Unless you fail to make a turn.
-Helen Keller-
Hello, dear friends and lovely people in this community! It's my second time dropping my entry here and I find it exciting every time I do. Today, I'd love to share my answer to the question:
And here is my answer:
It has been my dream to visit Japan even when I was younger. The stunning and breathtaking scenery of the mountains and landscapes, the heart-stopping beauty of the flower gardens, the jaw-dropping castles and temples, and who would not love the very enchanting cherry blossoms or Sakura in Japan?
Disclaimer: These photos are not mine. They are grabbed from a friend's Facebook album. This friend is now living in Japan.
The Denied Dream
Actually, I got my chance to go to Japan. I meant I was supposed to go there! My documents were ready and everything was set but unfortunately, I failed!
I couldn't say a word upon hearing a call from the Japanese embassy that my application for a tourist visa was denied! I was really devastated after hearing this sad news! I thought to myself, "I won't be able to get this chance anymore. How unlucky I am!" I didn't get any reason why I was denied but in case, it wouldn't change the fact that this dream wouldn't come true anymore.
My Own Chance of Reaching My Dream
By the way, you might wonder how I was able to get this opportunity to supposedly visit my dream place when I was only in my early twenties with no savings and money to spend on an expensive trip abroad. Let me start by telling you my humble story!
It was in 2007 that I happened to meet this student who came with zero English. His English name was Jiji and we called him "Jiji San" (San is an honorific suffix which means "dear" or "honorable Mr./Mrs" in Japan source:japanconsultingoffice.com) in school. I was the one who diligently taught him the English language until he was able to communicate gradually. But because of his age, he would joke that he might not be able to remember everything- which was true with students that we had his age. The struggle was real but teaching these students who were beginners in English was not only challenging but gratifying as well especially when you saw that they were able to improve a lot!
My experience teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to foreign learners especially the Japanese taught me how to handle people from different walks of life. While they learned a lot from me, I also learned more from them, too - from the very healthy and tasty Japanese foods, the exciting and beautiful places in Japan, and of course, the wonderful culture they have there.
Of course, my other Japanese students, too, introduced me more to this beautiful paradise to me. How safe is the place even for a drunk woman who couldn't get home and sleep just anywhere outside? And, since then, I came to love not only their awesome places but most of all their amazing culture!
But for two consecutive years that Jiji San visited the Philippines to learn English, I was the one who catered to his needs. I just felt he was someone I needed to take care of and I even treated him like my own father.
I couldn't tell if he saw my sincerity as his teacher but one day I was surprised when he told me he would want to tour me around Japan if I'd like and he would shoulder the expenses. He also told me he also invited another teacher, too to go along with me. Hearing this I became speechless! "Me? Going to this very beautiful place? The place I've been dreaming to visit ever since?" I couldn't contain my happiness and was able to wear my heart on my sleeve! "This is it!"I was so grateful to my student for his gesture of kindness and generosity and happily told him I'd love to.
But to make this long story short, this dream of mine to travel to this beautiful paradise didn't come true. After two more years, I decided to change my job and I wasn't able to meet Jiji San again. He tried to reach me once and asked me to tour his friends around Cebu but I already lived far away from the city and couldn't make it.
Since then, I wasn't able to hear news from "Jiji San" anymore. I tried to drop him a message on Facebook but it seemed he didn't use it often. I didn't even know if he was still alive.
Even with this bend in the road that I took, Japan is still my unforgotten dream. It was Jiji San who motivated me to experience the beauty of Japan. If I am to take a trip this year to a place I've never been to before, I will go to Japan to visit Jiji San and wish him well. We will realize the planned itinerary of our travel around the very alive and beautiful city of Tokyo, the astonishing shrines and temples in Kyoto, watch the magnificent Mt. Fuji with those lovely flower gardens and take beautiful photos of them, experience Japanese-made sushis, sashimis, maki, and other tasty and healthy foods and discover the geisha culture and other must-see destinations in Japan.
Whether or not I'd meet Jiji San again, I will always remember him and he will always be in my prayers wherever he is right now.
I know it's not the end of the road for me. Who knows? I will be able to realize this unforgotten dream with my own family this year because only those who fail to make a turn lose their chance!
Thank you everyone for reading my blog. My appreciation to 
Until next time with your support. God bless us all!