Meet the Nomads: Audrey Mecabalo

Audrey is not your typical Filipina, she's free spirited and she loves the outdoors. She usually travels around the country.

She blogs about her travels in different islands around the Philippines.

If you want to know more about Audrey, visit her at http://www.lagawan.info/.

Here's Flip's short interview with Audrey.

How did you discover your passion for travelling?

"I can't remember when I exactly discovered my passion for travelling. I just remember that as a child, I would always look forward to our summer trips. My best childhood memory was when my cousins, sisters and I travelled to Cebu for the summer when I was 8 y/o.

My first trip to Boracay when I was 13 was also quite memorable. Each trip would always make me want to travel more and see different places."

What’s the most horrible experience that you’ve had on the road?

"Having upset stomach in the middle of nowhere without any toilet in sight."

What’s the most outstanding travel experience that you’ve ever had?

"It will have to be our unplanned trip to Tablas, Romblon, Philippines. No food, no gears and no lodging or transportation arrangements. We didn't even know what was in store for us there. Of course, we later discovered that there wasn't much lodging or transpo to arrange even if we wanted to, which was good because we were able to experience what it's like to sleep in a bahay kubo (nipa hut). We also got to experience life without toilet and bath. It was all worth it because we got to hike up a hill with one of the best views ever. Boracay on one side and Romblon on the other."

What’s the biggest realization that you’ve got out of travelling?

"I realized that the Philippines is indeed a beautiful place and I want to see more of it. At the same time, there's also a whole world out there that I want to see and explore."

What keeps you going? What keeps you motivated?

"Just thinking of those amazing sunrise/sunset and knowing that there are a lot of beautiful places out there that are waiting for me and learning new things/culture is what keeps me going."

This is a silly and hypothetical one. If you would be given a chance to travel with a popular person or a celebrity, who would it be and why?

"Travelling with a celebrity or a popular person would be a big headache. Just imagining being ambushed by paparazzi gives me goosebumps. That won't be fun at all, so why bother?"

What could stop you from travelling?

"None I guess. or maybe illness, but it would just be for a while. It won't totally stop me from travelling."

Among the places that you’ve been to, which one fascinated you the most?

"Concepcion, Iloilo, Philippines. It's still unexplored and not yet commercialized so you get to enjoy the beauty of the beach without the noise (especially from videoke) and parties."

I also like Singapore because their culture is so diverse yet people live in harmony and they respect each other's beliefs and culture. I guess this is also one of the reasons why it is one of the most developed countries in Asia."

What's the best travel advice that you could give for a novice traveler like me?

"Just enjoy your travel to the fullest! :D And try eating some local food especially those wierd stuff and discover places that are not written on any travel guides to be able to truly say that you've been there and done that."

What do you think about yourself?

"A genius? Just kidding! Well, one could tend to be bias with this one so I guess it's better to ask the opinion of my friends on who the real me is."

"Lagawan is a blog that showcases the beauty of the Philippines, her travels and photography." - Audrey