• Follow Me on Twitter!
  • Like Me on Facebook!
  • View My Channel!
  • View My Snapshots!

Main menu

Skip to content
  • Home
  • No Access
  • Shop
  • About Me
  • Archives
  • Bucket List
  • Links
  • Contact Me

ISANGDAAN Journey Featured on Manila Bulletin

Posted on November 5, 2012 by journeyingjames 19 Comments
Share
Tweet

Breaking News!

I’m on Manila Bulletin last October 28, 2012 (Sunday) publication under Lifestyle Section, page: J-3. Full page feature baby! Full page!

Cover Photo of the article

The article entitled, ‘”AROUND THE PH in 100 DAYS: Backpacking Pinoy Blogger Chronicles Adventures” finally came out of the stands last Sunday! I actually forgot about it because the interview by Alvin Cruz was done last July.

I’m publishing the full article here for those who are interested to read:

— — — 000 — — —

His catchy blog headline is enough to send travel-crazy wanderers either wondering in disbelief or drooling in envy: “I traveled around the whole Philippines for 100 days, non-stop, the cheapest way possible.”

Having gone where no other backpacker has gone before, travel writer and blogger James Betia has now become the expert on budget travel anywhere in the country – from Batanes to Tawi-tawi.

Budget Traveler 

Indeed, his journey of a thousand miles began with smaller steps. His passion for budget traveling took off three years ago, embarking on a tour of the Visayan region that lasted for 14 days at P250 a day. At that time, he had just quit his job as an English teacher, with only P4,000 at his disposal.  In 2011, James took on a bigger challenge–a cross-country Mindanao adventure around Gen.Santos, Davao, Agusan, and Butuan that spanned 16 days at P400 a day. All the while, he had been training himself for what could be the journey of a lifetime.

His blog (journeyingjames.com) was instrumental in making this travel mission possible. Through travel blogging, which he has been doing for two years now, he was able to raise enough money to cover the 100-day trip around the country.

A seasoned backpacker, he traveled as light as possible, carrying a 7.5 kg backpack containing his camera, a life-size Philippine map in tarpaulin, five t-shirts, two pairs of shorts, a pair of pants, a pair of slippers and shoes, and his laptop which he used for updating his blog so his followers and supporters could keep track of his journey.

So how much exactly did his whole trip around the country cost? According to James, he spent P49,641, all-inclusive (see all expenses here: Days 1-50 / Days 51-100). On the average, it cost him about P500 a day. Half of the journey he would sleep in local homes and the rest in his hammock in true backpacking style (see all my accommodations here: Of Hammocks, Homestays and Hotels).

One Road, A Hundred Discoveries

Through this epic journey, James wanted to prove that travelling is not only for those who can afford it, but for anyone who has the passion to explore and discover the immense beauty of the Philippines. Hence, the idea of ISANGDAAN journey was born.

With all the logistics and finances taken care of, James set out on the journey of his life on February 1 this year, beginning with Metro Manila, then moving on across the whole Luzon island. He traveled mainly by bus, especially in the Luzon and Mindanao routes, and by boat around the Visayas. The only times he boarded the plane were when he went to Zamboanga from Tawi-tawi, and going back to Manila from El Nido towards the end of the journey. Throughout his trip, James shunned all touristy spots and uncovered hidden terrains and territories. In fact, he discovered that the more remote the area, the more preserved not only its natural beauty is but also its cultural heritage.

Travel Highlights

How does a backpacker who has traveled to 80 provinces even begin to describe the richness and vastness of his travel experiences?

Photos used in the Manila Bulletin feature

Thanks to modern technology. With his blog, or the modern traveler’s diary, he could record all the details of every place, its people and their culture.

In Kalinga province, for instance, James discovered the living heritage of the Kalingas. In the tattooing village of Buscalan, he met a tribe of women, the Butbut, whose bodies were covered with tattoos.

Of course, his travels also led him to gastronomical pleasures. In Cuyo, Palawan, he indulged himself in cheap yet fresh seafood, such as lapu-lapu which cost only P30 per kilo. It was also here where he tried to rescue a pawikan (sea turtle) from the hands of local fishermen.

In Ilocos Norte, he stumbled upon a mystical town called Adams, about a two -hour bus ride from Pagudpud. With its majestic waterfalls and mountains, and preserved cultural legacy, the traveler feels as if he were lost in the garden of Eden.

His journey was made more exciting by engaging in water sports, such as whitewater rafting in Chico River, Kalinga, surfing and paddle boarding in Ilocos Norte, and snorkeling  in Boljoon in Southern Cebu that boasts of a marine reserve. He also swam with the butandings  (whale sharks) in Donsol, Sorsogon, something he believes every Filipino traveler must experience.

