Travel Companions
Take-away books that take you somewhere
By Cassandra C. Poculan
Photo: N. S. Villaflor
NO MATTER the genre, books have a way of whisking us away to a different time and place. Inevitably, we become emotionally attached to some of the characters, and their stories become ours. Now imagine being whisked away on your dream getaway and you could bring only one book with you? This bunch of bookworms share with us what paperbacks to pack to make that trip even more memorable.
Recommended reads for your next R&R
Cyrus Tejam, 26
Pediatric Resident Physician
Cebu Velez General Hospital
Stardust by Neil Gaiman is one of those fantasy novels you would want to try. It leaves one with teenage surprise and wonder. It’s like that one adventure you’d like to see yourself succeed in. Of course, I’d like to read the book while on a hammock by the sea.
Rafael Jauregui, 27
Customer Service Representative
Convergys
On my dream vacation traveling from country to country, exploring new places and getting to know different cultures, I’d bring with me a book that I’ve just recently started reading: American Gods by Neil Gaiman. It’s a story of a man on a journey that opens his eyes to a world beyond what he knows, and in the process, he discovers things about himself and his beliefs. It would be apt as I would want my own trip to similarly open my mind to the rest of the world and hopefully add to my own growth as a person. That, and of course, it’s just a really good book!
Carie Lim, 26
Registered Pharmacist and Juris Doctor
If I were to go on a dream vacation, a book is definitely something to be packed. In my case, I’d save a space up in my luggage for Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan for two reasons. For one, and for the most part, I have not read the book yet and I have always been intrigued by its catchy title. Another reason is that I have read good reviews about it and thought it would be a nice escape from the stress of the real world.
Kriska Escarda, 21
Virtual Assistant
VA Talks
My dream Parisian holiday will never be complete without me bringing along my copy of Stephanie Perkins’ Anna and the French Kiss. The book itself is like a detailed itinerary of the City of Lights. I’ve always wanted to retrace Anna Oliphant and Étienne St. Clair’s exploits and above all, to stand and make a wish on what is officially the epicenter of Paris — the Paris Point Zero — just like they did in the book. Also, rumor has it that when you stand on the bronze plate, you will always return to Paris. Now who wouldn’t want that!
Alex Aquino, 28
PR and Marketing Communications Manager
JPark Island Resort and Waterpark
The book that I will bring to my dream vacation is Kokology 1 and 2: The Game of Self-Discovery by Tadahiko Nagao and Isamu Saito. It contains psychological questions that aim to delve into your subconscious, revealing how you truly feel about work, family, love, and relationships. It is a book that you can read by yourself or answer the questions with family, your partner in life, or friends. It would be exciting to hear each other’s answers and know the character of the person you’re traveling with. You will be surprised at yourself and the discoveries that the book will unfold about your personality.
