A Closer Look at Gloryfall and their Newest Album, Be Glorified

We are about to release the new album...this link we have not released. Listen to it. 

I jolted out of bed upon reading this. It was my brother's private message on Facebook about two weeks ago talking about the newest album of Gloryfall. He asked me if I can listen to it and write what I think. 

My limited human knowledge and prideful, rotten human mind immediately did what they are good at -worry about what and how to write, and whether I will be good enough to write about it. It was all this (points to self) doing all the thinking; until I played my first randomly chosen song from the list, Be Glorified.

I listened to it and I sat still. It then dawned on me that the album is meant to glorify God, not the song, not the album, not the band, and definitely not my writing. So, on this entry, we will glorify God and what He has done in each of the lives of these individuals to manifest His glory as we get to know the band and their music.

Here's a short interview with the band members: 

Q: Who makes up Gloryfall?

Gloryfall is made up of the following: 

Toby Huyssen (Vocalist/Acoustic Guitarist)

Ginny Huyssen (Vocalist)

Cylynn Huyssen (Vocalist)

Cylas Contreras (Keyboardist)

Dennis Llante (Electric Guitarist)

Jenry Pawhay (Acoustic Guitarist)

Ryan Pecardal (Bassist)

Harald Huyssen (Drummer)

Q: Why did you name yourselves Gloryfall?

Toby: One of our very first songs to record even before the band was formed was called “Glory Fall.”  It spoke of our heart to see God’s glory manifest.  When we write songs, lead worship, or train in worship, our one desire is for God to reveal himself in such an awesome way that our lives will be changed forever!  We adapted the name for our group from that song.

Toby Huyssen, worship leader and acoustic guitarist of the band, has been leading worship since he was 8 years old.  Currently, he leads World Missions for Jesus team in the Philippines as well as a team for a church plant in Antipolo.  He works with his brother in TrueSound Recording Studio to help produce quality Christian music in the Philippines.

Q: Who writes the songs? Any particular story behind any of the songs?

Toby: The song I Sing Blessing was written in 2008 during our first worship training.  While prayer time, I opened the Bible and read in the book of Revelation.  During that time the Lord gave me the song “I Sing Blessing” which we have used to lead others to worship Him.“Be Glorified” is a newer song that I wrote. My heart was stirring for some time with a discontent wanting something more from my songwriting. I prayed, telling the Lord, I want to write a song that really brings you glory.  At that moment I wrote the song “Be Glorified”

Harald: Primary writers are Toby and myself.  Cylynn also wrote one track on the album.  The songs I write are born out of quiet time with the Lord or during a time spent in prayer or the Bible.  I think the material is a response to God, who He is and how He is working in us and moving us.  My goal in writing is to give all glory to God.  

Harald is also the drummer of Shamrock and jazz group, Lowcal.  He has been a faculty member at UST Conservatory of music since 2006 teaching drumset, jazz studies, and music technology courses.  He also works as a sound engineer TrueSound Studio where he has been involved in numerous projects for both local and foreign artists.  

Q: What challenges did you encounter in making this album? How did God bring you through it? Any unforgettable moments while recording?

Toby: This  has been our biggest project yet, combining audio and video live recording all in one night took months of preparation.  It was challenging to stay at everything for that long, but something that consistently happened whenever we practiced.  There was always a moment, during the practice, when the atmosphere and heart of worship would push past the musical practice.  This helped me keep going through everything.

Ginny: There was a lot of hard work involved in making the album. We all rehearsed every week, perfecting each song - making arrangements and also coming up with harmonies. Another challenge for me was being about 9 months pregnant. That made it challenging but still fun!

 Ginny Huyssen, vocalist, has been a choir member since high school. She has always loved music as a child. She has been in the music ministry since 2005. Now in Gloryfall, she leads sometimes and does a lot of harmonizing for the band.

