A Letter to 2019

A Letter to 2019

 Thank you for the 365 days that we've shared together. It was really a memorable one. Unlike last year, I made sure to have at least one trip per month. I made sure that I have plenty of bonding time with my family and my cousins, hence we had a monthly hike to different mountains in the country.

Let's look back and see what milestones we've achieved this year.
1. This year, I was able to publish 77 articles (one article more than last year 😀). 

2. I have finally reached 2 million views. 


3. Several articles and photographs were published on different Facebook pages. I was also featured in next year's NAVI 2020 Travel Journal.

4. I got to travel back to Singapore with my QSR friends and to Japan with my family. I also got to visit several new destinations in the Philippines this year.


 Speaking of travels, here are the highlights of my travels for each month last year:

January

Kilometer 0 Marker [the best place to start this year's adventures], Manila

Kite flying bonding with Ella at San Lorenzo Ruiz Plaza, Manila

Short visit to Rizal Monument in Luneta, Manila

Conquered the 1st mountain for this year with my cousins- Mt. Batulao, Batangas

February

Ella's birthday trip - Splash Island, Laguna

Taal Heritage Town Field Trip, Batangas

Conquered the 2nd mountain with the cousins- Mt. Talamitam, Batangas

March

Food trip with the family at 4U2C Sidewalk Fud Hub, Cavite

Conquered the 3rd mountain with the cousins- Mt. Manabu, Batangas

My Birthday Celebration -Sambokojin, SM Southmall, Las Pinas City

April

Holy Week Out of Town @ Lian, Batangas

2019 Visita Iglesia -Batangas, Las Pinas City, Muntinlupa City

Conquered 4th mountain with my cousins- Mt. Buntis in Maragondon, Cavite

May

Company outing at Palm Beach Resort in San Juan, Batangas

5-day Albay road trip with the family

June

Dinner at Samgyupsalamat BF with our friend Injin

July

Another food trip at Samgyupsalamat Boulevard

Conquered 5th mountain with my cousins - Mt. Cayabu in Tanay, Rizal

Conquered 6th mountain with my cousins - Mt. Maynuba in Tanay, Rizal

August

Food trip with the family at Krazy Katsu in BF

September

5-day Google Innovator Program 2019 - Singapore

October

Tagaytay Bonding moments with my friends from Taiwan

Intramuros Ocular for Step Up 2020

November

UNDAS - Quezon family bonding trip

December

Japan Diaries 3 / Team Nicerio in Japan 2019

Christmas in Japan 2019


With this, I'm praying that 2020 won't disappoint. Again, thanks a lot 2019!

Sincerely yours,
Neil Alvin Nicerio
The Backpack Adventures



Location: Bacoor, Cavite, Philippines

Comments

  1. Carmen CastilloJanuary 3, 2020 at 10:20 PM

    Your 2019 definitely seemed very productive and fun! I would love to go on a trip to Japan someday. Fingers crossed for 2020!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJanuary 7, 2020 at 7:35 AM

      I'd pray for that Carmen. I'm excited to see pictures of your future Japan trip.

      Delete
  2. Zeeshan AliJanuary 4, 2020 at 12:18 AM

    nice work keep it up

    ReplyDelete
  3. LoritaJanuary 4, 2020 at 12:36 AM

    That was a lot of travel you did in a year! so jealous! Happy 2020 to you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJanuary 7, 2020 at 7:37 AM

      Thank you Lorita. I hope your 2019 was amazing as well.

      Delete
  4. DjikseaJanuary 4, 2020 at 5:32 AM

    Looks like you had a great year! Happy for you 💕

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJanuary 7, 2020 at 7:38 AM

      I did! Thank you! I hope your 2019 was a blast too!

      Delete
  5. Ashli FergusonJanuary 4, 2020 at 10:15 AM

    What an awesome post!! 2019 seemed so good to you I hope 2020 is as well!

    ReplyDelete
  6. HinaJanuary 4, 2020 at 1:39 PM

    It’s refreshing to peek into how your 2019 was.

