Tips For Becoming A Successful Photographer

Photography has never been more popular—with greater than ever access to great cameras in both smartphones and mirrorless cameras, among others, so many people have picked up the hobby. But when it comes to turning pro as a photographer, it takes much more than just being able to click the shutter at the right moment. So here are a few tips to help you become a successful photographer:

#1 You Need To Have A Passion For Photography

This may seem like an obvious one, but it is essential. You need to have a genuine passion for photography if you want to be successful. It takes more than just taking pretty pictures. You must be passionate about learning new techniques, experimenting with different styles, and constantly improving your craft. The best photographers I know cannot help but shoot—it is their obsession, whether at work or in their free time.

#2 You Need To Be Willing To Invest In Your Craft

Investment can mean a lot of things when it comes to photography. It can mean investing in better equipment, taking courses to improve your skills, or even just investing your time into learning more about photography. Whatever form investment takes, you need to be willing to do it if you want to stand out amongst a sea of skilled hobbyists all with access to the same tools and information. Invest in the best you can reasonably afford to begin with, and then gradually build from there are you discover what you’re passionate about AND what people hire you for.

#3 You Need To Be Willing To Network

Networking is a huge part of any career, and photography is no different. Get out there and meet other photographers, attend workshops and conferences, and just generally get your name out there. The more people you know in the industry, the better your chances of finding success. But don’t be a phony social butterfly, always looking at how people can serve you. The best way to network is to be genuinely interested and to be generous with your time, knowledge, and effort. Show people you are reliable, hardworking, interesting, and always open to improvement, without expecting anything in return, and they will eventually open doors for you.

#4 You Need To Be Mobile

As a photographer, you need to be willing to travel. Events, photo shoots, and even just vacations will often require you to be away from home. The truth is the best photos often require some effort to reach and you need to be willing to make the journey.

A reliable, practical car is a huge help to carry all your gear and get around. But this is a huge investment that you need to be smart about—if you need to buy a car, check out websites edmunds that can help you pick the right car for you and get the best deal for it.

#5 You Need To Be Creative

Many of us focus on being technically sound, spending hours upon hours watching tutorials on both shooting and post-processing. But there is no shortage of skilled photographers out there, so you need to find a way to stand: Be creative with your shots, editing, and overall photography approach. Consistently practice your eye, try to see what the way you see and photograph things distinct, and lean on that. Pour the passion into it, as we said in #1, and often, creativity will follow.

#6 You Need To Be Professional

This matters just as much as being able to snap great pictures consistently (shameless plug hehe). You need to be professional if you want to be a successful photographer. That means being punctual, polite, and respectful to your clients. It also means having a strong portfolio that you can show off to potential clients. You should be a pleasure to work with while also being able to hold your own amidst client demands and feedback.

Furthermore, teach yourself or ask help when it comes to administrative, accounting, and general business matters. You need to keep the lights on to keep the passion alive.

These are just a few tips to help you become a successful photographer. But remember, becoming a successful photographer takes time, dedication, and hard work. So don't get discouraged if you don't see results right away. Just keep working at it, and eventually, you'll get there.

The Royal Enfield SCRAM 411 is here! How does it compare to the competition?

One of the most highly-anticipated big bikes among Royal Enfield and classic bike fans is finally in the Philippines! I’ve personally been wanting to see and test ride the Scram 411 ever since it was first announced, because it promised to check so many boxes for a first big bike in the Philippines, namely:

• Highway legal (400cc and up, 411cc to be exact)

• Relatively light, easy to ride and commute

• Great classic looks

• Cheap and easy to maintain

• Off-road capability

The Royal Enfield Scram 411 in Graphite Blue at its Philippine launch

Here’s the basic facts about the bike:

• Envisioned and developed as an “ADV crossover” for commuting on the weekdays and on-and-off-road fun on the weekends

• 411cc fuel-injected, 4-stroke, SOHC, air-cooled single-cylinder engine with maximum power of 24.3bhp at 6500rpm and max torque of 32Nm at 4000-4500 rpm, same as the Royal Enfield Himalayan

• 200mm ground clearance (best in class)

• Telescopic front suspension with 41mm forks and 190mm travel

• 180mm travel on the rear monoshock

• Dual-channel ABS (non-switchable)

• 19in front wheel (down from 21in on the Himalayan), 17in rear

• Improved seat compared to Himalayan

• 795 mm seat height, lower than Himalayan

• Starts at PhP 311,000 up to PhP 315,000 for premium color variants

I attended the launch (video above) and shortly after was able to test ride it:

Overall, the bike did not fall short of my expectations: It was nimble and easy to handle in traffic thanks to that 19in front wheel, smoother than the Himalayan with a revised, longer gearing that makes it nicer to ride at low speeds, along with a more comfortable seat. Suspension is stiffer than the Himalayan but still much more comfortable than comparable standards, like the Svart 401. I’m looking forward to spending more time on the bike and really traveling with it, the way it was meant to be used, tackling mixed roads and light to medium off-road.

