About

I'm Che, and this is my Backpacking Pilipinas story.

It was my Mt. Pinatubo hike in 2009 that sparked my interest in exploring my own country -- Pilipinas. That one fine day, I found myself totally swept away by the beauty of the crater which for me is in stark contrast to the disaster it brought decades ago. It got me thinking that despite the rants and rage against our country, the ugliness hurled upon us, there's still so many flowers hiding in those rubles, so many amazing layers of  beauty behind the rogue textures, so many interesting places waiting to be discovered. And from then on it became my passion to travel around this wonderful country, and to share my stories to other people who share the same interest with me. 

This is my simple travel itinerary: I eat (Foodtrip Pilipinas), I jump (Jumpshot Pilipinas) and I visit a church (Philippine Churches). Once done with all these, I consider a trip a success. :)

My travels brought me to many places I could have only hoped for and imagined. Make no mistake, I am no rich girl. I work real hard and I pay for my trips. I  even consider myself a poorpacker -- always haggling for cheap tour packages, scoring for airline seat sales, sleeping in fan rooms, taking public transport and eating in some off-the-beat carenderias whenever I'm on the road. For me, traveling is not supposed to be for the privileged few only. Even poor Juans, like myself, can also experience backpacking Pilipinas, even on a shoestring budget. This is why I decided to put up this blog, so I can share my budget trips and my travel tips to others. If I can't be a journalist by profession, then I'll be a blogger with a definite advocacy which to help promote Philippine tourism. 

My plan is to visit all 80 provinces of this country. So far, I'm just halfway  towards realizing that goal. But I'm confident that I'd be able to pursue that dream. After all, every trip I've had started with a wishful thinking and lots of day-dreaming. I just need to wish and dream harder. And work harder. And pray harder, too.

This is my travel prayer:

Thank you,

For all the trips in the past years,

For the strong feet that helped me scale mountains,

For the clear vision that made me see breathtaking sights

For the discerning palate to taste the most delightful dishes

For the gift of touch to feel and be healed by the sand

For the chance to hear the sea ripples and the strong waves

Dearest God, thank you.

Thank you,

For the wonderful friends I met along the way

For the hardworking tour guides, boatman, drivers,

For the moments shared with favorite classmates and friends,

For the best boyfriend in the whole wide world,

For the great family I have,

For a beautiful Philippines,

Dearest God, thank you.

Dear God, please guide me and stay with me, everywhere, every time.  

Amen.

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2014 HIGHLIGHTS

Recognitions

Nomination, Skyscanner Bloscars 2014

2nd Runner Up, Skyscanner Boscars 2014

TV Interviews

St. Scolastica's College, College of Mass Communication - Feb 16, 2014

GMA 7, Unang Hirit - March 6, 2014

Published Articles

www.rappler.com

Traveling 80 PH provinces: Ups, downs,discoveries - March 15, 2014 

How travel still surprises me - March 29, 2014 

Perfect for summer: 8 cool-weather PH destinations - April 13, 2014

15 stunning PH sunsets - April 19, 2014