For decades, Piolo Pascual has graced numerous television screens and delivered iconic performances in films. There’s no denying that the award-winning actor has become a fixture in the local entertainment industry—and rightfully so.
Photo: WhenInManila.com
However, beyond his many acting roles through the years, the ultimate heartthrob also knows how to have fun off-camera. Whether traveling with family or going solo, Piolo has plenty of wisdom to share beyond his craft! These are insights that fans and travelers alike can learn from, straight from the actor himself!
“Because of traveling, I realize the value of self-worth, of being independent, but at the same time, you have to be responsible. Because of traveling, I get to know myself better… so that way, it’s transformative,” Piolo shared during the launch of Esquire Philippines’ April issue, where he graces the cover.
Whether you’re traveling domestically or heading overseas, here are a few things you can do to make your trips easier, smarter, and more enjoyable.
On planning or winging it? Do a mix of both!
They say there are two types of travelers: those who plan everything down to the last detail, making sure nothing gets left behind, and those who give themselves more freedom to relax, go with the flow, and take things as they come.
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But for Piolo, there’s nothing wrong with either planning your itinerary or embracing spontaneity. According to him, he’s not really the type who plans everything, and prefers to leave room for unexpected moments and experiences: “I plan ahead, but when I’m there—I did this trip one time, we used Florence as our base [and[ I rented an AirBnb for two months, for eight weeks, and then the rest of the time, we didn’t have any plans. We just made sure that we have a place where we can park our bags, and the rest of our time was spontaneous.”
“I plan before, but I am also very spontaneous when I get to a place. I just decide when I get there,” he added.
On which part of traveling does he prioritize more
Different travelers, different priorities. Some prioritize sightseeing and the adventure aspect of a trip, while others prefer to slow down, enjoy their downtime, stay in, or explore food spots instead.
For Piolo, he revealed that he usually books his own flights and accommodations.
“I look for a house where we can do our laundry. Since I do a lot of jobs, my sister and I always look for accommodations with a washer. Since you always pack light, you always have to wash your clothes… So, we do an AirBnb, so we can do our laundry, and then move to another town, and do our laundry again there.”
Still, he emphasized that it’s always smart to know your options and carefully weigh which aspects of your trip you want to prioritize without going over your budget.
“Don’t splurge. You don’t have to be kuripot, but you have to be practical in terms of what you can buy, what you can bring, where you can go, and what else you can get online,” he said.
Things to keep in mind before and during traveling
Piolo has shared several travel essentials you can consider for your future trips—especially since no one wants the added cost of extra luggage or minor inconveniences along the way.
“Pack light, be mindful, and have your cards ready. Don’t bring a lot of cash,” he shared, adding that he brings extra cash for tips.
He added, “Don’t look like a tourist. Don’t be looking around. Make sure you blend [in with the crowd] and stay aware of your surroundings.”
“Look only for things that you need. That’s important because we bring in so much and you also have to pay extra for your luggage. But if you find things that you don’t need, then that’s being impractical. It’s just going to be waste,” he continued
It’s okay to treat yourself
While Piolo previously advised being practical to save money during trips, he also admitted that he’s willing to splurge on a good meal while still opting for discounted tours.
After all, traveling is also about discovering yourself—including what you’re willing to spend on and what you’re willing to compromise when you’re on a budget. “It’s a matter of balancing it out and staying in places that offer better options in terms of accommodations.”
“I’m not a stingy person. I would like to treat myself or my family. I make sure that we can do the best (in terms of finding better tours or accommodations), but there are times when you have to be practical in terms of where you can stay, what car you can hire, or where you can go to get a good discount.”
Places he would like to visit
The world is vast, and there is still so much that Piolo wants to see and explore.
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When asked about places he would like to visit in the future, he said that he wanted to visit Russia, Antarctica, and some parts of Africa.
“I’d like to do the safari tours also,” he shared.
ALSO READ: LOOK: Piolo Pascual Defends Self for Choosing to Eat Alone
