Thank you for the 365 days that we've shared together. It was really a memorable one. Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there were numerous blessings and travel that came into my life. But the biggest one is that I finally reunited with my wife and daughter after months of separation.
Let's look back and see what milestones we've crossed and achieved this year.
1. This year, 94 published articles (34 more than last year 😄😄).
2. I have reached 3.1 million views (That's 500K new views this year). 3. My wife and daughter safely arrived in Hokkaido thus completing #TeamNicerio once again.
4. I finished my Master of Business Administration degree from San Pedro College of Business Administration.
5. My family and I bought a Suzuki Swift car we named Ruru.
6. My family and I got to travel around Hokkaido Prefecture. We visited 74 of the prefecture's 179 cities, towns, and villages.
7. I visited 4 new prefectures in Japan this year; Mie, Okayama, Hiroshima, and Ehime.
Speaking of travels, here are the highlights of my travels for each month last year:
Flight to Osaka to spend Winter Vacation with our Japanese family
Kurashiki City - Okayama Prefecture
Miyajima Island - Hiroshima Prefecture
Imabari City - Ehime Prefecture
With this, I'm sure 2023 won't disappoint as we have a lot to look forward to and accomplish this year. Again, thanks a lot 2022! Sincerely yours, Neil Alvin Nicerio The Backpack Adventures
Japan is undeniably a collector's paradise. As a matter of fact, there are a plethora of different things to collect here that are catered to every collector's unique taste and preference. Anime fans have their usual toys, mangas, and memorabilia. Pokemon fans have numerous Pokemon Centers that sell an assortment of Pokemon merchandise. Kitkat collectors have more than 300 flavors of Kitkat to try out. Pilgrims have the temple stamps called goshuin which I wrote about last time. These are but some of the numerous possible things to collect in Japan . A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps However, since I'm promoting budget travel, my article today talks about something that you can collect for FREE . Yup, you read that right. All you need to have is a clean notebook or tickler and an ever-watchful eye. A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps Eki stamps , also called train station stamps, are rubber ink stamps that are typically found in most train stations in Japan. These stamps f
Located in Barangay Tinamnan, Lucban in the province of Quezon, Kamay ni Hesus Shrine is a famous religious shrine and grotto of the province. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine Kamay ni Hesus Shrine History Also known as Via Dolorosa Grotto , Kamay ni Hesus Shrine was built under the initiative of Fr. Joseph "Joey" Faller in 2003. He is known as a gifted healing priest. Due to Fr. Faller's healing masses, Kamay ni Hesus Shrine became one of the country's most visited healing centers. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine - Lucban, Quezon Statues of saints can be seen in different areas of Kamay ni Hesus Shrine A replica of Pieta by Michelangelo Pilgrims look like ants from a distance. Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church Inside the Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church One of the highlights of Kamay ni Hesus Shrine is the 50-foot statue of Christ with his arm wide open found on the top of a hill. This statue is often referred to as the Risen Christ or Ascending Christ. Pilgrims an
Located in Laiya, San Juan in the province of Batangas, Blue Coral Beach Resort is one of the top resorts in Laiya. Blue Coral Beach Resort Blue Coral Beach Resort History Blue Coral Beach Resort was established a few years ago and has been a go-to resort for company outings and family or barkada bonding. The resort has plenty of Instagram ready areas like its pool area and beach. Speaking of the beach the sand on it is somewhat creamy (some say white) regardless, the management makes sure that their beachfront is regularly cleaned of any man-made or natural trash. The water is sometimes clear but there are times that it gets murky. Blue Coral Beach Resort - San Juan, Batangas Welcome to Blue Coral Beach Resort You may want to inquire and book your room here... Since we are talking about the beach, there are several water sports facilities available for the guests such as: Banana boat ( 6 pax per 20 min.) - P1,500 Jet ski (per 1 hour/ 2 seater) - P4,500 Flyi
UPDATED: October 30, 2020 Located in Tanza in the province of Cavite, Tanza Oasis Hotel and Resort is a stunningly luxurious getaway with reasonable (and some say affordable) prices. Tanza Oasis Hotel and Resort Tanza Oasis Hotel and Resort Details Tanza Oasis Hotel and Resort is a place recommended for those who are looking for a quality stay that is just a stone's throw away from Manila. It's also a perfect place for a quick weekend getaway or a summer escapade with the family or barkada . This place also prides itself on its hotel accommodations and its outdoor facilities. Not to forget, the delicious food served in its in-house restaurant. Tanza Oasis Hotel and Resort - Tanza, Cavite The pool as seen from the hotel building The huts near the beach Speaking of its hotel, seeing it for the first time would make you say that it's not your ordinary cheap hotel. When you enter it, you'd be welcomed by an elegant modern architectural designed interior. The
