Meet the Nomads: Estan Cabigas

Estan would probably be one of the hardcore Filipino travelers that I know of. He would probably hail a bus without batting an eyelash and go to a place he's never been to.

An honest to goodness traveler who simply enjoys the entire experience not just the destination. He's one of the most awarded Filipino bloggers and he's also a photographer.

If you want to know more about Estan, visit him at http://langyaw.com/.

Here's Flip's short interview with Estan.

How did you discover your passion for travelling?

"I’m really not sure when I discovered my passion for travelling. When I was still a child, I can still vividly remember riding my grandfather’s Impala car to the southern town of Boljoon in Cebu or spending my summer vacations in my father’s province in Misamis Occidental with my cousins hunting for birds and fruit bats and going to other provinces where kin were also present. When I was in 2nd year high school, I hopped on a bus to Barili in southwest Cebu to visit Mantayupan Falls without really having been to the place before. I just relied on a map of my province where I kept seeing this small image of this attraction, memorizing the different towns I will be passing and not telling my mother about it. When she knew because a helper told her about my discarded bus tickets, she was furious!

In later years, I’ve been in and out of Cebu and when I was based in Mindanao and later in Makati City, travel became a more involved activity, always wanting to visit those off the beaten path places that I so love. I think passion has always been there maybe through my parents, and especially my father who was a seaman. When did the passion start? Can’t really tell but it must have been there for a long time, in gestation until it just sprung."

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

"Hmmm, horrible, I can’t really remember. I haven’t experienced being mugged, things stolen or what. I don’t consider being lost as horrible either. Will having problems with Cebu Pacific (a local budget airline) last March considered horrible (Check out “Are Cebu Pacific Employees on Drugs?” for the full story)"

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

"Ahh, this one. The most outstanding travel experience I’ve had was when I broke a ritual taboo in Batad. It taught me to be respectful and aware of other tribe’s and place’s culture. I was at the right place at the wrong time but it turned out beautiful and a good learning experience. (Check out “How I Broke a Ritual Taboo in Batad?” for the full story)"

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

"I still have a lot to discover about my country, places, cultures and people and most importantly, travelling, be it within one’s locality or to the farthest corner of the world is always a journey into one’s self."

What keeps you going? What keeps you motivated?

"What a good question. Some, no, most people think that travel is going to beaches like Boracay, overrated tourist traps, shopping in Hongkong or another day at the mall in Singapore or places where they still experience the comforts of home or of their familiar environments. For me, it’s the curiosity that drives me to go to places. I want to taste fried chilli in Bangkok and try to understand why Thais want to eat it; I want to hear the Boholano’s peculiar way of pronouncing “y” as “j” or trying on nganga (betel nut chewing)in Banaue. I want to marvel at the beautiful brick churches in the Cagayan Valley or experience being swayed by big waves while on a small banca from Homonhon to Guiuan in Samar (or from Cuyo to Agutaya, remote islands in Palawan).

Some experiences just hooked me like the one time I travelled from Borongan all the way to Allen to ride a ferry to Legazpi to see Mt. Mayon the first time. The winding road along the forest early in the morning and looking out the window of the non airconditioned bus was one of the most unforgettable moments I ever had. There was this sense of inner peace and contentment that I felt. And I’m still

hoping that in each travel, I will get to feel it again. This is also the reason why I prefer riding a bus and taking the long winding road to nowhere than flying.

Sometimes, it’s the exhilaration that one feels. While walking down a trail in Lagonoy, Camarines Sur, I came to this church ruin. It was small but when I looked closer, I was wide eyed at the Mexican style floral paintings that have survived but terribly left to decay. When I gazed up the belfry, I was struck by the inscriptions. On each side are the names of saints and underneath it are the names of continents: Asia, Europe, America, etc. These experiences are priceless!"

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?

"Hahaha... next question please."

What could stop you from travelling?

"When I’m dead!"

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

"Batanes is the best! I don’t want to do those usual travel routes that are on offer there. Actually, I planned to celebrate my 30th birthday travelling around Vietnam. I already had the guidebook then but the Avian Flu broke out and I decided to visit Batanes instead. Really beautiful place. During my birthday,

I climbed Mt. Iraya with some tatus (coconut crab) catchers to observe them. I then spent the night at a one room house where the men keep their catch as well as prepare the edible ferns they sell in Basco.

No pillows, only a wooden floor and slept on mats. There was no electricity and we just ate edible ferns with some vegetables and a few bits of meat with rice for dinner. It was such a humbling experience.

When I woke up the next morning, I was greeted with a spectacular view of the sea and the rugged terrain. And that is way off the usual tourist areas in Batan Is. Sometimes, you have to search out for these places by asking the locals."

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

"Don’t keep thinking of reaching the destination. Enjoy the journey instead. Be attentive of the sights, the sounds, the smell and taste. Be respectful of other people and culture and try to discover a new facet of your being when on the road. "

What do you think about yourself?

"As a traveller? I still have so many things to explore and discover. I might have gone far and wide across the country with a few more provinces to visit but each time I go to places, there’s still that sense of wonder and awe."

"Langyaw is my travel blog where I will focus more on travelling off the beaten path with great photography. It has won in the Philippine Blog Awards: 2009 as Best Travel Blog and 2008 as Best Single Post – Travel. I also offer downloadable ebooks to visitors." - Estan