Photographs and memories

A dreaded virus may have momentarily stopped us from traveling, but it can’t stop our minds from wandering off, dreaming of the day we can once more visit and immerse ourselves in what many of us now consider our second homes. Someday soon.

By Alex Y. Vergara

So, where would you want to go back again as soon as it’s safe to travel? What food are you craving for that none of our local restaurants and markets can serve or deliver? What would you want to do and where would you spend it if time and money aren’t so much of an issue?

If there’s one thing many of us miss during this time, apart from seeing close friends and certain family members in the flesh, it’s the opportunity to pack our bags without giving it so much of a thought and fly to near and distant lands. Places we’ve visited once, twice or many times before and have now grown fond of. So much so that, like an old friend you’ve grown comfortable with, they now occupy a special place in our hearts and a considerable space in our photo galleries.

More than the sites and sounds these places offer, it’s the connections they’ve made, which, for whatever personal reasons, are now embedded in our minds and form part of who we are as individuals. A dreaded virus may have stopped us from physically going to these places, but it can’t stop our minds from wandering off, dreaming of the day we can once more visit and immerse ourselves in what many of us now consider our second homes. 

Life, after all, is a journey. We were all born to travel in one form or another. There may be delays and surprising twists and turns along the way. But like these individuals who share with us their thoughts, let nothing and no one stop you from eventually reaching your destination.

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Singapore will always be my second home. We used to travel to Singapore at least once a month. After this long quarantine, Z and I would love to bring the kids back once we are allowed to. We would love to see Z’s parents and eat my mother-in-law’s homemade local dishes. 

Any trip to Singapore brings so much good memories of our easy laid-back days with the family. Long walks to favorite hawker breakfast place, our eating adventures and just even staying home for quality time. 

It is so convenient to get around. Although it’s a small city, you never run out of things to do, and that makes all the difference! It’s where Z and I met, and we also have a clinic there. Singapore holds many memories for us.—Dr. Aivee Teo

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London will be my first destination after the COVID-19 crisis or as soon as it’s safe to travel. It is one of my favorite cities where I feel at home. So many places to discover! I enjoy dressing up and sharing meals and cocktails with friends whenever I visit.

I love the roof-top restaurants like Sushi Samba, Aqua , Hutong and Radio Rooftop. Among other favorite go-to restaurants whenever I visit are Novikov, Sexy Fish, The Lecture Room and Library and Berners Tavern. 

The London theater scene with its long list of musicals and shows is wonderful! Young and old enjoy them. I watched the “Lion King” thrice and was entertained every single time. 

Walking along Regent Street, Knightsbridge area and even spending a whole day in Notting Hill always brings me joy. It’s quite refreshing to see the people moving about, the local stores and food spots. There’s really something in the ambiance and London air that keeps me coming back. 

PAL’S direct flights to London is another reason I like frequenting this city. It’s an easy non-stop journey where I normally sleep throughout the long-haul flight and wake up two hours before touch down.—Tina Cuevas

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I would definitely go back to my favorite city in the whole wide world— Paris!

How do I love Paris? Let me count the ways.

1. I fell in love the first time I set foot on its cobblestone streets, back in 2000 when I was one of the participants in Concours International de Jeune de la Mode. 
2. When we were given the chance to join in the exhibit and trade fair for three consecutive years at Place de la Concorde during Paris Fashion Week.
3. When I  joined the Paris Marathon last year and brought along my mom. It was her first time in Europe, and seeing her so delighted and happy made me the happiest son in the world. To this day, it was and still is my most memorable trip.
4. But I love Paris mostly because of the immense range of inspiration it offers. These include the city’s rich history matched by the complex intriguing stories of its illustrious citizens, past and present, and the streets, cafés and apartments they dwell in and gravitate to. Almost every place has a story to tell.
5. I could get lost all day in its numerous galleries, shops, bookstores big and small. The sight and aroma of morning coffee, baguette and omelette are heaven to the senses. One can willfully get lost in Paris’ alleys and boulevards and yet never get enough of the city’s charm.—Dennis Lustico 

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The place that I want to visit as soon as it’s safe to travel is the coastal city of Porto in Portugal. My husband Roland and I went to Porto with my younger sister Aimee whom we were visiting in Luxembourg in February 2016. We visited more than 10 European cities on that trip, and Porto was our last stop. And what a revelation it was!

