During my South East Asia trip in 2011, I decided to go to the Philippines for 3 weeks because of 2 reasons – Jason (and Mica) convincing me was one of them, and super beautiful beaches was the second one.
Jason planned a travel week together when we visited Palawan island, did some island hopping around, then I got my flights to Cebu and also Bohol. To say it was a lot of fun would be an understatement. Jason is the best travel buddy 🙂
The pic of us below is from Carmen Chocolate Hills in Bohol, Philippines 🙂
1. Who are you? Tell us something about you.
I am Jason Montana, a certified beach bum and traveler. I live in Cebu Philippines and currently working as recruitment specialist in a BPO company. Definitely not a home buddy but an outdoor person who loves traveling, exploring, food trips (but I don’t eat vegetables), crazy long rides, doing extreme activities that give me an adrenaline rush and of course beaching. I also own a travel blog named www.montanatheexplorer.com –where I write and share my crazy experiences while hitting the road, some destination ideas and travel tips in the Philippines.
2. What is your favorite place, city and country and why? (All three of them)
This one is difficult because I happen to love two places and choosing one is not possible for me. I’d go for El Nido in Palawan and Calaguas Island in Camarines Norte. When I travel and choose a destination, pristine beaches must be always on the top of my list. The fine white sand, the water and the sound of the waves made me feel at home and relax. I don’t know but somehow I can feel that I’m a sea creature on my past life! Hahaha
For my favorite City and Country, that would be Singapore. The city is so clean and the people are very well disciplined. I also happen to love how small the city yet very progressive.
3. If you could go anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would it be and why?
Definitely New York, USA and to be more specific in Manhattan! Hahaha. Though NY is such an expensive city but it has so many things to do and to see. I love their super busy streets, the restaurants, the bars, the museums and of course Central Park. Plus the fact that the city happened to be the setting of my all time favorite tv series and movie Sex and the City. That already convinced me that NY USA is my dream destination and hopefully I will be able to go
there someday.
4. What do you love the most about your home country?
Our unique culture, the world-class beaches and other breathtaking destinations and of course the People.
Jason at the beach – his favorite place
5. How travel changes you?
Traveling totally transformed me to become more mature and wiser in dealing life. Usually I travel solo and that really demanded a lot from me. I can no longer rely to my family and friends since they are miles away. That’s why I had to take care of myself and that’s a huge responsibility already, you got to be really wise or else everything will be fucked up.
Traveling also changed the way I see life. It made me realized that life is such a precious gift given to us and we should not waste it. We need start doing what we love and always pursue our passions.
Jason, hun, thanks for your answers! I hope to see you soon again and have those great conversations and laughs like we had every day!
Love,
Alex
