There's no place like home

Each place has its own charm. It can be its natural resources, admirable architecture, rich culture, delicious food, interesting festivities or warm and lively people. Visiting many places allows you to not only behold God’s generosity, but to also learn and appreciate diversity.

I always imagined traveling to be fulfilling. Growing up from very humble beginnings, it was not something we could afford then. And now, traveling exclusively for leisure is almost impossible for me, considering my hectic schedule. But somehow, the appeal of traveling still remains. It’s a good thing that my work in the entertainment industry does not coop me up in studios all the time, but still brings me around interesting places.

It’s great that I get invited to out-of-town events. This is almost the only reason why I get to “travel” in the first place. My work has brought me to famous Philippine tourist destinations like Cebu and Davao, but I hardly got to maximize my time spent there. Most of these visits follow a full itinerary within a very limited time, so I really don’t get the time and chance to independently go around. There are still many places I have not been to at all, and I still dream about visiting as many places as possible, especially in the Philippines.

It would be also nice to go out of the country. My first time outside the Philippines was for the 2010 Miss Universe pageant held in Las Vegas. I also got the chance to go to Los Angeles and San Francisco. How I wish I could explore more countries, especially our Asian neighbors.

During the dance number with contestants of a local pageant in Bicol

But of course, despite the appeal of the many good things that other places offer, nothing compares to home. I have found that no matter how beautiful a place is, whenever I am away for an extended period, I always find myself longing for home — Bicol.

Bicol is still the best for me. I spent 22 years of my life there. I will keep coming back primarily because of my family and all the memories I associate with the place. I miss the people, the rural charm, the food, everything!

So in spite of all my daydreams about traveling, I must concede that there is still no place like home.