Finally, Mindanao, according to James, is every traveler’s paradise. In Panampangan, Tawi-Tawi, he set foot on the most beautiful beach he has ever seen. Its fine, white sand, he said, was so soft it felt like it was caressing your feet. Jolo, Sulu is another must-see destination off the beaten track, with its literally untouched natural beauty.

These are just a few of his extraordinary adventures which he plans to compile in a book of travel narratives chronicling his day-to-day pilgrimage, from its daunting beginning to its fulfilling end.

Top Five Destinations

Full Colored Page, Manila Bulletin, October 28, 2012. Lifestyle Section, J-3

An interview with James would not be complete without asking about his top personal choices for the best of Philippines’ less-traveled destinations.

Topping his list is El Nido, Palawan for the biodiversity of its marine and wildlife, the sparkling lagoons with turquoise-green water, and the pre-historic limestone cliffs and caves leading to hidden beaches. This is followed by Batanes for its old-world charm and picture-perfect rolling hills. Third is Tawi-tawi for its virgin white beaches. Coming on fourth is Mati City in Davao Oriental, where pawikans thrive on Dahican beach. Finally, James chose Iloilo/Bacolod where he said he saw the most beautiful women, an added attraction (and inspiration) to the many breathtaking sights that captured his heart.

Human Connection

Along the way, some of his travel plans may change, but what remains constant in his travel itinerary is meeting and living with the locals. James made sure his journey connected him not only to different places, but also to their rich history and culture. In fact, many of his journey’s unforgettable moments involved every man, woman, and child, every family, community, and tribe he met and lived with in all the places he visited. Indeed, he was more than just a traveler passing through. He lived, worked, ate, and slept with them.

In Kalinga, he planted rice in the rice terraces with the Kalinga farmers. In Marinduque, where he said he met the most hospitable people, he learned to make copra and fetch water riding a carabao. In Iligan, he slept in the tents in resettlement camps for the victims of typhoon Sendong.

Yet in the end, this 100-day journey was not about the backpacking traveller, nor about a hundred and one ways to cut travel cost. Ultimately, it was about the more than a hundred smiling faces whose genuine hospitality and kindness opened his eyes to the timeless and priceless beauty of our country.

Read the MB article online: Around the PH in 100 Days

— — — end of article — — —

Although I don’t consider myself an expert already in traveling and backpacking the Philippines, it was nice to read some people approve that statement. But for the record, I have more to explore in our country and I guess a lifetime is not enough.

Erratum: The turtle-rescue was done in Mati City not in Cuyo, Palawan.

I really like how the article ended with,

“Yet in the end, this 100-day journey was not about the backpacking traveller, nor about a hundred and one ways to cut travel cost. Ultimately, it was about the more than a hundred smiling faces whose genuine hospitality and kindness opened his eyes to the timeless and priceless beauty of our country.”

 

Thanks to Sir Alvin of Moon in my Teacup for the article feature. This is a photo after the interview, Sir Alvin also gave me a book by Michael Palin entitled, “The New Europe” which I’m reading right now.

With Manila Bulletin writer, Alvin Cruz, at Cafe de Lipa, Market! Market! after the interview

Related Posts with Thumbnails
This entry was posted in Press and Media and tagged ISANGDAAN Journey Featured on Manila Bulletin. Bookmark the permalink.

Post navigation

← Exploring London’s Vibrant South East
The Firebenders of Boracay →

19 thoughts on “ISANGDAAN Journey Featured on Manila Bulletin”

  1. Ephraim said:
    Reply
    November 5, 2012 at 1:50 am

    CONGRATZ bai!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      November 11, 2012 at 3:38 am

      salamat kaayo bai!

  2. mye said:
    Reply
    November 5, 2012 at 2:52 am

    Celebrity na talaga paborito kong tavel blogger!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      November 11, 2012 at 3:37 am

      fave talaga? thanks mye!

  3. angelaires said:
    Reply
    November 5, 2012 at 6:57 am

    I’m glad you clarified the part about where pawikans were rescued- Davao, and not in Palawan… Coz while im reading it, same thought echoes in my head:)

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      November 11, 2012 at 3:37 am

      naks! you really followed the adventure ha. expert ka sa mga stories, thanks aires!

  4. Morena said:
    Reply
    November 8, 2012 at 5:48 am

    nice! 🙂

  5. Che on the road said:
    Reply
    November 8, 2012 at 11:11 am

    I was able to read the article in Manila Bulletin, ibang level ka na talaga James, congrats!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      November 11, 2012 at 3:30 am

      thanks for the congratulatory note che 😉

  6. julai said:
    Reply
    November 8, 2012 at 4:51 pm

    congrats james! ikaw na tlga! Go, go, go and make more waves and inspire more! God bless you always.

