The year 2024 was one of the most challenging years of my life, but there were still some highlights to positively look back on.  Nine of them are listed here for posterity’s sake, in no particular order.

1. San Juan, La Union (Elyu)

Our visit to the beaches of San Juan, La Union started the year’s pattern of revisiting places we were in last year!  Another pattern that unfortunately also started was the lack of time for me to write about these pleasant journeys.  But at the very least, I’ll share some moments from this and other trips this year.  See highlights from this year’s trip to Elyu in the video below:

2. Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija

It was a short stop in the city as we were on our way to somewhere else, but it was quite interesting for me because of the number of tricycles in the city.  My favorite part of this trip was our visit to St. Nicholas of Tolentine Cathedral and the adjacent Plaza Lucero.

3. Baler, Aurora

Baler was probably one of the most exciting trips we had for the year as we had a motorcycle to get around, and get around we did.  We didn’t encounter any power interruption this time, so I guess that’s progress?

4. Boracay Island, Aklan

The island of Boracay would always be one of my favorite destinations in the Philippines and I could say I never lose the excitement whenever I visit, regardless how many times I do!  I wish the local government would do something about the red tape though as getting into the island was still very inconvenient and I can safely say that some tourists would not bother return because of their inefficient system.  Nonetheless, you forget the bureaucracy once to step into that beach (and remember it again on your way back! 🤪).

5. New York City, NY

The city now holds a special place in my heart being the place I got hitched.  It has become practically my second home as I spent a lot of time in it mostly doing non-tourist stuff.  Despite my hardships this year, I’m glad to have visited multiple times in 2024.

6. Washington, DC

This is another repeat!  It was a much shorter trip though, but we got to experience the city more from a different perspective.

7. St. Augustine, Fl

This is perhaps the most “touristy” trip I had for the year!  We got to explore the historic district where I was reminded of Manila’s Intramuros, especially Castillo de San Marcos which was like Fort Santiago.

8. Tagaytay City, Cavite

It was my first visit in a long time and I was glad to see the volcano island showing some vegetation growing.  Last I visited, it was all gray!  We went just on a quick day tour, mostly filling our guts with good food and enjoying the cool breeze, aside from this unbelievable sight.

9. Philadelphia, Pa

The city of love took our breath away when we first saw their ornate city hall!  I loved how bustling the city center was, yet surprisingly “affordable” compared to nearby cities of its size.  I love how easily walkable it is and being a historic city, many attractions you can visit for free!

No matter how difficult things may get, remember that it won’t always be bad—savor the good things when they come and trust that things can always get better.

I hope you had a better 2024 than myself and may 2025 be better for all of us!