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.
Located in Barangay Sta. Mercedes (Patungan) in Maragondon , Cavite, Patungan Beach is one of the province's little-known beach destinations. It is situated inside Patungang Cove which is south of Mt. Palay Palay which is also known as Pico de Loro . Patungan Beach Patungan Beach Details The area near Patungan Beach is home to about 100 - 200 families, most of which are fishermen hence the alternate name of the barangay - Patungan Fishing Village . According to the locals that I interviewed, their place was once an isolated barangay , reachable only by boat, horse, or foot. Thankfully, with the completion of the Nasugbu - Ternate Highway and Kaybiang Tunnel , the barangay was finally connected to the province. However, there is still no direct public transportation system that serves the area coming from Manila. Patungan Beach - Maragondon, Cavite The beach from a distance Check out these photos of Patungan Beach: Just a heads up, ...
Our adventure today takes us about 400 kilometers northwest of Kilometer 0 in Manila. Vigan City , the capital of Ilocos Sur, was recently converted into a component city last January 21, 2001. Aside from that, Vigan was also listed as one of the World Heritage Sites in the Philippines by UNESCO. Vigan City Vigan City details So what's unique with Vigan City ? Imagine yourself living during the Spanish Colonial days when the kalesa (horse-drawn carriages) rules the cobblestone streets and century-old houses, not buildings, conquered the landscape. Vigan City offers you the same colonial-era backdrop minus the people walking around with DSLRs and GoPros. Team Nicerio visits Vigan City Vigan City details Vigan City was earlier known as "Ciudad Fernandina" during the Spanish Era. However, the origin of the city's name is said to come from different sources. Some say it came from the Chinese word "Bee Gan" or beautiful shore. While others say that it came...
Located in 1 Kujo-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, Toji or Toji Temple ( 東寺 ) is one of the 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kyoto City. Toji ( 東寺 ) Toji History Toji was founded in 796, two years after the capital was moved from Nara to Heian-kyo (old name of Kyoto). The temple was one of the two guardian temples that were built on the main entrances of the Imperial Capital. To-ji , which means " East Temple ", was the guardian temple of the East while its sister temple Sai-ji , which means " West Temple " was the guardian temple of the West. This temple stood alongside the Rashomon which is the gate to the Heian capital. Sadly, Sai-ji burnt down in 990, rebuilt, and was ravaged by fire again in 1233. It was never rebuilt after. The Toji Kondo as seen from the Nandaimon (gate) I got to visit Toji during the Kobi-ichi (flea market) Check out the items you might want to bring home. Toji was formerly known as Kyo-o-gokaku-ji or...
Months prior to our visit to Japan , my wife tagged me to a trending post on Facebook about this unique Starbucks store in Kyoto City. This Starbucks branch was dubbed the " Edo-style Starbucks ." Kyoto's Edo-style Starbucks The said post piqued my interest as I was crafting our Kyoto City itinerary during that time. I then made sure to include it in the said itinerary and as a matter of fact, I placed it on our first-day plans. Before I write about what happened next, let's first discover the good-to-know information about this Starbucks store. You'd surely miss it if you don't know where it is... I had to ask around to find it. Yup, I'm in the right place! Kyoto's Edo-style Starbucks - Kyoto City Edo-Style Starbucks History The Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya , better known as the tatami-styled Starbucks is located at Kyoto-shi Higashiyama-ku Kodaiji Minami-dori Shimogawara Higashi Ino Masuya-cho 349, Masayacho, H...
First Timer's Guide to Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass Kyoto City is one of the most touristy destinations in Japan . There are numerous tourist destinations scattered around this 827.8 square kilometer city that commuting sometimes becomes too costly and stressful particularly for travelers who are on a tight budget. As of 2018 , the fixed rate for city buses is 230 yen for adults and 120 yen for children per ride. Now, imagine riding the bus 5 times a day or more... Luckily, there is something that can remove this concern from the equation. First Timer's Guide to Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass The Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass gives you that hassle-free and cost-efficient commuting experience during your visit. For just 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for children , tourists can get that unlimited bus ride for a day. However, before availing of the Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass , one should keep these in mind first... This one's for daddy and mommy This one's fo...
