Today, I’m done with 50% of my Challenge and I’m so happy because I was interviewed by Travel & Living Channel (TLC). Woot! Woot!
Let me share with you some details of the interview. Yeah!
TLC: Can you tell us about yourself.
James: I’m James aka journeyingjames and I love the outdoors! I love backpacking and running.
TLC: How long have you been traveling?
James: I started travel during my college days (2003) but I started documenting it 2009. My blog is just a year old.
TLC: Tell us about Mindanao Challenge 400.
James: Okay, You only have to remember four numbers: 16, 400, 1000 & 2000.
16 days in SOCSKSARGEN, DAVAO REGION & CARAGA.
400 Pesos budget/day, all-in (food, transportation, accommodation etc.)
1000 Followers. By the end of 16days, I wish to have 1000 followers on Twitter. As of this writing, I have 876 followers. I need 124 more followers. 🙂
2000 Likes. I’m also promoting my Facebook Page: JOURNEYINGJAMES. There you can ask me any question you like. You may also request any info about traveling in the Philippines. I hope I can be of help. You can also read real-time updates of my Mindanao Challenge on that “fan page.” As of today, I have 1,489 likes, still need 511.
This is my plan a month ago: Mindanao Challenge 400 and my successful Php250/Day Western Visayas Backpacking last year.
TLC: Can you share to us, how you are doing so far?
James: I’m doing good, if you missed it I can share you quickly what happened from Day 1 to Day 8
Day 1: Lotsa surprises in General Santos City.
Day 2: Hammock-hanging adventure in Gumasa, Glan, Saranggani
Day 3: Koronadal City, South Cotabato welcomed me with opened arms.
Day 4: A Road Trip: Towns in South Cotabato then to Isulan, Sultan Kudarat and back to GenSantos City.
Day 5: Spent Nothing! Blessings!.
Day 6: I planted 16 Mangrove Seedlings in Samal Island.
Day 7: I toured around Samal Island on a motorbike.
Day 8: In transit: Island Garden City of Samal – Davao City – Tagum City
Davao City Hall
TLC: Why are you doing this Challenge?
James: After successfully finishing my Western Visayas Backpacking Challenge last year, I think its time for me to explore the underrated beauty of Mindanao.
Of course I want to let all Filipino know that traveling is not only reserved for the rich. It can be enjoyed by everyone. I want to tell them that money (or lack of) is not an alibi not to travel.
“To travel is to explore, to explore is to learn and understand, not being able to do so is regression.” Sometimes I think that traveling should be everyone’s “right.”
Mt. Apo as viewed from Samal Island. The highest peak in the Philippines
But ultimately, I travel and document my journey because I want to share it to my future kids and grandkids. Tell them that papa/lolo has been here and there. He has a lot of friends around the Philippines. I want to show them how beautiful our country is and how kind and hospitable our people (Filipinos) are.
TLC: Who sponsored this trip?
James: No one. I spend my own money.
TLC: You have reflections at the end of you every post. Why?
James: I want to call what I’m doing “a part of my journey in this life.” A journey wherein I learn more of other people’s culture, know myself deeper and understand God more clearly. I’m just in awe of God’s handiwork in all the places I set my feet on.
TLC: Describe Mindanao.
James: Mindanao is so big! It’s so diverse but I would compare it to an “unpolished gem” just there waiting to be explored. Contrary to what people in Luzon (especially Manila) perceive, Mindanao is so peaceful and its not poor, its so rich and teeming with life. One cannot understand Mindanao if he/she hasn’t been been here.
A local farmer in Samal Island.
TLC: Any developments along the way?
James: Just watch out for my Day 14 or Day 15 blog post. That would be exciting! A new development maybe?
TLC: Future plans?
James: Hmmmm…. I’m saving for next year’s Final Challange: 100 Days of Backpacking the Philippines- The Cheapest Way Possible. Then hopefully write a book after that and maybe have my own travel show.
TLC: Travel Show? Tell us more about it…
James: Well, I just want to share my adventures to a wider audience what I am doing, that traveling can be cheap. I want to showcase Boracay underrated places, adventures to do before you die, tips and tricks while on the road. I also want my fellow backpackers and travel bloggers to share their discoveries. I want to change the Philippine travel scene.
TLC: Should TLC offer you a travel show, would you grab it?
James: Hell YES! When will I sign the contract?
Special Note: Ang naturang interview ay pawang kathang-isip lamang. Napanaginipan ko po ito nug huling gabi ko sa Samal Island. Pero sabi nga nila, “dreams come true” di ba? Lahat ng aking sinagot sa TLC ay totoo. Sorry if I used your name TLC, I’m just a fan of your channel. Peace!
–
Expenses for Today: Php 419
Php 13 – Boat Fare (Lantsa, Babak port – Sasa port)
Php 15 – Jeepney fare (Sasa port – Davao City downtown)
Php 10 – Papaya (near Davao City Hall)
Php 35 – Lunch (Balbakwa and Rice)
Php 58 – Internet usage
Php 20 – Merienda, bread
Php 8 – Jeepney (City Proper – Ecoland Bus Terminal)
Php 160 – Bus fare (Davao City – Tagum City)
Php 200 – MBC Pension House (Tagum City)
______
Php 419.00.
Special thanks to Sir Edwin, Leo & Louie for the warm welcome in Tagum City. I’m humbled by your blog post on my quick stop in Tagum.
