Embracing Adventure: Why Age is Just a Number When Traveling
As I prepared to leave the sun-soaked beaches of the Philippines 🏖️for the snowy landscapes of Canada🍁 in July of 2021, I had one last hurrah with my tennis buddies. We weren’t your typical sports enthusiasts; we met and learned tennis as adults, forging a unique bond through our shared passion. As a farewell, our eldest friend—recently retired—suggested a three-day escapade to the northernmost part of Cebu, where she owns a charming guesthouse. Little did we know, this trip would become a testament to the truth that age is just a number.
Our journey began with a comical twist. Our friend, a self-proclaimed amateur driver, took the wheel. The drive, which was supposed to take three hours, morphed into a five-hour odyssey thanks to our collective sense of direction—or lack thereof. Between our incessant chatter and our attempts to navigate, we managed to turn a straightforward drive into a memorable adventure in itself.
Our first stop was Marvz Valley Mountain Resort in Bogo City, a newly developed dragon fruit farm. The resort’s remote location had us second-guessing our directions as we navigated a bumpy path. When we finally arrived, the staff, excited to welcome their first guests, greeted us warmly. We indulged in refreshing dragon fruit shakes, though we had to contend with an army of flies drawn to our fruity delights.
Drinking dragon fruit shakes! 😋
After refreshment, we revved up for an ATV ride around the sprawling farm. Following the well-trodden paths used by the resort staff for farm keeping, we enjoyed the exhilarating ride while minimizing our impact on the environment as everything was done within their own farm. Exhausted but exhilarated, we headed to the local wet market for fresh fruits and vegetables, and a promise of giant crabs from a local seafood vendor who my friend chatted with.
Trail riding on our ATVs.
As the sun was setting, we strolled to a nearby public beach across the road from the guesthouse. There toddlers splashed around, joggers pounded the sand, and we enjoyed eating green mangoes with shrimp paste sold by sidewalk vendors—a local delicacy. Dinner back at the guesthouse was a feast of crab soup and grilled fish, prepared with the seafood we had bought and was delivered to the house. The meal was fresh, flavorful, and made even more delightful by the company of dear friends.
The following morning, we woke before dawn to experience the beach at high tide. Joined by a few early risers, we floated in the tranquil waters, engaging in relaxed conversation as we sat with waters up to our necks and trying not to float away while watching local fishermen return from their night’s fishing. As the sun climbed and crowds began to gather, we decided it was time to head out. On our way back, we made an impromptu stop to gather fresh moringa leaves for our meals. The generous homeowner allowed us to pick as much as we wanted, reminding us of the warm hospitality of the rural areas and what we had experienced throughout our trip.
Our day’s adventure continued with lunch at Golden Sands Destination Resort, a new spot with all the bells and whistles of a luxurious getaway. Though still in its soft opening phase, it was clear that this place would soon be a hit. We took in the serene atmosphere and vowed to return for an overnight stay next time I will be back in the Philippines.
To round off our journey, we played tennis at the local public court near the municipal town hall. Our impromptu matches with local players surprised many because of our gender, age and enthusiasm, proving that age doesn’t limit our ability to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
As we concluded our trip with a final beachside lunch and a quick stop for some tuba—a traditional Filipino fermented beverage—we reflected on our adventure. For three women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, our journey was a vibrant reminder that age is merely a number. The joy of travel, friendship, and new experiences knows no bounds, and it’s never too late to embrace life’s adventures with open arms.