At its price, it competes directly with its sibling the Himalayan (currently starting at 338k), the KTM 390s (Duke, Adventure, Svartpilen and Vitpilen 401), and entry-level bikes from CFMOTO, Bristol, etc. Offhand, this is how I think they stack up:

• Pick any of the 390s if speed is a priority and you are tall enough:

  • 390 Duke for the lightest, near cheapest, and most sporty

  • Svart 401 for a super light, stylish city bike that can handle light touring (my personal pick of the 390s)

  • 390 Adventure for more aggressive riders that want to go off-road and tour, or riders moving up from small dual sports

  • Vitpilen 401 for pure style and a sporty ergos and ride, NOT for touring

• Himalayan for lovers of off-road-biased touring, those who want a chill ride, and short riders

• CFMOTO and Bristol for cheapest bikes with extra electronic features, for short riders too

• The Scram 411 for a jack-of-all-trades bike that can commute, tour longer, look great at cafes, offer a chill ride, while having the capacity to bring luggage using the Himalayan’s accessories. Also good for short riders and lower than the Himalayan.

As you can tell, I’m pumped about the Scram as it really does check so many boxes in its class, so much so that I find myself wanting one as a daily bike and something to thrash around on light trails. It’s lighter than my Interceptor while having that tractable engine from the Himalayan that’s so easy and stable off-road.

Test riding the Scram 411 at Royal Enfield Quezon City

And it’s also one of the cheapest options—it offers so much, and frankly is only mainly lacking in the speed and acceleration department. But since I already own a faster bike (the Royal Enfield Interceptor), that’s not a major consideration for me.

You can test ride one today in the Philippines by contacting Royal Enfield Quezon City or Royal Enfield Bacoor.

That’s my initial take on the Royal Enfield Scram 411! Don’t forget to stay subscribed to my Youtube channel for more motorcycle and travel content coming on the Scram 411 and many more.

Should New Photographers Use A Proper Camera Or Just Use Your Phone?

Photography is an excellent hobby to get into, but it can be an expensive one. If you are serious about taking high-quality photos, you might be looking at the different cameras you can buy. Even the mid-range ones can be quite pricey and you may be thinking, is it really worth it?

Phone technology has come on a long way and you can take some pretty impressive photos, so should you invest in a camera or not? Really, it depends on what you want to take photos of and what you want to do with them. This guide will give you a bit of help so you can decide whether a phone or camera is better for you.

Benefits Of Using Your Phone Camera

Image Source - Pixabay CCO License

Phone cameras are small and easy to carry around and they can be less conspicuous than a full-sized DSLR for snapping photos at events like concerts. You also won't attract as many stares as you would holding up a big camera, which is great if you want inconspicuous shots. This means that whenever your phone is on you, you will always have a decent camera with you and it's there when those special moments happen. 

Phone cameras automate most of the things you would normally do on a camera. If you're new to photography and don't really know what you're doing, that's a big bonus.

The camera tech on phones has advanced a lot in the last few years, so you'd be surprised how good the quality is. If you want to get the most out of it, you should play around with the settings. Using the raw photos iphone setting, for example, can get you the same quality you'd get from a DSLR camera. The other great thing about using your phone is that you don't have to buy a separate camera, so you'll save money. 

Benefits Of Buying A Camera

Image Source - Pixabay CCO License

Obviously, DSLR and mirrorless cameras have more capabilities than a phone. You can change lenses and you can manually adjust some settings to get the best possible quality of the photo. Their much larger sensors allow far better image quality and beautiful out of focus backgrounds with the right lenses. If you're passionate about photography, this is what you need to take high-quality shots. The downside of course is that they tend to be bulky and it's often difficult for beginners to use them as they require quite an investment in learning how they work, along with learning how to properly post-process your photos.

