Adventures of a different kind

Despite my life of non-travel in the past two months, the universe gave me some things to get excited about.

Amazing Race Australia in the Philippines
This way to the beach

For one thing, the real reason I went to Misibis Bay was finally revealed: we went there for the filming of the second season of the Amazing Race Australia. The Philippines was the first stop for this season, so all the teams made it to the country.

Amazing Race Australia in the Philippines
PJ, Apple, Mark, Me, Grant, beauty queen/greeter, Portia, and Sir Bobby
More photos on Facebook

They did the clichéd balut eating contest in Quiapo, headed to Legazpi for some fiesta fun time, followed by a grueling rafting challenge. We on the otherhand, gawked and had pictures taken at the pit stop mat.

Looking back, it seems as if that was a precursor of things to come. Shortly after coming back to Manila, I received an e-mail from Matt Harding (rather, his mailing list), the guy behind the Where the Hell is Matt videos, saying that he’s coming over to the Philippines. Not one to pass up an opportunity, I braced myself and wiggled in front of the camera. In the rain. While standing in the mud.


Watch out for us on 1:50!

Friends were surprised to find out that I danced (or at least tried to) for a video that’s now viewed over 2 million times. I couldn’t believe it either, but I realize that being a part of a viral video isn’t something to be ashamed about. Unless of course, it’s viral for all the wrong reasons.

Then come February and this invitation to be a part of a travel-reality show. As you know, I dove in without really knowing a thing, which, in hindsight, really is how great adventures start. Planning the trips was fun — we were relishing the fact that we hold control over the trips that the cast were taking. Little did we know that the real adventure happens when the trip has ended.


PHL360° starts airing at 12 noon today, June 28, 2012. Watch it on www.PHL360.com.

Now, after four months, we have something that sums up all the work and sleepless nights we endured. And it’s just the beginning.


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17 responses to “Adventures of a different kind”

  1. kate Avatar

    Super exciting times, Nina!!! Congratulations 🙂

    1. nina Avatar

      Thanks Kate! 😀

  2. TW Avatar

    Wow. Fun times. PHL360 is looking really good!

    1. nina Avatar

      Thanks TW and Jo! 😀 How goes the hunt for airfares?

  3. Piona De Asis Avatar
    Piona De Asis

    Wow nice congrats 🙂 galing mo naman 🙂 thanks anyway for making this kind of forum ang laking tulong nito saamin. Godbless you always 🙂

    1. nina Avatar

      Thanks Piona! Thank you rin sa pag balik mo at pag sagot sa mga tanong na di ko na masagot!

  4. gayE @ pinaytraveljunkie Avatar

    Oh whatta year (and it’s just June! err, almost July)! Congrats again to the cast and crew of Phl360!

    1. nina Avatar

      What a year indeed! Ang bilis ng pangyayari!

      Maraming salamat, Gay! 😀

  5. Cat Avatar

    That is just TOO awesome—the videos, Phl360, and future adventures. I had to pause Matt’s video to look for you. Tell me if I’m right—are you in the front (on the right) with the yellow shirt?

    Totally happy for you, Nina, and I’m so looking forward to your next adventures. Now that you mention it, I think it is better to plan the Phl360 trips for the cast, rather than being the one in front of the camera and not knowing what’s coming up. It’s fun (and quite evil) to have the upper hand. 😉

    1. nina Avatar

      It was definitely more fun thinking of ways to torture give them the best adventure 😉

      Haha no! I’m not wearing yellow! Try again!

      1. Cat Avatar

        Aaaargh! Okay—are you the one with the white / light gray hoodie on? On the left side of the video?? I *WILL* find you, so don’t tell me. 😉

      2. nina Avatar

        Maaaaaaaaaybe 😉

  6. lane Avatar

    when will Matt coming over here? excited much! =D

    1. nina Avatar

      Matt already came here last December. Not sure when he’ll be back, but you can sign up on his website and he will notify you if he’ll be in your area soon.

  7. The Nomadic Pinoy Avatar

    ikaw na talaga 🙂 love what you’re doing – still very much related to adventure travel! mas busy ka pa nga yata, lalo na with your behind-the-scenes work with Phl360.

    That guy sa Amazing Race Australia – looks like I saw him sa Ugly Betty.

  8. joan | the backpack chronicles Avatar

    congrats on the success of PHL360! Super saludo ako sa lahat ng cast and crew! Gagaling! Can’t wait for the upcoming episodes!

  9. travel packages Avatar

    I’ve watch the video http://www.PHL360.com and I enjoyed watching it. Congratulations to PHL360 cast and crew.

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