I love to explore various museums and tourist attractions in the country. As a student, my financial capability is limited but I did not let it hinder my passion to travel. One time, I decided to use my free period in visiting the historic Province of Pampanga. I went to the Old San Fernando Train Station which was part of the first railway system in the Philippines. It serves as the ending point of the 63-mile Death March from which Filipino and American prisoners of war were transported to Camp O’Donnell during the Second World War. The Train Station now serves as a museum which showcases the vast history it has seen.
Before graduation, I was joined by my good friend as we travel further in Manila, where most of the national museums stand. That was my first train ride after sixteen years. I enthusiastically observed every artifact and gallery that proudly represents our diverse culture. The National Museum of Fine Arts’ most prized exhibit is the famous Spoliarium by Juan Luna, a massive 13ft x 25ft oil painting from the 19th century. It was an entry by the artist to the Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in Madrid, where it won the top award. The painting had been showcased to other European cities like Rome and Paris and after more than sixty years, it was then donated to the Philippines. Due to its dimension, the painting had to be cut to three for easier shipment to Manila. That day, I experienced the rich history of my country as it was depicted from school textbooks. The tour cultivated my patriotism and identity. It was a fulfilling journey for me as a Filipino.
Due to my exposure to various places in our region, my friends now call me “The Walking Map” as I give them all the details they need in visiting unfamiliar locations while, at the same time, sharing other leisure activities to expect. I am also helping my fellow fresh graduate friends with commute directions for their job interviews in the city. I can share to them what I learned from other guides as well.
But before mastering our locale, I rely deeply with the Google Maps and its local guides. I ask for directions and commute routes with them, especially during my early museum tours. I love checking out their photos and I take delight in discussing places which I am bound to visit. My enthusiasm grows and as time goes by, I never noticed I am officially becoming a Local Guide myself. I never know by simply sharing my photos and adding new places in the app earned me lots of points to qualify. It was just my past time to add new places and share photos to Maps. It feels very fulfilling to give other visitors accurate information regarding the region they plan to visit, thus saving them lots of time. I really adore the activity. I was just simply exercising my hobby and passion.
My interest led me to choosing a career in transportation engineering. As a civil engineering graduate, I am starting a work relating to traffic engineering where we help improve the movement of people and goods in Manila. We conduct traffic surveys and studies along the busiest roadways of the nation’s capital. With this, I heavily depend on Google Maps and with my fellow local guides. My work is made easier with this app and I can’t thank it enough. I am really grateful how my hobby merged with my dream. This opportunity feels like I am just playing at work and it is an excellent experience. I hope in the future, I can excel more in my field and elevate my knowledge. I hope I could help other cities across the country or even the world in the future, and with the Google Maps and my fellow Local Guides, I know it would not be a problem. I am really looking forward to that day.
