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.

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.

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.

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.

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