At the Second European Regional Conference of the European Network of Filipino Diaspora (ENFID) held in Malta from July 31 to August 2, 2015, a bald Maltese gentleman was often seen working feverishly behind the scenes. One minute, he’s giving instructions to the volunteer staff. The next, he could be found checking on the meals… Continue reading
Finding my inner solo traveler
Three minutes after I said goodbye to my travel buddy and husband Glen, I posted this. Hours later, I landed in Dublin. Soon, I was making friends in Malta. Then I got to stay in a cozy little cave perfect for one. The following morning, I walked along these cliffs on my own. I explored… Continue reading
Solo Travel Diary: Day 1
I’m currently on my first solo international trip. I’ve flown alone many times to US cities in the past for continuing education classes and to meet up with friends. I’ve also gone back and forth to the Philippines by myself to visit family. But this is my first legit trip where I’m truly on my… Continue reading
Genocide Memorials: History, Education and Awareness through Travel
Warning: this post contains graphic and disturbing images. Genocide is probably the farthest thing that comes to mind when one thinks about planning vacation and leisure travel. I didn’t seek it in my own travels, but somehow at some point, I find myself in standing in places that have witnessed or commemorated harrowing human suffering… Continue reading
Why Women Should Pursue Travel
When the talk of travel comes up, most women have their go-to fantasy of what their dream trip looks like. For some, it’s an idyllic walk on the beach in a tropical paradise with the love of their life. For others, it’s standing in front of the Eiffel Tower, taking the ultimate selfie. Some may… Continue reading
Tourist or Traveler?
Tourist or Traveler by Lea Cruz In the fall of September 2013, the author Lea Cruz visited Europe for the first time on a bonding and adventure trip with her brother. In this piece, she explores the pull between being a tourist and a traveler. I’ve done some traveling but not a whole lot. Out… Continue reading
What Travel Means to Me
Getting Back on the Saddle Last week, I hit a wall. Two weeks after launching this blog, I was overwhelmed with so many things I wanted to write and post. I got caught up with the logistics of establishing a blog. I was reading other travel blogs and wanted Viajera Filipina to be as polished,… Continue reading
Tourist vs. Traveler, and why it shouldn't matter
The other day, I saw yet another online quiz that discerned in 5 questions whether a person was a tourist or a traveler. I answered my way through it, confident that my responses will confirm that I embody the characteristics of the latter. After all, I have avoided being herded around in big bus excursions,… Continue reading
The Viajera Filipina Manifesto
Breaking Free Kababae mong tao, bumabyahe ka nang mag-isa. (Loosely interpreted: You, a woman, have some nerve to travel by yourself.) Filipinos can immediately recognize the feeling of thinly veiled condescension and admonition that comes with this statement. Women who traveled, particularly on their own, were used to be viewed either with suspicion, as if… Continue reading
The Transformation on Icelandair Flight 623
From what I could tell, the blonde lady sitting across the aisle from me was a local Icelandic woman. I was a Filipino-American visitor to her land of Vikings and volcanoes, concluding a weeklong wedding anniversary trip. As the Boeing 757 lifted off the ground and started to make its way up to the sky,… Continue reading
