It’s a leap year this year so thank you for the 366 days that we've shared. It was a memorable one. Like last year, numerous blessings and travel opportunities came into my life.
Let's look back and see what milestones we've crossed and achieved this year.
1. This year, there were 369 published articles (That's 187 more articles than last year 😄😄).
2. I have reached 4 million views (That's 420K new views this year).
3. I got my contract renewed as an ALT under the JET Programme. I’m officially in my 4th year as an ALT.
4. My Japan Residence Card, along with my family’s, has been renewed for another three years. I see this as a clear sign that Japan is truly where my family and I belong.
5. My family and I finally got to fly back to the Philippines during summer vacation to have Kai baptized and also spend quality time with my family and my in-laws in Mindanao. It was such a memorable time.
Congratulations Kanon and Sora!
6. Two students I trained from Rumoi High School, Kanon, and Sora, placed first and third respectively in this year’s Kobunren Hokkaido High School English Speech Contest for the Hokkaido District (高文連北海道高等学校英語弁論大会道北地区大会).
6. My family and I got to travel a lot around Hokkaido Prefecture. We visited 179 of the prefecture's 179 cities, towns, and villages. We have finally completed the #Hokkaido179 Challenge. We are now officially the First Filipino Family to Visit All 179 Municipalities of Hokkaido.
Team Nicerio was featured in Hokkaido Shimbun
7. We were featured in Hokkaido Shimbun for being able to visit all 179 municipalities of Hokkaido.
Featured in Manila Bulletin for being the first to visit all 179 municipalities of Hokkaido
8. We were featured in Manila Bulletin for being the first Filipinos to travel and visit all 179 municipalities.
Speaking of travels, here are the highlights of my travels for each month last year:
It is with a heavy heart that I share the sorrowful truth that this year has not ended without taking loved ones from us. We bid farewell to two dear souls who brought immense joy and love into our lives—our family dog, Bucky, and our beloved Tito Imbet.
Bucky
Bucky was more than just a pet; he was a cherished member of our family. His wagging tail and boundless affection filled our days with light. He had a unique way of sensing our moods, offering comfort during hard times and companionship during happy ones. His loyalty and unconditional love will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
Tito Imbet
Tito Imbet, on the other hand, was a guiding light in his family. He had a smile that could warm any room and a heart that embraced everyone. He shared his humor and unwavering support with all of us. Tito Imbet was the kind person who made everyone feel special, and his absence leaves a void that words cannot fill.
As we reflect on their lives, let us remember the joy they brought, the lessons they taught, and the love they gave so freely. While the pain of their loss is deep, the memories they left behind will continue to inspire and comfort us. May we honor them by carrying their love forward in our own lives.
Rest in peace, dear Bucky and Tito Imbet. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
With a heavy heart, I’m holding onto hope that 2025 will bring brighter days, as we have so much to look forward to and accomplish in the year ahead. Farewell, 2024, and thank you for the memories—both joyful and bittersweet.
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 Rosario in the province of Cavite, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros is famously known as the location of the historic Tejeros Convention of 1897. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros Casa Hacienda de Tejeros history Casa Hacienda de Tejeros was originally built in the 17th century. The hacienda and its surrounding lands were formerly owned by the Augustinian Recollects. The estate was once the largest and grandest estate in the country. It once covered as much as 1,125 hectares with the casa occupying 4 hectares of it. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Rosario, Cavite The NHI Marker of the Casa Hacienda de Tejeros The name tejeros came from the Spanish name tejer , which means "to weave". It's due to the fact that the weaving industry is one of the major industries of the municipality of Rosario. Going back to its historical importance, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros played an important role in 1897 when it hosted the assembly that the new leaders of the revolution were elected. ...
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...
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 resor...
Do you want to witness and be part of the exciting and colorful cultural activities in the Philippines in this month of April ? Please check out the list of popular fiestas or festivals happening this April . Rodeo Masbateno Festival Location: Masbate City, Province of Masbate Details: The festival is celebrated every 9th to 14th of April. Its highlights are the bull riding competition, lassoing, 2-4 carambola, and bulldogging. This festival showcases the "cowboy skills" of the Masbatenos. Kangayedan Festival Location: Pagudpod, Province of Ilocos Norte Details: The festival is celebrated every 22nd to the 26th of April. Its highlight is the parade of cultural dances. This festival's objective is to safeguard the ecological beauty from destruction and also to renew the vow of the townspeople to replenish and protect the environment. Butanding Festival Location: Donsol, Province of Sorsogon Details: The festival is celeb...
