Dominic of Escape Islands is a person who loves nature. So when I visited North Luzon in the Philippines and found out he with some more supersweet Filipino adventurers were going to survive Batad rice terraces, I had to join them. It turned out to be a lot of sweat, but even more fun and I am sure I will never forget those green landscapes ofthe stunning rice terraces. Nor I will top-loading jeepneys like at the photo below with Dom 🙂 My ass still hurts from that top-loading haha.
me and Dong Ho on top of a jeepney in Batad rice terraces
Have a look at the interview with this funny Dom DA BEST 🙂
1. Who are you? Tell us something about you.
An islander. A mountaineer. A backpacker. A usual traveler from the Philippines who finds great things in going places. I love the beaches as much as I love the mountains.
2. What is your favorite place, city and country and why? (all three of them)
I love the Philippines but for this question allow me to answer the place aside from the Philippines.
My favorite place so far is Harbin in Heilongjiang China. I like its diversity of structures and culture having a mix of China, Russia, Japan and even remnants of a Jewish community. China is also my favorite country in terms of traditions and culture.
Dong Ho outside St Sophia Church in Harbin, China
3. If you could go anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would it be and why?
The Silk Road. It would be a beautiful long journey of what is considered as one of the most significant trade route to the four great civilizations (China, India, Persia and Arabia). Something that i find really interesting.
4. What do you love the most about your home country?
Seeing the people being joyous even on the most challenging moments. People’s smile is genuine.
5. How travel changes you?
It made me realize that the real treasures of a place are its people. They build the culture. They shape the structures. It’s when you start conversing with them that you will find the best things on even the simplest things.
Dominic, I love what you said about people. They are what I remember the most about every place, too. Thanks again for the interview and all the laugh when trying to survive Batad rice terraces 😀
Love,
Alex
