Before I reach the age of 30, I hope to embark on an adventure exploring the Philippines solely on foot. Picture me with a guitar strapped to my back and a baby stroller carrying my essentials to ease the load on my back. Of course, my trusty companion, Ceb the dog, will be by my side.
I’ve been harboring this plan for quite some time, even during the pandemic. I purchased necessary gear, thinking about survival in remote places. The primary reason for acquiring a dog, particularly a Belgian breed, is the need for a vigilant companion with a keen sense of danger approaching.
Since we don’t know what the future holds, I thought it best to let go of any eagerness to undertake such an adventure. Until recently, a spark of madness and the rekindling of my eagerness for adventure resurfaced.
So, before I hit 30 years old, I aspire to make this ultimate adventure a reality—a journey that I can reflect on during tough times, work-related stress, and moments when nothing seems to make sense. The idea of traversing the entire Philippines serves as a respite. When asked why, I honestly don’t have a concrete answer. What I do know is that I want to lead an unconventional life, travel with purpose, seek solitude, and confront the less pleasant aspects of my past with acceptance and letting go. I feel that there is more to life than the routine grind: wake up, work for money to fund unnecessary luxuries, and borrow just to keep up with societal expectations.
People are engrossed in various matters such as politics, societal norms, and the lives of others. However, it’s easy to forget that we don’t have an eternity in this world; our time here is limited, and someday, we will all pass away.
Now, delving into the realm of instincts and the impulse to escape, I deeply connect with the idea of embracing the lifestyle of a wanderer, someone who travels predominantly on foot. Over the years, my inclination during challenging times has been to embark on a journey. In the past, it involved spending nights in public parks, spontaneously boarding random buses armed only with a cigarette and a wallet, or crashing at a friend’s apartment shared with five other guys. However, in the past year, a strong desire has emerged to pack my Everyday Carry backpack and set off, exploring, experiencing the country, and discovering if there’s a glimmer of true humanity amidst a world dominated by concrete and possessions.
Equipped with essentials like a tent, a sleeping bag, a canine companion, and various necessities, along with my resourcefulness, industriousness, and cleverness, I feel confident about embracing the life of a wanderer. It would undoubtedly be a transition, but I believe it’s within the realm of possibility. Anything can be achieved.
Yet, there are hindrances. I’ve grown close to people once again. Unlike the two-year period where I wasn’t deeply attached to anyone, I have a girlfriend whom I love dearly. The thought of leaving her behind pains me, although I can’t justify asking her to join me because I struggle to fully articulate this instinct. Only those who share this feeling can truly comprehend it. It’s like feeling lost in your own bed yet strangely at home in the state of being lost.
There are still things I need to do, lessons to learn, and possessions to acquire before I can embark on this journey. But someday, my blog will be filled with stories of my adventures. Someday.
By the way, that featured image above is the guy who already walked the world with a dog. It’s nice to know that someone is already living your dream.