You definitely need to invest in a camera if you want to take advanced shots, like shooting the stars, for example. Phones are not quite capable of these kinds of specialist shots, so you will need to buy a proper camera. 

When you are looking at DSLR and mirrorless cameras, don't spring for the most expensive one straight away. You should start out with an entry-level one to get a feel for how it works and what you can do. If you see yourself getting really passionate about or even becoming a professional in photography, then think about investing in a top-end model.

In the end, it all comes down to your budget, what photos you're after and what kind of lifestyle you lead. The phone camera has many benefits but if you can afford it, a DSLR or mirrorless makes taking high-quality shots so much easier.

3 Ways To Make Owning A Motorcycle Cost Effective

If you haven’t been following along my social media, I’ve really gotten into motorcycling! In fact, I just bought myself a new bike so I can travel and explore all around the Philippines on two wheels.

Owning a motorcycle is more than just owning a vehicle: it’s a combination of a beautiful machine, exhilarating speed, and the ability to drive comfortably and easily, without needing to (necessarily) sit in traffic like car drivers have to. However, some aspects of motorcycle ownership can be expensive, so here are some tips on how to make owning a motorcycle more cost-effective. 

Insurance 

When it comes to insurance, it’s a must. Not only is it the law, but if you did have an accident, your bike could be repaired or even replaced, and if you were injured, you would have a claim for compensation and for your medical costs to be covered. Your insurance company might even be able to help when it comes to finding the right motorcycle accident attorney for you. 

Some insurance is costly, however, especially for those who have only just passed their test or who have had claims in the past. The best thing to do is to shop around for a great deal. Don’t just do this online (although comparison websites are a good start), but actually phone the companies up and discuss your particular situation. See if they can beat other prices you’ve been given. The worst that can happen is that they say no, but you might get a deal out of just picking up the phone. If you’ve already got insurance, don’t forget you can shop around too; make a note of when the insurance will expire (just in case you don’t get informed) and start looking. You can even tell your current supplier that you’re leaving, and they might be able to arrange a discount to keep you with them. 

Repairs 

Every mechanical thing will need repairs from time to time. To begin with, you’ll want to buy the best bike you can with the budget you have; buying too cheap can lead to you needing to spend a lot more money on getting things fixed, and this will often be more money than you would have spent buying a better quality motorcycle in the first place. Even when you buy brand new, there will still need to be repairs done after a while. Why not take a course or at least learn as much as you online to learn how to do the more straightforward maintenance yourself? Of course, this is only cost-effective if you pay close attention to doing it right, otherwise you could spend more than you need or make expensive mistakes. 

Use Highways and Drive Steady

It’s great to be able to take a motorcycle out into the country and meander through the twisting, turning roads enjoying the scenery, but just know that this actually uses up more fuel than driving at a steady pace.

The most fuel-efficient way to drive a motorcycle is to keep it at a steady speed (ideally around 90-100 kph), just like you can maintain on a highway. Fuel is wasted when you have to keep changing speed, changing gears, and when you need to keep stopping for lights or stop signs. It’s also more fuel-efficient to only top up your tank to half full, as there is less for the bike to carry. 

From Clueless to Content Creator: A Guide For Beginners!

Excited to share that I’ve launched my first-ever online course on Skillshare! Check out the video above for a preview of what you’ll learn in this beginner-friendly course on the fundamentals of creating quality content that attracts and builds an audience.

Sign up for Skillshare Premium FREE for 14 days and check out my course here! https://skl.sh/3uqNOvj

FROM CLUELESS TO CONTENT CREATOR goes over:

THE QUALITIES OF GREAT VIDEOS

- The single crucial element every successful video needs to have

- Identifying the value you want to bring--and why that is crucial

- Why having a point of view is far more important than production value

- What skills to work on and dive deeper into

- Gear and tools - what you ACTUALLY need to invest in

- Case studies in each lesson to illustrate the principles being discussed

PRE-PRODUCTION

- Effective planning and pre-production and the impact it can have on your content

- Practical video script structure for maximum engagement

PRODUCTION AND POST-PRODUCTION

- Tips for shooting high-quality video

- Tips for being great on camera

- Top tips for a better edit

- How to share your video and eventually build an audience

- Success as a creator and why building a huge audience isn’t necessary

Video creators at any level can benefit from this course, whether you’re just starting out or have experience but need refocus on what really matters.

Hope to see you there! Drop me a message or comment anywhere if you need help accessing it or want to give or get helpful feedback!

Quick Tips For Your First Studio Gig!

