How it all started?

Looking back from January 2013 when I set foot on Sagada and in that very place, I got bitten by the travel bug, note that I am already on my latter half of the twenties that time. Thereafter, I saw myself taking the first airplane ride with Cebu Pacific Air bound to the land of Mt. Mayon and traversing the provinces of Bicol. Blessed that I can speak their language, I was able to set foot on four provinces with lesser hassles. Note that I took advantage of their public transportation mostly during transits from destination to destination. By summer of the following year, organized a first travel event to the town of Baler, filling up two vans, after which, I came back four times with different groups.
How did I learn about the so-called “Project 81”?

It was after two years that I opened my blogsite and set up my social media handles to support it. The goal of the blog site is to provide travel guides and techniques on the places I visit. I also intend to focus on the less-traveled places, giving them online exposure I can manage. During the course of interacting with my followers, I saw the hashtag #project81ph. It tickled my interest and learned about the race to visit the 81 provinces of the Philippines. I reviewed the provinces I set foot before and started counting. Since then, I was an avid fan of waiting for airfare seat sales. I started researching and reading about the tourism landscape of different provinces. I also learned from experience in researching and preparing the itinerary.
What are the major traveling activities I did?

Covering as much as provinces on each roundtrip flight. I was able to set foot in all Visayan provinces with just four roundtrip flights. Chronologically, the first region is the Central Visayas, which I came solo, then Eastern Visayas with a former colleague, Sir Michael James and Pilot Sir Juan Carlo, and in Western Visayas with a former colleague, Ms. Catherine Pingul. The fourth flight fulfilled the last province which is Negros Occidental in Bacolod City. This then became my pattern in traveling.

In Mindanao, with fellow backpacker, Ms. Ella Dalisay, we are able to visit the 5 provinces of Davao Region, also in Cagayan, Region 4-A and Cotabato City. With fellow blogger, Ms. Qing Pineda, and other backpackers, Ann Lucilo and Arianne Garcia, we set foot on most of the provinces of Caraga Region and SOCCSKSARGEN region. A social media connection turned friend, Mr. RJ Dumalag, hosted me in the Northern Mindanao Region, including Marawi City, a few days before the recent war. Fellow former colleagues, Engr. Mike Go and Engr. Kytte Sicat, Teacher Joanne Balagon, joined me in traversing the Zamboanga Peninsula region. Another hardcore traveler, Dave Tumindig, an awesome host and close friend, assisted me in visiting the ARMM provinces of Sulu and Tawi Tawi.





What other activities I was inclined to experience?
With one of the pioneer bloggers of Pampanga, Sir Robin Pinzon, he influenced me on covering festivals around the Philippines, thus, adding another objective in travels. It led me on searching different less known festivals across the archipelago. I was able to witness firsthand festivals from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, like Imbayah Festival of Ifugao, Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Leyte and T’nalak Festival of South Cotabato.

It is also with Ms. Ann Pineda, a former colleague, that invited me to my mother mountain, Mt. Pico De Loro, that led me my interest in mountain climbing and trekking.

One of the highlights of traveling the Philippines are visiting the off the beaten path provinces like Quirino, Nueva Viscaya, Northern and Eastern Samar, Antique, Sulu, Zamboanga Sibugay, Camarines Norte, Apayao, Catanduanes and Lanao del Sur.

Here are my personal favorites per category I made:
- Waterfalls – Tinuy-an Falls of Bislig, Surigao del Sur
- Major Urban Area – Zamboanga City
- Mountain/Hiking trail – Mt. Ulap of Benguet.
- Island – Onok Islandof Balabac, Palawan
- Beach – Malamawi White Beach of Basilan
- River – Siitan River of Nagtipunan, Quirino
- Cuisine – Coconut Based Bicolano dishes like Kinunot and Pinangat.
- Manmade structure – Rice Terraces of San Remigio, Antique
- Festivity – Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City
- Cave – Capisaan Cave of Kasibu, Nueva Viscaya
- Wildlife/Animal Encounter – Kalibasib, Tamaraw in captivity in Rizal, Occidental Mindoro.
- Meeting cultural icons – Apo Whang Od of Buscalan, Kalinga and Maria Todi of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
What marks the completion of the project?

On the very day of the 17th of June 2019, I was able to set foot in my 81st province, Agusan del Sur, visiting the majestic Bega Falls. Thank you to Philippine Airlines for having direct routes from Clark to Cagayan de Oro. It is convenient to explore the Northern Mindanao region.
It is not easy to fulfil such a feat, as I have to arrange and negotiate with my employers about it. There are vacation leaves that would have me off duty for 4 working days. I was also blessed to be connected with my current job, as I can remotely manage correspondence wherever I go. There are necessary sacrifices as well, like cutting spending on eating out, pampering sessions and almost zero purchase of non-essential material stuff.

