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 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 membership 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 treehouses You might want to try kayaking here too. Going up: parking / Going down: beach Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is...
Ashoro Roadside Station ( 道の駅 足寄町 ) , formally called Roadside Station “Ashoro Ginga Hall 21” ( 道の駅 あしょろ銀河ホール21 ), is one of the roadside stations of Hokkaido. It is located at 1 Chome-21 Kita 1 Jo in the town of Ashoro, Ashoro District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Ashoro Roadside Station Ashoro Roadside Station Details Located in the heart of Tokachi, Ashoro Roadside Station "Ginga Hall 21" is more than just a rest stop — it’s a place where local history, music, and community spirit come together. Officially registered as a roadside station on August 9, 2004 (Registration No. 84) , this facility was originally built as Ashoro Station for the Hokkaido Chihoku Highland Railway’s “Furusato Ginga Line.” Although the line was discontinued in 2006, the station building was reborn as a roadside attraction that celebrates Ashoro’s story. Ashoro Roadside Station - Ashoro town, Hokkaido Prefecture Managed by the NPO Ashoro Tourism Association, the station reopened on April 18,...
Garden Spa Tokachigawa Roadside Station ( 道の駅 ガーデンスパ十勝川温泉 ) is one of the two roadside stations of the town of Otofuke. It is located along National Route 73 at 14-1 Tokachigawa Onsen Kita, Otofuke Town, Kato District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Garden Spa Tokachigawa Roadside Station Garden Spa Tokachigawa Roadside Station Details Located in the scenic Tokachigawa Onsen area, Garden Spa Tokachigawa Roadside Station is a modern hub for day trips, offering visitors a perfect combination of relaxation, local cuisine, and cultural experiences. Officially registered as Hokkaido’s Roadside Station No. 128 on July 1, 2020 , this facility has quickly become a favorite destination for travelers seeking both leisure and a taste of Tokachi’s rich offerings. Garden Spa Tokachigawa Roadside Station - Otofuke town, Hokkaido Prefecture Soak in the Spa and Outdoor Garden Baths The mall hot spring at Garden Spa Tokachigawa is designed for families, couples, and groups, all enjoying th...
Ashoro Museum of Paleontology ( 足寄動物化石博物館 ) is a natural history museum that exhibits a lot of prehistoric fossils. It is located at 1 Chome-29-25 Konan in the town of Ashoro, Ashoro District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Ashoro Museum of Paleontology Ashoro Museum of Paleontology Details Opened on July 1, 1998, the Ashoro Museum of Paleontology in Hokkaido is a fascinating destination for history buffs, science enthusiasts, and families alike. The museum was established with the theme of the evolution of marine mammals, focusing on the Ashoro Fauna—Late Oligocene marine mammal fossils unearthed in Morawan, Mora Bay, Ashoro Town, including scleractinians and cetaceans. Ashoro Museum of Paleontology - Ashoro town, Hokkaido Prefecture Explore Unique Fossils and Geological Wonders The museum’s collection features desmostylians , a rare group of extinct marine mammals, along with other fossils discovered in the Ashoro region. Visitors can also learn about geological formati...
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...
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...
Honbetsu Roadside Station , formally called Roadside Station Stella Honbetsu ( 道の駅 ステラ ★ ほんべつ ) , is one of the roadside stations of Hokkaido Prefecture. It is located at 1-1, Kita 3-chome in the town of Honbetsu, Nakagawa District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Honbetsu Roadside Station Honbetsu Roadside Station Details Honbetsu Roadside Station , officially registered as roadside station number 107 on March 12, 2009, is a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Hokkaido. This site holds significant historical value as it was formerly Honbetsu Station . This key transportation hub has served the local community for nearly 100 years since the railway first opened in Honbetsu Town in 1909. Honbetsu Roadside Station - Honbetsu town, Hokkaido Prefecture Although the Furusato Ginga Line was discontinued in April 2006, Honbetsu Roadside Station continues to thrive as a vibrant local center, offering a variety of services and attractions for visitors and residents alike. ...
Taiki Roadside Station “Cosmall Taiki” ( 道の駅 コスモール大樹 ) is one of the roadside stations found in Hokkaido. It is located along National Route 622 at 98 Nishihondori in the town of Taiki, Hiroo-gun in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Taiki Roadside Station “Cosmall Taiki” Taiki Roadside Station “Cosmall Taiki” Details Roadside Station Cosmall Taiki , officially registered as Michi-no-Eki No. 75 on August 13, 2002, is one of the most unique roadside stations in Hokkaido. This roadside hub offers a perfect mix of convenience, local culture, and space-themed attractions that reflect Taiki’s growing reputation as “ Hokkaido’s town of space .” Roadside Station Cosmall Taiki - Taiki town, Hokkaido Prefecture Shopping Center and Local Services Unlike ordinary rest stops, Cosmall Taiki combines a shopping center, economic hall, and cultural hub all in one. Visitors can browse local specialty products, pick up daily essentials, or enjoy practical services such as a supermarket, pharmacy, clothing...
Satsunai Garden Hot Spring ( 札内ガーデン温泉 ) is a highly rated day-use onsen. It is located at 55 Satsunai Kitamachi in the town of Makubetsu, Nakagawa District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Satsunai Garden Hot Spring Satsunai Garden Hot Spring Details Satsunai Garden Hot Spring offers a truly unique bathing experience with its rare moor hot spring water, a natural resource recognized as a Hokkaido Heritage Site. Known for its distinctive dark color rich in organic plant matter, this hot spring warms the body deeply and leaves the skin feeling smooth and rejuvenated. Satsunai Garden Hot Spring - Makubetsu town, Hokkaido Prefecture A Rare and Mineral-Rich Hot Spring Satsunai Garden Hot Springs uses 100% natural moor hot spring water that springs from deep underground. This mineral-rich water has been cherished since ancient times for its healing and beautifying properties. Visitors can soak in several types of baths, including a large public bath, rock bath, jet vibrator bath, an...
Niseko Kaributo Shrine ( ニセコ狩太神社 ) is the main shrine of the town of Niseko. It is located at 218 Hondori in the town of Niseko in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Niseko Kaributo Shrine Niseko Kaributo Shrine details Niseko Kaributo Shrine is a historical and spiritual landmark with deep roots in the region’s past. Originally dedicated in 1896 by Matsuoka Rikuzo , a native of Iwate Prefecture, during the development of the area, the shrine has since grown into a significant religious site. In 1904, a main building was constructed after the donation of 23,000 m² of land, further solidifying the shrine’s importance to the local community. Niseko Kaributo Shrine - Niseko town, Hokkaido Prefecture The journey of Niseko Kaributo Shrine took a crucial step in 1915 when an application was submitted for its official establishment. By May 1916, permission was granted, leading to its formal founding. The shrine continued to grow, and in 1925, approval was granted for the reconstruction of the m...
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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