Today isn’t just any ordinary day.
It’s one of those days where the heart beats a little faster, not because of fear, but because of excitement, a kind of soulful rhythm that comes when you’re about to embark on a trip that’s more than just kilometers traveled. Tonight, Elaiza and I are heading to Manila, the heart of the Philippines, a city that pulses with history, culture, chaos, and charm. But more than the destination itself, what makes this journey special is why we’re going.
We’re visiting Elaiza’s relatives, reconnecting with roots, and also taking some time to wander, explore, and soak in some of the city’s beautiful sites. It’s a trip that blends family, love, and a sprinkle of wanderlust a combination that always brings the most unforgettable stories.
🧳 Packing with Purpose
As we prepared our things earlier today, I couldn’t help but smile while folding clothes into our shared suitcase. It wasn’t just clothes we were packing, it was excitement, shared memories in the making, and the warmth of being welcomed by family we haven't seen in a while.
Elaiza kept checking her list (she’s the more organized one, I must admit 😅), making sure we’ve got everything chargers, IDs, snacks, and even a tiny travel pillow she insists I’ll end up stealing mid-flight. And honestly? She’s probably right.
“It’s not the things we pack that matter most, it’s the intentions we carry.”
✈️ A Journey of the Heart
This isn’t my first time flying, but each trip feels different, especially when there’s something meaningful at the other end of the journey. There’s something about meeting your partner’s extended family that makes the trip feel more than physical it becomes emotional.
Will they like me? Will I make a good impression? (I’ve been brushing up on my polite smiles and small talk skills 😅) But beyond nerves, I’m deeply honored to be part of this moment in Elaiza’s life seeing the people who shaped her, hearing stories from her childhood, and maybe even laughing over a few old photos.
“The best journeys in life are those that answer questions you never thought to ask.” – Rick Ridgeway
🏙️ Sights to See, Stories to Live
But of course, while we're in Manila, we're also letting our curious spirits roam. Here are a few places we plan to visit:
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Intramuros – because who can resist a stroll through time within the walled city?
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Rizal Park – to sit, reflect, and remember where we come from.
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Bonifacio Global City – a more modern twist, where coffee shops meet creativity.
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Binondo – for food, flavors, and the magical chaos of Chinatown.
Every corner of Manila holds a story, and this time, we’re walking into it hand-in-hand.
“Travel isn’t always about discovering new places. Sometimes it’s about discovering new parts of each other.”
💬 Moments I’m Looking Forward To
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Hearing Elaiza laugh while talking to her cousins she hasn’t seen in years.
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Sitting at a family table, sharing food, and realizing that even though I’m technically a visitor, I’m made to feel like I belong.
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Watching the city lights dance on windows during the drive at night.
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Late-night conversations with Elaiza, our legs tired but our hearts full.
📝 Final Thoughts Before Takeoff
Tonight, as we board our flight, I’ll be holding Elaiza’s hand a little tighter, not just because I’m grateful to have her by my side, but because this trip represents so much: love, connection, discovery, and growth.
It’s more than a getaway. It’s a heart-led adventure.
I know this trip will leave us not just with photos and souvenirs, but with stories, ones we’ll tell again and again, smiling every time.
So here’s to the journey. To family. To discovering more about the people we love and the world they come from. And to Manila, city of contrasts, city of stories, and soon, city of beautiful memories.
“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” – Confucius
Catch you soon with stories from the other side of the sky. 🌆💖✈️
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