Why do such a feat?
For me, it is not about bragging, but my intention is to promote the natural beauty and interesting culture of all the provinces of the Philippines. I want to help also in breaking the stigma that was attached to Mindanao. This region has more promising destinations and huge tourism and investment potential.
What made some of my traveling convenient?
With the Clark International Airport having more direct domestic connections, Kapampangans, and residents of Central to Northern Luzon have the strategic convenience, adding up, are lower airfares offered. This development made my latter part of air travel more convenient, without the hassle of the land transits of about 5 hours to safely catch my flights via NAIA terminals. Cebu Pacific Air is also planning to expand its Clark Hub by mounting routes to Narita, Bacolod, Iloilo and Puerto Princesa.


What are some off the beaten path destinations I still look forward to visiting?
- Linapacan, Palawan
- Laoang, Northern Samar
- Coastal communities of Isabela: Maconacon, Divalacan and Palanan
- Beaches of Parang, Sulu
- Olanivan Island of Davao Occidental
- Calayan Islands of Cagayan
- Cagayancillo Island
- Lubang Island
What have I learned?
I felt a lot blessed and very thankful for being a resident of Pampanga. There are lots of employment opportunities and conveniences in easy reach. Whereas other provinces are struggling with industrial-generated employments or investments, and some are mostly dependent on tourism and agricultural incomes that come with risks, and sometimes limited seasonal periods, thus, causing income limits to locals. Sustenance comes from the bounty of their surroundings: the sea, forest, and land. I have learned as well the importance of cultural and language preservation. I became quite envious in the Visayas and Mindanao region, as they would really transact with you with their mother tongue. This led me to learn the Cebuano language and made a personal move to teach the Kapampangan language to my younger kin.
Also, whenever I visit some places, I mostly seek insights from Tourism Officers for my safety as well.

Ending note:
Travelling is more than a luxury activity, but another lifelong learning experience beyond the walls of your educational institution and employment. For others, it could be daunting, but it is a must, even just a year, to break your daily routine, and refresh your soul and body with the awesome beauty of the Philippines. It does need to cost you an arm and leg, but with sufficient research, you will be able to tackle your destinations at the lesser possible costs. It also gives you a wider perspective of life and understanding of living. Do not make travelling your social status but make it an extension of your continued lifelong education, create a positive impact on the community and environment you will interact with, and instil good memories that you would happily share with your kids and grandkids.

