If I had to describe my 2025 in one word, it would be busy. This year was the busiest I have been since I started this travel blog. For the first time, I crossed the 40-flight mark and ended the year with 47 domestic and international flights. A big portion of these trips were between Manila and my hometown in Albay, where I am currently based.
I also had three work trips that added to an already packed personal travel schedule. Setting those aside, all my other trips were done with family and friends. It is safe to say that this year allowed me to strengthen the bonds and connections I share with the people closest to me.
Join me as I wrap up my very busy 2025 travel year. I am quite behind on my blog plans and posting schedule, and I sincerely apologize for that. I hope to make it up to everyone in 2026. I have a lot to share, and I hope you will stay tuned.
Tokyo
2025 started with a trip to Tokyo with my relatives. We managed to book a last minute and affordable Cathay Pacific flight to Tokyo Haneda via Hong Kong. We spent six days in and around Tokyo, flights included, and visited Tokyo DisneySea, Sanrio Puroland, and Warner Bros Studio Tour Tokyo The Making of Harry Potter. We also took a day trip to Kawaguchiko and Yamanakako to see Mount Fuji.
Related posts:
Flight Report: CATHAY PACIFIC CX 930 – Manila to Hong Kong – A Perfectly Timed Quick Hop to Asia’s World City
Flight Report: CATHAY PACIFIC CX 542 – Hong Kong to Tokyo Haneda – First Time via HKIA & Into Haneda Airport
Flight Report: CATHAY PACIFIC CX 549 – Tokyo Haneda to Hong Kong – Excellent Regional Economy Class Service Out of Japan
Flight Report: CATHAY PACIFIC CX 939 – Hong Kong to Manila – A Rowdy Crew on the Final Daily Manila Run
Tokyo 2025: MOUNT FUJI DAY TRIP WITH KIDS – Our Easy, Stress-Free Private Tour Experience (Including Price, Booking Process & Itinerary)
HO CHI MINH CITY
Just days after returning from Tokyo, I flew to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with friends. We spent three full days exploring the city, enjoying Vietnamese food and coffee, and soaking in the Saigon vibe. I have been to Ho Chi Minh City several times before, with my week-long trip in 2024 being the most recent prior to this visit.
Related posts:
Flight Report: PHILIPPINE AIRLINES PR 591 – Manila to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Economy Value Ticket to Vietnam’s Vibrant City with PH Flag Carrier
Flight Report: PHILIPPINE AIRLINES PR 592 – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Manila – A Taste of PAL’s Regional Widebody Service with a Last-Minute Equipment Swap
LOS ANGELES
My college friends and I spent Holy Week in Los Angeles, California. This trip marked my first time using the US B1 B2 visa I obtained back in December 2023. We stayed for eight full days and focused on exploring California.
We visited familiar spots such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, LACMA, Santa Monica Pier, and Venice Beach. We also visited several theme parks and studios including Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood, Universal Studios Hollywood for two days, and Disneyland Park in Anaheim.
Related posts:
Flight Report: EVA AIR BR 262 – Manila to Taipei – Enjoying a Complimentary Premium Economy Seat En Route to the United States
Flight Report: EVA AIR BR 6 – Taipei to Los Angeles – My First Transpacific Long-Haul Flight to LAX
Flight Report: EVA AIR BR 5 – Los Angeles to Taipei – Excellent 14-Hour Transpacific Journey Back to Taiwan
More to come..
Singapore
My college friends and I also flew to Singapore to visit a friend who had recently moved there. We spent the weekend enjoying local food, visiting Harry Potter Visions of Magic in Sentosa, and making new memories together. This trip was all about good food and even better company.
HO CHI MINH CITY Pt. 2
Days after returning from Singapore, I flew back to Ho Chi Minh City, this time for work. I visited our Saigon office, met with colleagues, and attended an awards event. I extended my stay by two days and used the time to catch up with Vietnamese friends.
Auckland
I flew to Auckland, New Zealand in July to attend a trade show for work. Our company had a booth at the event and hosted a panel discussion on the main stage. I also visited our Auckland office and met colleagues based there.
After completing my work duties, I took some time off to explore the city. I went around Auckland, hiked up Mount Eden, took a day tour to Waiheke Island, and spent half a day in Hobbiton. It was refreshing to explore a new city and country again after quite some time.
Related post:
Tuesday Tips for Filipinos / Philippine Passport Holders: Do-It-Yourself NEW ZEALAND BUSINESS VISITOR VISA Online Application
Kuala Lumpur
A little over a week after my Auckland trip, I flew to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for another work trip. I visited our local office, met colleagues, and attended a company awards event..
Similar to my Ho Chi Minh City work trip, I stayed through the weekend. My sister joined me, and I took her around Chinatown. I also met up with friends based in Kuala Lumpur before flying back to Manila.
Fukuoka
My friends and I took advantage of the August holidays and flew to Fukuoka, Japan for six days. We traveled around Fukuoka and the Kyushu region during one of Japan’s hottest months.
We took day trips to Yufuin, Beppu, Nagasaki, and Miyazaki. The rest of the time was spent around Fukuoka, enjoying the local food scene and doing some light shopping before heading home.
Boracay
I surprised my college friends during their Boracay weekend trip. I booked my flights and accommodation without telling them and spent the entire weekend with the group.
My sister also joined me, and we spent the whole Sunday swimming and eating out together. It was a relaxed beach getaway filled with good food and great company.
La Union
I ended the year with a short three-day trip to San Juan, La Union. My friends and I traveled by land, stayed in an Airbnb, and enjoyed a calm and worry-free few days together.
More than the destination, I truly enjoyed my friends’ company. It was a simple trip, but spending quality time with them made it a nice way to end the year.
Looking back, 2025 was not really about the number of places I visited, but more about who I traveled with. I am thankful and blessed to have spent time and created memories with the people dear to me.
I look forward to finally sharing the many stories that are still waiting to be written in the coming year. Wishing everyone a fun and meaningful 2026 with new journeys and memorable moments. Happy New Year! 🎇