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, there were 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:
Updated: October 30, 2020 Our adventure today will take us 46.11 kilometers south from kilometer 0 in Manila. The historic atmosphere still lingers due to the historical landmarks that you can see all around this place. One of the most famous landmarks this city has to offer is the Rizal Shine or more popularly known as Rizal's house. However I'm not here to give you a history adventure but instead, I will tell you the different side of this city. 88 Hotspring Resort and Spa Calamba City in the province of Laguna is a city that has more resorts than the number of days in a year. Because of the fast-growing number of resorts (661 and counting), this city earned the nickname Resort Capital of the Philippines. 88 Hotspring Resort and Spa - Calamba, Laguna Travelers and resort seekers who didn't read my blog The Adventurer's List would surely be unprepared for what's to come. It would surely take a day for you to choose and pick the most suitable reso...
Located in the vicinity of Mt. Nagpatong in Maragondon in the province of Cavite, Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park mark the supposed place where Andres Bonifacio and his brothers Procopio were executed in 1897. Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park History We learned from the previous post about Bonifacio Trial House the story of the trail leading up to the last days of Andres Bonifacio . Since I did not fully elaborate on his death, I think it is very relevant to talk about it now in relation to our featured destination - The Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park . Check out the images on the BAYANI Check out the images on the KKK A perfect angle to see the KKK and Bayani I'm wondering if that face is scared, shocked, or excited... The statue of Andres Bonifacio wearing a very fashionable camisa de chino Our local guide showed us the way to the peak of Mt. Nagpatong After his...
Tsubetsu Roadside Station ( 津別町道の駅 ) , formally called Roadside Station Aioi ( 道の駅 あいおい ) , is one of the roadside stations spread throughout Hokkaido. It is located along National Route 240 in 83-1 Aioi in the town of Tsubetsu, Abashiri District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Tsubetsu Roadside Station / Roadside Station Aioi Tsubetsu Roadside Station Details Located along National Route 240, a scenic route connecting Kushiro and Abashiri, Tsubetsu Roadside Station —officially named Roadside Station Aioi —is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a blend of history, culture, and local flavors. Since its registration as a roadside station on August 8, 2003 , with Registration Number 81 , it has become a popular rest stop for weary travelers exploring Hokkaido's northern regions. Tsubetsu Roadside Station - Tsubetsu town, Hokkaido Prefecture Discover Unique Facilities and Local Delights Roadside Station Aioi is more than just a pit stop—it's a destination in i...
Tsubetsu Wood Craft Museum Kinos ( つべつ木材工芸館キノス ) is a handicraft museum and also a play area for kids. It is located at 127-2 Kyowa in the town of Tsubetsu, Abashiri District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Tsubetsu Wood Craft Museum Kinos Tsubetsu Wood Craft Museum Kinos Details The Tsubetsu Wood Craft Museum Kinos, reopened in April 2019, stands as a symbol of the "Town of Love Forests," offering a unique blend of education, craftsmanship, and recreation. This revitalized facility is a hub where visitors can connect with nature, engage in creative activities, and learn about Tsubetsu's rich cultural and industrial heritage. Tsubetsu Wood Craft Museum Kinos - Tsubetsu town, Hokkaido Prefecture A Remarkable Architectural Design The museum’s iconic triangular structure captures attention even from afar. Inside, an awe-inspiring atrium houses giant trees, extensive wooden playground equipment, and a climbing wall—all crafted from the finest Tsubetsu wood. These i...
Roadside Station “Marine Island Okashima” ( 道の駅 マリーンアイランド岡島 ) is one of the roadside stations scattered all over Hokkaido. It is located along National Route 238 in 1978-13 Okashima, in the town of Esashi, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Roadside Station “Marine Island Okashima” Roadside Station “Marine Island Okashima” Details Registered as an official roadside station on April 16, 1996, with Registration Number 28, Roadside Station "Marine Island Okajima" is a must-visit destination along National Route 238. Designed to mimic a ship sailing through the majestic Sea of Okhotsk, this roadside station is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Esashi Town and its scenic coastline. Roadside Station "Marine Island Okashima" - Esashi town, Hokkaido Prefecture Discover Esashi’s Seafood Treasures At the Esashi Town Specialty Products Direct Sales Shop , visitors can indulge in the best seafood the town has to offer. Highlights include: Hairy Crabs : Esa...
