Avoiding Politics In Sugarlandia

This essay was first published in the 5th edition of Panorama: The Journal of Intelligent Travel, themed War & Peace.

Sugarcane laborers

Five months into a mid-career gap year, I traveled to Bacolod, the capital city of Negros Occidental, Sugar Bowl of the Philippines.

“Why not go on an epic trip around the world instead?” a friend suggested. “When will you have this chance again?”