Cylynn: Learning all 13 songs (words, melody, harmony. Being committed to always be prepared every week for rehearsals. Making sure I know and do my every part right. The Lord showed me ways that I can learn the songs in fun and meaningful ways. As I studied the words, I am reminded of how amazing and wonderful our God is. I get to worship and praise Him as I study the songs for the album. The album is something we all worked and prepared really hard for, and something we had been waiting for for 6 months. Every experience that night during recording was memorable! Extra unforgettable for me personally since I had 39+ C degrees fever  during the recording night, but that didn't keep the experience from being fun and meaningful. To top it off, after finishing the recording at almost midnight, the whole group made a ‘starbucks run’ and celebrated everyone’s efforts, the Lord’s goodness and grace, and a successful project! 

Cylynn also works for World Mission for Jesus, Inc doing admin work. She is also the Bldg. Manager for Springs of Living Water Retreat and Seminar Center in Antipolo Rizal. She is a part time photographer and a mother to two amazing daughters and 1 son.

Cylas: Rearranging the songs to get the feel that we wanted. Grace brought us through. If it wasn't for Him, no idea what would've come up and I won't have the skill needed to do this. I also believe that God wouldn't have let us accomplish this if we didn't have the right heart. This being my last project with Gloryfall, the whole experience was unforgettable for me. We practiced for months and the excitement just grew as the recording date drew closer. 

Dennis: Being able to play it live in a studio. You can always go back and re-record parts, but for this one, we had to play everything correctly without losing the feel of each song. God has been good that I only had to do some minor edits just to take out live playing nuances.

Jenry:  I usually play the rhythm part and in this album, I have to come up with my parts. That is the most challenging thing I did in this album. During my daily devo's, God kept reminding me (different verses pointing out to one message) to keep doing my best. The bonding time during rehearsals - that's what makes it unforgettable. 

 Jenry is also a freelance Graphic Designer, part of the Worship Team at church and a hobbyist. He makes bracelets during his spare time and sell them.

Ryan: For me, learning 13 new songs at once is challenging plus giving my own style without compromising what the Band already made. The songs are very heartfelt and speaks to whoever is listening to it. It is not hard to put your heart into songs like these. Plus having bonding moments with the band made it easier for me to "get tight" with them musically as well.The "feeling of excitement" is unforgettable for me. Being able to record the Album and at the same time shoot a video of it (like an mtv) is a first for me.

Harald: This is the first time we have done a live recording and also a first time we have done a video as well. So many firsts. We really prayed about direction and everything we were doing.  We prayed about material, every rehearsal the group meets to not only play music but seek God and grow in God.  Though it seemed like a huge task and we worked hard, oddly in the end it felt easy and effortless and everything just came together awesome.  God brought us the perfect partners like Mr. Mike Pigar who helped with the set, video crew changed last minute due to scheduling issues,  so every point where we lacked God opened a door. 

Q: God breathes a new song to His words all the time. What's the new song in this album that makes it different from your other albums?

Toby: I feel that each song has a “new song” moment.  It really was our goal to have the songs come alive, as we arranged and recorded each song did come alive for me.

Ginny: This new album captures even more the heart of Gloryfall. When it comes to worship, our desire is for God to be truly glorified.

Cylas: The whole album actually sounds different from the previous ones. If you've heard the other albums, you would notice the difference right away. You would know it's Gloryfall but at the same time it would sound fresher.

Aside from playing with Gloryfall, Cylas also works as a Quality Monitor Specialist for a bank. 

Dennis: The bible encourages us to sing new songs, people who are on fire for God would just burst into singing worship songs. Songs like "Breathe on Me" "Your Love" "Sing to You" will sound very different from the previous albums, from those 3 you will my hear diverse musical influences.

Jenry:   BIGGER. Iba kasi ang impact sa akin ng song. (The song has a different impact on me,)

Ryan: For me, the songs in this album breathes. We changed the tempo around a bit to get the correct feel of the songs. Plus the message of the songs created a perfect match.

Harald: We have 5 albums to date.  The difference here is the live aspect which for worship I think makes it more real and more intimate.  This is something we have wanted to do for 6 years. Gloryfall started in 2008. 

Q: What is your favorite single? Why? 

Toby: Be Glorified is a favorite of mine.  The heart, message, and arrangement all combined create a beautiful worship song.

