My 2016 Adventures as Told on Instagram

2016 marked my first journey outside the corporate world. I left Dubai exactly the 17th of January 2016 and started this long affair to be a full-time traveler.

READ ALSO: Journal Entry, Du-Bye For Now

To be honest, it didn’t quite turn out to be as I thought it would have been. But I can’t be thankful enough of how things unfolded.

With 1000++ photos posted on my Instagram it is pretty easy so say that this social media platform definitely chronicled this awesome journey. So I thought of summarizing 2016 through my Instagram posts.

Here it goes (warning, this is very lengthy).

JANUARY

Left my second home, Dubai and traveled to Australia

I've been receiving loads of very inspiring messages from you guys! Thank you very much. They all mean a lot to me as I start this journey (I will try my best to reply to everyone). I was drafting a blog during my flight but decided to take a bit of my time to finish it and try to be in the moment first and settle down. Leaving Dubai was hard (and still is) but this step was a step of faith knowing that God is in control every step of the way. This reason alone makes me excited on what's coming ahead. As I embarked out of Dubai, holding a chance passenger Etihad Ticket, my faith was tested (nakakakaba pala–parang contest), throughout the day I was so stressed thinking if I will be able to get on board or not, cause in the web it says all tickets were SOLD, amazingly, everything went smoothly, from traveling to the airport, checking in the plane and even getting out of the Australian immigration (naiwan ko lang yung toothbrush and hair wax ko sa bahay) . Now I am in Brisbane, getting ready to start this adventure. Again, thank you very much! I will treasure all your love, support and prayers! MWAAAAH! PS: This week I might flood your feeds. Sorry ^^ #roadtofreedom #nomore9to5 #ikenexplore #iken #brisbane #australia

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Jan 18, 2016 at 7:17am PST

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BRISBANE welcomed me with its very chill and laid-back lifestyle

Just smacked at the middle of the city…Yey for beach life! #brisbaneanyday #brisbanebeach #visitbrisbane #southbank #visitaustralia #streetbeach #canonaustralia #canong16 #igersaustralia

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Jan 19, 2016 at 2:49pm PST

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Spent some time with family in the GOLD COAST

Now at Gold Coast with family…yipeee. luvin every minute of it! First order of business, BEACH!!!!!! #goldcoast #australia #qld

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Jan 23, 2016 at 1:55am PST

FEBRUARY

Got super artsy in MELBOURNE

Yesterday I had a chance to walk around Blender Lane and admire works of brilliant artisans. The beauty about meeting artists from different parts of the world is that, evrn if you are in a foreign land, you will immediately feel at home, See all soon and goodluck @the_leatholic @stayingcheative @rainingrhythm @monicamcnab @kreativ_wanderlust #blenderlane #cityart #visitaustralia #australia #visitmelbourne #visitvictoria #melbourneart

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Feb 3, 2016 at 11:27pm PST

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Looked for the 12 APOSTLES along the GREAT OCEAN ROAD with AAT Kings

Surely the highlight of today's trip! #thetwelveapostles. Such a breathtaking view. #SmileKings #aatkings @aatkings 😊😉 #visitaustralia #australia #straya

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Jan 31, 2016 at 10:00pm PST

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Spent Chinese New Year in SYDNEY

Sydney still have the Chinese New Year bug! #sohlunar #sydcny #cnysyd #westpac #chinesenewyear #lunar #lanterns #visitaustralia #australia #visitsydney #sydneyfolk #igerssydney #straya

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Feb 12, 2016 at 4:43am PST

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……spontaneously traveled and showered at the BLUE MOUNTAINS….