Acronym for Today:
NPA- Nawong Puro Agtang . Sa dami ng kanyang problema, NPA na siya. Nawo- face; Puro= pure or all; Agtang= forehead
Reflection/Lesson for Today:
“I believe that ‘Don’t talk to strangers’ doesn’t apply to traveling.” -journeyingjames (while on the bus from Maco, Compostella Valley to Mati City, Davao Oriental)
Doing well, James. Safe travels to you!
thanks tita lil!
Hanep – the Travel show aint far now. Kelan lalabas sa TV yan?
You almost got me there… clever man, clever.
To us travelers, you’re always an inspiration.
’til next time bai. DAGHANG SALAMAT!
wow! you guys did an awesome job welcoming me in tagum city. regards to sir edwin and louie. until next time?
sana madagdagan nayo ng girl na staff.. hahaha
guys do read the whole post ha.. especially the special note.thanks!
way to go bro!
“I believe that ‘Don’t talk to strangers’ doesn’t apply to traveling.” -journeyingjames – I’ll make sure to remember this. 🙂
kaya yan James. Malapit ka ng madiscover! Calling all talent scouts out there.
nice one james! hope to see you next time on TLC channel.
Wahhhhh! akala ko totoo… pero why not, you deserve it James! 🙂
ahahaha! d q tlga akalain na kathang isipo lang un.. nice one! isa aq sa mga masugid na sumusubaybay sa mga gala mo ^_^
hi journeyingjames! I enjoyed reading this one, I almost missed out the special note. =)
I’m a recent follower of your blog (and your FB page). Your adventures have inspired me to plan my own solo/DIY backpacking trip in the near future! I look forward to learn more about the places you have visited/will be visiting, so hopefully I can go there too. Goodluck on your Mindanao challenge and enjoy the trip!
thanks boykeempee!
hope my blogs help you.
let me know hoe your DIY trip goes.
hahah Nice one James, I wouldn’t be surprised if one day it would become a real interview!
pedeng mag guest sa travel show mu? hehe congrats dearest!
Haha! Thought everything was real 🙂 anyway just bloghopping through travel blogs. Goodluck with the Mindanao challenge!
Definitely, Maybe
sana it was real noh?
still, i believe in dream, i believe in miracles
haha you already! sana napanaginipan mo din magigising ka katabi mo si toooot!!
dapat invited kamisa travel show mo 🙂
sinong toooot?
of course! PTB travel show kaya? hahah
Akala ko totoo na hehe kasi kapani-paniwala naman talaga 😛
You know, masaya nga kung magkaroon ng travel show na ang target market is budget travelers. I noticed that most travel shows cater to the ‘luxurious’ way. Sana magkatotoo tlaga yan 😛
Request ko after ng Mindanao Challenge is to go Norte naman! 😀
just keep on doing what you love doing kasi magaganda talaga nangyayari if you do something out of passion.
yeah! i definitely agree… wishes the same thing to you sir! have fun there in europe
i first set foot in Mindanao, October 2010 and i kept coming back since! it’s this raw majestic beauty! im in love with the whole island!
ps: ang kulit ng special note! super fine print pa sya ah 😀
same here! pagpapalit ko talaga ang boracay sa mindanao. hahaha
i hope TLC reads this. haha
apir sa being in love with the whole island of mindanao
nice, hahaha! dapat di mo na nilagay ung special note! 🙂
“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting”. – The Alchemist
thanks for the alchemist quote!
haha, baka magalit sa akin yung TLC
hmm congrats!! hope to meet you in person bago ka magkaron ng show..hahaha.apir!!!:D
ahaha, nice one vel… sure, why not? you’re busier than me
i was really entertained with this blogpost.. Keep on blogging and sharing your travel experiences!
Hahahahah You got me! Good one! :-))
Keep on travelling James. Balang araw magkaka-travel show ka din. naniniwala ako. 🙂
thanks pre for the vote of confidence! sana….
MhayGhad..ISAMA MO NAMAN AKO PAGBALIK MO NG DAVAO..libutin buong downtown lakad lang..Congrats James!! Big time kna tlga pre.. hehehe!
let’s! i wasnt able to explore downtown davao city eh. i didnt saw maharlika nga
I read your article, word for word. Akala ko totoo. hahaha.. Miracles do happen and with your experiences, I’m sure it will happen when you least expect it. 🙂
Thank you for coming to Mindanao and for sharing your experiences. It’s like a breathe of fresh air kumpara sa bad publicities about our place. I keep telling everyone I know that Mindanao is a gem. We just need to take the time to discover it and its beauty.
Salamat James.
thanks din lea! let’s see…
i’m really hooked with mindanao. indeed, its a gem.
astig! travel show na pala sunod. hahaha… congratulations James.
dreams come true bosing! i hope magkaroon nga
hahahahahhahahahahahahaahahahaha nagoyo ako! you had a knack on which i enjoyed the banter of Q&A. Lupet.
Hope to travel again with you bro. God bless
Natuwa ako sa NPA! Ang galing mo na tlga mag Ilocano/Bisaya 😉
naglibog na ko chichi! hahaha
tinuro lang sa akin yang NPA na yan, so marami nang ibig sabihin yung NPA para sa akin…haha
hahahah loved the interview! hope ull sign TLC travel show contract pretty soon..can i be ur pa?hehehe 😀
para bang totoo? still, dreams come true!
malapit nang mangyari to.