Ginny: I love all of them! :D I'd say Be Glorified. It's an easy song to sing, I like the melody a lot and also the message of the song. 

Cylynn: Because of Who You Are.  It’s a song that is very personal to me.  God gave me the words and melody to this song as I was driving home from bringing my daughter to school. Being a mom of 3 means my day is full and crazy busy!  A lot of my experiences alone with the Lord are being in the car driving alone. I was worshiping and singing to Him about who He is, and how amazing and awesome He is.  The “YOU ARE” in worshiping our God. To just focus on Him and Him alone, not including or putting “me” in the picture just focusing on God and who He is. Next thing I know the words and melody of “Because of Who You Are” just came to life. 

Cylas: I Sing Blessing. We've done this song countless times and in different places and it never gets old for me. It helps take you to that place wherein it's just you and God. 

Dennis: Breathe On Me, because it's the heaviest (genre) and I like heavy things.

Dennis is also the Ministry Coordinator of Sowing Seeds Ministries Inc., a worship team member at Union Church of Manila, and a guitar teacher at Faith Academy.

Jenry: Bigger. Before I joined Gloryfall, my favorite line is "LIFE SUCKS…  Life is like a tire, sometimes I'm up and sometimes I'm down; but mine is flat so I'm always on the DOWN side of the tire." When I first heard the song, ang sabi ko (I said)… SAKTO (exactly)! Everytime I sing, hear or play the song, I'm declaring to myself that God is bigger than everything. 

Ryan: Spirit of God. Listen to it and you will know why it's my favorite. Seriously, the song talks about inviting the presence of the Holy Spirit which changes you life and empowering you to do great things for God.

Harald: Ruler of All – I wrote this song in a quiet time before the Lord – 1 Chronicles 29:10-13.  Realizing who God is puts everything in perspective in this life.  It’s something that brings peace, comfort, joy.

Q: Album's title is Be Glorified. How did God reveal His glory in your lives while creating this album?

Toby: There were always moments where in each practice I could feel God’s presence strongly.  No matter how many times we sang the same song, the Lord continued to reveal Himself in a new way.  His mercies are new every morning.

Ginny: God would always show up and speak to us as we worked on the songs. Gloryfall also does devotions every week and every time there is a "refreshing" from God. It's amazing how God can make His presence known and felt even in the simplest of things and times, like when we are practicing the songs.

Cylas: By providing strength and wisdom throughout the whole process. 

Dennis: The writing and arranging processes took longer than normal. We spent months listening to demos and fine tuning the arrangements. Throughout the writing process, God has provided everything that we needed to complete the album. All members have their own jobs to support families. Everyone was busy but somehow we always found time to do it until completion. 

Jenry: There's this song that is very hard to play. My timing is off, I can't memorize the chords, and in every rehearsal I always mess up. And then a month before the recording, the band agreed to change some parts of the arrangement in the song… What a relief, it made my life easier. God taught me to persevere to reach my goal, not just for the album but in my life as well. In everything I do, it must be to glorify God. 

Ryan: I guess it's the way He gave me strength to do what I have to do that day. The day of the recording, I came from the office, no sleep then after we're done, I still have to go straight to the office again for work.

Ryan aka Rye is also an MD at Jesus Christ Sun of Righteousness Church Marikina. He works as a Level 2 Technician for Apple Computers and a full time Dad.

Harald: God reveals his glory daily.  If we will take the time to realize the world, opportunities, blessings we have.  It’s a matter of perspective and looking at things from the side of a free, blessed and redeemed child of God.  We can’t respond any way other than give glory to God. 

Q: Any message to the readers or people you want to thank.

Toby: There are so many people to thank for their support.  The ones who have already given their support to the ones who still will give their support.  Each person sows into our ministry making it possible for us to keep on going.

Ginny: I would like to thank everyone who has prayed and supported us in this project. Prayers are powerful! I'd like to say a special thanks to Jeanne Vicars for helping us out vocally, giving us amazing advise and tips in singing. My prayer is that everyone who gets to listen to this album would get to experience God's awesome presence like never before and go deeper in their worship and walk with God. To God be ALL the glory!