Today's spontaneous adventure looks like this. I woke up thinking that I will be in the city again, walk around the concrete jungle of Sydney……TADA!! ..Amazing how God can surprise you everyday! #visitaustralia #wenthworthfalls #bluemountain #igerssydney #straya #sydney #littlepeoplebigworld

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Feb 15, 2016 at 4:24am PST

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….and attended church at HILLSONG

Excited for church tomorrow! @hillsong YEY!!! #sydney #hillsong

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Feb 13, 2016 at 6:04am PST

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Went to the PHILIPPINES for a few days and explored MANILA’s Art Deco History…

I wish that in this lifetime I will be able to see a fully restored Manila and every Filipino will know how to value our country's rightful national cultural treasure. The El Hogar Building is such a masterpiece. It's a pity if we let it be destroyed and be forgotten. #loveparade #vivamanila #escolta #maynila #igersph

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Feb 21, 2016 at 9:12am PST

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….and surfed in LA UNION

When you attended the wedding of The Golden Boy and Girl of Philippine Surfing, this should be a must post wedding activity adventure! #philippinesurfing #elyu #launion

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Mar 4, 2016 at 5:45pm PST

MARCH

OSLO welcomed me in the chillest possible way (literally)

Landed safe and sound…This view welcomed me! Let's see if I have enough warmers to motivate me to go out…

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Mar 8, 2016 at 3:20am PST

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Caught up with friends in BERGEN, NORWAY

Catching up with these bunch last night! The only part of Bergen I want to see…ok I might do a little sight seeing later!! :). Felt as if nothing changed (that much). As much as I love to explore new places, being in a familiar place with familiar people feels good in the heart!

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Mar 11, 2016 at 10:40pm PST

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Ate fermented shark in REYKJAVIK in ICELAND

Fermented shark meat anyone? #sharkmeat #travelfood #icelandfood #reykjavikfood #iceland

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Mar 28, 2016 at 3:19am PDT

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Jaw-dropped after exploring around SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA with Guide to Iceland

A photo can't really explain how beautiful this place really is! Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellfoss, Snæfellsnes Peninsula. #snaefellsnes #kirkjufell #iceland #islandia #igersiceland @guidetoiceland #guidetoiceland

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Mar 18, 2016 at 1:19pm PDT

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Felt really small touring around the GOLDEN CIRCLE

Iceland nakakaasar ka na ha!!! Masyado kang pasikat. #gullfoss #iceland #igersiceland #islandia

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Mar 19, 2016 at 10:02am PDT

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Conquered driving around ICELAND’S RING ROAD

After more or less 2000 km of driving around Iceland's Ring Road we are now back in the city bringing all the memories of this epic adventure with us. At first we really questioned if our Toyota Yaris will be able to make but but surprisingly it did and served us really well. It surely made this trip fun as we constantly were thinking how far it can still go. Haha. And I couldn't have thought of a better roadtrip companion here in Iceland than this amazing explorer, Maks! Glad to have bumped you in the hostel kitchen eating your chicken wings hahaha. Still overwhelmed how an incident that made me thought that I am done (and almost gave up) with Iceland became the best thing that ever happened to me while I am here. Now just time to chill before going to another city and meet one of my good buddies. #toyota #toyotayaris #bushostelreykjavik #iceland #ringroad #icelandringroad #islandia

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Mar 23, 2016 at 7:25am PDT

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….and finally saw the NORTHERN LIGHT dancing in HOFN

Our 1st day on the road ended with this beauty showed up! Just when I thought I'll end up just seeing this on an LED screen on our way back to the city. Hoping to see it again before I leave this awesome country! #northernlights #iceland

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Mar 21, 2016 at 1:08am PDT

APRIL

Lived in a university in WIESBADEN, GERMANY

These Architecture students are crazy! Now, because all of them are working around me, I feel as if I also have a deadline and I am now drafting my 3rd blog for the day hahaha. Pati ako nadadamay. I think I needed this push though. Pero nood muna ako youtube. Lol. Everything is almost the same as when I was in UP, kulang nlang PANSIT CANTON.