    ReplyDelete
  7. HensonJanuary 4, 2020 at 2:07 PM

    I relly like all the pictures above... It seems take me to that places..... thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  8. TomJanuary 4, 2020 at 7:45 PM

    Well done on smashing your goals, here's to an even more successful 2020!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioFebruary 13, 2020 at 8:18 AM

      Thank you! So far my 2020 seems to be going the right track.

      Delete
  9. Ivana MearnsJanuary 5, 2020 at 4:33 AM

    wow, that's quite an impressive list of achievements. congratulations on getting so many views.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioFebruary 13, 2020 at 8:19 AM

      Thank you so much Ivana! 2 million views took a lot of effort and promoting. Hehehe

      Delete
  10. MayszJanuary 5, 2020 at 6:12 PM

    Wow, Your 2019 it was a great year from you and I'm so interested to join 2020 Navi Journal! Congrats to your 2 million views can't wait mine Lol! Happy New year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioFebruary 13, 2020 at 8:20 AM

      You'd get there! Just keep on blogging quality content and enjoy what you're doing. =)

      Delete
  11. Fransic VersoJanuary 5, 2020 at 7:19 PM

    Congratulation for reaching such a milestone views and being in the list. You have great stuff and you deserve.

    ReplyDelete
  12. aisasamiJanuary 5, 2020 at 8:38 PM

    Congrats on getting 2 million viewers! Here is to many more! I hope you can come back to Japan and visit Nagoya someday!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioFebruary 13, 2020 at 8:28 AM

      That's my goal this year or next year. I would love to visit Nagoya and Sapporo soon.

      Delete
  13. Marjie MareJanuary 6, 2020 at 8:07 AM

    This is a beautiful post. I love all the pictures!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Traci EdwardsJanuary 7, 2020 at 1:51 AM

    I love looking back on the last year always so fun!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Amelia PollockJanuary 7, 2020 at 5:14 AM

    Cool recap of 2019!! You really had a successful and wish you the blast achievement for 2020.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioFebruary 14, 2020 at 9:01 AM

      Thank you Amelia. I'm praying for another awesome year as well.

      Delete
  16. SemmarysJanuary 9, 2020 at 10:24 PM

    Thank a awesome recap. you really seems enjoyed 2019. wish you all the best for 2020

    ReplyDelete
  17. Adventures with ShelbyJanuary 21, 2020 at 12:32 PM

    2 million views!! Congrats! That's awesome

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Book your hotel thru KLOOK

Klook.com
Subscribe and get updated with the latest travel articles of The Backpack Adventures

Popular posts from this blog

Imus City Plaza - Cavite

Image
Located in the center of the Poblacion or town proper of Imus City in the province of Cavite, Imus City Plaza is one of the city's scenic and historical attractions. Imus City Plaza Imus City Plaza Details This plaza is located in front of the equally historical Imus Cathedral and Imus City Hall . Imus City Plaza is also the first place to greet you if you're heading to the cathedral via Sapinoso Street.  Imus City Plaza - Imus City, Cavite General Licerio Topacio The general guarding the flag Checking out each angle of the monument Imus City Plaza History Imus City Plaza is probably easily remembered because of the monument with two vintage artillery flanking it. The monument stands as an honor to the children of Imus who joined the fight for the independence of the country against Spain. As for the man standing on top of the monument, he is General Licerio Topacio . He is one of the most notable sons of Imus. He is famously known for honorably declining
Keep reading

Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Cavite

Image
Located in Rosario in the province of Cavite, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros is famously known as the location of the historic Tejeros Convention of 1897. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros Casa Hacienda de Tejeros history Casa Hacienda de Tejeros was originally built in the 17th century. The hacienda and its surrounding lands were formerly owned by the Augustinian Recollects. The estate was once the largest and grandest estate in the country. It once covered as much as 1,125 hectares with the casa occupying 4 hectares of it. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Rosario, Cavite The NHI Marker of the Casa Hacienda de Tejeros The name tejeros came from the Spanish name tejer , which means "to weave". It's due to the fact that the weaving industry is one of the major industries of the municipality of Rosario. Going back to its historical importance, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros played an important role in 1897 when it hosted the assembly that the new leaders of the revolution were elected.
Keep reading

