Soleil Ponce
Born and raised in the Pearl of the Orient Seas, the Philippines - ranked 3rd happiest country in the world according to Gallup survey (2017 report https://news.abs-cbn.com/focus/01/02/18/ph-third-happiest-country-in-the-world-gallup-survey) - I'm bound to commit everyday happiness and a positive outlook on life. Soleil - Sun in French - provides ideas that are unique and bright, always take everything seriously but light, although I have an inadequate height, I promise to deliver consistency and efficiency and do whatever is right.
My love for trees and peaks brought me to travel for nature and culture. I've been traveling since 2009 locally (Philippines) and internationally and summitted countless peaks in Asia. Initially, I thought traveling is a luxury but now I discovered world's summary. It opened my eyes to various dimensions of life and contentment. The way I see life prior to traveling is completely different from today. I cherish every moment as same time is never repeatable. It's once in a lifetime.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Hiking! Going around Mt. Fuji area, Japanese Tea Ceremony, Off-the-beaten destinations in Japan, Cultural tour, food tour."
How did you get involved in travel?
"In 2009, I started hiking mountains. I travel to hike. And in my home country, the only way to reach indigenous people who needs basic life necessities such as food, shelter and education is to hike mountains. I get addicted to it and travel twice a month or sometimes, weekly. Brought things to the mountains, share what we have and just enjoy the time being with indigenous people.
Fast forward, I just started traveling internationally last 2015 and my first out-of-the-country was Japan. The sole reason of going to the land of the rising sun is just to hike Mt. Fuji, but it gave me a totally different and unexpected experience. When I was a kid, I had a dream walking in a beautiful crater but didn't know where it was. I keep on dreaming on that place as I grow older and I found that place in my dream : the crater of Mt. Fuji. Speechless, teary-eyed, left in awe. No words can explain how flabbergasted I am on that very moment. And from then on, I keep on coming back to Japan .. not once, not twice, not thrice. But decided to officially moved in. Not to live (yet), not to work, but to study. Study the culture, study everything about Japan. And now I'm living my dream!"
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"I can't say that this is a unique one but I can consider a dreamy one. Watching sunrise in the Buledi Pagoda in Bagan, Myanmar with my bestfriends with hot-air balloon in the background. Or maybe travel in a UNESCO heritage sites as it brings me to the past."
Soleil's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
This action-packed 10-day adventure around Japan is perfect for families! The itinerary leads you from the neon lights, futuristic interactive art, and whimsical character cafés...
Welcome to Japan! On this two-week journey around the main island, Honshu, you'll enjoy a mix of cultural sightseeing and active adventures. Visit sacred temples and shrines,...
This 10-day itinerary follows the path of Japan's ancient Tokaido Highway (the Golden Route) from the skyscrapers of ultra-modern Tokyo to the cultural heart of Kyoto. In...
Recent trip reviews for Soleil
Spectacular, Once in a Lifetime Vacation!
Japan
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Mar 1 - Mar 9, 2020
Soleil was the creator of our unique Japan adventure, and she did a highly commendable job. She gave generously of herself during the extensive planning phase, and throughout our entire 9 day Japan adventure to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka!
Gibwa, from our Japan support team, greeted us at the... Read more
Hello Robin,
First of all, thank you so much for radiating positivity during the entire Japan trip despite of COVID-19 issues. We sincerely appreciate that and we're glad that you like our preparation for your Japan trip. Best wishes and congratulations again to Kat for her graduation. We hope to see you again here soon ^_^
Best Regards,
Soleil