The Philippine Global Explorers (PGE), a global network of Filipino travelers and advocates of responsible and educational travel, is proud to announce the 2nd Philippine Travel Masters (PTM) Awards to be held on December 6, 2025. The ceremony will take place during PGE’s Annual Grand Meetup, a much-anticipated gathering of Filipino travel enthusiasts from around the world.
The Philippine Travel Masters Awards is the first formal recognition program in the country that celebrates Filipino citizens who have completed travel to all 82 provinces of the Philippines. This nationwide milestone is not only a testament to personal achievement but also promotes a deeper understanding of the Philippines’ regional cultures, landscapes, and people.
Table of Contents
A Meaningful Recognition of Travel and Commitment
Initiated in 2024, the PTM Program is rooted in values that go beyond ticking off a list of destinations. It celebrates purposeful travel—one that fosters connection, education, and cultural appreciation. To uphold the integrity of the recognition, all applicants undergo a detailed verification process that includes documentary proof, photographic evidence, and interviews. The process is overseen by the PTM Committee in coordination with Thomas Büechler, a veteran verifier from NomadMania, an international platform known for tracking serious travelers.
Those who pass the verification process are officially recognized as “Philippine Travel Masters” and are awarded during the annual ceremony. These individuals are not only seasoned explorers but also storytellers and community advocates who help promote inclusive tourism and national pride.
Call for Applications Now Open
PGE is currently inviting Filipinos who have completed their visits to all 82 provinces of the Philippines to apply for verification as part of the 2025 Philippine Travel Masters Awards.
**NOTE** : Our website has a spam protection feature. Please CLICK the blurred out email address to reveal the email link.
If you are interested in being considered, please send an email to
📧 pg***************************@***il.com
With the subject line: PTM – (Your Name, Home Province)
🗓 Application Deadline: June 30, 2025
This is an opportunity to be part of a growing community of travel advocates who promote meaningful and responsible exploration of the Philippines.
Honoring Trailblazing Travelers
The inaugural awards ceremony in 2024 set a high standard, recognizing pioneering Filipinos whose travel accomplishments have inspired many:
Marco P. Puzon became the first Filipino to visit all 1,634 towns and cities in the Philippines—a feat that took 12 years and involved extensive travel planning, documentation, and a commitment to exploring places often left out of traditional tourist routes. His journey offers a compelling example of what it means to understand the Philippines at a granular level, one municipality at a time. Read Marco’s story
BJ Carreon, a respected figure in the local travel community, completed his travels to all provinces by 2015. Known for his documentation work and advocacy for meaningful travel, BJ is now an active member of the PTM Committee, mentoring other aspirants. His journey, titled “Project 82,” continues to resonate among aspiring explorers who want to deepen their understanding of the Philippines. Read BJ’s story.
Atty. Dominador “Jimmy” Buhain, recognized in his late 70s, exemplifies that age is not a barrier to achievement. A lawyer and sports leader, Buhain balanced his professional commitments with a long-standing goal to complete all 82 provinces, becoming the first senior citizen to be officially verified by the program. Read Jimmy’s story
These stories are more than just records of travel—they reflect commitment, resilience, and the belief that discovering the Philippines firsthand can lead to a richer understanding of Filipino identity.
December Ceremony Highlights
The 2025 PTM Awards will feature a formal ceremony recognizing newly verified Travel Masters. The program will include:
- Keynote messages from leaders in the travel and tourism sectors
- Testimonial segments from past and current awardees
- A presentation of new inductees into the PTM community
- A photo exhibit showcasing journeys across the 82 provinces
The event is part of the PGE Annual Grand Meetup, a multi-day gathering of members, volunteers, and partners involved in educational travel projects, community outreach, and responsible tourism campaigns. The event is not only a recognition of personal accomplishments but also a gathering that encourages travel as a tool for education, understanding, and national pride.
Inspiring Future Explorers
The PTM Awards program not only honors individual achievement but also serves a larger mission: to encourage Filipinos to explore more of their homeland, embrace diversity across regions, and contribute to local tourism economies through respectful and informed travel.
As PGE continues to expand its initiatives, the Philippine Travel Masters Awards remain a cornerstone project—bridging personal exploration with national cultural awareness.
Filipinos who have completed travel to all 82 provinces and are interested in applying for the 2025 awards may begin the verification process via email provided above. The PTM committee will send instructions on how to get verified.