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Mar 28, 2016 at 1:30pm PDT

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Gained a lot of weight in FRANKFURT (hello doner and sausages)

Hoy hindi yan tyan ha..loose lang yung jumper ko! #visitfrankfurt #frankfurt #germany #igersgermany

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Apr 3, 2016 at 12:35am PDT

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Fell in love with PRAGUE

Oh Prague.. If this is love at first sight, I think I am in love. You are so beautiful!!! #prague #igersprague #czech #visitprague #equitypoint #dreamaway

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Apr 3, 2016 at 12:50pm PDT

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…this city deserves 2-posts hahaha

Ooh wait, did someone say that waking up early is bad?….ok back to sleep..zzzzzzz 😪 #visitcz @czechtourism #prague #charlesbridge

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Apr 7, 2016 at 5:55am PDT

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Got the creeps at KUTNA HORA, CZECH REPUBLIC

Hmmm medyo creepy sya pero…..creepy nga sya. This is the Sedlec Ossuary (also known as the bone chapel). It houses an estimated 40,000 bones which was 'artistically' arranged to form decorations and furnishings of the chapel. It is one of the 12 World Heritage Sites in the Czech Republic. (Sumerious?) #ossuary #bonechapel #czech #kutnahora

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Apr 7, 2016 at 9:10am PDT

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Welcomed spring in a very festive way in BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Spring was welcomed with a big city celebration..welcome to the hood!!! Ang pinakamataas ang sipa ang mananalo ng date! #budapestspringfestival #springfestival #budapest #budapestitavaszifesztival

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Apr 9, 2016 at 12:01pm PDT

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Got a bit scared in BRATISLAVA (for a very silly reason)

So I arrived in Slovakia around 2am by bus from Hungary and when I got to the bus stop, I was the only one there (Imagine a scene from the walking dead). No bus, no taxi, no train, no information. So I walked from the bus station to the hostel on an emplty Slovakian street……fast forward, during our walking tour, our guide said that Slovakia was the setting of the movie HOSTEL (which is by the way a horror film)….waah di naman ako nainform agad! Hahaha.

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Apr 12, 2016 at 3:31am PDT

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Getting a cultural bargain in VIENNA

Ending my trip in Vienna with this. An Opera in one of the best platforms in the world! ….. and got it for only 2.50 euros. yes! Got a tip from a friend who lives here and it worked! yey.

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Apr 15, 2016 at 3:32pm PDT

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Back in Germany and had a dose of Octoberfest action (well its spring counterpart) in MUNICH

Fruhlingfest is the spring version of the Oktoberfest, a celebration to welcome Spring and this means over flowing beer here in München. One item in my bucket list is to attend the Oktoberfesr here in Bayern, so I guest this can be a good substitute! yey!!! Crazy Festival!!! #fruhlingfest #Fruhlingsfest2016 #bavaria #germany #deutschland #Munich #munchen #igersmunich

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Apr 18, 2016 at 12:26am PDT

MAY

Staying true with my promise to come back over and over again in PARIS

3rd time to be in Paris, so this time around decided to take the off the beaten path. 😆 #paris #france #igersparis

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Apr 21, 2016 at 5:47pm PDT

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…and be reunited with 2 of my very first travel buddies in ASNIERES-SUR-SEINE, FRANCE

You know that you hit a new level of friendship when they started not talking you anymore and can go to their phone and not feel sorry. LOL. @lyes312 @jeff_brg 😄😅 @sissiccccccc

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Apr 30, 2016 at 1:04pm PDT

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…..missing PARIS again and promised to comeback again

I said it before and I will say it again, PARIS I AM LEAVING PART OF MY HEART TO YOU! I am so happy that you are my final stop in my in Europe. Every time that I am back here, you welcomed me with open arms. What made it so special was spending it with travel friends I met before, who are now as my best friends, close friends and family. Thank you for the hospitality, your generosity and for spoiling me (and making me fat again). Stay amazing! Will be back in your beautiful streets soon. Paris je t'aime, je vais revenir bientôt

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on May 3, 2016 at 11:55am PDT

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Back in DUBAI for week of catching up

My first day here in Dubai was all about catching up….catching up with food haha! Well definitely I am happy to be back. ^^ #fujiinstax @fujifilmme @fujifilmfr #instax #mydubai @kiethwalter #theinstaxproject #fujifilminstax