Located in Tagaytay City in the province of Cavite, Tagaytay Picnic Grove is one of the most popular tourist spots in the city. Tagaytay Picnic Grove Tagaytay Picnic Grove Details Tagaytay Picnic Grove is known for its numerous picnic huts and tables. It is also one of the places in Tagaytay City where you could try horseback riding, zipline, and cable car rides. An eco-trail is also located in Tagaytay Picnic Grove . What makes this place a favorite destination for many is its prime location. It is one of the best places in the city to view Taal Lake and Taal Volcano . Aside from that, the cold weather also draws tourists who want to escape the heat and pollution of Manila. Tagaytay Picnic Grove - Tagaytay City , Cavite Taal Volcano as seen from the Picnic Grove Great place to go on a picnic If you're looking for souvenirs, there are plenty of stores in Tagaytay Picnic Grove that sells Tagaytay City merchandise like shirts, keychains, ref magnets, and many m
Located at Francisco Mercado Street corner Jose P. Rizal Street, Barangay 5 Poblacion, Calamba City in the province of Laguna, Jose Rizal Shrine is the birthplace of Dr. Jose P. Rizal -the National Hero of the Philippines. Jose Rizal Shrine (Calamba) Jose Rizal Shrine History Jose Rizal Shrine is probably well known as the ancestral house of Rizal's family. The house serves as a museum that contains furniture and items that belong to the Rizal family. Jose Rizal Shrine - Calamba City, Laguna Young Jose Rizal with his dog I wonder what Young Rizal had in mind Rizal Shrine NHI Marker For those who don't know, the house that stood in the lot is actually only a replica of the old ancestral house which was destroyed during the Second World War. The replica was constructed right after the war. The construction was supervised by the late National Artist Juan Nakpil. It was inaugurated in 1950. The entrance to Jose Rizal Shrine . According to lo
Located in 008 Katipunan Street, Vigan City in the province of Ilocos Sur, the Hidden Garden of Vigan is a place where nature, history, and food meet. It is also a place of love. You'd find out why as you continue reading. Hidden Garden of Vigan Hidden Garden of Vigan Details The Hidden Garden of Vigan , despite the name, is not really hidden. It is found in the heart of Vigan City and is frequented by locals and tourists alike. It probably got its name from the large backyard garden that is hidden from those who are walking in Katipunan Street in front of it. Hidden Garden of Vigan - Vigan City, Ilocos Sur The renovated entrance as of 2017 Some souvenirs sold near the entrance Check out if your photo is included here I do hope I won't dig any holes here The plant collection of Hidden Garden of Vigan Different kinds of herbs (The colonel would surely be jealous) Bonsai Collection Hidden Garden of Vigan or simply Hidden Garden started
Located in the municipality of Nasugbu in the province of Batangas, Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is one of the few privately owned resorts in the area that doesn't really require memberships for visitors to enjoy. Munting Buhangin Beach Camp Munting Buhangin Beach Camp Details Although Munting Buhangin Beach Camp doesn't have white sand to boast, it's quite an isolated place which makes the resort stand out. Its light brown sand, sprinkled with different kinds of shells, is cleaned daily by the dedicated staff of the resort. Sadly, during my visit, a broken piece of glass buried in the sand gave one of my toes a deep cut but I know that it's just a rare case (no one needs to be fired) and nobody wanted that to happen. Munting Buhangin Beach - Nasugbu, Batangas One of the best places to go camping... ...or rent nipa huts and treehouse You might want to try kayaking here too Going up: parking / Going down: beach Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is ide
Located in Barangay Garreta in the town of Badoc in Ilocos Norte, Juan and Antonio Luna Museum is the two-story ancestral home of the Luna clan which presently serves as a museum for the Luna brothers. Juan and Antonio Luna Museum Juan and Antonio Luna Museum History: Built sometime in the early 19th century, the ancestral house of the Lunas is a typical Bahay na Tisa which was common particularly to the middle and upper-class society during the Spanish colonial period. Sadly, the original structure was damaged by fire in 1861. The house was then ceded to the government in 1954. The Department of Public Works and Highways and the National Historical Institute completed its restoration in 1977. The house then became a museum for the Luna brothers. The museum got some technological upgrades last 2016 with the installation of touch screen TVs and the face projector which projects Antonio Luna's speaking head. Juan and Antonio Luna Museum - Badoc, Ilocos Norte Welcome to the
Located on the outskirts of San Pablo City in the province of Laguna, Bato Springs is the perfect getaway near Manila on a hot summer day. Bato Springs Bato Springs Details Prior to my visit, I have only seen the sign of Bato Springs Resort every time we head to southern Luzon. I have never thought of googling it or asking about it because it always slips my mind. (promise) If not for my cousin's birthday, I would have missed the chance of visiting it FOREVER. (Ok, that's overacting on my part.) Welcome to Bato Springs Join the herd... ...or swim in small groups. Bato Springs is quite a popular tourist destination for locals in San Pablo City, Laguna. However, just to share, when we visited last 2014 we used Google Maps and were surprised to discover that we were sent to the wrong location in the middle of the bustling city. Make sure you bring your friends or family members The more the merrier Thanks to the locals we managed to reach the resort afte
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