After working my brains off in my Singapore base, I finally decided I had enough. Work was underwhelming me, and despite shooting numerous assignments all over Asia and Europe for the last year, I had developed an intense longing for home. I had to admit – I missed the warm, dusty air of the Philippines, its rampaging jeepneys, its happy people and its spectacular scenery. I missed the taste of our food and the sound of our music, and the cheap beer and the Pinoy sense of humor. So much so that I wished for the chance to leave everything and backpack around my country, the way I had done elsewhere in the world.