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      November 11, 2012 at 3:30 am

      thanks julai! more waves indeed 😉

  7. Melanie Ochoa said:
    Reply
    November 12, 2012 at 5:25 am

    WOW! This site is indeed inspiring! El Nido is also on top of my list. I’m actually going to Calaguas this Friday and i’m looking for the cheapest way to get there. Thank you for all the info. Such a big help. More power!!!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      November 12, 2012 at 7:57 am

      glad my calaguas guide helped you. enjoy melanie!

      • Melanie Ochoa said:
        Reply
        November 19, 2012 at 2:07 am

        Calaguas is beyond lovely. I will definitely go back there with my other friends. Thanks James!

  8. meryl said:
    Reply
    November 17, 2012 at 10:31 am

    congrats kuya james! ang galing, idol na talaga kita 😀

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      November 22, 2012 at 7:20 am

      thanks Meryl!
      more travels to you

  9. Jules said:
    Reply
    February 7, 2013 at 5:05 am

    I’m proud of you! 🙂 I hope to meet you in one of my travels! 🙂

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      February 20, 2013 at 5:15 am

      thanks jules, hope to see you on the road!

  10. Jonavern Pascual Lungub@USA said:
    Reply
    September 7, 2014 at 6:19 pm

    Congrats James! Sooooo awesome seeing you soaring like an eagle!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CAPTCHA Image
Refresh Image

*

Search

Like Me?

My Newly Opened Homestay in Palawan

Palawan Homestays, Lifehouse

Puerto Princesa, MIMAROPA, Philippines
This is great for families or group of friends who wanted to have their own house. Japanese-themed house, cozy bedrooms and complete kitchen set. Enjoy the tea area where you can relax, listen to m...
Short Term Rentals in Puerto Princesa

Travel Partners:

Follow me on Instagram:

PRESS & MEDIA

Back-to-Back GMA News TV Interviews
Cebu Pacific's Featured Article: Around the Philippines for 100 Days
Manila Bulletin: Around the PH for 100 Days
TV 5: ISANGDAAN Journey Interview
ABS-CBN News Channel: ISANGDAAN Journey Live Interview
GMA News To Go: ISANGDAAN Journey Live Interview
Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho: Hidden Paradise Feature
ABS-CBN Southern Mindanao: Short Interview
Living Asia Channel: Watch Me Dancing
Radio Guestings
Cebu Pacific’s Smile Magazine: Bacolod on a Budget
Cebu Pacific’s Smile Magazine: Zamboanga City on a Budget
PAL's Mabuhay Magazine: Tacloban on a Budget
PAL's Mabuhay Magazine: Not Your Ordinary Palawan
PAL's Mabuhay Magazine: Iloilo and Guimaras Travel Guide
8 Travel Tips to Save Money While on the Road
How to Start Your Own Backpacking Trip

Top 25 Posts

  • No To Mining in Palawan- A Petition Letter (313)
  • 100 Days of Backpacking the Philippines- The Cheapest Way Possible (241)
  • My Top 10 Philippine Travel Destination (167)
  • ISANGDAAN: The Most Epic Travel Challenge in the Philippines- A Success! (138)
  • Calaguas Islands Trip Guide: The Cheapest Way Possible (125)
  • Puerto Princesa City to El Nido Travel Guide (114)
  • Do-It-Yourself Puerto Princesa City Tour (86)
  • No Money, No Honey or Why I Travel Solo? (84)
  • Hundred Islands Travel Guide (83)
  • Cheap Accommodations in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (81)
  • Panampangan Island: Tawi-Tawi's Finest White Beach (80)
  • Why You Should Date a Traveler? (79)
  • Surigao Nature Fuck: The Most Depressing Road Trip Ever (76)
  • Dear Reader, I'm not a snob... (75)
  • Wrap Up of Mindanao 400 Challenge (73)
  • Cheap Accommodations in Camiguin Island (71)
  • Puerto Princesa City: Benchmark Of What Paradise Is (70)
  • I’m on TV! Thanks Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Summer Special (70)
  • Boracay Cheap Accommodations and Rates (68)
  • September-October Travel Plans in Bicol, the Visayas, and Ilocos (62)
  • 10 Travel Secrets of JourneyingJames (61)
  • 10 Things to Do in Quezon Province (58)
  • GMA News To Go Interview about ISANGDAAN Journey (58)
  • How to Fund Your Wanderlust? (58)
  • On Pursuing My Passion (58)
Copyright 2012 | Journeying James Designed by: Regine Garcia