List of the 81 provinces of the Philippines in Alphabetical Order:
PROVINCE | PLACE VISITED |
1. Abra | Calaba and Bangued |
2. Agusan del Norte | Butuan City and Vinapor |
3. Agusan del Sur | Bega Falls, Prosperidad |
4. Aklan | Ati Atihan Festival, Kalibo, Pawa Windmills, Boracay |
5. Albay | Daraga, Legazpi, Tabaco, Tiwi, Joroan, Bacacay and Malilipot |
6. Antique | Antique Rice Terraces, General Fullon, Valderrama |
7. Apayao | Lussok Cave, Maton River, Pudtol Ruins |
8. Aurora | Dipaculao, Dingalan, Maria Aurora, San Luis, Dinadiawan and Baler, |
9. Basilan | Lamita, City, Malamawi Island and Isabela City |
10. Bataan | Morong Beach, Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mariveles |
11. Batanes | Sabtang and Batan Island |
12. Batangas | Anilao, Nasugbu, Batangas City and Taal Heritage Town |
13. Benguet | Baguio City, Atok, Itogon, Panagbenga Festival |
14. Biliran | Naval, Almeria and Iyusan |
15. Bohol | Tagbilaran and Panglao |
16. Bukidnon | Mt. Capistrano and Valencia City |
17. Bulacan | Singkaban Festival, Baliwag, Calumpit and Malolos |
18. Cagayan | Aparri, Abulug, Tuguegarao, Baggao and Sta. Ana |
19. Camarines Norte | Capalonga, Daet and Jose Panganiban |
20. Camarines Sur | Naga City, Ocampo, Calabanga, Caramoan and Pili |
21. Camiguin | Sagay, Mambajao, Catarman and Mantigue Island |
22. Capiz | Roxas City and Panay |
23. Catanduanes | Virac, Baras and San Andres |
24. Cavite | Dasmarinas, Tagaytay and Ternate |
25. Cebu | South Cebu, Camotes and Metro Cebu |
26. Compostela Valley / Davao De Oro | Awao Falls in Monkayo, Mainit Hot Spring in Maco |
27. Cotabato | Lake Agco, Arakan and Kidapawan City |
28. Davao del Norte | Tagum City and New Corella |
29. Davao del Sur | Kadayawan Festival, Kapatagan Valley and Digos City |
30. Davao Occidental | Little Boracay, Sta. Maria |
31. Davao Oriental | Mati and Cateel |
32. Dinagat Islands | San Jose, Libjo and Unib Island |
33. Eastern Samar | Guiuan and Calicoan |
34. Guimaras | Buenavista, Jordan, San Lorenzo and Nueva Valencia |
35. Ifugao | Imbayah Festival, Banaue, Hapao and Batad |
36. Ilocos Norte | Pagudpud, Bangui, and Paoay |
37. Ilocos Sur | Vigan, Suyo, Cervantes, Bantay and Narvacan |
38. Iloilo | Dinagyang Festival, Mandurriao, Molo, La Paz and City Proper |
39. Isabela | Cauayan, Santiago City and Roxas |
40. Kalinga | Buscalan |
41. La Union | Agoo, Aringay, Bauang, San Fernando City, Santol, Luna, Caba and San Juan |
42. Laguna | Sta. Rosa, San Pablo, Pansol, Paete |
43. Lanao del Norte | Iligan City and Naawan |
44. Lanao del Sur | Marawi City |
45. Leyte | Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival, Tacloban and Palo |
46. Maguindanao | Datu Odin Sinsuat and Shariff Aguak |
47. Marinduque | Moriones Festival, Boac, Mogpog, Gasan, Torrijos, Sta. Cruz, Buenavista |
48. Masbate | Burias Island |
49. Misamis Occidental | Ozamis City, Tangub City, Hoyohoy Adventure Park |
50. Misamis Oriental | Cagayan de Oro City and Balingoan |
51. Mountain Province | Sagada and Bontoc |
52. Negros Occidental | Bacolod City and Talisay City |
53. Negros Oriental | Dumaguete City |
54. Northern Samar | Capul Island and Allen |
55. Nueva Ecija | Mt. Sawi, Mt. 387, Gabaldon, Cuyapo, Nampicuan, and Cabanatuan City |
56. Nueva Vizcaya | Capisaan, Quezon, Solano and Bayombong |
57. Occidental Mindoro | San Jose and Rizal |
58. Oriental Mindoro | Bulalacao and Mansalay |
59. Palawan | Coron, Puerto Princesa, Bataraza and Balabac |
60. Pampanga | Current Residence |
61. Pangasinan | Dasol, Alaminos, Urdaneta, Calasiao, Dagupan and Villasis, Mangatarem, Balungao |
62. Quezon | Pagbilao, Tiaong and Lucena |
63. Quirino | Saguday, Aglipay, Diffun, Cabarroguis, Nagtipunan and Maddela |
64. Rizal | Higantes Festival, Tanay, Angono, Binangonan and Taytay |
65. Romblon | Bonbon Beach, Romblon Proper, Agnipa and Cogon |
66. Samar | Catbalogan and Calbayog |
67. Sarangani | Kiamba and Tambler |
68. Siquijor | Siquijor, Maria, Lazi, San Juan, Larena and Enrique Villanueva |
69. Sorsogon | Sorsogon City, Matnog, Barcelona, Gubat, Irosin and Bulusan |
70. South Cotabato | T’nalak Festival in Koronadal City, Polomolok, Lake Sebu |
71. Southern Leyte | Sogod |
72. Sultan Kudarat | Isulan and Tacurong |
73. Sulu | Banguingui, Jolo, Patikul, and Panglima Tahil |
74. Surigao del Norte | Surigao City |
75. Surigao del Sur | Bislig and Hinatuan |
76. Tarlac | Tarlac City, Anao, Capas, Bamban and Concepcion |
77. Tawi-tawi | Kamahardikaan Festival, Sitangkai, Bongao, Simunul and Sanga Sanga |
78. Zambales | Singkamas Festival, Olongapo, Subic, Iba, San Marcelino, Cawag, San Antonio and San Narciso |
79. Zamboanga del Norte | Sergio Osmena, Dipolog and Labason |
80. Zamboanga del Sur | Pagadian and Lakewood |
81. Zamboanga Sibugay | Ipil, Buluan, Malangas and Titay |
lit! how to be you po. hopefully, i’ll be able to compelete mine by next year.
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mas how to be byahecho? ehe surely macomplete mo yan anytime, you have the resources to, excited for you
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I love all the wonderful places that you featured in this blog. My favorite part is sharing all the beautiful places in mindanao. And I am glad that as a traveller you prioritise travelling around the Philippines first and promote our local tourist destinations and I really admire you for that. Because most of the time, travellers would go abroad to show the beauty of other country. Not knowing that that Philippines have a lot to offer
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Mindanao is really promising and became my favorite destination. I am frequenting this island more than other regions in the Philippines, enjoying its colorful festivals! Thank you so much!
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I agree, Mindanao really have lots of colorful festivals. And I am looking forward to those in your future blogs. Your blog is an eye opener to many that our country has so much to offer.
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You’re right. Travel is enriching to the mind and soul. And thanks for sharing your knowledge to help us make our travel dreams come true.
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Thank you too Gel!