Cylynn: Thank you to everyone who has supported and prayed for us throughout this project.  I hope that the Lord will reveal Himself in a very personal way to everyone who will listen to the album. In the end, I pray that all glory, praise and honor will be given to God!  

Cylas: My prayer is for people to experience God as they listen to this album. Thank you to everyone who has been supporting our ministry and partnering with us. 

Dennis: I hope this album will become a tool to bring God's people to real worship.

Jenry:  In everything you do, persevere to reach your goal. Keep on praying and trusting God.  Life is short, use it to glorify God. Many thanks to my wife for the support and to Harald for pushing me to do my best.

Ryan: I want to thank my wife for her never ending support. My two beautiful princesses that never fails to inspire and make me feel blessed.

Harald:  Of course thank you to God our Father for making this group and album possible.  My family has been 100% supportive and a constant inspiration.  The band members, everyone is a joy to work with. Thank you to every one who has supported the group over the last 6 years.  Absolutely amazed and humbled.  

End of Interview

Knowing that the lives of these eight individuals were not the same as when they started working on this album tells you that God has, indeed, moved His hand. We can sing songs of worship all day long and read Bible passages every single day, but our lives and how we speak of it will be the real manifestation of God's glory. On this album, the band didn't just play songs or recorded tunes, you have read how they spoke of how God brought them through from start to finish. The songs didn't magically come out while on a luxurious vacation or a song writing class. The songs came to them during a quiet time on a simple day. This tells you that a song of worship and gratefulness can come any time of the day, at any place, and to anyone. 

Make these songs yours, too. Join Gloryfall as they sing new songs of worship for an audience of One. 

You may check the album from Indieheaven or from Reverbnation. 

You may also follow their Facebook page. 

Visit their website. 

All photos on this entry were used with the permission of Gloryfall. 

Follow my blog: 

Facebook 

Instagram 

We Park and Ride

TRAVEL SNIPPETS: Selfie with Jake

Jake is a 12-yo kid who works at the Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad, PH. He goes to the farm every weekend to lend a hand and get paid. This helps him help his parents bring him to school. He will be in high school very soon. You could see his excitement when how his eyes lights up when talking about high school.

He works with a ready smile all the time. He ends his sentences with a “po” (a word in the Filipino language that expresses courtesy) always. When he felt comfortable talking to me, he shared stories of the people he met at the farm. You could say he was proud of the friendships he made. I’d like to think he was happy and proud to meet me, too.

He wants to become a teacher.

It was a short encounter but it was meaningful.

Thank you, Jake, for this wonderful chance to have a photo with you. I hope that you reach your dreams. Hope to see you again soon.

Andee Dear

Andee dear,

It amazes me when I find someone who is truly passionate about something. I say TRULY because I believe passion can never be faked - fake that you have it or fake that you don't. You'd message me even in the wee hours of the morning (am n0t complaining) when you want to talk about it. You talk about this author on Facebook and with me with so much intensity. I enjoyed every bit of it...So, I think you deserve this.

Found the title we have been wanting to start but have not been able to. Here's for you. You read it first and I will go next, then let's push thru with our plans to talk about it over coffee soon.

I see a Book Club happening. I have always wanted to start one. Who knows it could be this.

Keep reading, sissy!

Fox

Jailbreaking Vincent Juanta as the co-owner of Chef Arch’s Lime and Kanto Freestyle Breakfast

Last January 13^th I started a new segment on my blog entitled 2012 Food Trips. I decided to go out of my comfort zone and try restaurants that I haven’t experienced. My adventure brought me to a nearby eating place Kanto Freestyle Breakfast (see this link) whose owners also own another favorite, Chef Arch’s Lime. My friends and I love these places. 

I was, and still am, impressed by the theme, ambiance and affordability of both restaurants. This curiosity, as usual, led me to contacting the owners. Mr. Vinz Juanta, one of the owners, warmly accommodated my nosiness and allowed me to feature him on my Jailbreaking segment.

Q: You co-own Chef Arch’s Lime and Kanto. With whom do you share ownership? How long have these two been open?