Bonifacio Shrine in Indang - Cavite

Image
Located in Barangay Limbon, Indang in the province of Cavite, the Bonifacio Shrine of Indang is one of the historical landmarks dedicated to the Father of the Philippine Revolution -Andres Bonifacio.  Bonifacio Shrine of Indang Bonifacio Shrine in Indang History Bonifacio Shrine in Indang marks the location of the nipa hut where Andres Bonifacio was seized and captured by the soldiers of his political rival and fellow revolutionary Emilio Aguinaldo in 1897. It was also here that Bonifacio was gravely injured after he was shot by an arresting soldier when he was being dragged to Indang town proper to be imprisoned. Bonifacio Shrine in Indang , Cavite This is how I look like pre-sneeze. The arrest of Bonifacio Philippine Historical Commission marker Presently, the historical nipa hut did not win against the tests of time. A small public park was constructed where the nipa hut was said to have once stood. The park features a statue of a seemingly very surprised Andres
Keep reading

Fukagawa Roadside Station – Hokkaido

Image
Fukagawa Roadside Station  ( 道の駅 ライスランドふかがわ ) is one of the 128 roadside stations spread across Hokkaido. It is located at 59-7 Hirosato, Otoecho in Fukagawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Fukagawa Roadside Station Fukagawa Roadside Station details Fukagawa Roadside Station is officially called Roadside Station Riceland Fukagawa . It follows the theme “Fukagawa, the city of rice”. It is a place where visitors can buy high-quality Fukagawa rice and also a place where visitors can learn about rice and agriculture. Fukagawa Roadside Station - Fukagawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture Fukagawa Roadside Station was registered last August 13, 2002, and was given registration number 17.  Photos outside Fukagawa Roadside Station At present the roadside station has the following amenities: General Information It is located right after you enter the front entrance of the roadside station. Motorists can get information about tourist spots, restaurants, public facilities, and even road info and we
Keep reading

Jose Rizal Shrine in Calamba - Laguna

Image
Located at Francisco Mercado Street corner Jose P. Rizal Street, Barangay 5 Poblacion, Calamba City in the province of Laguna, Jose Rizal Shrine  ( Dambana ni Rizal ) is the birthplace of Dr. Jose P. Rizal -the National Hero of the Philippines. Jose Rizal Shrine (Calamba) Jose Rizal Shrine History Jose Rizal Shrine is probably well known as the ancestral house of Rizal's family. The house serves as a museum that contains furniture and items that belong to the Rizal family. Jose Rizal Shrine - Calamba City, Laguna Young Jose Rizal with his dog I wonder what Young Rizal had in mind Rizal Shrine NHI Marker For those who don't know, the house that stood in the lot is actually only a replica of the old ancestral house which was destroyed during the Second World War. The replica was constructed right after the war. The construction was supervised by the late National Artist Juan Nakpil. It was inaugurated in 1950. The entrance to Jose Rizal Shrine
Keep reading

A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps

Image
Japan is undeniably a collector's paradise. As a matter of fact, there are a plethora of different things to collect here that are catered to every collector's unique taste and preference.  Anime fans have their usual toys, mangas, and memorabilia. Pokemon fans have numerous Pokemon Centers that sell an assortment of Pokemon merchandise. Kitkat collectors have more than 300 flavors of Kitkat to try out. Pilgrims have the temple stamps called goshuin which I wrote about last time. These are but some of the numerous possible things to collect in Japan . A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps However, since I'm promoting budget travel, my article today talks about something that you can collect for FREE . Yup, you read that right. All you need to have is a clean notebook or tickler and an ever-watchful eye. A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps Eki stamps , also called train station stamps, are rubber ink stamps that are typically found in most train stations in Japan. These stamps f
Keep reading