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on May 4, 2016 at 2:57pm PDT

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…and made @SURATJOURNALS

Dropped off these journals before leaving Dubai. You can grab them at @heritage_house in Bastakiya Dubai. 🙂 #suratjournals #thetravelingjournalproject #traveljournal #traveldiary #mydubai #dubai#bastakiya #leathercraft #craft #peoplescreatives

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on May 10, 2016 at 1:40pm PDT

JUNE

Back in the PHILIPPINES and got a bit of beach action at CALAGUAS ISLAND

Saw these kids doing their thang while I was floating around! Ooh I love the Philippines. Did I mention that the water here is so clear?! ^^ #ikenbecoolinbicol #calaguasisland #bicol #beachlife #itsmorefuninthephilippines #gopro

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on May 30, 2016 at 8:08am PDT

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…and practiced a bit of my architectural skills….

Wait what am I doing here? I wanted a vacation from my vacation and I just realized that vacation from a vacation = work..haha, so lesson learned, be careful what you wish for. Anyway, I guess being an Architect for a week ain't that bad….ooh I so need a vacation after this. #workingwithajetlag

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on May 12, 2016 at 9:55am PDT

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…for 2 projects

When you let the workers play and entertain their creative juices. So I guess this will be our door partition. 😄😊 #Funemployed #lifeofanarchitect #architectlife

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Jun 3, 2016 at 6:45pm PDT

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Explored the world under in ANILAO

Today's adventure involves a journey to a new world. HELLO PHILIPPINES MABUHAY 😄😍 itsmorefuninthephilippines #sumbreroisland #batangas

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Jun 4, 2016 at 10:55pm PDT

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Reached the summit at TARAK RIDGE, BATAAN

Amazing what your body can do once you put your heart and mind on it. #itsmorefuninthephilippines #wowphilippines #tarakan #bataan #mariveles

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Jun 18, 2016 at 6:30pm PDT

JULY

Flying off again, this time in South East Asia….

At the immigration in NAIA, the officer asked me what will I do in Indonesia, told her, I'll be touring around and do some travel blogging. I think she was not convinced and asked me to show a sample of my blog. While trying to connect to the airport wifi, she asked what is the name of my blog and I told her www.kennethsurat.com. After mentioning my blog, the officer next to her said " Ikaw yung taga Dubai diba?…binabasa ko blog mo!"….aaaaw! AYUN! Tapos ang mga tanong tanong—-cleared agad! Got so kilig after that! Yey! Totoo palang may nagbabasa ng blog ko! 😄😅

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Jul 22, 2016 at 1:09pm PDT

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…with #TRIPOFWONDERS as an invitation from the INDONESIAN MINISTRY OF TOURISM

Touch down and gearing up for our first destination. Spending a few hours in our hotel in Jakarta to rest a bit then will fly again….😅😄 #tripofwonders #wonderfulindonesia #indonesia #jakarta #swissbelhotel #ikenexploreIndonesia

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Jul 22, 2016 at 2:01pm PDT

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Explored 4 cities with other South East Asian bloggers, MAKASSAR, LOMBOK, BANYUWANGI and BANDUNG

Bloggers Safari at Balura National Park. You will see food bloggers, lifestyle bloggers, travel bloggers and even instagrammers along the vast savannah. 😄😅 #wonderfulindonesia #tripofwonders #balurannationalpark

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Jul 31, 2016 at 3:15am PDT

AUGUST

Back solo traveling and had a little reflection in BALI

Living and working in Dubai for a decade made living in an island paradise a dream. So happy that even for a few days, Bali made this dream a reality. How do you like my office for the day? #canggu #bali #tripofwonders #wonderfulindonesia #ikenexploreindonesia #indonesia #ehomestay #harrypotter #suratjournals

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Aug 5, 2016 at 6:23pm PDT

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…and promised that I will be a good surfer when I come back at FRII BALI ECHO BEACH in CANGGU

