Philippine Travel Masters Spotlight: Lino “Jubs” Jubilan Jr.

For some, travel is a leisure pursuit. For Lino “Jubs” Jubilan Jr., it became a lifelong commitment to discovering the Philippines through the lens of curiosity, photography, and quiet determination. Recognised by the Philippine Global Explorers through the Philippine Travel Masters Awards, Jubs’ journey is a testament to the idea that meaningful exploration is built one destination, one story, and one connection at a time.

An aircraft engineer at Aviation Partnership Philippines, Jubs spends his professional life ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. Beyond the hangar, however, he pursues another passion: travelling across the country to capture its diverse landscapes, cultures, and people through photography. Born and raised in Iloilo, he has long believed that every province has a story worth discovering and preserving.

A Lesson That Became a Lifelong Journey

Long before completing all 82 provinces, the seed of exploration had already been planted.

As a high school student, Jubs never forgot the advice of one of his teachers: “Libutin mo muna ang Pilipinas bago mo libutin ang ibang bansa.” (“Explore the Philippines first before exploring the rest of the world.”)

Those simple words stayed with him.

In February 2014, after purchasing his first camera, he began photographing the landscapes of Ilocos Norte. What started as a passion for landscape photography gradually evolved into a much bigger aspiration to document the beauty and diversity of every province in the country.

More than a decade later, that dream came full circle.

On 18 May 2025, Jubs completed his journey in Northern Samar, marking the milestone on the dramatic shores of Biri Island. Travelling solo with his drone and mobile camera, he raised the Philippine flag atop the island’s iconic Bel-at Rock Formation, a personal moment of triumph after years of patient exploration. Rather than rushing on to the next destination, he remained on the island for three days, taking time to appreciate the landscapes that would become the final chapter of his Philippine travel story.

Libutin mo muna ang Pilipinas bago mo libutin ang ibang bansa.

Finding Beauty Across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao

After visiting every province, Jubs finds it impossible to choose just one favourite. Instead, three destinations continue to stand out for different reasons.

In Luzon, Batanes captivates him with its dramatic cliffs, rolling hills, and peaceful atmosphere.

In the Visayas, Northern Samar left a lasting impression through its pristine coastline and the remarkable rock formations of Biri Island.

Further south, Tawi-Tawi offered something entirely different: a rich maritime heritage, the vibrant traditions of the Sama-Bajau people, and turquoise waters that remain among the country’s most memorable seascapes.

Together, these provinces reflect the incredible geographical and cultural diversity that defines the Philippines.

Adventures Beyond the Ordinary

Throughout his travels, Jubs rarely followed a single style of exploration.

Sometimes he travelled completely alone, allowing spontaneity to guide his itinerary. Other times he joined organised trips, travelled with friends and relatives, or embraced unexpected opportunities that came through chance encounters.

One of those moments led to one of his most memorable adventures.

Through a Facebook travel group, he met six strangers who shared the same goal of visiting ZamBaSulTa. What began as a journey among strangers quickly grew into lasting friendships. The group eventually named themselves “Zambasolid”, and years later they continue travelling together, proof that some of the best souvenirs from travel are the people met along the way.

Whether exploring independently or with newfound companions, Jubs believes every province becomes memorable through genuine immersion. He makes it a point to taste local dishes, interact with communities, and understand the traditions that make each destination unique. His camera then becomes more than a tool for photography; it becomes a way of preserving the stories behind every landscape.

A Journey Filled With Unforgettable Experiences

Completing all 82 provinces exposed Jubs to experiences as diverse as the country itself.

He kayaked and scuba-dived through the crystal-clear waters of El Nido, climbed Mt. Pulag to witness sunrise above a sea of clouds, surfed his first waves in Baler, cycled through Zamboanga del Norte, and travelled by speedboat across the islands of Tawi-Tawi.

He experienced the exhilarating ride aboard a skylab in Surigao and Davao de Oro, soared above the forests of Lake Sebu on one of the country’s longest ziplines, and flew over the coastline of Mati in an ultralight aircraft. He also ventured across the lava fields surrounding Mayon Volcano on an ATV, tackled the rugged journey to Kaparkan Falls aboard a monster truck, and relaxed in Antique’s traditional kawa hot bath after river tubing adventures.

His travels also became opportunities for cultural immersion. He witnessed the graceful Igal (Pangalay) dance of the Sama people, received his first traditional tattoo from the legendary Apo Whang-Od in Kalinga, and celebrated alongside local communities during Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival and Bacolod’s MassKara Festival.

Each experience, whether adventurous or cultural, reinforced the same lesson: the Philippines is best appreciated through openness, participation, and respect.

Travelling With Purpose

For aspiring Philippine Travel Masters, Jubs offers practical but meaningful advice.

Travel should never feel like a race. Taking time to appreciate each destination creates more lasting memories than simply completing a checklist. Careful planning helps maximise every journey, but leaving room for unexpected encounters often leads to the most rewarding experiences.

Above all, he encourages travellers to immerse themselves fully to taste regional cuisine, embrace local traditions, meet the people who call these places home, and document those moments not merely as photographs, but as stories worth sharing.

Celebrating the Spirit of the Philippine Travel Masters

The Philippine Travel Masters Awards celebrate more than the completion of a travel milestone. They recognise Filipinos who embody curiosity, cultural appreciation, responsible exploration, and a genuine desire to showcase the richness of the Philippines.

Lino “Jubs” Jubilan Jr.’s journey reflects these values in every sense. From the lesson that inspired him as a student to the triumphant moment on Biri Island over a decade later, his story demonstrates that travel is not measured solely by the places visited. Still, by the perspectives gained, the people encountered, and the stories preserved along the way.

Through his photographs and adventures, Jubs continues to inspire fellow travellers to look beyond familiar destinations and discover the extraordinary beauty waiting across every corner of the Philippines.

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