Jigokudani - Hokkaido

Image
Jigokudani ( 登別地獄谷 ) or Hell Valley in English is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Noboribetsu City. It is located at Noboribetsuonsencho/Noboribetsu Onsen Town in Noboribetsu City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Jigokudani Jigokudani details Nestled at the western foot of the active volcano "Katataraku" lies Jigokudani , a geothermal wonderland that forms a part of the "Noboribetsu Volcano" along with Oyunuma and Hiyoriyama . With a diameter of approximately 450 meters and covering an area of around 11 hectares, Jigokudani serves as the source of Noboribetsu Onsen , a renowned hot spring town where high-temperature fumaroles and hydrothermal activity continue to mesmerize visitors. In recognition of its unique ecological importance, Jigokudani has been designated as a "Special Protection Area" within the Shikotsu-Toya National Park . Jigokudani - Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture The formation of Jigokudani can be traced back to vo
Keep reading

Agusan Del Sur: Bunawan Ecopark and Wildlife Reservation Center

Image
Found in Barangay Consuelo, Bunawan in the province of Agusan Del Sur, Bunawan Ecopark and Wildlife Reservation Center became famous for its world known centerpiece exhibit. Bunawan arc That exhibit is named Lolong , the world's longest salt water crocodile ever caught. Lolong was captured in Bunawan Creek, a part of the vast Agusan Marsh on September 3, 2011. Lolong In November of the same year, an Australian crocodile expert from the National geographic measured Lolong and confirmed that the crocodile was indeed the longest ever caught. the enormous Lolong measured 20 feet and 24 inches from snout to tail beating the Australian croc named Cassius which formerly holds the said title. A young kid views the croc 5 times his size Six months later, Lolong was officially certified by the Guinness Book of World records as the " World's Biggest Crocodile in Captivity ". Bunawan Mayor Elorde with some foreign guests Bunawan Mayor Cox Elorde t
Keep reading

Daisetsuzan National Park - Hokkaido

Image
Daisetsuzan National Park ( 大雪山国立公園 ) spans 2,267 square kilometers and encompasses 16 peaks, offering diverse trails, abundant wildlife, and alpine flora. This is the largest national park in Hokkaido, Japan . This vast park covers parts of Kitami City, Asahikawa City, Furano City, and the towns of Higashikawa, Kamifurano, Minamifurano, and Kamishihoro. However, a large part of the park is inside the town of Kamikawa but for this article, I will write about my experience in the Higashikawa part of the Daisetsuzan National Park . Daisetsuzan National Park  Daisetsuzan National Park details Nestled in the heart of Hokkaido, Japan 's northernmost prefecture, lies the breathtaking Daisetsuzan National Park . Known affectionately as the "roof of Hokkaido," this expansive park is a haven for nature lovers, adventurers, and seekers of tranquility. Daisetsuzan National Park - Hokkaido Spanning an impressive 2,267 square kilometers, Daisetsuzan National Park is home to the awe
Keep reading

Kamay ni Hesus Shrine - Quezon

Image
Kamay ni Hesus Shrine,  or simply Kamay ni Hesus   is a famous religious shrine and grotto. It is l ocated in Barangay Tinamnan, Lucban in the province of Quezon. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine Kamay ni Hesus Shrine History Also known as  Via Dolorosa Grotto , Kamay ni Hesus Shrine was built under the initiative of Fr. Joseph "Joey" Faller in 2003. He is known as a gifted healing priest. Due to Fr. Faller's healing masses, Kamay ni Hesus Shrine became one of the country's most visited healing centers. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine - Lucban, Quezon Statues of saints can be seen in different areas of Kamay ni Hesus Shrine A replica of Pieta by Michelangelo Pilgrims look like ants from a distance. Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church Inside the Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church One of the highlights of Kamay ni Hesus Shrine is the 50-foot statue of Christ with his arm wide open found on the top of a hill. This statue is often referred to as the Risen Christ or Ascending
Keep reading