My family and I had the opportunity to explore Asahiyama Zoo ( 旭川市旭山動物園 ) for the first time on November 20, 2022 , marking my 384th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme . It was the highlight of our day trip to Asahikawa City. We all enjoyed the numerous facilities in the zoo. Asahiyama Zoo Revisited 2023 That didn’t stop me from bringing my siblings there during our Sibling Roadtrip #3 when they visited Hokkaido last July 27, 2023 . It was the highlight of the day, and we spent the whole day exploring the vast zoo. Asahiyama Zoo - Asahikawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture A Brief History of Asahiyama Zoo Located at the northernmost part of Japan, Asahiyama Zoo was inaugurated on July 1, 1967, under the visionary leadership of then- Mayor Kōzō Igarashi . The zoo initially showcased 75 animal species, and despite challenges like dwindling attendance, it reinvented itself into a leading wildlife conservation center. Innovative exhibits introduced since the late 1990...
10 Things to Do in Kitahiroshima City Kitahiroshima ( 北広島市 ) is a city located in the Ishikari Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan . It is the place where Dr. Clark left his famous words in "Boys Be Ambitious." The name " Kitahiroshima " literally means " North Hiroshima City ." On September 1, 1996, the town of Hiroshima was upgraded to city status. However, since there was already a city named Hiroshima in Hiroshima Prefecture, the municipality was renamed Kitahiroshima to avoid having two cities with the same name. For those planning to visit this vibrant city to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Kitahiroshima City : Kitahiroshima City manhole cover 1. Take a picture of the manhole cover of Kitahiroshima . So far, I have seen 1 unique manhole cover. It is commonly found around the city. Hiroshima Shrine 2. Visit the Hiroshima Shrine ( 廣島神社 ) , the main shrine of Kitahiroshima City. You can visit at any time of day to o...
Rikubetsu Roadside Station ( 陸別町道の駅 ) , officially known as Roadside Station "Aurora Town 93 Rikubetsu” ( 道の駅 オーロラタウン９３りくべつ ) , is one of Hokkaido's many roadside stations. It is situated along National Route 242 in Odori, Rikubetsu Town, Ashoro District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Rikubetsu Roadside Station Rikubetsu Roadside Station Details Rikubetsu Roadside Station , officially known as " Aurora Town 93 Rikubetsu ,” is a must-visit destination in Hokkaido for travelers seeking a mix of history, culture, and outdoor fun. It was registered as a roadside station on August 18, 2000 , and was given the Registration Number 69 . Rikubetsu Roadside Station - Rikubetsu town, Hokkaido Prefecture Once a dual-purpose road and railway station on the historic Furusato Ginga Line , this roadside station has been thoughtfully transformed into a vibrant hub that preserves its railway heritage while offering modern attractions. Explore Railway History Galaxy Express 999 V...
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...
My family and I first visited Kitami Roadside Station ( 道の駅 おんねゆ温泉 ) on September 19, 2022 , the final day of our September 17-19 Road Trip . At the time, I was marking my 322nd day in Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher(ALT) under the JET Programme . A year later, on September 16, 2023 , we found ourselves back at Kitami Roadside Station , now on my 684th day in Japan . Kitami Roadside Station Revisited 2023 While the roadside station itself hadn't changed much, our return was memorable for one major highlight: the newly installed KitamiPokémon manhole cover (PokéLids) . This addition was a key part of our Hokkaido179 travel goals —an effort to visit all 179 municipalities in Hokkaido. It was the 27th out of 42 PokéLids we've encountered so far in Hokkaido, making the visit especially meaningful. Kitami Roadside Station - Kitami City, Hokkaido Prefecture For those unfamiliar with Kitami Roadside Station , here’s why it should be on your travel itinerary: Locat...
It seems like your 2022 was full of adventures. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I hope this year would be better than last year.
DeleteCongratulations on your achievements this year dude.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot!
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