Meet our first feature for Member of the Month, 2025 edition, Francis Candia, in an exclusive interview with PGE, where he opens up about his journey from a humble taxi driver’s son to a globe-trotting content creator, sharing unforgettable experiences, challenges, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
PGE: Hi Francis, thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to interview you. To start, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Francis: Thanks for having me! I’m Francis Candia, and I’m a travel vlogger. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel the world, creating content that highlights different cultures, adventures, and my personal experiences.
PGE: That’s amazing! What sparked your love for travel, and was there a particular moment that made you want to share those experiences through vlogging?
Francis: My love for travel was influenced by several things. Growing up, my father used to be a taxi driver, and he would always tell me stories about the different places he visited across the Philippines. Plus, I had relatives living abroad in places like Japan, the US, and Saudi Arabia, which made me curious about different cultures. When I turned 21, I decided to travel abroad for my birthday, and it was such a freeing experience—it opened my eyes to a whole new world.
I wasn’t serious about vlogging at first, but my trip to Pakistan for my sister’s wedding changed that. I spent all my savings to attend her traditional wedding, and the cultural shock I experienced went viral. That trip made me realize this is what my audience wanted, so after two years, I quit my radio job in the Philippines and focused on vlogging full-time.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATION: Check the best accommodations in Pakistan here
PGE: It sounds like that moment really changed everything for you. Since then, you’ve seen so many incredible destinations. Was there a place that truly exceeded your expectations?
Francis: I usually keep my expectations low so I’m not let down, but South Asia really exceeded what I thought. The ease of traveling, the beauty of nature, and how people keep their traditions intact was amazing. When I first visited Pakistan, I was surprised at how different the experience was from what I expected—it was eye-opening.
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PGE: You’ve experienced so much of the world’s cultures. Is there one experience that left a lasting impact on you?
Francis: Absolutely. One that stands out is visiting the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India. It was so humbling to witness the community’s spirit. Everyone is encouraged to contribute, whether it’s through donating goods or time, and it’s a true embodiment of “paying it forward.” It made me reflect a lot on the importance of giving back and being part of something greater than yourself.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATION: Check the best accommodations in Amritsar, India
PGE: That’s a powerful experience. On a different note, have you discovered any off-the-beaten-path destinations that you think more travelers should explore?
Francis: Yes, Guatemala! It was a last-minute decision, but I’m so glad I went. Places like Lake Atitlan and the Mayan ruins in Tikal are breathtaking. I felt completely safe exploring there alone, even though my Spanish was limited. It’s a hidden gem that more people should consider.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATION: Check the best accommodations in Guatemala here
PGE: That sounds incredible! When it comes to travel, some people prefer to have everything planned out, while others are more spontaneous. What’s your style?
Francis: I’ve evolved over the years. At first, I stayed in countries for as long as I could, but I became a slow traveler, spending at least two weeks in each country. Now, I mix it up—sometimes I stay longer, sometimes less, depending on what I want to experience.
This year, I plan to travel for six months and spend the other six months with my partner, balancing work, relationships, and exploration. I tend to be spontaneous with my travel decisions. Sometimes, I arrive in a country with little to no research and just figure it out as I go. I stay in hostels and talk to fellow travelers who’ve done the research for me. It’s a bit risky, but it’s worked out most of the time!
PGE: That spontaneity must make for some interesting content! Speaking of thrills, if you had to recommend a destination for adventure seekers, where would it be?
Francis: If you’re a first-time traveler, Nepal is great. It has a mix of culture, adventure, and safety. But if you’re looking for something crazy, I’d recommend Brazil—specifically the favela parties. I once visited a favela in Rio where I saw drug dealing, armed young men, and chaos. It was an eye-opening experience that made me realize how tough some communities have it, and it gave me a whole new perspective on life. But, I wouldn’t recommend it for everyone—it’s definitely not for the faint of heart!
HOTEL RECOMMENDATION: Check the best accommodations in Nepal here
HOTEL RECOMMENDATION: Check the best accommodations in Brazil here
PGE: That sounds intense! With all the traveling you do, have you picked up any new skills or hobbies along the way?
Francis: I’ve become extremely independent through my travels. I’ve learned to manage my time, work while traveling, and maintain relationships while constantly moving around. I’ve also picked up a passion for cooking—I love trying new recipes and incorporating what I learn from different cultures into my meals.
PGE: That’s amazing! Every journey comes with its own challenges. What’s the most difficult situation you’ve faced while traveling?
Francis: The most challenging moment was when I was drugged and robbed in Colombia. I lost all my gadgets, money, and had to start from scratch. It was financially devastating, and some people on social media tried to bring me down during that time. But it taught me a lot about trust, safety, and being cautious when traveling.
PGE: That must have been terrifying. Looking ahead, is there any destination still on your bucket list?
Francis: Yes, Israel! I think it would be fascinating to explore, especially since many Filipinos don’t realize that most people in Israel are not Catholic. It would be a unique experience to share with my audience.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS: Check the best accommodations in Israel here
PGE: That would be a captivating journey for sure! Now, for anyone who’s just starting their own travel journey, what tips would you give them?
Francis: The most important tip I can give is to keep an open mind. Travel with no expectations and embrace the challenges and joys along the way. Don’t be afraid to approach people—sometimes a simple “Hi” can lead to an amazing conversation. Also, take your camera and capture your memories. Whether or not you want to post it, having those moments documented can be life-changing. And most importantly, have fun—always travel like it’s your first time!
PGE: Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, Francis. It’s been an inspiring conversation, and we can’t wait to see where your travels take you next! Before we wrap up, can you share your social media handles so our readers can follow your adventures?
Francis: Thank you to my PGE Family! It’s been a pleasure. I’m excited for the adventures ahead! Yes, absolutely! you may follow me on YouTube: FrancisCandiyey; Facebook: FrancisCandiyey; Instagram: @FrancisCandiyey; and TikTok @FrancisCandiyey.