For those who don't know, Kansai Region lies in the south-central area of Japan's main island Honshu. It is composed of seven prefectures namely Hyogo, Kyoto, Mie, Nara, Osaka, Shiga, and Wakayama. The main entry point of foreign tourists to this region is the Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Kobe Port. 10 Kid-Friendly Places to Visit in Kansai Region This region is a great place to immerse oneself in Japan's rich history and culture. Adults would surely find Kansai a fascinating place to visit... However, the big question is, is it kid-friendly? In my opinion, and probably the majority of all those who had visited this region before, the Kansai Region and Japan, in general, is a very child-friendly place. Here we go!!! For today's article, I have compiled 10 child-friendly places to bring your child(ren) when you visit the Kansai Region. Here are my top 10 recommendations of child-friendly places in the Kansai Region: 1. Eiraku Yumenomori Par...
Seabird Observation House ( 海鳥観察舎 ) is an observatory on the northwestern coast of Teuri Island. It is located on Teuri Island of the town of Haboro, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Seabird Observation House Seabird Observation House Details Located approximately 700 meters from Akaiwa Observatory , the Seabird Observation House on Teuri Island offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe seabird life in its natural habitat. Located at the heart of the island’s seabird breeding grounds, this observation house allows visitors to watch the seabirds in one of Japan's most important wildlife sanctuaries. Seabird Observation House - Teuri Island, Haboro town, Hokkaido Prefecture Teuri Island is known for its rugged beauty and rich birdlife, and the Seabird Observation House is positioned in one of the island’s most captivating locations. The House sits near the island’s highest point, making it a prime spot to observe the seabird colonies below. Experience Nature Up Close: Fr...
Located halfway to the peak of the eastern slope of Mayon Volcano and in the jurisdiction of Tabaco City in the province of Albay is the Mayon Skyline View Deck also known as the Mayon Rest House . Mayon Rest House and Mayon Planitarium Mayon Rest House and Mayon Planetarium details Mayon Rest House and Mayon Planetarium - Tabaco City, Albay Formerly known as the Mayon Skyline Hotel , the establishment was long been shut down due to the unpredictability of Mayon Volcano. Luckily for the aging establishment, it was preserved by the local government of Tabaco City. The place was also improved by adding the planetarium, zip line, and wall climbing facilities also known as the Mayon Planetarium and Science Park . However, during our visit, it was only the planetarium that was functional. Mayon Rest House and Mayon Planetarium as seen from the foot of the volcano Going up to another area of Mayon Planetarium Sadly, Mt. Mayon is not in the mood to be seen in th...
Our adventure today takes us 457 kilometers northwest of kilometer 0 in Manila. Located in the municipality of Sta. Ana in the province of Cagayan, Palaui Island is every backpacker's / island hopper's dream destination. Palaui Island Palaui Island Details Palaui Island was declared a National Marine Reserve on August 28, 1994. It is home to countless species of migratory birds, corals, fishes, and even plants. Palaui Island - Sta. Ana, Cagayan Palaui Island as seen from San Vicente Port Palaui Island got into the international spotlight after it was used as the filming location for Survivor: Cagayan and Survivor: Blood vs. Water. Not only that, but Palaui Island is also placed in the 10th spot in CNN's World's 100 Best Beaches list. Dos Hermanos Islands as seen from Palaui Island Panoramic view of Palaui Island from Mt. Kabo My group visited the island to see its "raw" beauty. You see, the negative effect of becoming a popular island...
Esashi Itsukushima Shrine ( 枝幸厳島神社 ) is the main shrine of the town of Esashi. It is located at 536-1 Shineicho in the town of Esashi, Esashi District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Esashi Itsukushima Shrine Esashi Itsukushima Shrine Details Esashi Itsukushima Shrine traces its beginnings to 1829 when Fujino Shirobei , a fishing contractor from Aomori Prefecture, enshrined a branch of the spirit of Itsukushima. This act was deeply connected to the faith of his master, the Fujino family, and led to the establishment of a small shrine, laying the foundation for Esashi's spiritual legacy. Esashi Itsukushima Shrine - Esashi town, Hokkaido Prefecture Growth and Recognition as a Village Shrine In 1894, volunteers solidified the shrine's location and appointed Hoshino Jukuichi as the shrine manager. By 1895, after repairs and the addition of a shrine office, Esashi Itsukushima Shrine gained official recognition as a village shrine , cementing its role as a community pillar. ...
Congratulations on reaching the 4M views.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteCongratulations on all your achievements Neil.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Rest in peace to your uncle.
Thank you so much!
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