In 2023, I prepared myself to travel. I told myself gusto ko magroadshow ulit. And true enough, in 2024, I felt so grateful that almost every month I had a trip waiting for me—Nagoya, Sapporo, London, Bangkok, LA, Chicago, Vancouver, Osaka, Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Tokyo. 🥹❤️ Locally, I had Boracay and Baguio too. Some were with family, some with Allen only, and some solo—especially when I watch drag shows of Precious and the Divine Divas (sobrang proud ko sa kanila!).
My Keychain Board ✨
At home, I have a board filled with keychains from all the countries I’ve visited. Every time I look at it, I can’t help but smile. Each one carries a story—some remind me of long days at roadshows, others of family adventures, and some of my solo trips that really pushed me out of my comfort zone.
For me, that board isn’t just a souvenir wall. Para siyang gratitude map—a reminder that travel is where my work, my family, and my passion all come together.
Why Travel Inspires My Work
A lot of people think travel takes you away from work. For me, it’s the opposite. Traveling makes me better at work. Meeting Filipinos abroad or connecting with people from different cultures widens my perspective. Ang sarap i-connect nun sa trabaho ko—helping clients whether here in the Philippines or abroad.
Back in my Alveo days, I was mainly marketing condos and lots. Now with askME, I can do more: I also help clients who already own properties and need support to rent them out or sell. That shift—just like my travels—reminds me of growth and expansion.
When I’m with Allen and the boys, I’m reminded why I do all this in the first place. And when I’m on my own, I’m reminded of the joy of stepping into new spaces, meeting new people, and trusting that every encounter has meaning.
3 Lessons Travel Taught Me
1. Work-life integration is a gift.
I’m beyond grateful that my work allows me to serve clients wherever I am anywhere in the world. Whether I’m traveling for leisure or business, I can always reconnect with old clients, meet new ones, and build friendships. Work doesn’t stop—it blends in. After almost 20 years, I’ve learned how to beautifully blend work and life together, and I don’t take it for granted.
2. Stepping out of my comfort zone opens doors.
Roadshows taught me this early on. Back in 2006, I did my first one in Cebu. In 2013, I was in Singapore almost every month—13 times that year! In 2014, Europe roadshow with Powerdance and Kunst Germany. In 2015, I was part of an Australia roadshow. while everyone else focused on Sydney and Melbourne, I flew solo to Perth. And I’ve been going back almost every year since (except during the pandemic). That choice—stepping out alone several times—opened a whole new world of opportunities and experiences.
3. Joy in the journey.
I’ve never seen myself as a “closer.” I don’t like rushing clients into decisions; I’d rather let things take their natural course. Because honestly, I love the process—the conversations, the connections, the surprises along the way.
When I went to the UK and LA for DragCon to support Precious and the Divine Divas, I helped them at their booth. While fellow fans waited in line, I’d end up chatting with them—sometimes about drag, sometimes about real estate. 😂 Those moments remind me that joy isn’t just in the big wins—it’s in being present, in every little encounter.
Every trip leaves me thankful—for the airports and safe flights, the food, the laughter, the new friends, and even the quiet moments in between. My keychain board may look like just souvenirs, but for me, it’s a collection of lessons, gratitude, and love.
And if you’ve read all the way here, SALAMAT. 🥹💛 Maybe this is your sign to start your own “keychain board.” Who knows where your journey will take you?