Leaving Bali!!! I will surely miss my room. Love that instead of walking, you can actually swin to your next door neighbor haha! Thanks @friibaliechobeachofficial for the amazing hospitality. Will definitely come back soon! #friihotel #bali #canggu #wonderfulindonesia #indonesia #hotelworld

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Aug 6, 2016 at 9:14am PDT

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Island hopped in EL NIDO with SEALAND VENTURE

EL NIDO!! Officially my favorite place in the whole wide world! Thankful for the beautiful weather today. Also I didnt know that my skin can still go darker haha…and I am luvin it. 🙈🙊 #Elnido #palawan #beachlife #itsmorefuninthephilippines #Oceanvistainnelnido #gopro #Sealandventureelnido #Visitphilippinesagain2016 #elnidotourism

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Aug 17, 2016 at 10:17am PDT

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Tasted the best Halo-Halo in PUERTO PRINCESA

Another Puerto Princesa must try. NOKINOCS HALO-HALO. Take note, instead of shaved ice, they use shaved frozen milk. 🙊👌 #puertoprincesa #palawan #nokinocs #halohalo #travelfood

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Aug 25, 2016 at 10:10am PDT

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..and enjoyed the superb hospitality of MICROTEL PUERTO PRINCESA

From El Nido, I am now in Puerto Princesa enjoying my stay here at Microtel. I love the view from my room and of course, my room 😄. Thanks Microtel for the warm welcome. @microtelph #microtel #tourismpuertoprincesa #microtelpuertoprincesa #palawantourism #puertoprincesa #palawan

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Aug 21, 2016 at 5:30am PDT

SEPTEMBER

Ticked a bucket list in SAIPAN, NORTHERN MARIANAS

Today I got to tick one item in my bucket list. To dive in the Marianas! Hooothooot!..and the weather was FANTASTIC! Such an awesome day! 🤗😆. Thankful to the Big Guy from above ☝ #mymarianasph #marianas #mymarianas #bucketlist #thepoortaveler #blogapalooza #gopro

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Sep 16, 2016 at 8:10am PDT

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…and became a human drone in MANAGAHA ISLAND, SAIPAN with #MyMarianasPH

Yipeeee!!! And off we go! Trying to be a human drone this time! Everything looks B E A U T I F U L from this view! #mymarianasph #marianas #mymarianas  #thepoortaveler #blogapalooza #saipan #managaha #gopro

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Sep 19, 2016 at 4:00am PDT

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Food tripp’n in BINONDO, MANILA

From Marianas to Maynila. Left the island life and back to the grind. Oh MNL…. #ongpin #chinatown #manila #binondo

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Sep 22, 2016 at 12:56am PDT

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Became a stew in ANTIQUE

This kawa was traditionally used for cooking sugar in the province. Nowadays, you can see numerous Kawa(s) around Antique as one of the main attractions in Tibao. A hot bath during a vist in the highlands (after some serious kayaking) should be a must try….at dahil sweet ako as sugar, papainit muna ako dito. #antique #experienceantique #kawabath #itsmorefuninthephilippines

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Oct 6, 2016 at 6:41pm PDT

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Walked around ROXAS CITY, CAPIZ…

Boi what a week! The past few days we cliff dove, snorkeled ( well sort of), rode a motorbike around an island barangay, lived in a private island, watched the sunrise + sunset, rode a boat like a jeepney and ate tons and tons of scallops and oysters. Thanks to @lasislastravelandtours for being such an awesome host…..Now back in Manila doin some city grinding. _______________ My ultimate adventure companions from @sunsandsports: @thenorthface @timberland_me

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Oct 5, 2016 at 6:48pm PDT

OCTOBER

...and got awestruck at the GIGANTES GROUP OF ISLAND, ILOILO with Las Islas Travel and Tours

Oh Philippines you are so amazing. So happy that after months of rehabilitation, the Tangke Saltwater Lagoon opened just in time for our visit. 📸 @jessicaayun #lasislasph #itsmorefuninthephilippines #gigantesgroupofislands #gigantes

