in my travel bucketlist through the annual Hot Air Balloon Festival in Clark. The journey was a lot of fun with the instant bond between the "recruits" of the trip. What makes it even more special is our side trip to Mt. Samat, which is an underrated destination by the way.

"Best Misadventure" - Kuala Lumpur

Get Lost. The slogan of Nat Geo Adventure epitomizes this trip. To get lost is exhausting but overcoming it is the most fulfilling part. KL, I'll be back for you. :)

"Best Bum Trip" - Cameron Highlands

Malaysia's "Baguio" counterpart as their summer capital, Cameron Highlands offered the most relaxing trip I've had this year. I did nothing apart from eating, sightseeing and light and short distance walking, which was perfect for my then newly injured knee.

"Most Memorable" - Pahiyas Festival

With the creatively decorated houses, wide variety of yummy street food, and unexpected events, this is the most colorful literally and figuratively. This trip taught me a life lesson and is something I won't forget.

"Most Visited" - Merlion Park

The perfect place to catch a nice view of the Merlion, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Flyer and Esplanade, no doubt my most frequently visited tourist spot this year is the Merlion Park. By working in Singapore, at least I get to live out one of my unconventional dream jobs as a tour guide. :)) To all my friends and relatives who went here, thanks for being part of my 2011.

And some of my 2011 favorites...

"Best Food" - Kim's Place (near Kembangan)

It was my first time to try the all famous chili crab. And I got addicted to the sauce but it's a shame that I have low tolerance on spicy food. The seafood here is excellent, a bit cheaper, and the staff are really warm and friendly, which makes this as one of my favorite restaurants here in Singapore.

"Best Drink" - Baretto

Located near Outram Park MRT station, this Spanish bar, with nice ambience and excellent live jazz band, was where my friends and I tippled off the most expensive Vodka bottle I've had so far. :p

"Best Film" - Letters to Juliet

This may not be the best rom-com ever made. But I was deeply touched by the movie because of this scene.  It just makes me want to cry every time. 

"Best Gadget/Application" - iPad/FaceTime

Thanks to FaceTime we get to communicate with our family more conveniently every single day. Since we  used it, I don't feel much difference anymore (except for the huge savings from overseas calls).

"Best After-Office Gimik"

I'm grateful someone had organized a get-together for all Pinoys working at our company. There I got to meet the familiar faces, listen to their stories as their sobriety would slowly drift away. I'd missed those inuman days. Hehe!

"Best Christmas Party"

Part of getting older, this was my first Christmas Eve outside my home country, and without my whole family with me. Our christmas celebration at home was still a lot of fun. My housemates and my siblings were very generous and game. We played Pinoy Henyo which was just hilarious!

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This year I realized, life is what you make it. Happiness is not to be found in any country or in somebody else, but within you. "God dwells within you, as you" as Elizabeth Gilbert puts it. 

This 2012, I strongly hope it's not the year the world ends but I'm going to try to live like it is. I'm going to spend more time with my family, try out and learn more new things, explore more places, meet new friends, and blog more often. May we all have a better year ahead.