Be careful of what you wish for.. :)

I’m going to Palawan this weekend. Palawan. Palawan! Puerto Princesa Palawan!

During my first interview in this office, the panel asked me about how I feel about traveling... a lot. I answered with a smile, and said I love traveling. I didn’t want to sound too excited so I said it lifelessly.

They even tried to scare me that I might be sent to the remotest areas of Mindanao to follow-up, launch, or cover a project. I still smiled, but part of me was already scared. One reason why I never pursued a career in broadcast communication is my lack of bravery and aggressiveness (which is mainly required from field reporters), and it seemed like it was what they were asking from me.

On my first few weeks here, almost all of the staff from our department were already traveling. One went to Manila for the IFEX Expo, the other to Lanao del Norte for a project turnover, and another one went to Kidapawan. I was assigned to some events too, but they were only around the city, as you may see in the previous posts.

I was completely fine with that, but I was also hoping for some out of town travels. With out-of-town, I was imagining Kidapawan, Surigao, Zamboanga,General Santos, anywhere near.

Last month, they told me that I might be sent to Palawan for a BIMP-EAGA event, since the rest of them need to attend a wedding on the schedule of the event. I didn’t take it seriously. The event was still a month away when they said that, so many things can change.

I received my iterinary and e-ticket yesterday. Departure date: June 19, 11:50am. Arrival date: June 25: 09:50am. My mind screamed WTF.

My friends are apparently excited for me. I should be, too. But everything’s still so surreal. I have always wanted to travel alone, and now that the opportunity is hugging me already, I’m freaking out. Well, being alone in Palawan is not a very bad idea. I’m more scared of staying in Manila for a night, first time and alone. I don’t know if I’ll survive like the others.

Another source of apprehension is the event itself. My Chief trusted me to cover the event, and it’s relatively huge and highly technical. Right now, I’m just worried how to capture it the way I’m expected to. How to provide a Palawan-trip-worthy story when I come back. *gaaaaaaasssshhhh*

Finally, I’m a little depressed about probably missing the Underground river tour because of other tasks assigned to me.  I might be at Brooke’s Point on the same day that the tour will happen. Brooke’s Point is definitely not the best that Palawan can offer. Oh well, guess we can't just have it all.. :(

Will definitely be providing updates here next week!