It was raining cats and dogs outside, I knew, even if I couldn't hear the patter of rain on the roof. I didn't have to go out and check the weather. It's all over the news, this typhoon named Gener which brought strong gales and heavy downpour in Legazpi. Bicol isn't exactly new to weather disturbances. Located at the eastern side of the country facing the Pacific Ocean, it's constantly being beaten down by typhoons, strong and mild, its atmosphere always finicky and unpredictable.
With Gener intent in ruining my weekend getaway in Legazpi, I was forced to stay indoor and do my round of alternative exploration. But I just couldn't eat all day - solo dinner can be an expensive affair, not to mention lonesome if done more than usual. I knew that my one day stay would be reduced to holing up inside my room, reading a book, surfing the net, watching a film on my laptop - boring stuff no doubt but nevertheless valid excuses for not going out considering the weather condition.

When I embarked on my first solo travel last January of this year, I admit that there was hesitation due to a gnawing fear that the trip might go awry. But I was adamant and there was a strong resolve to just go out of my comfort zone so I took off. I was able to go back home safe and sound with great experiences in tow. It made me more confident and I learnt a few things about myself that I wouldn't have known had I backed out from the trip. On the flip side, it somehow made me a little arrogant. But it's the type of arrogance that bolstered my self-esteem. You know, the sort that drove me to be a tad adventurous.
Six months later, I challenged myself again to do another solo travel. This time at a destination much closer to Manila: Legazpi City in Albay. Storm was brewing in the east which would potentially mean a rainy weekend. Things like this can easily give me the heebie-jeebies. I wasn't too sure if I wanted to push through with my trip but I was left without much choice - I couldn't afford to not use my round trip ticket, so on a rainy dawn, I took a cab to NAIA Terminal 3, apprehensively looking at the horizon, hoping the storm would change course. I didn't trust the weather reports I read online. Despite obvious signs of bad weather, I still wished for a sunny weekend.

They say there is no better way to experience a destination than to explore it yourself. Exploring a destination can be done with a company or (para maiba naman) alone. Going alone can be a fun and liberating experience (scary for some) but it also has a few downside. Here are some of the things I have learned and discovered from my first solo adventure in Dumaguete.

1. You're the boss. Solo travel gives you the freedom to decide where you want to go, what you want to do and how you want to do it. You have control of the schedule and no one's telling you what to do. The time you go to bed or the time you wake up is your prerogative. There is no need to rush through things and you can be more spontaneous. Your mistakes are your own, your triumph all yours.

Creating a bucket list is fun but knocking off what's on the list is tough simply because there are just so many cool things out there to try and see and experience and there's not just enough time - and sometimes, there's not enough money. But none of these should get in the way or be an excuse to miss these amazing things and experiences.

1. Visit your hometown and explore sights around. Believe me, you don't know your province that well and there are interesting attractions you're unheard of that may surprise you.
2. Try a Roro. It's safe and it's not that bad.

Dumaguete is not only a quaint town, it's also charming and bustling. 

Take a refreshing dip in the man-made pools with cool natural water in Forest Camp and order grilled seafood or native chicken tinola (generous serving!) for lunch.
Rest for a little while and head over to Casaroro Falls, which is a few kilometers from Forest Camp. If you're taking a trike, prepare yourself for a 10-15 minute walk up the dirt road because tricycles can only go as far as the cemented road. Make sure to bring bottled water as the hike alone to the entry point is dehydrating.

This is the beauty of solo travel - in the absence of a companion, you'll eventually make a few connections,  and in most cases, gain friends.