So you want to become a travel blogger?

Last Thursday, I watched Varekai again. No, I wasn’t invited to watch again; I paid for my own ticket. The experience was so different in many ways than when I watched it last June. First, I was seated 3 rows from the back. When I watched it it the first time, I was on the 3rd row from the front. The complimentary pass got us access to the Tapis Rouge, the VIP area where you can munch on cocktails and sit on comfy couches while waiting for the show to start or resume after intermission. When I watched again, I had to stand with the rest of the audience waiting to enter the Grand Chapiteau. Since the dress rehearsal was also the media preview, we were allowed to take photos during the performance. Last Thursday, the only photo I was able to take was of the yellow and blue circus tent.

To be perfectly honest, I enjoyed Thursday’s show more. Sure, the perk were amazing when I watched the first time, but I was working throughout the entire show. I was busy taking pictures (and figuring out how to use Winston’s camera) that I wasn’t completely able to focus on the show. Last Thursday, sitting on Row P, seat 19, I was able to see the entire stage and watch the show in its entirety, not thinking how to shoot the photo or how I’m going to blog it.

I’ve had a pretty colorful life as a travel blogger. Thanks to my blog, I’ve traveled to a number of destinations in the Philippines and even to other countries. I’ve gotten clothes, bags, assorted travel gears and passes to amazing shows. Sometimes, I even get paid for it.

Sounds like a great career choice eh? Like every story, the life of a travel blogger has two sides. Sure the perks are amazing, but these things do come at a price.

If you’re a travel blogger or thinking of starting one, join us on Saturday, July 30 at the Meralco Caseroom of the Asian Institute of Management for Blog and Soul‘s Travel Bloggers Forum. Hear the opinions of travel bloggers Ivan Henares, Ferdz Decena, James Betia and Edgar Alan Zeta-Yap and ask your questions about this blogging niche. This session is free and open to all interested participants. Can’t attend? You can send in your questions to the panel or watch the livestream (subject to wi-fi connection). See you on the 30th!