Around Philippines with Torbjørn.

Traveller   Torbjørn Tevje Rubin

Age            25

Country     Norway

Chosen      He's a free spirit, love his way of travel, full of energy, a perfect fellow traveller. 

                 

Why you choose Philippine?

God knows, on a hunch really, cheap plane tickets and good stories from people i'd previously met in south-east Asia.

Which mood gave you the first impression of the country?

The Philippines are eclectic, let's have that said, anything from seven-star beach-mojito- stiff upper lip - resort to the hussle and bussle of the slums of Manila. I've seen em' both and i have to say i enjoy the latter far more.

How you think local people looked at you?
Tourism in the Philippines is not that well developed, you have a few major hubs such as cebu, boracay and bantayan. However if you stear away from those (and please do), you have to be an arse not to experience the real philippino lifestyle. Philippinos are amazing people, often very warm and inquisitive, and the rule seems to be less they have the more they share. Please do not piss on that, or else well soon end up with just a bunch another krabi's, phuket's or just about any generic tourist island.


Have you felt lost? Was it good?
Let me tell you, the times i've felt the most lost are also the times i realise in hindsight i've been the most at home. I might not be your A4 traveller, but i think this is an advice anyone should heed. LET'S GO. GET LOST. SMILE ABOUT IT. You sure as hell can't plan for life's litte bumpes in the road, why get frustrated trying?

Did you find the stereotypes of the country and people to be true after your visit?
I didn't really have a clear picture of how i thought people were in the philippines before i went there. However, like all new people, there were nothing at all what i expected.


The most powerful moment? Was you high?
You're not the one for easy questions are you Gra? The best moment? That's a tricky one. If i had to single out one experience was eating 10 cent ratburges, washing it down with 2 dollar tanduay rum, and having philippine marlboro for 50 cent a pack in the slums of Manila! I guess i'm just a stingy jew :) swimming with whale sharks stoned out of my mind comes in as a good second however.

Your best experience there?
My best experience..hmm... must be all the people i met. All the stories shared about lifes' trials and tribulations. It's hard to single out one defining moment, i guess it is just the sum of all these small beautiful moments that fall into your lap when you travel.


A magic place you can suggest?
Any place, just STAY AWAY FROM THE TOURIST HUBS! If you're up for a little exercise head for some volcano hiking at Mt. Mayon, and then you can take a four hours bus-ride to Donsol to swim with whale sharks!


You had any problem?
Didn;t really experience any problems, although i've heard theft and robber can be an issue down there (like with most poor countries). As long as you don't flaunt your new imac pro and your 3000$ system camera i think you'be just fine.

What kind of budget you need to travel around?
I don't know if i'm the best to ask about budgets, as i always try travel as cheap as possible, no budget, the Philippines has anything from five star diving resot to shacks on rooftops. It's up to you! If i was to guess, i thousand dollars would be more than enough for a month if you' re planning to flying a lot.
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Your feelings leaving Philippines? 
I had mixes emotions leaving the Philippines, i'd been traveling for about four months,my legs were full of scars from infected mosquito bites and sharp rock, and i was tired, still i felt sad leaving the Philippines. The people are so kind, and made me feel so welcome, in hindsight, is the country in south east Asia i've felt most at home. Don't get surprised if you'll se me there again some time soon!

A special thanks to Tolo for his interview and also for be a good friend even far