Today, I intentionally missed my flight to Manila and booked a ticket to Siargao

I’ve been here in Cebu since Monday for the new Mabuhay Miles Travel Card launch and this trip opened a lot of realisations for me. Cebu, actually.

This place seemed like a city where I met a lot of dreamers who are clear with what they want and pursues it to the best of their abilities.

Last Wednesday, my blogger friends and I were talking about a trip to Siargao. It has always been a dream to visit this part of my country.

You know how it is when you plan trips with your friends? That was how we ‘talked’ about Siargao. Unclear. Subliminal. Between the lines. We did not actually get to a conclusion if we are going or not.

Since I came back to the Philippines, my travels were not as adventurous. They are mostly press trips. Left and right invites from airlines and brands that I am working with is the bulk.

I haven’t had the chance to really explore and do what I did best in other countries because it is expensive. This is one of the days that I am sick of having a planned life.

Today, I have a flight to Manila and I intentionally missed it.

I checked flights from Cebu to Siargao and just booked it. I need to let go of my planned itineraries and roll with the punches.

I don’t have any hotel reservations nor enough cash but I know the most exciting things happen when you learn how to become comfortable with discomfort.

I just felt the need of not sticking to a strict schedule. I need to be reminded that I love living a carefree and happy life; that “why not?” will give me more experiences and opportunities that fear of failure will ruin.

This is the first time I will be doing this in my own country and I am sure I will find joy even in the humdrum of circumstances.

Ahhh, just like the old times in Latin America.

Talking about costs

This is one of the reasons my ‘planned’ trips to Siargao never pushed through. Flights from Manila can cost up to Php12,000 ($256.00 USD) which is like a one-way ticket to Japan.

I believe this is also a reason why many Filipinos choose to travel outside the Philippines.

I learned that flights from Cebu are the cheapest so I made a little research. I found out that I can go to Siargao tomorrow for Php4,000 ($85.50 USD), 2-way.

I booked it because I realised if I go back to Manila today, it will double my cost. It’s not the same. Clearly, I will be spending more if I flew back. I came up with a very solid flight plan that is:

1. Miss my flight to Manila. It was sponsored by Philippine Airlines anyway: a brand I am currently associated with;
2. Book a 2-way ticket (Cebu-Siargao-Cebu) with Airline X;
3. Redeem my Mabuhay Miles points with Philippine Airlines to book a flight from Cebu- Manila.

Win-win.

But wait, there is more. I just did not book a flight to Siargao. I plan to stay in the island for three weeks. While browsing the calendar of Airline X, I was hesitant on how long I will stay. Without a doubt, I scheduled it to “three weeks” and I have no idea where that timeframe came from. It just happened.

The moment I posted it on Instagram, everyone were shocked but most of them were happy. I am pretty sure my parents got a little confused but they said they are used to it.

What lead me to this spontaneity

Last night was one of my best nights in Cebu, the city of dreams. I organised a reader meet up for the tenacious Cebuanos who kept e-mailing me to set up a reader date.

It was intimate. As always, I am more comfortable with a smaller group just like the travel courses I’ve organised before.

There, I met Michael. A spirit animal who share the similar soul that I have. He’s been to Siargao twice and have nothing but memorable stories about it.

From his habal habal (motorcycle) accident to starving himself just to make ends meet, Michael’s Siargao experience is definitely one for the books.

Funny thing is, my blog readers adore my travels when in fact, they have great stories to tell, too. How I wish everyone will get to write about their travel life experiences!

That’s when I was convinced that I should blindly book a ticket to Siargao. Thank you, Michael! You are definitely an inspiration!

Why Siargao?

I’d like to believe I was a golden island señorita in my past life. Though my trips in other countries did not involve a lot of beaches, I am certain that I am the happiest when I am by the beach, drinking fresh coconut with sand on my hair.

Siargao is good because it’s one of the least visited islands in the Philippines. I can at least enjoy it for the time being, find new adventures and once again meet people who will have a great impact in my life.

Another magical thing happened. I didn’t have any idea that a family friend is living in Siargao. When she saw my post on Facebook, she immediately sent me a message and told me I can stay with her.

She arranged my airport pick up and I am going to see her tomorrow! Very timely. All hostels in Siargao are fully booked and I have no one to blame because I just booked my ticket today.

Just when I thought I will be sleeping on my yoga mat tomorrow night, a friend emerged! Now I am convinced I am meant to do this trip.

The Universe is never ever kidding.

P.S. I did not bring a camera so I don’t have much pictures. However, everything is documented on a daily basis on my Snapchat. The username is psimonmyway. 😉 

Have you done anything spontaneous lately? Would love to hear your stories! Share it on the comment box below!