 From Left: Vincent Juanta, Archie Juanta, Christian Ian Ocampo and Eugene Claravall

A: Yup. I co-own Chef Arch’s Lime together with DLSU Schoolmates and Domino Lux Frat Buddies, Ian Ocampo and Eugene Claravall. On the other hand, Chef Arch Juanta, my brother, is the Founder, Emeritus and Culinary High Priest. Chef Lime has already been in existence for about 4 years while Kanto was just opened last year.

Q: I noticed that both have this theme of combined street style and gourmet. Where did this idea come from? Any particular reason you came up with this?

A: The Lime concept was the brainchild of Chef Arch. From Hong Kong’s Dai Pai Dongs to Singapore’s Hawker stalls, street food has always been an indelible and inseparable component of one’s culture. It is a source of nourishment for the great hoi polloi and the common working man on whose shoulders societies stand on. Lime considers Philippine street food a source of pride that should be promoted and be made accessible and palatable for all, even those who are well off. It is from this vision that Lime was born.

Q: Did you get formal training on culinary arts? If yes, where at? If not, to whom do you entrust food preparation?

Chef Arch's Lime featured in Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho

A: Although Chef Arch is currently based in New Zealand, he continues to ensure that his culinary standards are strictly followed by remotely but effectively overseeing his trained and dedicated team of cooks and assistants via web and occasional visits. As for Ian, Eugene and I…we still consider ourselves but humble students to the master.

Q: BJ and Kiefer, your Kanto storekeepers, are such sweethearts. My friends and I like them a lot because they are polite and they take their job seriously. More importantly, BJ prepares good food. I assume you train them (and your team) a lot to deliver that Chef Lime image. How do you train them? How do you ensure that your people deliver excellent customer service every day?

A: Given that my partners and I are also fraternity brothers, we grew up together with a deeply engrained sense of brotherhood and family. We believe applying this same set of values in business without sacrificing order and discipline. In Lime and Kanto, we treat our staff as family first before employees. We believe that it is only here in this environment of mutual respect and trust, loyalty and good service could be naturally cultivated and therefore also more naturally radiated back to you, our customers.

Q: One of the attractions of Chef Arch’s Lime and Kanto is the price. You get fine dining at affordable prices. And to keep loyal customers, you gotta keep up with that image and at the same time keep the business. How do you manage pricing to ensure you keep both?

Chef Arch's Lime featured in Go Negosyo.

Chef Arch's Lime featured in TV5's Sapul sa Singko

A: We only get the best ingredients and ensure the Chef Arch standard is followed both in process and presentation. We found out that staying true to one’s quality promise while trying to eke out a modest earning honestly does pose quite a daunting challenge to us sometimes, if not most of the time. We do try to counter balance this with volume deliveries and catering…but hey the smiles you get back and the network you gain is priceless.

Q: I have tried a lot of your dishes and was never ever disappointed. Please tell us more about your bestsellers and their prices.

A: Here they are:

The Quail Egg Tempura (P120) is our version of Kwek-kwek

The Street Style Pizza (P210) it has Kesong Puti 

The Street Style BBQ Platter @P185  

Kanto's Pampanga Tocino @ P90  

Kanto's French Toast with Bacon and Eggs @P90

Kanto's Mixed Berry Pancakes @P90

Q: What dishes take a lot of time in preparation?

A: Chicken breast stuffed with Kangkong and Kesong Puti, it's half pan grilled and half oven baked. We don’t do pre-cooking, every dish is freshly cooked that’s why some dish take a while to prepare.

Q:   I know that you recently had a fundraising project for the typhoon victims of Iligan. It is good to know that you also make it a point to give back. What made you do this? Do you do this often?

A: We have been blessed by God with great business and a strategic venue where we can gather people to help those in need. We felt that it is both natural and a responsibility to use these strengths to give back.

Q: Do you host events like birthdays, parties and group dinners? What’s the price range?

A: Yes, we have party packages at P250, P300 and P450 per head.

UST College of Tourism Event 2010

Vinz Juanta and Eugene Claravall as Guest Speakers

Q:  I noticed that you don’t just stick to your old menu for long. Instead you come up with new dishes to share and reinvent your list constantly. What else can we expect from Chef Arch’s Lime and Kanto?

