But I do believe 2011 deserves a proper goodbye and so a proper blog is called for. With two number 1's in the end of its year - I've experienced so many FIRSTS last year. Most of which relate to one of my favorite activities - TRAVELING. 
Up in Brgy. Renti, Upi, Maguindanao
MAGUINDANAO!
I've been to Maguindanao before but just passed through. 2011, through my work allowed me to truly visit Maguindanao. From the uplands of Upi to the coastal waters of Datu Blah Sinsuat (DBS).
One of my visits to Maguindanao also allowed me to take a "small" pumpboat by myself and cruise along the coast of Maguindanao. While I never wished for it and do not wish for it to happen again, I smile as I look back on how much I prayed for life when the rains started to pour on our way back to main land. I do not suggest such a small boat the next time I visit Matuber, Pura and Tubuan - all isolated baranggays of DBS, Maguindanao.
(that's not me by the way, that's my Guide Kagawad Neng)
DAPITAN
Rizal is my hero, my idol and my inspiration. And to some extent, I am in love with him. hahaha. joke! He is too short for me (sorry po, pasensya na, totoo naman).
My work allowed me to visit Dapitan, home of Rizal for 4 years before he was executed, twice. The second time I visited Dapitan, I brought with me 21 youth to learn from Rizal's life, contributions and experiences while in exile. Dapitan is such a quaint city, simple and yet so historical. I totally understand how Rizal fell in love with the place.
Dapitan City (view from Ilihan Hill)
One of the most memorable events in Dapitan is bringing the youth to the Theme Park (Gloria de Dapitan, very small version of StarCity/EK). It was the first time for all of them to experience such place. For many it was their first time to see mascots, to see made up fairies and take the carnival rides. The wonder, happiness and pure joy in their faces -- definitely PRICELESS!
ALONE
I've taken plane rides all by myself before I even turned 18 but all were domestic flights. In 2011 I had to take flights to and from Singapore all by myself because it was the cheapest and most convenient way. It was also my first time to fly internationally on a budget fare and the legroom sure wasn't friendly to someone who is relatively tall (for an Asian) like me. But I'll probably do it again, coz it's cheap.
I did feel a bit nervous traveling alone abroad especially since I've never been to Singapore before that too. But I didn't really need to have any reason to be nervous, it was actually nice to have that time to myself. Though I will not decline an offer to do it flying business or first class. 
S's! SINGAPORE and SAIGON
Since I've already spoken about Singapore, my trip in September 2011 was a first there too. Add the fact that it was the first time that I've traveled abroad - for Leisure/Vacation - without my family. I did not have the "umbrella" of Free Meals from family so Budgeting Well was a first in that trip. Frankly I managed my resources well. I came home not feeling so poor, just a bit poor. hehehe.
The trip to Singapore was also the first time that my bestfriend RENEE and I traveled together and I mean really traveled far. We've been to a few resorts but none outside the Davao Province. Akalain mo nga naman, sosyal talaga kami, kailangan ABROAD ang first byahe? hehehe
hindi pwedeng walang Jumping Shot! @UStudios Singapore
I'm so glad to have done that "budget" trip with her though. Ever since we graduated from college, Renee and I have not been based in the same city. When I was in Davao, she was in Cebu. Then when she came back in Davao, I was based in Manila and everywhere else not Davao. hehehe. That trip certainly proved that OLD FRIENDS ARE REALLY BEST FRIENDS, despite the distance and all. We came home still the best of friends and we hope to do more international travels soon (preferably with our other best girl friends).
Quota talaga ako sa byahe last year (nag Boracay pa ako with officemate friends in July 2011) coz a month after Singapore, my family and I went to Vietnam! :) (courtesy of my ever beautiful and generous sister Tetet/Teejae 
- I accept New Year gifts sisteroo).
- I accept New Year gifts sisteroo). We were not able to travel abroad in 2010 and we haven't traveled the four of us girls since 2008, because the eldest sisteroo was busy making babies (hahaha). So it was really a trip we were looking forward to. None of us have been to Vietnam so it was a new country for all of us.
Vietnam War Museum in Saigon
Vietnam's history (and culture) is rich. (and ofcourse relate kami ng relate to our limited knowledge of the war through Miss Saigon, hahaha). We became instant fans of the cuisine, though I've always loved their spring rolls but the Authentic ones were the Best. I'm proud to say that the BEST Spring Rolls I've tasted was in Vietnam! And Shopping in Vietnam - Winner! :) Don't ask me how poor I felt after Vietnam trip. But while I was monetarily poor - I was Rich in Bags! hahaha.
Etcetera, Etcetera
My work allows me to travel much, but I also experienced other firsts in 2011.
- Riding a bike after more than 22 years! (and yes, I still can't ride. hahaha. I'm determined to find time to practice 1stQ of 2012)
- Organized (with major help from colleagues) the first Youth Summit for 100 students of Upper Pulangi, Malaybalay. (stress drilon moment)
- Walk around an agroforestry farm (for 2hours) inside Mt.Kitanglad Range at 5AM (I am not a morning person you know)
- Organize a cross visit and be with 98% Muslim (Maguindanaoan) Youth for 4days. (Learning with and from them).
Many blessings in 2011 indeed. I hope to get more this 2012. Hoping that 2 means - Double the Firsts and Double the Blessings. 
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For 2012, I wish to blog more and do so easily. For some reason, multiply will not be able to do this for me. And so I find a new home in tumblr... Please follow me there at krishnasonza.tumblr.com
Happy 2012 Everyone! Cheers! 
