PROLEGOMENON

INSPIRED TO TRAVEL

(itravel Philippines July-August 2009 issue)

I am inspired with life. The traveller within me is driven to explore the horizon, the possibilities, and realisation of my dreams that springs from the deepest depths of my soul. I have this inner desire to share, to unravel the concealed wealth and wonders of a world around me through my genuine writings. Sometimes we desire for those that are not meant for us and end up losing our true identity along the way.

But in my altruistic and patient journey on a rugged road to nowhere, I found myself embracing something relevant: what makes us happy and inspired to live a contented life is treasuring what we truly have right from the start. Happiness is just a simple riddle of the heart if we learn to simplify the meaning of reality.

Travelling is a passion for me. I have always desired to convey my travels through my gift to write. For me, creativity as a writer is an instinct and the weight of my writings is an inner intuition. But still, at the back of my head, I have this belief that a “writer’s life” is a fate, an inevitable destiny to traverse.

Founding the first and unique magazine—i travel Philippines— is an incorporation of fresh, vibrant, and forceful ideas of passionate writers. We have the mutual desire to uphold our own cultural heritage, empower the tourism industry, bring back the pride as Filipinos in every piece that we write, and inked by the blood of our heart.

Embracing such selfless destiny of advocating the essence and significance of tourism industry, the sage writers behind this trailblazing magazine breathes with optimism and beautiful intentions. Tourism encompasses not only those places and destinations that grace the pages of books and magazines, landmarks and historical sites that mesmerise tourists and travel enthusiasts. If we could somehow learn to open our heart and soul to the real, realistic milieu of what tourism stands for-then we will unearth and bring to light its truest quintessence.

Tourism is not just a social theory. Everything around us is intertwined to create the focal concept of tourism. From the warm greetings you show to a stranger along the way or the candid conversation you always have with your favourite talaba vendor, the way of life within our community, locality, or society are indeed fragments of the entire substance of tourism. Tourism should be classless and universal. Each of us, our cultural identity, and our sense of pride as optimistic people is a living force of tourism that determines a congruent impression: this country truly deserves to become a perfect destination.

Associate Editor Bombette Marin has proven his prolific vision and noble aspiration as a travel writer for many years. In fact, being a resourceful and brilliant writer, he remained tireless, truly dedicated to promote the west Visayan culture through his widely published articles in national broadsheets and magazines. In this issue, he unravels the ancient-old, hand-woven fabrics of Iloilo and the festive energy of Badiangan’s Panadayan festival. Renewing his vow for mother nature, he takes us on a nature-tripping mood to the unspoiled treasures of Ajuy and the elemental mood of Igbaras’s Tangyan Festival.

Roger Rueda always knew he has the knack for writing. As this magazine’s managing and articles editor, his far-out ideas and enthusiasm for British English invigorate the desire of the editorial team to be distinctive from other magazines. In fact, he has just published his second English grammar book entitled “Apple Grammar.” Meanwhile, his fondness for scenic sites and pristine wonders inspires him to provide helpful travel tips for travellers.

Features Editor Lourdes Jiz de Ortega, a prolific PR consultant from Manila, has remained as one of my best friends in writing throughout the years. Because of her desire to appreciate the significance of her home city as the centre of commerce and cultural wealth, she weaves an insightful article about Manila.

Unexpected addition in the editorial team is my shy and witty cousin, Jordainne
Patrick Longno. He lends his pop culture instinct to review selected CDs featuring various genre of music artists. Travel and photography enthusiast Noel de Leon is another addition to the magazine’s creative team. His artistry and passion shows in every picture he captures for the magazines’ articles. Mayor Jerry
Treňas, the true inspiration of every Ilonggo and the visionary leader that has put
Iloilo City in the limelight of yearning for the crown as another Queen-City-in-the making is finally expressing his heart and reveries in a special interview.

So much has been said and written about Boracay Island. But none can be far more fascinating with Canadian-born and international blogging sensation Brian Gorrell in his article as he unveils his early fondness and memories of the paradise island. Brian’s sincerity is delectable as his phraseology.

Our navigational compass brought us to the shores of majestic Cebu, this month’s cover story. We explore her hidden treasures and old-world charm. Orlando Janson Cajegas chronicled the Queen City of the South glittering light by night.

Travelling with a purpose can be inspirational. I bet it is substantial.

Enjoy reading i travel Philippines.




Postscript: Substancewise, no matter who we are and what we have in life, we are nothing without our ideas that spark from our passion. It is from this very end that defines what we are truly capable of giving back to God who has bestowed us with gifts to redefine life to its fullest purpose.



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