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 blog site 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?

One of the pioneer bloggers of Pampanga, Sir Robin Pinzon, he influenced me to cover festivals around the Philippines, thus, adding another objective to travel. It led me to search for 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 the T’nalak Festival of South Cotabato.

It is also Ms. Ann Pineda, a former colleague, who invited me to my mother mountain, Mt. Pico De Loro, that led me to my interest in mountain climbing and trekking. From there on, found myself summiting peaks across the country. The longest trek I was able to finish was at Antique Rice Terraces of General Fullon. I can vividly remember how we tackled the trail and did it twice in separate years consecutively.

One of the highlights of traveling the Philippines is 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 and Tanduh White Beach of Parang, Sulu
• 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, Maria Todi of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, and Ambalang Ausalin of Lamitan, Basilan for the Yakan Weaving heritage.

What marks the completion of the project?

On the very day of the 17^th of June 2019, I was able to set foot in my 81^st province (updated to 82nd), Agusan del Sur, to visit 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 fulfill 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 also want to help also in breaking the stigma that was attached to Mindanao by residents of Luzon and Visayas. 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
• Balut Island
• Olanivan Island of Davao Occidental
• Calayan Islands of Cagayan
• Cagayancillo Island
• Lubang Island

What have I learned?

I felt very blessed and very thankful for being a resident of Pampanga. There are lots of employment opportunities and conveniences in easy reach. Other provinces are struggling with industrial-generated employment 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 of the Visayas and Mindanao region, as they would really transact with you in 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. I have learned how colorful and vibrant the culture, history, and heritage are throughout Mindanao. Their diverse ethnicity that defined their existing cuisine, architecture, and ways of life always captivates my soul. The lively festivals certainly break the stigma – it is SAFE TO EXPLORE AND EXPERIENCE MINDANAO.  They are unique and lovely in every way. From a macro point of view, it is actually a lot safer in Mindanao compared to the National Capital Region which holds the record of crime statistics. Think about this. Additionally, the cost of living is a lot cheaper, lesser air pollution and less dreadful traffic.

Also, whenever I visit some places, I mostly seek insights from Tourism Officers. It is recommended to have this vital courtesy call. Tourism Officers provide the best travel service and assistance within their jurisdiction. They are to source of updated information and statistics you would need as you explore their place. Tourism Officers can connect you to accredited establishments and access different destinations, all for your unforgettable and memorable experience.

Ending note:

Traveling is more than a luxury activity, it is 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 and captivating 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 lowest possible costs. It also gives you a wider perspective of life and understanding of living. Do not make traveling 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 instill good memories that you would happily share with your kids and grandkids.

Travel widens your horizons. Meeting different people, experiencing vibrant cultures, tasting the great local cuisines, and being involved with traditions outside your comfort zone would teach you a lot. It helps you to understand yourself deeply. It awakens sleeping talents and skills. Moreover, it helps in healing of a broken soul or reaped heart. Your tired spirit could regain strength with the therapeutic embrace of Mother Nature in every form of shape.

List of the 82 provinces of the Philippines in Alphabetical Order:

PROVINCE	PLACE VISITED
1. Abra	Calaba and Bangued
2. Agusan del Norte	Butuan and Vinapor
3. Agusan del Sur	Bega Falls, Prosperidad
4. Aklan	Kalibo, Pawa Windmills, Boracay, AtiAtihan Festival
5. Albay	Daraga, Legazpi, Tabaco, Bacacay, Malilipot, Tiwi, and Joroan
6. Antique	Antique Rice Terraces, General Fullon, Valderrama, San Jose, Pandan, Culasi, Tibiao, Bugasong, San Jose de Buenavista, Patnongon, Hamtic, Anini-y
7. Apayao	Lussok Cave, Maton River, Pudtol Ruins
8. Aurora	Dinadiawan, Dipaculao, Dicasalarin, Maria Aurora, San Luis and Baler
9. Basilan	Malamawi Island, Lamitan City and Isabela City
10. Bataan	Morong, Dinalupihan, Orani, Mariveles, Balanga, Bagac and Pilar
11. Batanes	Sabtang and Batan Island
12. Batangas	Anilao, Laurel, Lipa, Batangas City and Taal
13. Benguet	Baguio, Atok, Itogon, Kabayan
14. Biliran	Naval and Iyusan
15. Bohol	Tagbilaran and Panglao
16. Bukidnon	Mt. Capistrano, Impasugong, Malaybalay City and Valencia City, Kaamulan Festival
17. Bulacan	Baliwag, Calumpit, Dona Remedios Trinidad and Malolos
18. Cagayan	Aparri, Alcala, Buguey, Peñablanca, Piat, Lal-lo Gattaran, Tuguegarao City, Baggao , Iguig, and Sta. Ana
19. Camarines Norte	Capalonga, Daet and Jose Panganiban
20. Camarines Sur	Naga City, Caramoan, Calabanga, Tinambac, Ocampo, Magarao and Pasacao
21. Camiguin	Sagay, Mambajao, Catarman and Mantigue Island
22. Capiz	Roxas City and Panay
23. Catanduanes	Virac, Bato, Baras, San Andres and Guinsaanan
24. Cavite	Dasmarinas, Kawit, Bacoor City and Tagaytay
25. Cebu	Moalboal, Badian, Samboan, Santander, Dalaguete, Mactan and Metro Cebu
26. Compostela Valley	Monkayo and Maco
27. Cotabato	Arakan and Kidapawan City
28. Davao del Norte	Tagum City and Mainit Falls
29. Davao del Sur	Kapatagan Valley, Sta. Cruz, Bansalan, Matanao 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	Banaue, Hungduan, Batad and Mayoyao
36. Ilocos Norte	Pagudpud, Laoag, Bangui, and Paoay
37. Ilocos Sur	Vigan, Bantay and Narvacan
38. Iloilo	Dinagyang Festival, San Joaquin, Mandurriao, Molo and City Proper
39. Isabela	Cauayan, Santiago City and Roxas
40. Kalinga	Buscalan
41. La Union	Agoo, Luna, Bacnotan, Naguilian, San Fernando and San Juan
42. Laguna	Sta. Rosa, San Pablo, Pansol, Paete, Liliw, Lumban, Cavinti, Pagsanjan, Sta. Cruz, Majajay and Luisiana
43. Lanao del Norte	Iligan City and Dodiongan
44. Lanao del Sur	Marawi City and Balaoi
45. Leyte	Tacloban City and Palo
46. Maguindanao del Norte	Shariff Aguak, Sultan Kudarat and Upi
47. Maguindanao del Sur	Datu Odin Sinsuat, Datu Hoffer, Datu Piang, Datu Saudi Ampatuan and Buluan
48. Marinduque	Boac, Mogpog, Gasan, Buenavista, Sta. Cruz and Torrijos
49. Masbate	Burias, Masbate City, Balud
50. Misamis Occidental	Aloran, Baliangao, Clarin, Don Victoriano, Jimenez, Lopez Jaena, Plaridel, Sapang Dalaga, Sinacaban, Tudela, Ozamis City, Tangub City, Oroquieta City
51. Misamis Oriental	Cagayan de Oro, Laguindingan and Balingoan
52. Mountain Province	Sagada and Bontoc
53. Negros Occidental	Bacolod City and Silay City
54. Negros Oriental	Dumaguete City
55. Northern Samar	Capul Island, San VIcente and Allen
56. Nueva Ecija	Carranglan, Cuyapo, Nampicuan, Pantabangan, Gabaldon, Guimba, Gapan and Cabanatuan City
57. Nueva Vizcaya	Capisaan, Quezon, Solano, Bambang and Bayombong
58. Occidental Mindoro	San Jose and Rizal
59. Oriental Mindoro	Bulalacao and Mansalay
60. Palawan	Coron, Puerto Princesa, Bataraza and Balabac
61. Pampanga	Angeles City, Mabalacat City, City of San Fernando, Porac, Magalang, Arayat, Candaba, Sta. Ana, Mexico, San Simon, Apalit, Sto. Tomas, Minalin, Macabebe, Bacolor, Sta. Rita, Floridablanca, Lubao and Guagua
62. Pangasinan	Bani, Dasol, Dagupan City, Calasiao, Lingayen, Urbiztondo, Alaminos, Urdaneta, Pozzorubio and Villasis
63. Quezon	Mauban, General Nakar, Infanta, Tayabas, Lucban, Gumaca, Atimonan, Pagbilao, Tiaong and Lucena City
64. Quirino	Saguday, Aglipay, Diffun, Cabarroguis, Nagtipunan and Maddela
65. Rizal	Antipolo, Tanay, Angono, Pililla, Binangonan and Taytay
66. Romblon	Bonbon Beach, Romblon Proper, Agnipa and Cogon
67. Samar	Catbalogan and Calbayog
68. Sarangani	Kiamba
69. Siquijor	Siquijor, Maria, Lazi, San Juan, Larena and Enrique Villanueva
70. Sorsogon	Sorsogon City, Matnog, Pilar, Juban, Barcelona, Gubat, Irosin and Bulusan
71. South Cotabato	Koronadal City, T’nalak Festival, Lake Sebu, Surallah
72. Southern Leyte	Sogod
73. Sultan Kudarat	Tacurong City, and Baras Bird Sanctuary
74. Sulu	Banguingui, Jolo, Patikul,Maimbung, Parang, Indanan and Panglima Tahil
75. Surigao del Norte	Surigao City
76. Surigao del Sur	Bislig and Hinatuan
77. Tarlac	Tarlac City, Capas, Bamban, San Miguel, Anao, Concepcion and Kanlahi Festival
78. Tawi-tawi	Bongao, Simunul, Sitangkai and Sanga Sanga
79. Zambales	Olongapo, Subic, Iba, San Marcelino, San Felipe, San Narciso, San Antonio, Cawag and San Narciso
80. Zamboanga del Norte	Dipolog, Labason and Sergio Osmena
81. Zamboanga del Sur	Pagadian and Lakewood
82. Zamboanga Sibugay	Ipil, Buluan, Malangas and Titay