A: More great food from Lime and more deliveries from Kanto.

Q: I bet you have customers who come back all the time. More than the affordable price and good food, it was the whole experience that makes us come back. What do you want to tell all these loyal patrons (myself included)?

A: Customers can’t get enough of my good looks. Hahahahaha! Kidding aside, I think it’s the chill out ambience of Lime that works as a plus for us. I think that people naturally gravitate more to a house compared to a commercial establishment. I guess at the end of a day’s hard work, a lot of people consider Lime as their second home.

_ End of the interview_

My 2012 Food Trips entry clearly states that I am not a good cook and a food critic. This means that featuring restaurants on my blog doesn’t really mean am recommending them. This is an exception. My dining experiences with Kanto and Chef Arch’s Lime were awesome. The food is great. The accommodation is so Pinoy and warm.

Project Tenfold Circle's 6th Planning Session @ Kanto

Photo from Dhenize Averilla.

Like our Facebook page.

Chef Arch's Lime and Kanto are definitely going at the top of my list of favorite eating places. I may not be a good cook and a food critic but I am a customer. We all are consumers who constantly look for products and services that will give us our hard-earned money's worth. I found it in these two places. Thumbs up!

Like them on Facebook.

Check their website here.

Photos were taken by Nelwin Uy, Ms. Charming Baldemor and Vincent Juanta.

The Jailbreaking Series: Jailbreaking Danielle Alamares as a Traveler

Jailbreaking Danielle Alamares as

 a Traveler

A ship is safe in the harbor, but that's not what ships are built for. - Gael Attal

Just like young birds, our life starts in our hometowns - a safe, familiar, comfortable place which becomes our entire world for quite a while. As safe as it is for us to stay where we were born, it is also a must to go out there and explore what the whole world has to offer. 

Join me as I jailbreak the traveler in a good friend of mine, Danielle Alamares.

1. What started your interest in traveling? What was your very first travel experience?

Hmmm... it all started when I traveled in Hong Kong (my first one) with my family in 2008 which is also our first trip outside the country. It wasn't a good experience coz it was arranged thru a travel agency so there's limited time and places to go to. It made me want to return and explore the place more. From then on, I make sure that when I travel, I plan it on my own to see and try the best of the best. 

Hongkong with Family

2. Name the places you have been to. Name your top three. Which place do you see yourself going back to every now and then? Why?

I'm living now in Qatar. I've been to United Arab Emirates (Dubai & Abu Dhabi), Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia (Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur), Indonesia (Bali), Sri Lanka (Colombo, Yala, Unawatuna, Gale, Mirissa, Hikkaduwa), Philippines (Legazpi, Camarines Sur, Bohol, Cebu, upcoming trip to Puerto Princesa and El Nido in Palawan)

Udawalawe, Sri Lanka

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

My top three,so far, are Bali (Indonesia), Macau and Bohol (Philippines).

Bali, Indonesia

Cirque du Soleil, Macau

Bohol, PH

The place that I see myself going back to the most (and will ensure to stay for weeks!) is Bali, Indonesia. This place relaxes me. During my stay, all the worries, problems, stress are gone in a snap! There's just really something about this place. Bali is also a really cheap place to go to.

Bali, Indonesia

3. From whom do you get advice on traveling? Name 5 tips you always remind yourself of when traveling?

No one. I usually get tips on places from blogs, websites.. I just do my own research and learn from there. :)

Tips? Always pack light, leave some space for your souvenirs & great finds. ;-) Never forget your photo and video essentials, they're a top priority. Make sure to visit a church in the area, I make it a point that I give thanks to Him for my blessing of travel. Food is a MUST, I make sure that at least I try one of the place's delicacy or recommended food. Lastly, just savor and enjoy each moment. 

4. One of my ultimate dreams in life, and maybe a part of my bucket list, is to travel alone. Do you wish the same?

Yep, I dream of that too! I wanna travel around Europe or go to Maldives by myself. :) 

5. Part of the excitement of traveling is trying new experiences and new food. What was the bravest adventure you've done and the weirdest food you have tried. Which food makes it to the top favorite?