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Oct 3, 2016 at 9:50pm PDT

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Got super pampered in BOHOL at Henann Resort

My view today. Waaaah!! Luvin it here at @henannresortbohol. Cant wait to explore Bohol (well at least a bit of it). #bohol #itsmorefuninthephilippines #henann #alonabeach

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Oct 10, 2016 at 1:04am PDT

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Attended TBEX (Travel Bloggers Exchange) in Manila

Here we go!! Gonna love that this is happening here in the Philippines this year! Met a lot of travel bloggers today at the opening party! Excited for tomorrow's sesh. #tbexph #tbex @tbexevents #itsmorefuninthephilippines

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Oct 14, 2016 at 10:03am PDT

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Got white washed in CAGAYAN DE ORO

Definitely the highlight of this trip! Also, I managed to force our guide to name a rapid after me. The foremerly known as Cris Drop will now be called Ken Drop ^^…why? Will tell the story in the blog soon (so watch out for it ^^). #tbexcdo #tbexph #tbex2016 #cdo #cagayandeoro #rafting

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Oct 19, 2016 at 9:27am PDT

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Celebrated with BELMONT HOTEL as it turned one

After more than a week of being surrounded by travel bloggers, this time around, gonna watch Annie (and a staycation at @Belmont_manilal) with these cool lifestyle bloggers…..well, traveling is also a lifestyle right? 😆😀😁 (maybe that is why i am blurred here). ♫♪To…….mmmmmorrow Tomorrow, I love yah tomorrow…..♬♫ #belmontturnsone #annierwm #megaworld #resortworldmanila

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Oct 23, 2016 at 4:57pm PDT

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Saw the other side of MANILA

Yesterday’s trip was indeed a very interesting one. When we were invited by the Smokey Tours (www.smokeytours.com) to join their slum tour, I already anticipated what to expect. But I must say, even as a local, it was still overwhelming to see the situation first hand. It was a complete contrast from the island staycations we've done during the past week/s. Growing up, I saw it in the news, watch it being portrayed in TV-sitcoms and movies but to be there, to smell the place, to interact with the children and to hear the stories of residents who were born, raised and build(ing) their livelihood in the slums made it so real. There were a lot of things going on in my head while walking on a muddy and wet path along the esteros (canal) where these houses were built. The big question of WHYs and HOWs kept circling inside of me! Why is this happening in my country? Why these people still choose to stay here (met someone who lived here for 40yrs)? How can we help? To be honest, I am still digesting it, and it might take me a few more days or even years to really know the answer. #smokeytours #philippines #tondo

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Oct 25, 2016 at 4:23am PDT

NOVEMBER

Back working as an INTERIOR DESIGNER to help a friend

PROGRESS 5. Yihiii..finally done and handed over. I love how it turned out. The use of neutral tones made this small unit look spacious and cool (visually). The challenge was to create this space w/o altering the existing shell—also I was given the full styling/creative freedom. YEY. Because it is more of a Scandinavian feel, I got to use photos from my recent trip in Iceland and Norway to put a bit of that Scandi vibe in the room. Will blog abt this soon and create a style board as a guide to achieve the same feel. #condoliving #condointerior #interiorarchitecture #scandinavianhome

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Nov 23, 2016 at 8:42pm PST

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Flew 8 hours to visit my 2nd HOME,  DUBAI (again!!)

