About Me and Tita M Wanders

To this day, I’m still unsure if there’s one thing I’m truly passionate about.

Take travel, for instance

In 1992, on my very first trip abroad, I discovered how deeply I enjoyed the thrill of being somewhere new—of immersing myself in cultures beyond my own. I haven’t visited many countries (foreign adventures don’t come cheap), and I often return to familiar places simply because the memories there tug at me. Those moments, stitched together by wonder and nostalgia, became the seeds of my writing. And so, Tita M Wanders was born—first on Facebook, and later, on this blog.

Tita M Wanders is a patchwork of all the things that capture my heart. It’s where heritage meets adventure; where cultural stories are told through meaningful travel. Here, I explore traditions, amplify Indigenous voices, and celebrate the quiet magic of human connection across borders.

I'm Marie!

I’m already in my late sixties. I’ve never warmed to being called Nanay, Mommy, or Lola—names that feel like they belong to someone older than I feel inside. I settled on “Tita,” because that’s how my nieces and nephews have always called me, even when they were young. I was their gentle Tita—still am, even to their children.

Six decades of living have gifted me with endless stories and lessons to share. I had a joyful childhood, and I come from a family full of love, wisdom, and grace. We weren’t wealthy. We weren't rich either, but the greatest inheritance I received was a deep love of learning. I’ve always been an eternal student.

Why Tita M Wanders Looks Like a Slambook, Amateurish (And Why That’s the Point)

At first glance, Tita M Wanders may feel like a slambook from the early 2000s—filled with dreamy visuals, playful fonts, and layouts that eschew sleek minimalism. But that’s no accident. I thought of designing it to pay homage to the opening sequences of Japanese anime and Chinese dramas that I enjoy watching, where emotions are heightened by music, character glances, and poetic (at times cutsey) overlays.

🖌️ Inspired by Opening Credits: Shimmering skies, pensive backdrops, pastel (water color-rendered) overlays, and subtle nostalgia. These visuals awaken a sense of anticipation and tenderness—exactly the kind of mood I want visitors to feel when they land on the page.

📚 Slambook Aesthetic with Depth: Just like a slambook invites you to reflect on friendships, favorites, and fleeting thoughts, Tita M Wanders is a scrapbook of soulfully narrated journeys, cultural memories, and contemplative pauses. It’s not about chasing polish—it's about offering honesty and warmth.

🎞️ Embracing the "Amateur" Spirit: There's something deeply human about unpolished storytelling. The hand-curated feel, the poetic image choices, the amateur graphics—all reflect a longing to preserve intimacy. If mainstream travel blogs are glossy travel brochures, Tita M Wanders is a diary left open for kindred spirits to read.

"This isn’t amateurism—it’s homage. It’s softness. It’s me."

If you’re ever asked about the style, I can proudly say:

"This isn’t amateurism—it’s homage. It’s softness. It’s me." 🌸

And yes, those same decades have toughened me, too. Years of struggle, heartbreaks, and small triumphs became a masterclass in resilience—and in the art of living richly, even when your wallet says otherwise. After stepping down as the president and CEO of a small yet pioneering IT company in Makati City, I leaned into writing. These days, travel is less a luxury and more a reservoir of stories waiting to be told.

Tita M Wanders, the Scrapbook of soulful paths, nostalgic whispers, and culturally-rooted wonder

Tita M Wanders is a travelogue, memory box, and quiet advocacy space nurtured by someone who loves handwritten letters, cinematic montages, and the wisdom of rivers.

Created by a storyteller who sees travel not just as movement, but as memory in motion. This blog is shaped by the places I’ve loved, the people I carry with me, and the footnotes scribbled in journals during layovers, ferry rides, and quiet sidewalk pauses.

Expect to Find:

🌏 Culturally sensitive travel narratives inspired by visits to Chinatowns, old ancient towns, riverside towns, and heritage enclaves

📝 Reflections on memory and loss, often tucked into photo essays and journal-like prose

🎴 Aesthetic whimsy—yes, this blog looks like a slambook on purpose. My design sensibilities draw from anime openings and Chinese drama credits, where emotion and visuals merge in soft, lingering ways

🛤️ Community-rooted advocacy like learning spaces for Indigenous children

Whether you’re here for a poetic pause or a cultural deep dive, I hope Tita M Wanders feels like a handwritten postcard waiting to be opened. Thank you for being part of this journey.

Summing Up, Here in Tita M Wanders, I'll (not only me but friends, too!) be sharing a collection of stories....

    🌍 Whimsical

    Wandering with wonder, writing with heart.
    Where stories bloom and borders blur.
    Tales from a Tita with a suitcase full of soul.
    🧭 Heritage & Cultural Depth

    Journeys that honor memory, heritage, and hope.
    Exploring places, preserving stories.
    From zarzuelas (memories of my Nanay Mameng) to travel journals—cultural footprints across generations.
    💪 Resilience & Reflection

    Wandering wise—six decades, countless stories.
    Traveling light, living fully.
    Where every trip is a lesson, every memory a legacy.
    🎒 Mixed Texture

    Tita tales from a well-worn passport and a resilient heart.
    Old souls, new paths.
    Tita M Wanders: storytelling stitched with heritage, humor, and healing.

So join us! Explore with us! Find these collection of stories in my Blog (I hope you enjoy the little learning and fun in them), or Contact Us, to share your stories! Get updated as well. Subscribe to Tita M Journals!

Lastly, beyond the blog, I quietly offer services to those hoping to preserve memory, refine their voice, or bring clarity to their message. May I be of help?

Warmly,
Marie de la Rama