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Adarna Restaurant

What it means to be an Empowered Traveler #ThoughtfulTourism

Three weeks ago, I was invited to this awesome travel website launch party (the country’s newest and most comprehensive travel portal wherein #ThoughtfulTourism is promoted) via Twitter. I honestly didn't know anything about Meet Manila nor the meaning of the word 'Tertulia' then. But I felt truly overwhelmed to be invited as a traveler blogger. Being recognized just that tiny bit made feel so honored! :) So I RSVP'd and got really excited thereafter. 


And while learning more about Meet Manila through their awesome website, I came upon this humbling invitation -- Looking for the Empowered Traveler.


I actually got all giddy about joining. But while I was reading through the Travelers' Pre-requisites, I suddenly felt a tinge of sadness.



And so I did write my piece. I actually just wrote it a few hours before the call of entries were to be closed. 

I really did not have any expectations. I just wrote and shared my sentiments, in hopes that I would be able to tell my story and make a difference to somebody else. The prize was just simply, secondary to me. 

Anyway, here's what I wrote:

"Most people mistake me to be a professional Travel Agent. I'm actually not. I just simply love doing my homework, gathering my own research, plotting out trip itineraries for family & friends, booking airline tickets, budgeting trip expenses and taking photos -- you name it! I'm your person, no questions asked. And if some people find being obsessive compulsive a disorder. Well, I take my being OC to my advantage. The littlest details help me maximize my resources, and helps keep me enriched of the beauty that keeps me awe-stricken through every unique journey.

I created my online travel journal -- Budget Biyahera to not just religiously share my travel expense sheets nor my personal takes of culture-rich places. It was born to help reach out to those who may have uncertainties on where to go, what to ride, how to travel, how much to pay and what worth while places to see around the Philippines. My travel blog was created to show how I was raised to explore and to appreciate my own country -- to show why it's so special and why it's an honor to be born a Filipino traveler.

Budget Biyahera was also born to let others know that traveling isn't a luxury but a great investment in life. Each destination gives me more reason to continue empowering and encouraging my fellow men to travel; and to continue letting others see how passionate I am towards seeing as many Philippine islands as I can while I'm still living. 

These are the reasons why I travel. I want to continue empowering others to choose the same, fulfilling path. :)"


This entry gave me an opportunity to be recognized as a travel blogger last night, at Meet Manila's Tertulia Night held at the Adarna Restaurant. Not only was I amongst intelligent and inspiring personalities, I felt completely honored to be a part of this wonderful travel community. The recognition plus the "Prize" all the more encouraged the Budget Biyahera in me to continue promoting #ThoughtfulTourism. So thanks again Ms. Ysobel, Ms. Francesca and to the rest of the Meet Manila Team for this amazing opportunity! 

Also, it was nice meeting Froilan Grate of Mother Earth Foundation, Gabzki of Pinoy Travel Freak, Ms. Hazel of Unsugarcoated Reviews, Kalabasa K. Kamote of Pinoy Pop Culture. :) And congratulations to Ms. Vera and Jaypee David for also being chosen as one of Meet Manila's Empowered Travelers! Yey to us. :)

Until the next update!

Explore & Be Free!
Mai

Budget Biyahera

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51 comments

  1. Tess ChancellorMay 24, 2012 at 9:00 PM

    congrats! it is good to be recornised, you feel more inspired to blog to your chosen niche.

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  2. unsugarcoatedreviewsMay 24, 2012 at 9:37 PM

    Your entry was very good. You deserved to win :)

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  3. Mai_FloresMay 24, 2012 at 11:09 PM

    I sure do, Ms. Tess! More than ever. :) Thank you again for taking the time to visit Budget Biyahera! :)

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  4. Mai_FloresMay 24, 2012 at 11:09 PM

    Thanks sis!!!!! :) 

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  5. AJMay 24, 2012 at 11:21 PM

    Congrats! I wish to be an "empowered" tourist as well. :)

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  6. Mai_FloresMay 25, 2012 at 9:51 PM

    Why not, AJ? Check out MeetManila.com on how to be one. :)

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  7. lakwatserongunggoyMay 28, 2012 at 10:53 PM

    congrats! well deserved!:)

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  8. JoyieandjpMay 29, 2012 at 3:51 AM

    Great job! I seldom do tweet but with what I am reading now - it makes me think to tweet more. Baka ma invite din ako lol..

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  9. ViolyMay 29, 2012 at 3:51 AM

    Congrats Mai! a well deserved award... More power and congrats again! ;)

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  10. Kero_mavidMay 29, 2012 at 3:51 AM

    great domain name! I too blog about family travel in budget from time to time. and your blog is very popular nowadays because people are really lookign for ways to stretch their hard-earned travel money. keep it upMai_Flores

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  11. Mai_FloresMay 29, 2012 at 3:54 AM

    Thanks Eigroj, I'm actually glad that I sent my entry, even if it was on a last minute whim. :P

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  12. Mai_FloresMay 29, 2012 at 3:54 AM

    Thanks Sir Franc -- same with you and your passion for running. :)

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  13. Mai_FloresMay 29, 2012 at 3:54 AM

    truly, Renz. :)

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  14. Mai_FloresMay 29, 2012 at 3:54 AM

    Thanks Violy!!! I appreciate that coming from you. :)

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  15. Mai_FloresMay 29, 2012 at 3:54 AM

    Thanks Kero! :) I am humbled by your kind words. :)

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  16. nabuagermelineMay 29, 2012 at 3:54 AM

    oh nice... that's one of the exciting parts of being a blogger to be indeed recognized to be one. what's the price by the way?hehe

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  17. Jonathan_diestaMay 29, 2012 at 3:54 AM

    Wonderful opportunity!

