WE FINALLY REACHED 100 COUNTRIES!

There are moments in life that feel like milestones, and then there are moments that feel like miracles. Reaching our 100th country as a family is one of those moments. And we chose to celebrate it here in the Philippines!! The Philippines welcomed us with open arms from the very beginning on our flight from Hawaii with Philippines Airlines. From the moment we landed in Manila. We received kindness, warmth, and a level of hospitality that is hard to put into words. Filipinos have a way of making you feel at home instantly, and we are so deeply grateful for every person who made this experience unforgettable. This trip was filled with moments we’ll never forget as a family. We explored the vibrant city of Manila, which completely exceeded our expectations!! We stayed at the wonderful, Filipino-owned property Discovery Primea. From the energy in the streets to the beautiful tradition of closing roads every Sunday morning so families can come together, move, and connect. It reminded us how powerful community can be. We had the chance to connect with our roots in a deeply personal way. For Garrett, returning to the Philippines—where his mother was born—was emotional and meaningful. It gave our entire family a deeper appreciation for heritage, identity, and the sacrifices that shape generations. One of the most special experiences was visiting a local school that supports children with special learning needs. The organization is called Binhi English Literacy Foundaition. You can learn more here: https://binhi.org/ Watching Dorothy, Manilla, and Cali step into a place of service and connection was something we’ll never forget. We read books together, played games, shared meals (thank you to Jollibee for helping make that possible), and experienced pure joy through something as simple as a “Hip Hip Hooray.” We also visited a university called De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde in Manila, Philippines. The program trains students in hospitality, and it gave us a whole new appreciation for the incredible Filipino people who serve others all around the world. Their kindness, skill, and heart are truly unmatched. And somehow, in the middle of all of this, we found ourselves stepping into a completely new experience and being featured in a Filipino magazine. From the photoshoot to wearing traditional styles, it was such a unique way to immerse ourselves in the culture and see the Philippines from a different perspective. It pushed us out of our comfort zone and reminded us how beautiful it is to say yes to new experiences. But more than anything, this trip was about people. To every person we met, thank you!! Thank you for your kindness, your smiles, your stories, and your generosity. Travel has taught us that the world is far more beautiful than we ever imagined, not just because of the places, but because of the people. Country 100 is a milestone we’ll always remember. But it’s not about the number. It’s about the journey, the growth, and the countless moments that have brought our family closer together. This is just Part 1 of our Philippines adventure… and we cannot wait to share what comes next. With full hearts, The Bucket List Family Links: Modern Parenting Philippines: https://www.instagram.com/modernparentingph/Kim Montes Photographer: https://www.instagram.com/kimmontesphoto Check out more from the shoot here: https://modernparenting-onemega.com/the-bucket-list-family-raising-kids-without-borders/?utm_campaign=linkinbio&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=later-linkinbio Discovery Primea: https://www.discoveryprimea.com/ Binhi English Literacy Foundaition:  https://binhi.org/ Jolibee: https://www.jollibee.com.ph/ Philippine Airlines: https://www.philippineairlines.com/us/en/home.html