We photographers are always looking to improve our skills and experiment with new methods. If you’ve come to photography through a hobby path, you’re probably keen to bring your skills to the next level!

The first and most important tip you want to remember is that you don’t need to break the bank. I’ve written before about how to elevate your photography without buying any gear. And while a lot of websites will try to upsell your existing camera, practicing your eye and technique can make a much larger impact on your work!

Ideally, it’s best to start with a cheap device and work your way up as you get to understand the different settings and tools available. Composition designs and experiments can help you become a confident photographer and perhaps eventually help you get noticed by brands.

If working with brands is your goal, one skillset you need to develop is how to shoot in a studio. Now, your first gig in studio could be daunting, but these little tips will help you. 

Check the premises first and do your tests beforehand

It can be helpful to reach out to your sponsor/client and request to visit the studio ahead of the photoshoot. It can be a fantastic way of soothing your nerves as you can get to see what the place looks like and start planning. Get to know the lights and other gear they have available and even ask what they might recommend based on your client’s requirements.

I would go so far as to even spend a little bit of my own money to have an hour to test and warmup with a friend as a model to gain confidence and familiarity with the lighting equipment. There’s no need to go into this blindly! It’s essential that you make sure your camera gear and the lighting equipment work together as expected. Lighting is really not that complicated and you can learn the basics on Youtube, Skillshare, etc—the important thing is to get your feet wet and start playing so you know how to manipulate the equipment to get good results!

Additionally, you may want to keep your eyes open for potential issues. For instance, if you’re going to spend the best part of the day indoors, you want the air conditioning to be working smoothly. Nobody would enjoy being stuck in a room without any ventilation! So, if you spot anything during your visit, you should ask for emergency ac repair to be on the safe side. The same principle applies to the restroom. It doesn’t harm to check the sink and flush to make the sponsor aware of any problem that should be sorted out before the big day. 

Get to know your model

Are you going to work with models? This can be an exciting time for you! Your client could have picked a model through social media hunting. An Instagram model, for instance, may not be familiar with studio work. But, you can make time to get to know them and build up a trust relationship. This will ensure that you can kickstart the shoot in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Even if you’re working with someone more familiar with modelling jobs, it can still be beneficial to reach out and establish a connection. An experienced model could be happy to suggest ideas and poses for you. This is one of the most effective ways to make sure your goes smoothly and get professional results in the process.

Eliminate unnecessary distractions

The studio needs to promote a quiet and peaceful work atmosphere. While it is impossible to fully eliminate noises from a studio, you don’t want surrounding noise levels to distract you. For instance, road works or close-by building sites can cause enough disruptions for you to suggest soundproofing the studio.

Are you ready to take on your first studio project? Congratulations! To keep your nerves under control, experts always suggest getting familiar with the studio and the model beforehand. You are in a better position to avoid issues that could affect the quality of the work and create a positive relationship with your model. And remember to enjoy every minute of it! 

5 Remote Jobs You Can Do Anywhere In The World

It’s long been a dream of mine to live and work freely in different cities in the world. And with pandemic now making moving between borders more difficult and dangerous, living abroad long term (or living in a domestic travel destination!) is increasingly a viable alternative to hopping around like we used to.

Remote working from a tropical paradise or in a picturesque mountain hideaway always seemed like a dream that could never come true. But the pandemic has opened my mind to the many options available to be able to work and live where you want, even for at least a few months. It’s more than possible with the right mindset, skillset, and job. 

I hope these ideas can inspire more of us to leave our cities and take that leap! Here are five remote jobs that you can do anywhere in the world.

Content creation

First on the list is, of course, what I do! Whether you are a budding photographer, writer, filmmaker, etc., you can do these jobs anywhere from a sofa or a cafe. Aside from practicing your skills, you need to find a strong, sellable niche, build your portfolio around that, and then work extra hard to get regular clients. If you have the client base and the right mindset, you can work from anywhere. I can attest that traveling from country to country is part of the job.

Online trading

For those who prefer working with numbers and have a passion for the markets, online trading is another option. For example, Forex Trading is increasingly popular due to the accessibility to trading online, even for newbies. You can become a trader via online courses and pursue your passion for the trading industry. The beauty of trading is that you can trade anywhere at any time and always have access to your work through your phone.

