Hiking up Angel’s Landing trail in Zion National Park.
about
Hi there, my name is Sheila, and I’m so glad you’ve found your way here! First things first—if you came for chicken wings, I have to confess they’re long gone. But what remains is my love for adventure, discovery, and the journey of finding where I belong in this wide world.
My story begins in the early 90s, when my family and I immigrated to the United States. That moment wasn’t just about moving to a new country—it was about stepping into the in-between space that so many in the diaspora know well. I grew up with one foot in my family’s homeland and the other in the world we were building in America. That duality—of missing a place that felt like home but also creating a new home—shaped the way I see travel, identity, and adventure.
Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to exploration. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit 27 countries and 35 states, each one offering me a piece of understanding about the world and about myself. For me, travel isn’t just about the stamps in my passport—it’s about connecting with culture, history, and people, while also tracing the threads of my own heritage. Being part of the diaspora means carrying pieces of my ancestors’ stories with me, even as I step into new landscapes. Every trip is not only an adventure outward but also a discovery inward.
I took a picture of a picture. In front of the house in the Philippines, I was 3 years old.
One of the ways I honor that journey is through my Adventure List—a living record of experiences, places, and challenges I’ve embraced. It’s not just a checklist; it’s a reflection of resilience, curiosity, and the joy of discovery that I hope inspires others to set out on their own paths.
Alongside my travels, I’ve fallen in love with photography. Each photo I take is more than just an image—it’s a way of preserving the feeling of a place, the textures of culture, and the fleeting moments that remind me how vast and connected this world really is.
Adventure for me doesn’t just happen in far-off lands. It also means challenging myself to grow in new ways. I’ve earned a PADI Open Water license (2018), ran a full marathon (2015), and am working toward my Private Pilot License after starting as a Student Pilot in 2021. These certifications aren’t just achievements—they’re reminders that courage lives in every step, whether on land, sea, or sky.
This website is both a personal travel journal and a space to share my reflections on being part of the diaspora. It’s about the thrill of climbing mountains and diving into oceans, but also about the quieter adventure of bridging cultures, honoring where I come from, and shaping who I’m becoming.
Thank you for visiting—I hope my stories spark a little inspiration for your own journey. Whether you’re exploring your neighborhood or a country across the world, may you find that adventure is not just about where you go, but how you carry your history, your heritage, and your heart with you.
Sea Certifications:
PADI Open Water License (February 2018)
Air Certifications:
Student Pilot License (June 2021)
Currently working on Private Pilot License
Land Certifications:
ING Miami Full Marathon (26.2 miles, January 2015)