Oh my! For those who know me, I'm afraid of heights! My bravest adventure was in Singapore, I did reverse bungy jumping. It scared the hell out of me!! I was really really scared and almost cried before doing it but my cousin really pushed hard  that I try it. If not for him, I wouldn't have had the courage to do it. It was really fulfilling in the end. I was able to conquer my fear. All thanks to him! :-) 

Hmmm...Duck maybe? Haha! I haven't tried anything really weird yet. You know how I love and appreciate food. To name a few of my faves, Casa Verde's Brian Ribs and the Pink Panther (Cebu) and KFC's egg tarts (Hongkong).

Ped Palo (Duck)

Sting Ray

Sting Ray! Really good! It's so good coz it's spicy. It needs to be eaten with strong spices and calamansi to get rid of the malodor.


6. What was your worst mishap while traveling?

None so far. I just hate delays, I'm always on the go. Every minute for me counts.

7. Like you, most travelers are also into photography. Which came first to you? What is your favorite travel photo?

Bohol, PH
Danielle's favorite travel photo.

I guess both. It was during my first travel that photography came to me, I was only using a digital camera then (a Canon Ixus 75). I fell in love capturing the sceneries, the moments.

8. Traveling can be expensive sometimes, what traveling items have you invested in to make your experience more worth it?

A Canon DSLR with a good set of lens and a GoPro Hero camera  for my underwater and adventure photos/videos. A good, light travel luggage (I use Delsey) or a sturdy light backpack (preferably Northface) too.

9. There are places that I dream of going to like Brazil, China and a lot more. Mind sharing your list?

I dream of going to:

1. Rio de Janeiro, Maldives, Seychelles, Cancun, Goa, Thailand (Phuket, Pattaya & Phi Phi Islands) -- I just love beaches!

2. Spain, France, Netherlands... all over Europe. It's all about their food and the landmarks.

3. South Africa for the real safari adventure!

4. Las Vegas. It's not the casinos I'm after but the shows (Cirque du Soleil, concerts, etc.).

5. Japan for ramen! haha! I really dream of that. :-) And see their Cherry blossom festival too!

6. Chiang Mai, Thailand for the Yi Peng festival (Sky lantern festival). I just have this fascination for sky lanterns. :-)

     CWC Camarines Sur, PH

And so much more! My list will just go on and on and on ... 

10. Backpacking, to me, is one thing every traveler should try to complete the experience. I have traveled with you and I noticed that you are more of a flashpacker than a backpacker. Flashpacking is backpacking with a budget and a lot of preparation. Have you ever tried backpacking? If yes, how was the experience? If not, do you plan on doing so?

It's actually the first time I've heard of flashpacking. :-P I haven't tried backpacking yet, not sure if I will, coz like you said, I travel with preparation. Preparation in terms of the places to go to, the must-tries, etc. I just got to have my "list" with me before I travel. :-)

11. What has traveling taught you?

A lot! Travel has taught me to embrace life. We only live once, right? To be honest, I don't have savings. Whenever I have extra money, I make it a point that I travel because we never know when our time is up. It's a life lesson that I learned from someone. That's why am giving a part of my life to explore the world, to see God's beautiful creations, to appreciate every little thing there is... the places, the people, the culture, the food...everything. It has taught me to live life and am grateful that I'm so blessed to experience that. 

_ End of Interview_

Traveling is more than just booking a flight, grabbing that backpack and all the travel items that go with it. It is tastier than trying new food and braver than jumping off the cliff.

I believe traveling is a journey for the soul. It is a phenomenal opportunity to walk, fly, run and swim the world we live in. It lets us discover God's awesomeness in each person we meet and in each place we go to. It generously allows us to rediscover ourselves during the process. It sends us back home with a grateful heart and desire to do it again. It leaves us in awe making us grateful for life and the air we breathe. It humbles us to see the dominion of God's grace over all the earth and beyond and how they all work together in harmony. 

And above all, just like what it continuously does to Danielle, it shows us how little we are yet equally reminds us of how precious we really are.