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  18. Mai_FloresMay 29, 2012 at 3:54 AM

    It sure is! :)

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  19. Mai_FloresMay 29, 2012 at 3:54 AM

    Hi! :) I was awarded a Lenovo Q350. :) 

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  20. nabuagermelineMay 29, 2012 at 3:54 AM

    galing. never thought may cellphone rin pala ang lenovo. kala ko puro laptop lng.hihi nice

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  21. Mai_FloresMay 29, 2012 at 3:54 AM

    Heheh! Actually, I thought of the same thing. :) The phone was launched last year pa ata. So far, ok naman siya gamitin. :)

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  22. Mai_FloresMay 29, 2012 at 3:57 AM

    Hehehehe.. why not? :)

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  23. athenaMay 29, 2012 at 6:23 AM

    Ate Mai, it is nice to know that there are people like you who blog not just to chronicle your life but to help others as well through your experiences in the places you've traveled and the stories you share.

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  24. Noks Sosa I Tripapips.comMay 29, 2012 at 10:26 AM

    Yay! To be recognized is one of the best feelings of being a blogger. Kahit walang kita sa adsense basta narirecognize ang gawa mo, sulit na! Hehehe. Congrats!

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  25. Maria Estrella LedesmaMay 29, 2012 at 2:47 PM

    congratulations Mai,  to be affirmed for something you love to do is a great high!

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  26. SirrobMay 29, 2012 at 3:41 PM

    Truly amazing and wonderful.

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  27. Mary AnneMay 29, 2012 at 7:14 PM

    Wow Mai!  You did it!  I love your piece.  Simple and juicy.  You are a wonderful travel blogger and you actually are one of my faves.    Nice job and hope everything went well on MeetManila's event :D

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  28. Noria P. Adam-LimMay 29, 2012 at 8:17 PM

    Congratulations Mai. Awesome recognition :)

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  29. TripsidersMay 30, 2012 at 12:32 AM

    Wow! Congrats Ma'am... 

    Ganda naman po ng entry nyo.. Galing! :)

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  30. tauyanmMay 30, 2012 at 12:38 AM

    congratulations dear!! u deserve what u have now! keep inspiring xx! 

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  31. docbienMay 30, 2012 at 7:13 AM

    it is my first time to note the term "empowered traveller"

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  32. Francis BalgosMay 30, 2012 at 8:57 AM

    Wow!
    I wish i could have known this sooner..
    but the, you're better off with this Mai.
    Just stay as you are, remember that its an opportunity for you..
    its always good to feel blessed! ;)

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  33. Mai_FloresMay 30, 2012 at 8:04 PM

    Thank you so much Ms. Gemma! I really love what I do. :) Traveling is indeed my passion. :)

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  34. Mai_FloresMay 30, 2012 at 8:04 PM

    Thanks Yuuki! :)

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  35. Mai_FloresMay 30, 2012 at 8:05 PM

    Awwww.. thanks Athena! :) Budget Biyahera was truly born to help any traveler in need of guidance. :)

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  36. Mai_FloresMay 30, 2012 at 8:05 PM

    You are so right on that Noks Sosa! Swak ulit ang comment mo about sa AdSense hehehe! Thanks ya! :)

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  37. Mai_FloresMay 30, 2012 at 8:06 PM

    It truly is, Ms. Maria.. Thank you for the kind words. :)

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  38. Mai_FloresMay 30, 2012 at 8:06 PM

    Thanks Sirrob. :)

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  39. Mai_FloresMay 30, 2012 at 8:07 PM

    Awww.. thanks Mary Anne! And the event of Meet Manila really went well -- more than I expected! :) you can read up on my recent award too. It's already posted here on Budget Biyahera. :)

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  40. Mai_FloresMay 30, 2012 at 8:07 PM

    Thank You Noria! :)

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  41. Mai_FloresMay 30, 2012 at 8:08 PM

    Really? How do you find it now? :)

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  42. Mai_FloresMay 30, 2012 at 8:09 PM

    You'll never know Francis.. you can be a part of the second batch of Meet Manila's Empowered Travelers! :) Check out their site na! :) www.meetmanila.com :)

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  43. mark pogiMay 30, 2012 at 9:07 PM

    Congratulations! ^_^

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  44. Mai_FloresMay 30, 2012 at 10:19 PM

    Thanks po! :)

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  45. Franc RamonJanuary 18, 2013 at 12:23 PM

    It's nice that you share what you've learned in traveling to help others discover the wonders of travel.

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  46. EdmarationJanuary 18, 2013 at 12:23 PM

    Nakaka-inspire naman yan. Congratulations Mai! Continue your passion and go lang ng go, hehe!

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  47. Eigroj StainJanuary 18, 2013 at 12:23 PM

    I think the group is awesome! It's always fun to have a group where u can share and exchange ideas with. Im glad u made it even on a last minute entry.

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  48. Renz BulsecoJanuary 18, 2013 at 12:23 PM

    Wow, a great opportunity for you! :D

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  49. Mai_FloresJanuary 18, 2013 at 12:23 PM

    Thanks Edmar! I'm routing for you to be a part of the second batch of Empowered Travelers!!! :)

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  50. Maria Gemma Defeo-HilotinJanuary 18, 2013 at 12:23 PM

    Wow! It's the passion in what you do that brought you there! Congratulations!

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  51. YuukiJanuary 18, 2013 at 12:23 PM

    congrats! more travels and posts! 

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