Data analyst 

While this may not sound like the most exciting job title, it can be done from pretty much anywhere in the world. There is a huge demand for data analysts in virtually every field now. You will need an understanding of how to use Excel and similar tools, as well as strong organizational skills. Although this type of work can often be intense, the clear upside is that after a hard day you can kick back and enjoy a well-deserved cocktail or beer at the end of the day.

Online tutor

To teach English abroad you usually have to go and live in a different country anyway, but by becoming an online tutor you can be in the country of your choice while teaching to someone in a different country entirely. Teaching English online has become very popular and each company has different prerequisites e.g. minimum bachelor’s degree or a minimum of seven hours of teaching a week. While this space is already very competitive, it’s certainly a viable and even fun way to monetize your skills and help people out while having plenty of time to travel or explore your new home. 

Digital marketing manager

If you’re addicted to social media anyway, why not try to monetize it? There are hundreds if not thousands of companies out there who are looking for people to help manage their content. For many companies keeping their social media pages up to date with new relevant information is more important than ever due to rise of online selling and booking during the pandemic. Sadly, though, this is something they often treat as an afterthought. You can deliver tremendous value to a company while having a lifestyle job if you’re able to create a proven track record of helping companies manage and grow their social presence.

Conclusion

It’s always my hope to inspire you (and myself!) to open our minds to possibilities to live our dreams that are just lying in wait for us to pursue them. Once you realize they’re there, give yourself permission to try, and then commit to putting in the work to make it work, you may be surprised that in time your dreams become very real!

So if you’ve always dreamt of that digital nomad life, I hope these get you started. Any other great ideas for remote careers? Share them with me in the comments! Thanks for reading, and safe travels.

6 Great Tips For New Budding Photographers!

As a person working professionally with cameras, I’m asked often by beginners how to get into photography. It may seem intimidating at first when you don’t have any experience under your belt and you compare yourself to your idols on Instagram, but not to worry—the main thing you need is time and practice! Here are 6 top tips for any new budding photographer looking to get to the next level in their photography!

You don’t need to spend a lot!

A secondhand DSLR, even one that’s 5-10 years old, is a perfect camera to start with. Photo: Dominique Garcia

Being a photographer, you will need a camera, but you don’t need to buy the latest and the greatest. A cheap DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) or mirrorless camera is a small and easy to handle camera and works best for amateur photographers. These large sensor cameras, from the cheapest to the most expensive, mostly take pictures of very similar quality, and by paying much more you are paying for more features geared for expert/professional use, not necessarily image quality. In other words: start with a good APS-C sensor camera and shoot away! Start here and work your way up as you learn more about photography.

Composition hack: Use the rule of thirds.

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This is one of the first things you’ll learn in photography class. This is basically where you divide your shot up with two vertical lines and two horizontal lines, creating a grid of nine evenly sized boxes. You can use this “grid” to help take your shot by dividing everything between those boxes. It’s an easy shortcut to creating compelling compositions, and you can play with the rules (and break them!) as your confidence increases and you develop your eye.

Speaking of which, you may want to have your eyes tested when entering the world of photography. While your camera is the object creating the shot, it helps if you can see well to begin with to capture the shot you were after.

Always keep your camera on you.

Gotta have that camera even on the beach! Photo: Angelo Mendoza

We’ve all had those moments where we wish that we had our camera to take a picture of something weird and wonderful that you’ve stumbled upon. Keeping your camera on you all of the time solves that problem. You’ll find yourself taking pictures of random things, and that’s great! Over time, as you shoot and review your images over and over, you’ll begin to notice what catches your eye, how the light in real life becomes represented on camera, how you could have shot a subject better, and more.

Don’t worry about finding the perfect shot.

Some shots turn out amazing right away, while others need quite a bit of processing to come out.

The truth is, finding that pinnacle moment is unlikely, especially when you’re just starting. And the best photographers in the world have thousands of images they’ve shot and not ever shown to anyone else in order to get the tiny handful of perfect shots. So don’t be afraid to take pictures of objects that seem a little boring to begin with! Take a fresh look at your everyday surroundings. You may find a particular shot with incredible light balance, or you may notice something pretty like a flower or a dragonfly, which will turn into an incredible picture. Don’t judge until you’ve started working on the photos, and even a photo that seems mundane on its can take on a whole new meaning when shot as part of a series that tells a bigger story.

Experiment

You can even experiment with layouts that go beyond straight photography.

