When you experience something so wonderful…so amazing…so beautiful…
No words will ever do it justice. They just won’t. That is exactly how I feel when I try to put into words just how much I love and adore the Philippines.
Coron to be exact.
What a magical little place…the people, the colors, the smells (good and bad), the crystal blue waters, the forever rolling hills, the painting-like sunsets…my words and images will never perfectly describe just how wonderful this place is. But…I will try. When Andria and I started planning our trip in the early months of 2012, we knew we wanted to explore SE Asia. Thailand and Vietnam were automatically on the list and a third location was still in discussion. And then the best thing happened…one of my sweet brides completely convinced me to choose the Philippines. Seeing pictures and hearing her words about her experiences there were enough convincing for me. Done and done…trip booked.
First stop. Philippines. Both the best decision and worst decision ever.
It was the best decision because it was exaaactly what we both needed and wanted after a long wedding season…
We wanted to find a warm place. Check.
We wanted to be in the water as much as possible. Check.
We wanted to work on our pasty skin that the ever-so-lovely Seattle gives us year-round. Check.
We wanted to eat good food…and a lot of it. Check.
We wanted to be surrounded by the lovely people and experience their culture. Check.
We wanted to just breathe. To be in the moment. To experience life. Check, check, and check.
Why was it the worst decision to make Philippines our first stop you ask? Well that’s easy…it set the bar damn high. I didn’t want to leave. I want to go back…like now. We were both looking up flights BACK to the Philippines before even leaving. Yes people, it’s that wonderful and one amazing week was just not enough for my soul. I get sad even talking about it…but someday when I go back…it’ll be that much sweeter.
One big thing I learned from this entire month of traveling: the people are everything.
THE PEOPLE. It’s the main factor when exploring this beautiful world. With only being in the Philippines for about a week, it was the people that made our trip what it was. Of course it was wonderful to have one of my besties by my side, but damn…the sweet, sweet souls we came across in the Philippines are ones that I will never ever forget. With little to nothing in their possession, they still offered us anything they could…whether it was freshly cooked fish, snacks, a strong whiskey drink, or just friendly conversation. Such kind hearts…
Oh Coron…how I miss your sweet smile and warm touch.
CORON.
THE MOST MAGICAL PLACE ON EARTH.
So so good, Tonhya! I need to travel with you. So many people shots… my favorite.
radical!
Looked incredible and VERY well documented 🙂
beautiful.
omg. so many memories and treasures there. so fun looking over things from your perspective. i want to go back. lets go back. mango shakes on me!
Really excellent stuff in here friend!
So goooddss! Thanks for the invite btw!
ugh i just love all of these. i can literally feel the emotion radiating out of each photo. and the color. oh lord the color! thanks soooo much for sharing these! i look forward to the next batch. 🙂
Gorgeous stuff here love!
i am buying a ticket right now. i love all the little children you photographed…i could feel your heart! (cheesy, but true.) these are beautiful, can’t wait to see the rest!
Beautiful as always! 🙂 Made me think of my childhood.
So beautiful. Thank you for sharing 🙂
It put my heart through many emotions to read/look through this post.. : ) I adore the Filipino people so much, and you truly described and captured them. (I think they are some of the kindest people on the planet) You pulled at my heart with those deep, big eyes and made my heart leap with their smiles of joy! And oh my, the beauty you have seen is unlike any part of the Philippines I have experienced.. what a great site to go to the islands! I love the series in the hills, and the sunset, mmm, beauty!!
xx- Ali
Damn, Tonhya! So good.
I want to go there. Such amazing photos- thanks for sharing your adventures 🙂
man, love these! my favorite travel images are the ones that have some of that realness you experience through actually traveling. these have that.
Love these. Great captures. Love how it makes you feel like you were there.
Love these! Great captures.. I love how it makes you feel like you were there!
This wonderful photos just owned my bandwidth allotment for the evening, but were so totally worth it. Your words describe my feelings on travel to the T, and your photos flow better than anything I could dream of putting together.
Over time your memory of *that* sunset may fade, and the vista may not seem quite so grand, but I believe that you’ll never forget how your company or the people around you made you feel at the time.
Thanks for sharing.
Double post. =(
Dodgy South African internet! Feel free to delete these last two!
Hi Tohnya,
I’m in Molly’s wedding party, and when she told me about you, I had to come check out your website. These pictures are amazing and I can’t wait to see what you do with Molly and Ben!!! 🙂
These are absolutely amazing – so incredibly inspiring! They should be published in National Geographic! You are so talented!