Dreaming to fly

As a little girl, I was always fascinated by flying. Every time I saw an airplane pass by our house, it was normal for a child like me to raise my hand and say "bye-bye." This is a common Filipino habit, especially during a time when there were few airplanes, and we mostly traveled by boat to other islands.

Every time I saw an airplane, I kept thinking about flying myself one day from one place to another. It felt like I had wings. I even expressed this dream to my mother. However, knowing that she had fewer aspirations in life, she often told me that it was impossible for a girl like me to fly away for several reasons: we were poor, flying was only for rich people, and it wasn’t good to dream too high.

My mother constantly reminded us that we were poor and that certain things, like flying, were not possible for us. But as a child who always believed in dreams, I told my mother, "Just do not ask me how I will fly, but just remember that I dream to fly, and I will do it one day."

First wings

My first flight occurred when I was selected to participate in a training program for Anti-Child Labor Advocates in Cebu City. Cebu is on another island, about a 30-minute flight from my city. The happiness and excitement I felt about flying for the first time are still vivid in my memory. I was fascinated by the flight attendants and all the airline procedures, constantly marveling at how they could fly every day.

One day, I received incredible news: I was chosen to be a delegate at the ASIA Pacific Summit, which would take me to Canada. That was 1997. The thrill of this opportunity was momentarily dampened by reports of severe flooding in Canada, but ultimately, my dream came true. I found visiting Toronto and marvelling at the magnificent Niagara Falls. This experience made me believe in the power of dreams.

Canada’s airports are impressive. From Toronto, I flew to Saskatchewan, where the cold was unforgettable. However, what left a lasting impression was visiting a 6,000-year-old habitat of the Indigenous people. This journey not only broadened my horizons but also deepened my appreciation for diverse cultures and histories.

After visiting Canada, I thought that was enough, as I had already achieved a significant milestone by traveling to a different country for free at the age of 18. Coming from a poor background, this felt like a substantial accomplishment. I planned to continue my studies and live a normal life, just like anyone else in our neighborhood. I put my dreams on hold until one day I was called to work in Kazakhstan.

I spent a year in Kazakhstan as an international volunteer with Volunteer Service Overseas. Initially, I was apprehensive about traveling to neighboring countries due to the lack of Google and my limited knowledge of Russian. The fear of getting lost kept me rooted in Kazakhstan for the entire year. Meanwhile, I saw my American friends traveling to Mongolia, China, and Uzbekistan.

As a Filipino, I was accustomed to traveling in groups, as many of us were afraid to travel alone. Independent travel was not common among us, which is why only a few Filipinos manage to visit multiple countries. We prefer to travel with friends, colleagues, or significant others. However, this is often impractical due to the high cost of tickets and accommodations. For middle-income or average wage earners, traveling the world with several people can be challenging.

United States of America

In 2016, I was fortunate enough to receive a short fellowship program that brought me to the USA. I lived in Saint Paul, Minnesota, for almost four months, working with refugees and immigrants. This experience offered me the opportunity to visit various churches in Minnesota and witness the incredible diversity among the people living in the state. I realized that Minnesota is a welcoming home for refugees and offers a rich tapestry of cultures to explore.

During my stay, I also attended various local performances, which led me to develop a deep appreciation for jazz music — a genre not commonly found in my home country. In Minnesota, jazz is prevalent, with many talented musicians performing in bars. I will never forget the unique "Minnesota sound" that I encountered. As part of my fellowship, I visited Washington D.C., where I saw iconic landmarks such as the White House, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the John F. Kennedy Memorial.

I also took the opportunity to visit other states like Georgia, Chicago and New York, a place that holds significant popularity in the Philippines. It is often said that a visit to the USA is incomplete without experiencing New York City. Seeing the Statue of Liberty with my own eyes was truly amazing. The statue was enormous, and the journey to Liberty Island by boat allowed me to appreciate its grandeur up close. Then, I understand that USA is a melting pot and the first immigrants who landed in Staten Island undertook several tests to be able to set foot in the U.S. They were spread out in different parts of the country, thus, it is hard to say who the real Americans are.

These experiences broadened my perspective and enriched my understanding of American culture, leaving a lasting impression on me.

Visiting Asian countries

After my transformative experience in the USA, my perspective on global possibilities broadened significantly. Navigating the complexities of a foreign country and getting lost multiple times instilled in me a sense of resilience and adaptability, reinforcing the belief that I can overcome any challenge. This newfound confidence inspired me to present my research at various conferences across the Asian region, merging my passion for academic inquiry with my love for travel.

In 2019, I had the privilege of presenting my paper on "Handling Children in Conflict with the Law" at the Multi-Disciplinary Conference in Sri Lanka. This journey took me to the "teardrop of India," a country abundant in history and culture despite its small size. One of the highlights of my visit was exploring Sigiriya, also known as Sinhagiri, an ancient rock fortress in the northern Matale District near Dambulla. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, Sigiriya is a breathtaking monument that left me in awe of its grandeur and historical significance.

Prior to my visit to Sri Lanka, I explored Malaysia, where I marveled at landmarks such as the Batu Caves, the Petronas Towers, and Malacca. The visit to Malacca held particular significance for me as a Filipino, as it was here that Ferdinand Magellan arrived on September 1, 1509, before discovering the Philippines on March 16, 1521. Standing where Magellan once stood, I felt a profound connection to my nation's history, enriching my understanding of our shared heritage.

Since Singapore is only a five-hour bus ride from Malaysia, I seized the opportunity to explore this vibrant city-state. Singapore impressed me with its modernity and dynamism, reminiscent of New York, which justifies its nickname, "The Lion City." Despite being a budget-conscious traveler and only spending a single day there, walking through the bustling streets of Singapore was an unforgettable experience.

