Valerie Tan finds new drive as travel show host
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Valerie Tan is beyond grateful because I Heart PH has reached its 10th season. Aside from this milestone, the show also gets a nod as a Best Lifestyle Show by the 38th Star Awards for TV, where she was also nominated as a lifestyle host.
The travel show host said she and their team from TV8 Media did not expect the program to reach this far.
“It launched in pre-pandemic. 'Tapos, nag-pandemic. So, we didn't really expect na actually it would thrive and survive. So, after 10 seasons, I think it proves that we are doing something right and that we should continue on. It serves as a validation of hard work and perseverance,” she stated during the media conference held on June 4 at the Novotel in Quezon City.
Valerie is also thankful that despite the proliferation of online travel content, I Heart PH still draws interest from viewers.
“Congratulations to us that we've lasted 10 seasons,” she said. “There's a lot of content also. We're not just competing against the TV viewers, but we're competing for the attention of everyone.
“So, that's why we took it as a challenge for us to level up our program, to make it more entertaining, make it more informative, and still relevant no matter when you watch it.”
For its 10th season, Valerie visits Hong Kong to explore more of its quiet and chill spots.
“For this partnership with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, we discovered and rediscovered Hong Kong. So far, ang usual na napupuntahan natin, such as the Ngong Ping and the Hong Kong Disneyland, Of course, we're all excited with that.
“Pero meron akong in-explore na off the beaten paths, the more laid back Hong Kong. I went to Tai O fishing village. Hong Kong pala dati was a fishing village, so sobrang laid back, hind yung Hong Kong na iniisip natin na hustle and bustle of city life. It's actually very relaxing.
“I also want to Cheung Chau Island and participated in their Bun Festival. Yun yung mga things natin napupuntahan as Filipinos. Pero as local Hong Kongers, they actually go there often. I also went ot 100-year-old restaurant café. 'Tapos, may mga dimsum na tinutulak, na-experience ko yung trolley na sine-serve yung dumplings. Parang it gives me a side of Hong Kong that a lot of Filipino never saw. Kailangan n'yong panoorin yun. We're very excited to showcase that.”
Follow Valerie's adventures and get travel inspirations in Hong Kong on I Heart PH every Sunday, 10:30 a.m. on GTV.
Lessons from traveling
Personally, Valerie enjoys her job as a travel show host, not only because she gets to visit places, but she also gets a chance to learn about different cultures.
She said, “Pinakamasaya in traveling is really exploring a new place that you've never been to. When you travel kasi parang it opens up your mind, it opens up your eyes to a whole new experience.
“Parang nakasanayan kasi natin na nasa comfort place tayo, but when you go to a new place, aba marami pala, malaki at malawak ang mundo. I think that's the biggest thing for me. Also, connecting with other people from different nationalities.”
Of course, she admitted, traveling comes with challenges.
“The challenge, siyempre, financial constraints, time constraints, and also health constraints, siyempre, nagkakaedad na. I think you just have to find the perfect balance and vitality.
“Kasi, ang uso ngayon travel, travel, and next time mo na poproblemahin ang gastos. To me, you have to be responsible with all of that. Find the perfect balance that you can enjoy while also preparing for your future.”
Nevertheless, Valerie maintains that traveling offers the most valuable life lessons.
“One of the learnings is just really being open and staying in the moment whenever I travel. Alam ko, mahirap siya with our technology, and with our show. Pero ang good thing kasi sa akin as a host, I get to experience everything and just relay my experience to the viewers, hopefully, inspire other viewers to travel to that place.
“Another learning for me is that the world is so huge, we are just one speck. So to me, parang let's just be kinder. Parang kahit ano kang nationality, kahit saan ka man sa mundo, parang we have a lot of similarities pa rin, na we just want to love and be loved. Ganun ka-simple.”
Here are some of Valerie's travel photos to inspire you to explore the world:
