Out!
October - November 2007
Vol. 1.2


A Pinas-Trotter's Dogma
By Roda Novenario

(inspired by Globetrotter Dogma, an article by Bruce Northam that was published by Blue magazine in 2000 which was later expanded into a book by the same name.)

I'm sure we've all heard of "Leave nothing but footprints; take nothing but pictures." If there's ever a definite credo for any traveler, in the Philippines or elsewhere, that is it.

My bit herein isn't from an expert. I am far from being the guru of Philippine travel; I am still on an upward learning curve. But I do want to share what I've learned so far. This is my first five.

1. Do it now!
A month after graduation, I pursued what I was expected to pursue. A job at a bank (or something), a steady income - and life, in my head, was supposed to be eventually laid out in a golden platter for me. Of course, back then I didn't know what life meant nor what I wanted in it.

Fast forward, more than a decade after, I don't think I ever got to fulfill any of those expectations. But I was/am happy. I've ticked off to-do's from that list I made in college. I'm on new lists to fulfill.

And I know this sounds like a lot of chicken soup but life has a big big room for urges, for itches that have to be scratched, for joy; and yes, for mistakes along the way. Do whatever now; go wherever now. Windows of opportunity don't open that often.

2. No one is too old.
My first Mt. Pinatubo climb was during the community's International Trek, wherein hundreds of people join in to support. The mountain's relatively easy if one's used to at least 30 degrees inclines; heat and trek hours are the ones that usually hit Pinatubo trekkers. Our group's made up of experienced climbers in their late 20's or early 30's so we did fine - we took it easy and just enjoyed each other's company.

Along the way, we'd pass this 60-ish woman. She was alone, except for a porter who carried her bag. She trekked slowly and made frequent stops.

Our group reached the crater all right, the usual. We complained about the crowd and the heat, had our lunch, swam a bit and left. It was just another long hot trek for us; we "conquered" Pinatubo.

That 60-year old woman overcame a lot more.

3. No budget? Not an excuse.
Good hiking sandals can cost as low as 500php, which is OK enough of an investment if one's planning to take on mountaineering. Professional groups would require hiking shoes though, so that needs saving up. For starters, it shouldn't cost a lot. During my first few treks years ago, I budgeted about 200php for those overnight weekends, inclusive of meals and transportation. It might cost a bit more now but it's a good deal for an overnight out, right?

4. Don't be meager.
But when one does have some budget, do not be meager. That 50pesos haggled off a jeep fare might just mean a jolli-meal for you; but to the rural worker relying on seasonal tourism, it might mean the world.

5. Know that things, especially in the Philippines, can get messed up.
Life goes on.
Travel/vacation in the Philippines is no place for your PDA/planner. Your ride will wait for seats to get filled up. Maps aren't always reliable, street names (if there are names) change; you can get lost. There will be traffic. Planes are delayed. So, unless you use an über-organized travel agency doing the worrying for you, RELAX.

Watch as you wait. Sample exotic food. Some airports have great pasalubong counters. Just relax; take things a yapak at a time.