
Hosting a travel show is a dream job for most of us.
After all, who wouldn't want to travel to faraway places every week and get paid as well for the gig?
That is what Drew Arellano has been doing for the past seven years, as host of Biyahe ni Drew.
The long-running travel show is back with fresh episodes starting tonight, November 13.
Drew's first stop is the faraway town of Doña Remedios Trinidad in Bulacan.
Dubbed as “Bulacan's Last Frontier,” the adventure will see Drew visit a cave, a popular destination spot for hikers and riders, and witness firsthand the natural beauty of a remote network of waterfalls.
Drew marvels at the beauty of the location. It's also a reminder that no place is quite the same, something that makes the job more exciting for Drew.
However, some things are constant in Drew's many travels.
To start with, Drew has to be smart with the stuff that he brings with him on the road.
“I pack light,” Drew told the entertainment press during a virtual press conference recently.
“Siyempre andyan 'yong cellphone, charging cables pati wallet kasi kailangan mo ng pera.”
Drew always has his trusted “weatherproof, waterproof” belt bag and backpack to store most of his stuff during a shoot.
“Sa mga damit, dapat quick-drying materials para kahit mabasa ako, kahit na lumublob ako sa tubig, kahit na umulan, mag-trekking ako at pawisan ako, it's gonna dry up quickly.
“When it dries quickly then it's easy to pack as well,” said Drew.
He also carries with him a life jacket and “action cameras” to record some of his adventures.
“But the cellphone would suffice na [to record my activities],” he added, alluding to the fact that cellphones nowadays are capable of recording in high-definition quality.
Reusable plastics are also a travel staple for Drew as he uses it to pack his dirty clothes.
He almost forgot to mention another essential though. Good thing his wife, Iya Villania, was listening nearby and was quick to remind him.
Speaking of which, Biyahe ni Drew aims to impart important know-how to the viewers to guide them in their travels during these extraordinary times.
“Ako, personally, it's not about working anymore. Feeling ko it's more of like advocacy of just informing people how to travel during these times,” confided Drew.
“'Di ba parang people are like, 'Paano ba 'to?' 'Puwede ba 'to?' 'Teka, ano 'yong kailangan naming dalhin para makapasok?' 'Puwede ba mga bata?'
“I think these are the questions na nasa utak ng mga tao ngayon. So 'yon 'yong nais namin malaman sa mga LGU's and siyempre nais naming ma-communicate sa audience,” Drew said in closing.
Catch Biyahe ni Drew tonight, November 13, at 9:15 P.M. on GMA News TV.