mt. ulap itogon benguet dayhike traverse

How Travel Changed My Life

I’ve always been a good boy.

I followed my parents’ wish, studied hard, and graduated Cum Laude. Just like what society has been telling me all along, I have to follow a path to assure a fulfilled life–  childhood, study, graduate, and find a decent job. I’ve done all that!

So by the time I started working, I was ecstatic. Finally, I was starting to live my life. After years of working in a 9 to 5 desk job, I  just found myself staring at my computer, and looking intently at my equally exhausted colleagues in their own cubicles. Then I asked myself, “So this is it?” This is the life that society has been telling me all along.

I’ll just be like this, have a family, then what? retire at 60? “what?”  I remember how it echoed inside my brain.

I knew there must be something better. I started reading, searching for meaning and purpose. I’ve read many times that we all should have a purpose here in this world. I didn’t know mine. All I knew was there must be more than this.

They said, “Just do what makes you happy.

So what makes me happy?

Doing the job that pays the bills? that isn’t enough. Until I decided to travel to Batad, Ifugao.

 

I’ve Found Clarity in Batad, Ifugao

Batad

Batad Rice Terraces

After an arduous trek, I finally reached Batad. In a secluded village with no mobile signal is centuries-old rice terraces. Walking along with its vast beauty, I felt finally connected with nature and to the big world that surrounded me. The locals’ warmth and the silence gave me my needed peace.

I also met some new friends and fellow travelers. People who also have a day job like me but still find time for their passions in life. It was inspiring!

Batad Banaue Ifugao

Resting with the kids while hiking Batad

I stayed there for three days. On my last day, I found a sweet spot near the hostel, sat there, and contemplated about my life. I remember telling myself, “I need this.” I need to travel and explore to get more out of my boring and routine life. And so my adventure journey begins. I hiked mountains despite being overweight. I traveled to some of the best beaches in the country. It was tough balancing work and travel but I kept pushing. I kept moving forward.

 

Travel Made Me Realize My Passions in Life

Tinalisayan Island Burias Island Masbate

Tinalisayan Island in Burias, Masbate

The more beaches and mountains I’ve explored, the more compelled I am to write and share my stories. Travel has ignited this passion that has been with me but never had the courage to even accept and realize.

I’ve always loved writing. I was a writer for our school paper. I worked as a writer and producer for TV for years. But by the time I transferred to a desk job that doesn’t require me to write creatively. I got bored to the point that I’ve almost gone crazy. Hahaha!

Travel made me realize that I was born to write. That I am a writer in my own unique way. And so my travel blog was born sharing travel stories and tips to my readers. After years of feeling unfulfilled, travel gave me a sense of life and meaning.

I still have a day job but travel blogging gave me balance. (Update: Finally quit the 9 to 5 job and became a full-time travel blogger)

I am aware that in life, we don’t always get what we want. Sometimes it takes time. Travel made me feel at peace with my day job now. I know that I need to do my best at work, but my travels are the fuel that feeds my soul.

 

There’s More to Life Than Work

mt. ulap itogon benguet dayhike traverse

At the summit of Mt. Ulap in Itogon, Benguet

Travel taught me that work is important, but it is not your whole life. Take time to spend moments with your family and friends. Take time to do the things that you enjoy. Explore, go to the beach, or hike a mountain.

I know for a fact that it is possible to travel despite a full-time job. This is one of the most common questions I get from friends and readers. “How do you do that?” they asked.

I just told them that if you really want it, you’ll find time for it.

 

Living a More Meaningful Life

Calaguas Island Camarines Norte

Calaguas in Camarines Norte

We are living in a society where people are defined by their job titles. When we meet someone, their first question is about your work. “What do you do?” We are so used to this that we subconsciously confined ourselves, our capabilities, and our talents within the scope of our job.

But travel taught me that I am more than my day job.

You are more than a waiter or even a manager at your company. You are destined for greater things, and capable of contributing amazing things in this world. You just have to discover it.

Without realizing this, I might not have the courage to pursue a life of travel and launch my blog.

There are times when reality strikes. The day job is getting more stressful each day. You get frustrated and disappointed but that’s life. Sometimes, we need to do difficult things to grow. Travel as a whole gave me this maturity and wisdom that guides me as I face the world each day.

Travel made me realize my worth and my dreams. So no matter what life throws at me, I’ll continue wandering and exploring. Learning about life, one strange place at a time, because there’s more to life than the corners of our cubicle.

*Share how travel changed your life with Traveloka.  #TravelokaPH, #WhyITravel #TravelokaStories.

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8 Comments

  • Erin Joan C. Yang

    April 7, 2017 at 12:20 pm

    Kuya Jon! Thank you for writing this. I really needed this constant reminder in my life and I am glad to have read this! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! 😀

    Reply
    • Jon Espina

      April 8, 2017 at 2:42 am

      Thanks Erin. Feels good to know that this resonates with you. It’s also hard to constantly remind myself with all the craziness and stress that we face each day, kaya sinulat ko nalang din.

      Thanks for your kind words. See you soon.

      Reply
  • cathy

    April 17, 2017 at 10:19 am

    Inspiring. Travel also made write. I just discovered it when I started traveling. Thanks to traveling, it opens you up to many opportunities in life you never imagined of. Good read Jon! More happy travels! I miss Batad! xx

    Reply
    • Jon

      May 9, 2017 at 5:17 pm

      Thanks Cathy for your kind words. It’s just amazing how travel helps us realize our joys in life. Naks. More travels for us!

      Reply
    • Jon Espina

      August 31, 2017 at 7:25 am

      Hi IRa, Thank you for your kind words. It feels good that I also share the same sentiments as others. Love your blog especially your posts about Thailand and finance. very informative.

      Reply

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