“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller
There are trips that change you, that fill your heart with joy, your phone with photos, and your soul with moments you’ll talk about for the rest of your life. Our 5-day Luzon adventure. Me, Elaiza Joy (my love, my life), and her beautiful family was that kind of trip.
It was not just a journey through breathtaking places… it was a journey of togetherness, surprises, good food, caffeine, and catching sunsets and roller coaster rides with barely a minute to spare.
Let me take you through every laugh, every late dinner, every ride, and every Starbucks we passed (and yes, finally found the elusive Been There Collection Mug).
Day 1 – Thursday, May 15, 2025: Flight, La Paz, and the Adventure Begins
The moment our plane touched down in Manila, there was already a buzz of excitement in the air. You know that feeling? Like something unforgettable is about to begin.
We didn’t waste time. Straight from the airport, we headed to La Paz, where we would spend the night. It was our first stop, a quiet entry into what would become a whirlwind of experiences. We settled in, shared stories, and rested for the big days ahead. Our hearts were excited, but our bodies were saving energy. This was just the beginning.
Day 2 – Friday, May 16, 2025: Manaoag, Vigan, and Baguio City Nights
We woke up early with one goal: explore as much as we can. First stop, Manaoag Church, a place so peaceful, it felt like time slowed down. We whispered prayers, lit candles, and felt the spiritual calm that only sacred places can bring.
Next up: the historic beauty of Vigan. The cobbled streets, colonial architecture, and nostalgic vibes transported us to another time. It was like walking inside a painting.
But the day didn’t end there. We climbed higher, literally, as we drove up to Baguio City, the summer capital. Cold air, pine-scented breeze, and the charm of the city wrapped us in warmth even when the temperature dropped.
That night was magical.
We strolled through the Baguio Night Market, weaving through stalls, laughing at random finds, and hunting for bargains. Then, we found Foam Café, where we sipped hot coffee under the Baguio stars. That cup of warmth? It wasn’t just coffee, it was a cup of shared stories, held hands, and memories brewed stronger than espresso.
Day 3 – Saturday, May 17, 2025: Baguio Morning, Malate Night
The next morning, we explored more of Baguio. From scenic views to quick side trips, we made every hour count. I could feel Elaiza’s joy in every little discovery, and I couldn’t stop smiling seeing her family enjoying every second.
After lunch, it was time to head back to Malate, Manila.
We arrived late, around 10 PM just in time for dinner. We missed our plan to explore BGC that night, but honestly, hunger had a louder voice than adventure. 😄 So we grabbed dinner at Kenny Rogers and Burger King, a mix of comfort food that ended our day with satisfied bellies.
Day 4 – Sunday, May 18, 2025: The Starbucks Mug Hunt, Tagaytay Thrills & BGC Fun
This day deserves a standing ovation.
First stop: Antipolo, then Tagaytay with one mission:
🎯 Find the elusive Starbucks "Been There Collection Mug".
Believe it or not, we checked multiple branches, Baguio? Sold out. Makati? Nothing.
But Tagaytay? Jackpot. Finally, we found the perfect mug. It felt like finding buried treasure, and for collectors like us, that small victory was a BIG deal.
Of course, we didn’t miss the chance to visit SkyRanch Tagaytay. But with time slipping away, we managed to ride only one ride… and what did we choose? The roller coaster. 🎢
“It’s not about how long you ride, it’s how hard you scream and how loud you laugh.”
We didn’t have all the time in the world, but we sure made the best of it. The laughter was real, the adrenaline was high, and the memories were priceless.
But wait, it wasn’t over. That night, we finally made up for missing BGC the night before.
We walked around, explored the city lights, tried out new food, and rode electric scooters like kids on Christmas morning. It was pure freedom. That kind of night? You don’t forget it.
Day 5 – Monday, May 19, 2025: Work, Intramuros, Binondo, and Bittersweet Goodbyes
Monday arrived with a mix of emotions. Our last day in Luzon. But before heading back to Davao, duty called, I had to work for 8 hours with Casey (yes, even on vacation, the grind never sleeps!). I stayed at Eurotel Malate, where I turned my hotel room into a little office.
While I worked, Elaiza and her family went ahead to Intramuros and Binondo. I couldn’t wait to join them.
And after wrapping up, I did just that ran straight to Binondo, reunited with them, and we had our final lunch together. The day ended with a ride on the LRT, heading back to the hotel where we would stay for our last night in Manila.
💖 Reflections: The Trip that Filled My Heart
Five days.
Four cities.
Countless memories.
It wasn’t about how many places we went or how long we stayed. It was about who we were with my love, Elaiza, and her wonderful family.
We didn’t need luxury. We didn’t need a perfect plan. All we needed was each other, shared laughter, coffee breaks, late-night strolls, and the thrill of chasing time yet still making every second worth it.
“In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take, the rides we didn’t ride, the mugs we didn’t chase.”
To my love, Elaiza Joy G. Omictin, thank you. Thank you for being my partner in adventure, my co-rider on this roller coaster of life, and my calm coffee beside all the chaos.
I’ll remember this trip for as long as I live. And when we’re old and gray, sipping coffee from that very mug we chased around Luzon, we’ll smile and say:
"We did that. Together." 💕
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