Manila: A Road Less Travelled

Robert Frost had it right about the road less traveled. Sometimes not knowing where you’re headed leads you right where you belong. In my life it has proven to be true on more than one occasion. Sometimes not knowing where you’re headed might be a good thing. The people featured in my March gallery where photographed only a few days before typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) struck the islands of the Philippines. They had no idea what was about to happen, and you wonder if nature’s powers of destruction did lead them to where they “belong”. I don’t think so. Life’s not fair that way. But, the times we are pushed to our limits, are the moments we learn the most.

I flew home literally days before the mass destruction happened in 2014. Seeing places affected by disaster on tv where I had walked myself less than a week before is something that really gets under your skin. Almost four months after my trip, humanitarian efforts continue to provide relief and recovery for the 16 million people affected by the disaster – and through my blog and network we were able to help make a small contribution towards raising funds to support people affected by this disaster. That trip to Asia became the starting point of my writing career as I found my inspiration to write my first travel hacking book during this extended trip. It also became the cornerstone of the creative work I do today. It’s all based on giving back to the community at large, being of service and sharing something that benefits others. I’m grateful for this opportunity and I’m excited for you to be part of my community. Thank you!