Being a Philippine passport holder is no joke. Aside from money and time, this becomes one of the major hindrances to nomads, like me, with feet itching to see the world and at the same time living in a country where they have to work real hard just to be able to break free from those scrutinizing eyes of an immigration officer and the red flag that hangs over their heads when trying to acquire a tourist visa to another country.
Nevertheless, having a whole new perspective on things, I looked into the list of countries I can visit without much hassle in obtaining a visa and I started to develop a strong desire to explore Latin American countries particularly Brazil, Peru, Cuba and Costa Rica after all the good things I’ve heard about these places from people I personally know. This is the reason why I jumped at the chance to participate in this contest sponsored by Gap Adventures and Nomadic Matt as they are giving away a free 2-week trip to Costa Rica! Woot! There’s definitely no need to say how awesome it is to put a prize like this up for grabs, but do you want to know the best thing about it? Well, it’s not only limited to certain citizens of the world! Which means that I can actually have it and at this point I can already take comfort in the fact that I am longer bound to terms and conditions – phew, thank goodness! But then I need to get more luck in this life by taking more chances!
And here I am, taking another shot. I guess I was never meant to give up trying after all!
So, why me? Let’s see… Maybe my small frame might give you the impression that I am a weakling, but I can lug around a 9kg backpack with an extra laptop bag stuffed with all the necessary gadgets. The first time I went on a solo trip abroad was around this time two years ago when I took a quick circuit of 6 countries in South East Asia. I have a detailed blog about the trip here: http://bit.ly/c5BhJ6 . It was madness to cram it all up in one month, but I managed to maximize my time and put it all together! Since then, I see to it that I get to a new destination at least twice a year. I am a travel writer wannabe who tends to provide entertainment at the expense of my own misfortunes and continuously struggles to manage the impossible task of encapsulating all the great memories I want to share. Traveling gives you a limitless range of experiences accumulated through meeting new friends, letting your heart lead you where to go and taking your adventurous spirit with you to enjoy life as we know it.
Why Costa Rica? I am generally interested in learning about other cultures and traditions, but whenever I find a place where I can actually relate to what people are accustomed to, I blend naturally. Philippines have more Spanish influence on language, cuisine/food, culture (festivals, art appreciation), religion, individual names, etc. – these are the results of almost 400 Spanish colonial years. That is why I can discover a lot of similarities between Pinoys and Ticos – not to mention love for the beaches!
When you’re young and smart, resolute and fearless, independent and adaptable, some people will be afraid to give you a break because you are seen as a threat. But no matter what course my life would take, I will carry with me these qualities real survivors have.
P.S.
What do I hope to get out of it? Fun-filled experience, enriched knowledge, ecotourism awareness, new friends I’d keep for life and a pack of converted travel-junkie followers! 
