Mai Cojuangco Reflects on Mongolian Journey and Digital Disconnection Insights

Mai Cojuangco recently shared a heartfelt reflection on her August trip through Mongolia via an Instagram post, where she connected her travel experiences with themes from The Happiness Lab podcast hosted by Bruce Hood and Dan Harris. The podcast episode focused on how digital technology diminishes genuine face-to-face interactions, a notion that resonated deeply with Cojuangco’s encounters across the vast Gobi Desert.

She recounted the exhilaration of witnessing hundreds of wild horses and goats roaming under expansive blue skies, the fresh air, and the close-knit communities of nomadic herders. A particularly memorable moment involved their guide, Dashka, who paused their journey to activate a well, allowing a nearby herd of horses to drink. Cojuangco noted, "Nobody knew who owned the horses… it is a normal practice for them to turn on wells with animals around them so they may drink, and also, that these wells are for everybody to benefit from, and to share."

Throughout the seven-day expedition, Cojuangco explored iconic sites such as the Flaming Cliffs, spent nights in traditional gers, engaged with children creating wool canvases, and even experienced cosplay. These vibrant moments, often shared alongside her daughter Demi, were captured in a compelling photo series documenting their Mongolian adventure.