I love the laid-back energy this city exudes compared to most European cities. This particular photo of Roland and I was taken at the rocky beaches of Praia do Carneiro. It was perfect timing because when we got there, the sun was already setting. How romantic!

This was the first time during that particular string of trips that we just sat down and enjoyed the picturesque view of the rocky beach and the beautiful sunset. This was also the only leg of that long trip that that we didn’t do any crazy shopping.

We would take our son Argo Bucco here and just stroll the beautiful coastline and watch the world go by. We also love Porto for the its food. The gastronomy scene is one of the best and there are plenty of historical buildings to see and explore as well.—Noel Crisostomo

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I want to be able to go back to Switzerland again because our trip there was one of the rare times we were able to travel together as a family and it was very memorable. We were able to experience beautiful weather and picturesque sights that were just amazing.  We visited Mt. Titlis where we snowboarded, rode the cable car and walked on a hanging bridge. And we were also able to meet up with friends on that side of the globe as well as enjoy fondue and raclette.—Karen Alparce-Villanueva

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I would love to go back to New Zealand.  

For me, it’s one of the most geographically beautiful countries. It’s so exhilarating to commune with pristine nature and imbibe so much natural beauty.

Second, it’s said to be COVID-free and has been so for many months now. I can already imagine being there and not feeling fear and anxiety.

I also love their delicious produce. I’ve experienced the most delectable seafood there. Just the thought of it already makes me happy.—Rajo Laurel

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In a snap, I would’ve told you New York and Paris.  Popular places known for their buzz and atmosphere, for the numerous attractions they offer.  I longed to book a Broadway ticket to Hadestown or the Neil Simon revival starring Matthew (Broderick) and Sarah Jessica (Parker). 

Or do brunch and shop for baking stuff in the the charming Parisian district of Montorgueil.  But that has changed as I’ve become more fearful throughout the lockdown. My wish-list has changed for the near future, even if the crisis is over and a vaccine has come through.    

I want it in Asia. I won’t take long flights yet where you’d have to sit through hours in a fully occupied plane and transit in several packed terminals.  I’d forego the urban vibe that comes with crowds.  I’d go for a quieter place, but big on cuisine. The sights have to be breathtaking still. So unlike the drab views from my condo.  If I could afford it, I’d like to spend more time in just one place, explore it in-depth and make the hotel stay more luxurious and personalized than usual.  Because life is short.  

I dream of Hokkaido in winter.  A lovely cabin in Niseko, perhaps.  Have the best oysters, curry soup, miso ramen, uni, sashimi, sake and chocolates.  And finally learn how to ski. Now, that’s ultimate freedom!—Boboy Consunji 

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During this pandemic, I have often found myself looking at my travel photos and missing, above all, Turkey. From 2014 to 2017, I was visiting regularly and felt like it was my second home. It’s a country that I have explored extensively, have many friends there, and could understand and speak the language a little at a time. 

I spent three unforgettable New Year’s Eves, and many long and short holidays in Istanbul. My memories of the city are intertwined with Turkey’s regional kitchens, brunches by the Bosphorus and museums. After multiple visits to its historical sites, my long walks in the city took the gait of a local — in neighborhoods tourists didn’t really visit.

I also love the provinces of Turkey, particularly Antalya, Bodrum and Bolu, places an ex and I would visit on long weekends. Summers in Bodrum on the Agean Sea and Antalya on the Mediterranean are wonderful with their stunning blue and emerald waters. But something must also be said about winters in Turkey, especially in Kartalkaya on Koroglu Mountain, where we were once caught in a snowstorm at a ski resort; and Lake Abant, which is beautiful in spring and summer, but magical in winter with the lake frozen and everything covered in thick snow.—Tanya Lara