I have this little habit that’s turned into one of my favorite things in the world—I collect ref magnets. Not the fancy kind, just simple souvenirs from the places I’ve visited. For some people, it might seem like just another travel trinket, but for me, it’s so much more.
Today, I feel a strong desire to answer this week's contest from ms @amberkashif with a question:
Collecting objects is a hobby that many enjoy, often without even realizing it. Do you have a collection — big or small — that reflects your interests or memories? What is the most unusual or surprising item you’ve ever collected, and what inspired you to keep it?
Each magnet I stick on our fridge brings me back to a specific moment, a specific feeling. It’s like holding onto a piece of that place, even long after the trip is over.
I remember the time I went to Bicol. The sight of the majestic Mayon Volcano—so perfect in shape—it literally took my breath away. I stood there in silence, just soaking it all in. I got a magnet with Mayon’s image on it. Every time I pass by the fridge and see it, I remember the wind brushing against my face, and the feeling of being so small compared to nature’s wonders.
There was also this old church we visited, not far from there. It was quiet, timeless, and felt like it held a thousand stories. That place brought a certain peace to my heart, and of course, I got a magnet from a nearby vendor outside the church gates.
Tagaytay? Oh, don’t even get me started. That view from the top—Taal Volcano sitting calmly in the middle of the lake, surrounded by fog—is something you don’t easily forget. I bought a magnet that captured that exact view. Every time I see it, I remember sipping hot coffee while feeling the cool breeze. It's one of those simple moments you wish you could freeze forever.
Then there’s Cebu. That place is full of life. I explored old churches, historical sites, and of course, I indulged in the local food. The magnet I brought home has an image of Magellan’s Cross. This is a trip that reminded me how rich our culture is, and how warm the people are.
Vigan was another unforgettable trip. The cobblestone streets, the kalesas, the smell of longganisa in the air—it's like stepping into a different time. I loved how simple yet proud the locals are of their heritage. My Vigan magnet is small, but it reminds me of the crispy bagnet and the joy of walking through Calle Crisologo.
And Baguio, I always feel like I leave a part of my heart there every time I visit. I still remember picking strawberries in the fields, walking around Burnham Park wrapped in jackets, and just enjoying the cold weather with friends. My Baguio magnet is shaped like a bright red strawberry. It’s cute—and it makes me smile every time.
But if there’s one magnet that really makes me pause—it’s the one from Singapore. That was my first international trip, and it felt so surreal. I still remember seeing the Merlion for the first time, walking around Gardens by the Bay, screaming with excitement inside Universal Studios, and being completely in awe of how dazzling the city looked at night. It was a dream come true, honestly. That magnet represents something huge for me—not just travel, but a dream that I got to live.
People say it’s the big things that matter in life—but I’ve come to love and appreciate the small things. Like magnets. Little souvenirs that carry big emotions. Little pieces of joy that remind me how far I’ve come, and how beautiful this world really is.
I don’t need a big collection. Just enough to bring back the feeling of peace, excitement, or wonder from each trip. Each magnet is more than just a design—it’s a memory, a story, and sometimes even a lesson.
This collection reminds me that life, despite its routines and challenges, has so much to offer. All you need to do is step out, look around, and allow yourself to feel everything deeply. Because in the end, it’s these small, quiet moments—the ones we keep close to our hearts—that truly make life beautiful.