Located in Santa Maria Street in the municipality of Daraga in the province of Albay, Daraga Church is the crowning glory of religious architecture in Albay. Daraga Church Daraga Church History Daraga Church is also known as the Our Lady of the Gate Church . It was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum on October 29, 2007. Daraga Church - Daraga, Albay Daraga Church NHI marker Daraga Church facade Daraga Church bell tower Team Nicerio visits Daraga Church Daraga Church was built by Franciscan missionaries in Daraga which was then a barrio of the older town of Cagsawa. However, after Mayon Volcano's 1814 eruption which buried the majority of the town of Cagsawa, survivors relocated to Daraga. The barrio was then formally organized as a town in 1815. Afterward, the town became the center of trade and commerce in the province of Albay. A view of Mayon from inside Daraga Church Daraga Church interior Daraga Church baptismal ...
Kyoto Station ( 京都駅 ) is one of Japan's largest train station buildings. It serves as the main gateway for locals and foreigners coming in and out of the city. It is l ocated in the heart of Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan . Kyoto Station ( 京都駅 ) Kyoto Station History Kyoto Station opened for service on February 5, 1877, by decree of Emperor Meiji . In 1889, its railway connected to Tokyo giving way to the present-day Tokaido Main Line. In 1895, the station became a terminal to the Nara Railway (present-day Nara Line) connecting Kyoto with the southern regions of Kyoto Prefecture and Nara City. Then in 1897, the station became a terminal to the Kyoto Railway (present-day Sagano Line) connecting Kyoto Station with the northern regions of Kyoto Prefecture. First Kyoto Station building* Second Kyoto Station building* Third Kyoto Station building* The station got a facelift in 1914 and a Renaissance-inspired facility replaced the old station. This new...
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. ...
The last time I visited Daraga Church was during the 4th day of our CamSur - Albay Road Trip last 2014. Since that's almost a decade ago, I made sure to include it in our itinerary for the 8th day of our 2021 Bicol Road Trip . Daraga Church Revisited 2021 Daraga Church details For those who are unfamiliar with Daraga Church , it is located in Santa Maria Street, Daraga in the province of Albay. The church is formally called Nuestra Senora de la Porteria Parish Church ( Our Lady of the Gate Parish Church ). Daraga Church - Daraga, Albay Daraga Church was built under the supervision of the Franciscans sometime in 1773. the church was placed under the patronage of the Our Lady of the Gate. Daraga Church Facade Sadly, Mayon Volcano was not visible during our visit Daraga Church NHI Marker Can you spot the scary tarsier? The church facade is known for its Churrigueresque architectural style. It was built using materials that are abundant in the area like volcanic rock, wood, and...
Located in Barangay Busay, Cagsawa, Daraga in the province of Albay, the Cagsawa Ruins are the most popular landmark and tourist destination of the province. Cagsawa Ruins Cagsawa Ruins History Cagsawa Ruins were remnants of the once-proud 16th-century Spanish colonial era church called Cagsawa Church . Prior to its devastation in 1814, the church already had a very colorful history. It was built in 1587and served as the spiritual sanctuary for the locals for decades until it was razed by the raiding Dutch pirates in 1636. It was then rebuilt in 1724 under the supervision of Fr. Francisco Blanco and then continued to become the safe haven to its people until February 1, 1814, when Mayon Volcano ended that. Off to Cagsawa Ruins Nice! The roads seemed improved Souvenirs anyone? Check out the rates to enter Cagsawa Ruins Got our tickets... ...and our stamp Recorded as the most powerful eruption of Mayon Volcano , the 1814 Eruption buried towns ...
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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