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 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...
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...
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...
Tagaytay City Tagaytay City details Our adventure today takes us about 55 kilometers south of Kilometer 0 in Manila. Tagaytay City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the province of Cavite. Taal Volcano as seen from Tagaytay City Known as " The Country's Second Summer Capital ", Tagaytay City 's proximity to Manila makes it a frequent destination for those who are on a budget adventure or those who are just escaping the city life. Tagaytay City 's unique blend of beautiful scenery and semi-temperate climate makes tourists and adventurers come back for more. My friends and my old ride Since my wife and I live near Tagaytay City , we have the convenience of going there anytime we want to. I, for one, have been to Tagaytay plenty of times and experienced a lot of memorable things there. The most unforgettable one that I have was when I experienced zero visibility when I drove through a very thick mist that blanketed the city during ...
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...
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....
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, ...
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. ...
Usutaibe Senjoiwa Rocks ( ウスタイベ千畳岩 ) is a popular destination for viewing sunrises and drift ice, located on the northern outskirts of Esashi. It is situated in Misakicho, within the town of Esashi, Esashi District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Usutaibe Senjoiwa Rocks Usutaibe Senjoiwa Rocks Details Located on the northern outskirts of Esashi, Usutaibe Senjoiwa Rocks are a stunning natural landmark and a designated part of the North Okhotsk Prefectural Natural Park . Known for its unique rock formations that resemble stacked tatami mats, this picturesque site offers visitors a rare glimpse into the serene beauty of Hokkaido’s coastline. Usutaibe Senjoiwa Rocks - Esashi town, Hokkaido Prefecture A Landscape Like No Other The striking rock formations at Usutaibe Senjoiwa Rocks are a natural masterpiece, shaped by centuries of weathering and erosion. Appearing like a cape jutting out into the Sea of Okhotsk , the area provides a tranquil escape, perfect for those seek...
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!
Delete