On that note, remember not to overthink or prematurely judge your images! You’ve bought a camera, so experiment with it! Try different settings and learn what each of them does so that in the future, when you do find that perfect shot, you’ll know exactly what to do. And don’t limit yourself to one way of shooting or even one way of editing images. Your priority now is to get good and find out what you love shooting and different ways to express yourself. With so many people shooting now, it’s even more important to let loose and be creative to develop your own photographic voice. In the age of digital photography, you lose nothing by shooting more and trying out everything that looks interesting!

Take photos often

Finally, take photos at every chance you get! Remember: Practice makes perfect, and even for experts, quantity is your way to build quality. But not only does it improve your skills with a camera, but it also documents your life, leaving you with many memories to return to. For me, to tell the truth, great photos are almost always the result of memorable experiences and dedicated effort, so in that way, a great photo for is both an artwork and a beautiful memento of a particular moment.

Check out how travel photography Angelo Mendoza and I approach photo trips in our cinematic photo travel vlogs!

Hope this list helps you get further on your journey through photography! And feel free to share your thoughts and other tips in the comments!

My Post-Lockdown Travel Plans || Dream ROAD TRIPS in the Philippines

By now, it’s clear that with Covid-19, there is no going back to the old normal in the near future. Travel will be changed—for years, and possibly for good. International air travel especially might become a huge pain, even more than it was after 9/11. Nobody knows much for sure yet, but to me one thing is clear:

In the near future, road trips in one’s home country will be the safest, most accessible way to have an adventure in the age of social distancing.

Specifically, road trips to places away from crowds and off the beaten path, where social distancing is not just possible, but effortless.

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Exploring Zambales by car. Photo: Angelo Mendoza Photography

Fortunately for us who live literally anywhere in the Philippines, there is no shortage of options. I’ve spent the past year going on long, beautiful road trips north of Manila with photographer Angelo Mendoza. In the process we’ve both realized that we’ve barely scratched the surface of what’s possible right here at home.

After traveling to dozens of countries, even living abroad for months at a time, and then coming home and doing these road trips, I learned one life-changing lesson:

You can have the most epic, life-changing travel experiences without leaving your own country. What matters is not where you travel but having a spirit of discovery and appreciation—to see your home country with the eyes of a visitor.

You don’t need plenty of money, but you need plenty of TIME.

My first time really exploring off the beaten path in my own country for an extended period of time was, I’m embarrassed to say, only in 2019, on a road trip through the Philippine Cordilleras. I realized fully then that I really didn’t need to hop on a plane or go through the hassle of getting a visa to have an unforgettable and unique travel experience, as I had previously been inclined to think, just for lack of trying.

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A stunning road in the Central Cordillera in Ilocos Sur.

There are obvious benefits to choosing to travel by road at home instead of flying or going abroad. First, it’s extremely affordable, with an abundance of cheap local food and great options for affordable accommodations all over the Philippines. When you take your own car, you have space for plenty of supplies to last you a long time and virtually unlimited flexibility with your itinerary. Stretching your peso means you can spend more time and do more things with the same amount of money—and likely still have a lot left over compared to traveling abroad that you save or use to splurge. You can even stay in hotels without breaking the bank if you want.

Moreover, you don’t have to deal with a foreign language, although knowing Bisaya, Ilocano, or any major language in the Philippines would be a huge help as you venture further out. And finally, wherever you go, especially in far-flung places, you can have the opportunity for life-changing experiences of Filipino hospitality. And you, in turn, can help support local economies that have been badly hit by the lockdowns.

I can’t wait to get on the road again and explore the Philippines with renewed enthusiasm. Here are just a handful of my post-lockdown travel goals:

Rediscover Greater Manila and its food

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A new day dawning over Metro Manila.

While waiting for travel services to be allowed to operate again, I already want to start my adventures close to home. As things start opening up, everything old will feel new again. We’ll appreciate the smallest tastes of normalcy. The freedom to have a beer at a bar or sit at a café will seem like the greatest thing in the world (albeit with social distancing enforced).

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Mood.

I’ve learned after working on a local travel food show that sharing food with the people who make them and people who are passionate about food is one of the best ways to explore and learn about a place. This newfound awareness has opened up a delicious new world to discover right in my own backyard.

So I want to hop on my scooter and go around Maginhawa, Poblacion, Chinatown, etc., discovering great food in every place from famed local institutions, to little-known holes-in-the-wall, to revered local legends. I could venture north to Bulacan, south towards Alabang then on to Laguna and Cavite, or head east to Rizal, taking recommendations from friends in each place. The possibilities are virtually inexhaustible without even having to travel far from home.