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I admire your dedication for visiting our 81 provinces! I think I’ve only visited a few, truly our country is a non-stop adventure.
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yes, it is a non stop adventure, there are many spots there awaiting for discovery.
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Wow i envy you! Haven’t been into a lot of provinces of Philippines yet. I don’t know if I could ever visit 81 provinces like you haha!
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you can do it! planning it would make it possible. beep me up if you need help.
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Interesting…you don’t mean Ann Pineda of Victory Fort, do you? Cause I know of one Ann Pineda who loves the mountains too.
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Ann Pineda worked in Clark and is now in Vietnam. It could be a different Ann Pineda. 😀
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Wow, so many provinces!!! Congratulations on fulfilling your mission and i wish I can visit even just half of your 81 listed provinces. There’s so much to explore in the philippines and thank you for helping us know about them!
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Yes, you can do it too! If you need help with itineraries, message me.
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Congratulations! Wow, this is a milestone worth celebrating.
As a person who loves to travel, I agree with all your insights. Takes guts, stamina and open mind to be able to complete this. I also like this – Do not make traveling as your social status but make it as an extension of your continued lifelong education.
Good job sir! Continue setting an example to all modern/ millenial travelers who now tend to forget the essence of traveling.
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wow!!.congrats..i admire your diligence in pursuing your goal..81 provinces is just amazing!
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Jan, you are such an inspiration! Being able to visit all the 81 provinces of the Philippines is something I aspire to do one day. I enjoyed reading your journey. It’s as if you also took us with you along the way!
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This post is amazing! One of our goals is to visit all the 81 provinces of the Philippines and you made us want to do it more! Philippines is really a treasure. thanks for sharing!
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Wow! I love how you detailed all the possible places to visit here in the Philippines. Hopefully I can also visit those countries. Iilan palang yata napupuntahan ko. How can I have a copy para may checklist?
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Wow! I love how you detailed all the possible places to visit here in the Philippines. Hopefully I can also visit those countries. Iilan palang yata napupuntahan ko. Can I have a copy of those places?
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Hi, yes, you can get the list I made, however, that just merely scratched the surface of Philippine tourism 🙂
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It was such an amazing and inspiring journey to all Filipino travelers! It’s true that traveling is not about the pictures you have to post on social media, but the experiences, lessons and memories you will gain and remember for the rest of your life.
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Wow! 81 provinces, that’s amazing! You just inspired me to list down the provinces I’ve visited as well. haha!
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Our country is really promising and completely beautiful!
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Totally agree!
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Do you think it would be safe if I wanted to visit the place alone? My Filipino wife just wants to visit the family in Bulacan when we visit the Philippines and all I can expect is to visit few places in Luzon therefore the only way I can visit other islands is by leaving my wife in Bulacan and go off on my own (which I did in Luzon, I took buses all the way to Ilocos). Would it be safe to visit the Central and the Southern groups of islands all by myself (in Luzon I felt safe because I speak Tagalog fluently and “hindi ako naibenta”). Tnx for sharing
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Hi Sir Eduardo, yes I would recommend to visit Central (Visayas region) and Southern (Mindanao region) Philippines, would suggest to see the mainstream spots like Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor which are well frequented and the rates are almost standardized. However, in Mindanao, a strong quake and series of aftershocks rattled the beautiful island this October 2019. Would also recommend to connect with respective tourism officers for your guidance, prior your visit.
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Maraming salamat. I am planning to visit the next year and I’ll definitely visit some of those islands!
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I love your traveling style po. 😍
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Thank you Kath! It is humbling to hear from someone I look up to. More travels!
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I’ve always been curious on how you did it. You practically answered all the questions I was about to ask you. You know what I like about it? I love that you remember the names of the people who traveled with you. I also want to explore the 81 provinces in the Philippines. Thanks for being an inspiration!
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What an achievement and an amazing experience! Hindi biro ang magtravel considering you have a full time job, yet you made it that far in such a short period of time. Congratulations!
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Galing!
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Yahoo! Congrats! Hope to collaborate again w you on your next travel ops. Remember Tanay? Hehe.
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Hi Mam Jenny. Collab soon! Yes po still remember kayo po. Keep safe always po
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