Saturday, January 24, 2026

When Friends Believe in Your Dream: The People Who Helped Me Start My Travel Agency



Starting a business is never a solo journey. Behind every small success is a group of people who quietly believe, support, and stand beside you — even when the outcome is uncertain.



When I opened my travel agency, I didn’t have unlimited capital or a safety net. What I had was faith, hard work, and something just as valuable — family and friends who believed in my vision. ( alam nyo kung sino kayo mga true friend ko who trusted in me from the very start and still supporting me until now)




Some of my friends chose to invest in my business, not because they were guaranteed returns, but because they trusted me. They believed in my integrity, my passion for travel, and my commitment to serve people honestly. Their support gave me more than financial help — it gave me confidence.



I remember feeling both grateful and pressured. Grateful because not everyone is blessed with people willing to take a risk with you. Pressured because their trust reminded me that I needed to work even harder, not just for myself, but for everyone who believed in me.



Their investment became a reminder that dreams grow faster when shared. It pushed me to be more disciplined, more patient, and more responsible as a business owner.



To my family and friends who invested, encouraged, shared my posts, and continue to support my journey — thank you. You are part of this story. Every milestone I reach carries your belief with it.


This post is not about money or business. It’s about love from the family, trust, friendship, and community. And I hope it reminds others that sometimes, believing in someone is the most powerful investment you can make.


"If you’re dreaming of starting something of your own, I hope you find people who believe in you — and if you already have them, never forget to say thank you."


From Bicol to the World
lrjecoviajeandtours@gmail.com
WhatsApp: 09063512804

Friday, January 23, 2026

From Bicol to the World : How a Poor Bicolana Learned to Dream Big

From Bicol to the World: How My Travel Journey Truly Began


My journey into travel was not instant, glamorous, or easy. It was built slowly — through resignations, relocations, side hustles, and faith.

In 2013, I made a difficult decision: I resigned from my previous work at a travel agency. At that time, I didn’t have a clear plan. Like many Filipinos trying to survive, I took a practical job and worked as a MIS staff for Monde Nissin. It was honest work, but deep inside, I knew my heart was still connected to travel.
After some time, I resigned again — not because I failed, but because I was still searching for where I truly belonged.

In 2015, life took me to Lucena City. Starting over in a new place was challenging. I had no office, no big capital, and no strong connections. But something unexpected happened — people started asking me for help with their travel needs. Simple questions at first: bookings, requirements, advice. I helped them using the little knowledge and experience I had.

By 2016, what started as simple help became a side hustle. I decided to take things seriously and secured business permits, not yet as a full-time agency, but as a small step toward something bigger. I didn’t know it then, but that decision changed everything.

In 2018, I returned to Bicol, my home. This time, I came back with purpose. I opened my own travel agency office with the help of my Auntie, I put up my office on their garage area, driven not by money, but by a desire to serve people who were like me — ordinary Filipinos who thought travel was only for the rich or the lucky. 


The journey was still not easy. There were quiet days, doubts, and moments when I questioned myself. But I stayed. On this year also I got my first award from Golden Globe Annual Awards for Business Excellence and Outstanding Filipino Achievers, as Best Choice 2018 for Trusted Travel Agency ( Naga City)





In 2022, one of my proudest milestones happened — I officially received my DOT accreditation. That moment was more than a certificate. It was proof that consistency, patience, and faith truly pay off.

This blog is my way of sharing my real story — not just the successes, but the long road behind them. I want others to know that you don’t need to have everything figured out at the start. Sometimes, all you need is the courage to begin, even if it’s just a side hustle.

If you are someone who feels lost, starting small, or afraid to take the next step, I hope my story reminds you of this:

Progress is still progress, no matter how slow. And dreams grow when you don’t give up on them.

Welcome to From Bicol to the World 🌍

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