Yes, her name kind of already indicates her destiny. She sails through wanders of life in order to explore the world and gain personal wisdom. She gets inspired by travellers and climbers like Diego Bunuel, Trisha Velarmino, Emily Harrington, Bear Grylls. Odyssa works as an Account Executive for a company based in Taguig City, Philippines. Before this, she was a Human Resource Professional specializing in recruitment and expatriate services. Some ventures and jobs she has done: opened and operated an online pet supplies store, taught English online to Japanese & Chinese professionals, tutored primary school kids, wrote for a US-based SEO company and worked part-time in an indoor cycling studio.
Actually, then I was on a mission looking for outstanding adventurers blogs, Odyssa was one of those few, who actually shook something in me. On one of her posts, she wrote: "Sure, we excel in our jobs, we get applauded for our professional accomplishments but when the lights are out and you are lying in bed alone, what thoughts run through your head? What is your heart’s cry? What is that one thing that you know in your heart will make you not just happy, but joyful and grateful for life, for love? Have you (or I) figured out what that is?"
You come from a city Las Pinas, Philippines. For me, personally and probably most of the Europeans it’s hard to imagine how it all looks like: the childhood, schooling system, traditions, culture. Could you share a little bit about your way of life in Philippines?
I grew up in a small city called Las Pinas and had a very simple childhood. My father was away most of the time while I was growing up because he had to work overseas for the family. I remember wearing my brother’s clothes, playing with neighbours, running under the sun and getting chased by dogs, making imaginary houses with our playground.
I was fortunate to have studied in a private school that provided me a good foundation in academics. It is also where I met my best friends and we were together through life’s ups and downs, throughout our youth and adulthood. Studying in a private, Catholic school, we had to abide by school regulations that surround Catholic faith. Though I am not Catholic, I would say that the most important thing that I picked up from studying in that school is the value of respect, honesty and kindness.
Filipinos are known to be conservative in nature. We love staying close to the family and most of life decisions are discussed within its members. Utmost respect must be given to elders, especially to parents. We are a very hospitable people, known to be always smiling despite the many problems that our people face, whether it’s a calamity or tragedy. Food is a huge part of the Filipino culture. We love to share meals with family and friends. Religious feasts happen all over the country almost every month and there is always an abundance of food to share. We are known to be fun-loving, good-natured and always willing to extend help.
Actually, then I was on a mission looking for outstanding adventurers blogs, Odyssa was one of those few, who actually shook something in me. On one of her posts, she wrote: "Sure, we excel in our jobs, we get applauded for our professional accomplishments but when the lights are out and you are lying in bed alone, what thoughts run through your head? What is your heart’s cry? What is that one thing that you know in your heart will make you not just happy, but joyful and grateful for life, for love? Have you (or I) figured out what that is?"
You come from a city Las Pinas, Philippines. For me, personally and probably most of the Europeans it’s hard to imagine how it all looks like: the childhood, schooling system, traditions, culture. Could you share a little bit about your way of life in Philippines?
I grew up in a small city called Las Pinas and had a very simple childhood. My father was away most of the time while I was growing up because he had to work overseas for the family. I remember wearing my brother’s clothes, playing with neighbours, running under the sun and getting chased by dogs, making imaginary houses with our playground.
I was fortunate to have studied in a private school that provided me a good foundation in academics. It is also where I met my best friends and we were together through life’s ups and downs, throughout our youth and adulthood. Studying in a private, Catholic school, we had to abide by school regulations that surround Catholic faith. Though I am not Catholic, I would say that the most important thing that I picked up from studying in that school is the value of respect, honesty and kindness.
Filipinos are known to be conservative in nature. We love staying close to the family and most of life decisions are discussed within its members. Utmost respect must be given to elders, especially to parents. We are a very hospitable people, known to be always smiling despite the many problems that our people face, whether it’s a calamity or tragedy. Food is a huge part of the Filipino culture. We love to share meals with family and friends. Religious feasts happen all over the country almost every month and there is always an abundance of food to share. We are known to be fun-loving, good-natured and always willing to extend help.