About The Author

First-time Travels. My passion is traveling so prepare for an adventure-filled journey into the world of an enthusiastic globetrotter, me! Traveling is not just a hobby; it’s my ultimate passion, and I can’t resist capturing every mesmerizing moment with my trusty camera.

Whether it’s the awe-inspiring sights or the little wonders that catch my eye, I’m always on the lookout for unforgettable memories. Check out all my blog posts at my Table of Contents.

My passion

But that’s not all; I’ve taken my wanderlust to the next level by immersing myself in fascinating projects and communities. As a postcrosser, I’ve connected with people from all corners of the globe, swapping postcards that narrate my journeys. My collection has grown so vast that even friends contribute to it from their own adventures, adding to the thrill.

Oh, and did I mention I was a Wikipedian? As a certified volunteer for the Cultural Heritage Mapping project of the Wikimedia Foundation, I’m on a mission to preserve and share the rich heritage of various cultures around the world. It’s a truly fulfilling endeavor!

My background

Beyond exploring, I have a heart for making a positive impact. I've worked for organizations like Habitat for Humanity Philippines and Hands On Manila, dedicating myself to meaningful causes. And when I was the Executive Director of the Dr. Pablo O. Torre Foundation, Inc., I had the opportunity to leave a mark in the beautiful city of Bacolod, Philippines.

But that's not all! I was also a PR practitioner, and my work revolved around promoting the wonders of my beloved country. It's an absolute joy to spread the word about the Philippines and all its hidden gems.

Although I've put that all behind when I settled back in Bacolod and worked from home for an Australian organization, I continued to write, while traveling whenever the opportunity comes.

The Beginnings of my Wanderlust

As a Filipina living in the Philippines and occasionally venturing beyond, my passion for travel sparked at a young age. School breaks meant exciting vacations with my relatives, nurturing the travel bug within me. But it was my time with an international non-profit organization that truly set my wanderlust on fire, offering me the chance to explore diverse countries and cultures.

And you know what? I've only scratched the surface of our vast planet! The best part? It means I have endless opportunities for first-time adventures in new continents, countries, cities, and more. Every new destination is a chance to connect with the world, learn, and make incredible discoveries. And of course, I can't resist documenting my experiences through photos and writing, ensuring every adventure is well-captured and shared.

This travel blog is my way of giving back to fellow travelers, especially those embarking on their first journey. I want to assure them that even the most seasoned explorers were once neophytes, too.

The articles you'll find here are a culmination of my thoughts, experiences, and observations. They're precious to me, so please, no copying or reprinting without my permission.

And speaking of photos, those are all my handiwork too! So please, if you're intrigued by any of my visuals, ask for permission before using them. Once granted, proper credits are a must [Photo by Claire Algarme of https://firsttimetravels.com].

Now, let's connect! Drop me an email at firsttimetravel@hotmail.com or shoot me a direct message on http://twitter.com/firsttimetravel. Oh, and don't forget to check out my exciting journey on my Facebook fan page https://www.facebook.com/firsttimetravelsblog and my captivating photos on http://instagram.com/firsttimetravelsblog.

Expanding my horizons

By the way, I've been part of some thrilling programs and contests too! I was a proud member of the now-defunct Lonely Planet Blogsherpa program and have won some fantastic experiences through competitions like the Medical Tourism Blog Contest in Thailand and Globe Telecom's #Wonderful Blog Contest, which took me all the way to Auckland, New Zealand!

And if that's not enough, I was selected as one of the lucky 30 bloggers to join the cast of the Kerala Blog Express Season 4, hosted by the Kerala Tourism Office in India! It's been an amazing ride so far, and the adventure never ends.

When I'm not exploring the world, I channel my creativity through freelance writing, so if you have exciting projects, feel free to reach out. You might have even spotted some of my work in publications like Biz Events Asia and Sun.Star Bacolod.

So there you have it, the story of a passionate traveler, amateur photographer, writer, and advocate. I'm thrilled to have you join me on this incredible journey of discovery, learning, and inspiration. Let's embark on unforgettable adventures together!