Strictly Dumpling takes on Binondo!

Are we going to let the food vloggers have all the fun and food? Let’s dive into those hidden gems in and around our home cities. There’s never been a more important time, too, to support the restaurant industry.

Take on the Halsema Highway on a motorcycle

Video by motovlogger SEFTV on Youtube

Driving across the beautiful and perilous Halsema Highway from Baguio to Sagada for the first time in 2018 was my baptism into venturing far beyond Manila by car. As I mentioned above, it was my 2019 road trip here that made me realize just how intense and fulfilling local travel by road can be: sticking to our own time, creating our own itinerary day by day, and exploring as if we were foreigners.

Having recently learned to ride on two wheels and finally purchasing my own scooter, it’s my goal to work my way up to traversing this entire stretch of road from Baguio to Sagada and beyond. While cars are comfortable and great for hauling lots of gear, there’s nothing like riding a motorcycle for forcing you to travel light while also connecting you to the elements, nature, and the locals along the way. It’s sure to be an exhausting challenge for a newbie like me, and I’m sure to be exposed to all sorts of danger and weather. That’s precisely what would make it so much more stimulating, exhilarating, and worth the effort than going by car.

Trying my future bike on for size. Not sure how I can afford one soon but I’m claiming it, hehe.

Explore Bicol by car

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Admiring Mt. Mayon from a lesser known road

After the north, it’s time to head south! I’ve been to Bicol several times for work, and the region has always impressed me with its awe-inspiring volcanoes, stunning coastlines, and unbeatable food. Every time I fly over it on the way further south, I see terrain that I’m dying to see up close.

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Flying over Bicol on the way to Mindanao

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A spectacular view in Camarines Sur

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Majestic Mt. Isarog dominating the landscape

For years we’ve wanted to take on this region by car, and now feels like to the perfect time to time rise to the challenge. A longtime goal has been to find the best, little-known views of Mt. Mayon and finally get a shot of the Milky Way behind it.

See the sunrise on the east coast and see it set on the west coast—in a single day!

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Sunrise in Aurora

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Sunset in Zambales

This is another dream project that Angelo and I realized might be possible, just looking at the map: to wake up on the east coast of Luzon in Aurora to catch the sunrise, then cross over to La Union, Pangasinan, or Zambales to catch the sunset in the same day. While we would need to have weather conditions line up perfectly, this arbitrary goal would make for a truly excellent adventure.

Take the Long Way Down to Davao

Video by TheBoyWhoWandered in Youtube.

This seems like the ultimate road trip in the Philippines, and it would be a badge of honor to complete it. We could begin in Quezon City or further north if we feel ambitious, then drive all the way through Bicol, down to the Visayas, and eventually all the way to Davao City, hopping on RORO ferries in between the islands. This might take around a month, depending on how long we linger at every region, and it could easily turn out to be the adventure of a lifetime. A tiny taste of some of the sights we could see along the way:

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The coast of Catanduanes

Sugba Lagoon in Siargao

Such a long and diverse journey would be a blank canvas for all kinds of adventures from mountains to sea, lakes and valleys, beaches and cities. Especially high on my list to explore is Agusan Marsh. Along the way, we could mix car and outdoor camping, staying with locals, and taking a break from roughing it by staying in budget hotels or fancy resorts.

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A sweeping view of Mt. Apo between Davao City and Digos City (I think)

Obviously, there are countless road trips that are possible for two and four wheels alike, but I just want to begin sharing some of my top ideas for my own inspiration and yours as well! The options even within the immediate vicinity of Metro Manila are only limited by your imagination, determination, and willingness to see home with new eyes. Let’s get out there, have great experiences, and help local economies recover along the way.

What are your dream local trips to do as we adjust to “the new normal”? Let me know in the comments, so we can all share the ideas, itineraries, inspirations, and other information! Thanks for reading, and I can’t wait to travel again soon.

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Off road, all smiles. Photo: Angelo Mendoza Photography

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This entry was inspired by the RedDoorz Philippines “Let’s Travel Again Soon” writing contest, and I thank them for giving me a reason to write down my ideas and kindle my excitement and determination to get out there and explore and make beautiful videos of these experiences again.

#RedDoorzPH #LetsTravelAgainSoon

Enjoyed this post? Check out this vlog where we explore the stunning highway of Daang Kalikasan in Mangatarem, Pangasinan.