Yong Larrazabal

When people think of South Africa, safaris often come to mind. But beyond its iconic wildlife reserves are places where you can simply gaze out at the vast ocean and witness one of nature’s most magnificent spectacles.

In Hermanus, every wave carries a sense of anticipation. Your eyes scan the horizon, hoping to catch that magical moment—a whale surfacing, breaching, or gracefully gliding through the waters below. The best part? No boat tour is required. Just sit along the quiet cliffs, listen to the rhythm of the ocean, and enjoy the rare privilege of sharing a moment with these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

Watching them reminded me that we are all connected to something far greater than ourselves—a humbling reminder of the beauty, wonder, and scale of the natural world.

Had the pleasure of performing SMILE Pro laser vision correction surgery for rising star Ashtine Olviga at Larrazabal Eye Manila.

Ashtine came to us looking for a long-term solution to improve her vision, and I’m grateful that she trusted our team to be part of that journey. It’s always fulfilling to help patients experience clearer vision and the freedom that comes with it.

One of the things I love most about what I do, aside from meeting amazing people, is knowing that whether it’s a public figure or someone who simply wants to see better, our goal at Larrazabal Eye Group remains the same: to provide safe, precise, and personalized eye care for everyone.

Thank you, Ashtine, for your trust and confidence in our clinic. I hope this renewed vision brings you even more hope, clarity, and excitement as you continue pursuing your dreams. Wishing you all the best in life and in your career!

Spending an incredible moment with my wife, gazing at the breathtaking Twelve Apostles in Cape Town with a vibrant rainbow peeking over the horizon, felt truly magical. I am at a loss for words to describe what it feels like to witness such a majestic and awe-inspiring view.

Some trips can be carefully planned, with every stop mapped out, but moments like this can never be scheduled—the refreshing ocean breeze, the vivid, unfiltered colors stretching across every corner of what feels like a living painting, with God as the artist behind it all.

I am simply in awe. Some places leave you with memories; others leave you speechless.

This journey through South Africa’s wilderness has slowed me down in the best way, allowing me to savour a quiet sense of peace that makes space to truly appreciate life, nature, and love.

Driving through the bush at Sabi Sabi Safari has been long and thrilling, but there’s a different kind of richness in pausing—just observing, sensing the environment, and taking in everything around you.

It’s in those slower moments that the experience becomes something deeper, and far more lasting.

The Voortrekker Monument in South Africa is a powerful reminder of how history is often shaped by courageous people willing to step into the unknown.

The monument honors the Voortrekkers, pioneers who left the Cape Colony between 1835 and 1854 in search of greater independence and new opportunities. Their journey was far from easy. It demanded resilience, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in a future they could not yet see.

While history is often complex, the lesson that resonated with us during our visit was the courage to keep moving forward despite uncertainty. Whether in our careers, our leadership roles, or our personal lives, growth often begins when we are willing to leave what is familiar and embrace new possibilities.

Traveling to places like this reminds us that progress is rarely comfortable, but it is often made possible by those who dare to take the first step. Grateful for experiences like this, and even more grateful to share them with the people who matter most—my wife and our children.