Welcome to Tomorrow Land! 📸 by the awesome @charleslibanjr #mydubai #theterrace #dubai

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Dec 17, 2016 at 9:17pm PST

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…where I got to explore a new DESERT attraction (MLEIHA)

I told myself that I will not go to a desert safari during this trip. I have been to (I think) 5 safaris already when I was still living here in Dubai, and I don't have any plans of adding another number to it. Amazingly today, along with 'awesome friends' we went to a unique kind of Desert Safari! We went dune bashing, fossil hunting and had an exclusive dinner and bonfire under the stars (in the desert). Probably the best Desert Adventure Safari in my book —- and it is not Dubai! It is in SHARJAH! Can't wait to blog about it. For the meantime, check out my instastories at @kennethsurat to watch our crazy adventure today at Mleiha Archaeological Site, Sharjah @discoverMleiha 📸 Kieth Walter Ayuso #discoveruae #sharjah #mleiha #mleihanight #winterinmleiha

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Dec 11, 2016 at 2:13pm PST

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…watched the dramatic SUNSET

Last day in Dubai!!! Will dedicate the next few frames to the AMAZING SUNSETS I've seen around the Emirates! Oooh I am going to miss this land. 😍😭😭😢😢🏜🌇 #mydubai #burjalarab #sunset #goimeetdxb #gemsofitalia #peroniuae #pispisbewithyou

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Dec 17, 2016 at 8:50am PST

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…the magical fog engulfing its SKYSCRAPERS

Capturing the view from Shangrila's level 42 has been a dream of mine..and getting this view today is like a D R E A M – T W I N ! ! ! #meandtheviewat42 #level42 #shangriladubai #dubaifog #mydubai

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Dec 4, 2016 at 10:17pm PST

DECEMBER

…and its beautiful PEOPLE

LIFT GROUFIE!!! @jumeirahbh #givejoy #mydubai #betterwithjumeirahmeet #notatourist @visamiddleeast @jumeirahgroup #betterwithjumeirah

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Dec 16, 2016 at 4:59am PST

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Became on of the 100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

Such an awesome way to start 2017! So happy to become one of the Top 100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf! Thankful that even in a small way (naks) there are people who are inspired on what I do. 2016 was not easy, ain't a walk in the park but it was indeed an ADVENTURE! So many people to thank and I know you guys know who you are. Kuddos to the whole ILLUSTRADO TEAM. One of the things I love in this issue is that a big chunk of these trailblazers and tastemakers I consider them family and friends. Cheers and congrats guys! (BTS Vlog link in my bio ☝🎥🎬) #TAASNOOFILIPINO Grab the latest issue of Illustrado Magazine in bookstores and newsstands across the UAE. Or click the link below kung di kayo makapaghintay hahah. https://issuu.com/illustrado/docs/illustado100digital #illustrado #mydubai

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Jan 6, 2017 at 9:38pm PST

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Got introduced to HONG KONG busy city lifestyle…

City time! Central Hong Kong makes me feel that I am back in Melbourne, New York and San Francisco in one visit. #HomeKong #hongkong #igershongkong #discoverhongkong #flypal

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Dec 20, 2016 at 9:37am PST

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…and its calm countryside

Look what's is waiting for us at the end of the cable line. 😀🏯. The view above here is 👌👌👌 #HomeKong #hongkong #igershongkong #NgongPing360 #flypal

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Dec 19, 2016 at 8:00pm PST

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Whew! Going through all of what I did for the past year got me tired already haha. Can’t believe I was able to squeeze all of these in just 1 year.

2 months = 13 countries/territories and almost 35 major cities around the world and 12 destinations in the Philippines. Crazy!!!

To the people I met along the way!! You made 2016 the best year so far! Thought of tagging everyone but you guys are too many hahaha. you know who you are! LOVE YOU ALL!

Oh 2016. I will surely miss you. I learned and experienced a lot that will prepare me for the new year. A lot of things to be thankful for which deserve a separate blog haha.

So cheers for another wonderful year full of adventures and love! Watch out for my 2016 recap vlog also (I am editing currently in video-edit mode).

2 0 1 7 ! ! ! Bring it on. Cant wait to see you. #deus #mydubai 📸 @charleslibanjr

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Dec 30, 2016 at 4:57am PST

 

Here's to a refreshing New Year!! Good morning 2017! #newyear #2017 #mydubai #betterwithjumeirah @jumeirahbh #uptown

A photo posted by Kenneth Ephraim Surat (@kennethsurat) on Jan 1, 2017 at 7:14pm PST

 

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