EXCLUSIVE: Mikoy Morales's advice to first-time travelers: "Put your phones down."
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Mikoy Morales advises first-time traveler to appreciate the place they visit, “Be a tourist first, then a local.”
“Pahinga siya and pag-realign ng goals.” Mikoy Morales said as he described his almost a month-long trip to Europe.
The Family History actor said he took a break to visit his brother in Spain a month ago.
“First time ko sa Europe, refreshing siya.
“My brother stayed there for almost a year, 'tapos dun ako nag-stay sa kanya.
“Sakto rin kasing marami akong ibang ginagawang work, na medyo tuluy-tuloy before that, so naging pahinga siya,” he shared during their Family History press conference.
His advice for first-time travelers? Live like a local, and put your phones down.
“Unang pumasok sa isip ko, put your phones down kasi ang dami mo talagang mamimiss na moments.
“'Yung dad ko mahilig mag-picture and dun ko na-feel na kapag may ganung mga photoshoot, kapag pumupunta ka sa tourist spots or kapag nagta-travel, mas okay to live like a local.
He said, “Pag punta mo doon, be a tourist first, then a local.
“Hindi 'yung puro glam na photoshoot para sa social media mo.
“Be in that moment more than just taking pictures.”
Despite having second thoughts in traveling alone, he took the risk and explored the city solo.
“Nung first night, medyo natakot ako kasi may nag-warn naman samin about pickpocketing.
“'Yun lang 'yung hesitation ko nung first few nights.
“Pero medyo madali lang makaintindi ng Spanish kasi malapit naman sa Tagalog.”
Mikoy then encouraged solo travelers, after enough preparation, “I suggest mas take time to explore on your own.”
He also revealed he took time to self-reflect and thoroughly plan his goals.
Inisip ko kung masaya ba ako sa mga ginagawa ko.
“You can't help but think about these things when you're away,” he added.
Overall, Mikoy said his trip has been humbling.
“It was very humbling, lalo na sa ganun kalaking bansa.'Yun 'yung pinaka-take-away ko dun.
“'Pag balik ko dito, mas naging grounded ako kasi sobrang maliit lang pala nitong iniikutan kong mundo.
“Nakakatuwang isipin na ang dami ko pang gustong puntahan.
“Nakakapanliit kasi doon because of the culture, architecture, at siguro dahil first time ko rin kasi sa Europe.
“Pero kasi hindi ako artista doon, makikita mong ang dami mo pa palang hindi nakikilalang klase ng tao.
“Ang dami mo pa palang hindi nakikitang lugar.”
Aside from Spain, Mikoy also visited other countries in Europe such as Italy and France.
He mentioned some of the iconic tourist landmarks he saw. “Well, The Vatican…at mga cathedrals and museums sa Spain, pinuntahan ko rin 'yung Eiffel Tower sa Paris, and sa Venice, 'yung town proper mismo.”
After some time, Mikoy had adapted so well to the country that he could almost speak Spanish fluently by the time he went back to Philippines. “Naka-adapt naman ako,” he said.
'Yung brother ko kasi, fluent sa Spanish and nagtuturo siya ng English doon. I think if I stay there for another month baka kaya ko na makaintindi fully.”
Watch Mikoy Morales in Family History, a GMA Pictures and Mic Test Entertainment film, showing nationwide this July 3, 2019.
