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...
Weekend 45: September 10-11, 2022 Day 313: September 10, 2022 Saturday - 9.9-11 Family Road Trip D2 Good morning everyone! Thankfully, it didn't rain last night but condensation made the inside of our tent wet giving us that Hamatombetsu rainy day camping experience once again. Regardless, the sun came up and helped us dry our tent anyway. Sato Auto Campground of Firefly We bought breakfast at Seicomart Numata We parked near Numata Agricultural Cooperative Agricultural Warehouse Numata Shrine We left the Sato Auto Campground of Firefly a little before 7AM. We then drove to Numata ( 沼田町 ) town proper to buy breakfast at Numata Seicomart before heading to Numata Shrine to pay respects and offer some prayers. Totoro Pass Catbus From there we drove south passing through Fukagawa City ( 深川市 ). We made a brief stopover at Totoro Pass to see the famed Catbus . Driving through Route 38 Originally, our plan was to spend most of the day in Ashibe...
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 in the center of the Poblacion or town proper of Imus City in the province of Cavite, Imus City Plaza is one of the city's scenic and historical attractions. Imus City Plaza Imus City Plaza Details This plaza is located in front of the equally historical Imus Cathedral and Imus City Hall . Imus City Plaza is also the first place to greet you if you're heading to the cathedral via Sapinoso Street. Imus City Plaza - Imus City, Cavite General Licerio Topacio The general guarding the flag Checking out each angle of the monument Imus City Plaza History Imus City Plaza is probably easily remembered because of the monument with two vintage artillery flanking it. The monument stands as an honor to the children of Imus who joined the fight for the independence of the country against Spain. As for the man standing on top of the monument, he is General Licerio Topacio . He is one of the most notable sons of Imus. He is famously known for honorably declinin...
Located several kilometers away from the town proper of Pundaquit, San Antonio in the province of Zambales, Anawangin Cove is one (if not the most) of the tourist destinations of the province. Anawangin Cove Anawangin Cove Details Anawangin Cove is known for its out-of-this-country like feels. Visitors of this cove would surely be awed with the unusual view of the forest of pine trees serving as the backdrop to the fine secluded beach instead of the typical coconut. The cove also has a river that adds drama to its already picturesque pine forest. The best part of it all is that this cove has little man-made structures. Anawangin Cove - San Antonio, Zambales Heading to Anawangin Cove by boat Gotta love the view here in Anawangin Cove . The place has numerous huts to rent if you don't want to get burnt by the sun Well... that was my impression when I first visited Anawangin Cove way back in 2007. Sadly, some things do change negatively... Typhoon Emong an...
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...
Bustling Square ( にぎわいの広場 ) is the central park of the town of Shimokawa. It is located at 6-1 Kyoeimachi, Shimokawa town in Kamikawa District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Bustling Square Bustling Square Details Tucked away in the scenic town of Shimokawa in northern Hokkaido, Bustling Square is a charming destination where history, community, and culture come together. Once the site of the old Shimokawa Station on the now-defunct Nayoro Main Line, this square has been reimagined as a vibrant public space—complete with preserved railway relics and year-round local events. Bustling Square - Shimokawa town, Hokkaido Prefecture See the Iconic Kiha 22 Diesel Railcars Up Close At the heart of Bustling Square are two well-maintained Kiha 22 diesel railcars , once operated along the historic JR Nayoro Main Line , which played a crucial role in connecting remote communities across Hokkaido. These retired railcars are now on permanent display, inviting visitors to step back in time...
Our adventure today takes us to a mountain south of Metro Manila. Mt. Gulugod Baboy (other variations Mt. Gulugod-Baboy ) is located in Anilao, Mabini in the province of Batangas. Gulugod-baboy is a Filipino phrase that means "pig's spine." The mountain got its name from the contours of the peaks which resemble a pig's back as seen from Janao Bay. Mt. Gulugod Baboy Mt. Gulugod Baboy details Mt. Gulugod Baboy - Mabini, Batangas Mt. Gulugod Baboy , despite being called a mountain, may also be referred to as a hill. This is because of the fact that the distinction between a hill and a mountain remains subjective and unclear. (As you may know, the maximum height of a hill is still being contested.) I'm taking a picture of my friend Raine doing a Teletubby jump Mt. Gulugod Baboy fun moments Other Teletubby moments... So what's the big deal? Mt. Gulugod Baboy stands 525 meters above sea level. Typically, landforms reaching 500 feet (152 ...
Thanks to the viral and, yes, quite controversial, wedding photo of Kiray Celis perched on top of a vending machine in Japan , these everyday metal boxes suddenly became the talk of the internet. People had mixed reactions to the stunt, but the moment also reminded many of us that Japan’s vending machines are not just places to grab a quick drink. Here in Hokkaido, they feel like tiny windows into the region’s character. They are convenient, quirky, and sometimes so unexpected that you cannot help but stop and take a closer look. Japan’s Quirkiest Vending Machines: Hokkaido Edition After traveling through all 179 municipalities of Hokkaido with my family, I have seen vending machines that go far beyond canned coffee and soda. Some of them surprised me. Others made me laugh. A few made me wonder how they even ended up in the middle of nowhere. Each one showed a bit of Hokkaido’s charm, whether through local snacks, rare drinks, or items you would never imagine finding inside a machine....
10 Things to Do on Yagishiri Island Yagishiri Island ( 焼尻島 ) lies 23 kilometers northwest of Haboro, within the Rumoi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan . It is one of two islands governed by the town of Haboro. The island's name is believed to originate from the Ainu terms " Ehanke-shiri " (nearby island) or " Yanke-shiri " (landing island). Yagishiri is renowned for its yew forest, locally known as Onko, and its sheep farm. For those planning to visit this beautiful island to see what it has to offer, here are 10 things to do on Yagishiri Island : Yagishiri Island Welcome Post 1. Take a picture of the Yagishiri Island Welcome Post . It is located near the Yagishiri Ferry Terminal. It's a fun and memorable way to start your adventure on the island. Yagishiri Itsukushima Shrine 2. Visit the Yagishiri Itsukushima Shrine ( 焼尻島厳島神社 ) , the main shrine of Yagishiri Island. You can visit at any time of day to offer your prayers and pay your respects. ...
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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