Next, I visited Taiwan during a period when Filipinos could travel visa-free. The vibrant street food scene and the authentic noodles, difficult to find in my home country, left a lasting impression on me. The following year, I traveled to Hong Kong for another presentation at the University of Hong Kong. It was my first time visiting a wax museum — Madame Tussauds — which featured the 2015 Miss Universe, Pia Wurtzbach. On weekends in Hong Kong's Central Park, I encountered many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who work as domestic helpers. Seeing my kababayans (fellow Filipinos) gathering to send "Filipino boxes" filled with goods to their families made me feel at home.

Being a Filipino living abroad often feels like winning a lottery ticket, with numerous expectations from those back home. There is a cultural expectation to bring "pasalubong" (souvenirs) for family and friends, reflecting the deep connections we maintain despite the distance. These travels have not only enriched my professional life, but have also deepened my understanding of different cultures and histories, shaping me into a more empathetic and worldly individual.

The next country I was fortunate to visit was Korea because I was chosen as one of the Gender Trainers by the Korean Institute for Gender Equality. I made it to Seoul and Jeonju, in South Korea. I might be biased, but I believe Seoul has a lot of soul in it. Everything in Seoul seems thoughtfully designed, with ample green spaces and art installations. I appreciated the food and the cultural practice of Koreans leaving their offices during lunch to eat outside with their colleagues, sustaining the local economy through numerous Korean-run restaurants. In addition, the Koreans dressed well, like fashion icons on the street.

Koreans have invested heavily in their artists and innovations, turning even the smallest items into artworks, and transforming neglected areas into cultural landmarks. A former prostitution district turned into a museum and Cheonggyecheon, a restored canal, transformed into a beautiful stream for tourism and water lantern festivals. These examples illustrate the magic of Seoul, teaching me that artists can indeed change the world.

In Jeonju, I had the opportunity to wear traditional Korean dress, transporting me back to the past. The beauty of South Korea lies in its ability to modernize while honoring its history. This balance is a strength from which I believe Filipinos could learn.

After completing my fellowship in Germany, I traveled to Vietnam, driven by a fascination with how the country had managed to win a war against the USA. I was eager to understand the resilience and strategies behind this historic victory. During my visit, I explored the Vietnam National Women’s Museum and learned about the crucial role women guerrillas played during the Vietnam War. This revelation added a new layer of admiration for the country's strength and resourcefulness.

Since Thailand was nearby, I took the opportunity to visit this remarkable nation as well. Thailand, notable for never having been colonized, offers a unique perspective on Southeast Asian history and culture. Visiting Thailand felt like stepping into a living museum, with its well-preserved kingdoms and historic palaces providing a glimpse into a rich and unbroken heritage. For those seeking a blend of cultural depth and regal splendour reminiscent of Europe, Thailand is an ideal destination.

These journeys to Vietnam and Thailand deepened my understanding of the region's history and resilience, enriching my global perspective and further solidifying my identity as a citizen of the world. These experiences have not only broadened my horizons but also reinforced my belief in the power of cultural exchange and the arts. Each journey has enriched my understanding of the world, making me a more compassionate and knowledgeable individual.

The European tour

In 2022, another fellowship brought me to Germany, a country I never thought I would visit due to a past heartbreak with a German man during my college days. Initially, Germany was not on my travel list, but I believe that what is meant to be will always find its way to you. I found myself in Hamburg, an international city teeming with immigrants and visitors from all over the world. Its status as a major port and trade center contributes to its diverse population. For almost nine months, I immersed myself in learning basic German and delved into Gender and Development at the International Sustainability Academy.

Hamburg is renowned for its delicious hamburgers and is a haven for beer enthusiasts, especially during the festive Christmas Market in December. The city's vibrant cultural scene and welcoming atmosphere made it an ideal place for my studies and personal growth.

Being in Europe provided a strategic opportunity to explore neighboring countries. I visited the Netherlands and marveled at the famous city of Amsterdam, a masterpiece of Dutch engineering and culture. I also traveled to Bern, Switzerland, the former capital known for its well-preserved 12th-century medieval architecture in the Altstadt (Old Town).

A visit to Portugal allowed me to connect with a friend and explore the country known as the birthplace of global exploration. Facing the vast Atlantic Ocean, it became clear to me why the Portuguese were driven to discover new lands. In Oslo, Norway, I was captivated by more than 200 man-made statues and the city's innovative architecture.

My European tour concluded in Prague, often called the jewel of Europe. Beyond its famous astronomical clock, Prague offered a wealth of historical and cultural experiences. This first European adventure was fulfilling, yet I knew it was just the beginning.

Coming back and forth to my country of birth

I am eagerly anticipating my return to Europe in June of this year, where I plan to continue my exploration and adventures. With all the places I have been and all the things I have seen, even this page cannot encompass the entirety of my experiences. Our eyes and memories are selective, capturing moments that resonate deeply while letting others fade. As a middle-class Filipino, I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel extensively. This privilege largely stems from my professional involvement in Gender and Social Work, which often necessitates sharing my research findings globally.

Reflecting on my journeys, I am reminded of our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal’s words: "Genius knows no country, genius sprouts anywhere, genius is like light, air, the patrimony of everybody, cosmopolitan like space, like life, like God." These travels have reinforced this belief, showing me that brilliance and beauty can be found in every corner of the globe.

Having traveled to so many places, I no longer see myself solely as a Filipino, but as a citizen of the world. This global perspective has enriched my understanding of humanity, cultures, and histories, making me more empathetic and connected to the diverse tapestry of life that spans our planet. Each journey has been a step in a larger adventure, shaping me into a more enlightened and worldly individual.