Meet BJ Carreon, also known as ‘Pinoy Travel Icon’ both in the travel community and on social media, one of the very first few Filipinos to visit all provinces of the Philippines when domestic travel trend was not even a thing yet. An alumnus of the University of Santo Tomas, BJ is a Medical Technologist by profession who later on turned into a travel influencer through his passion for discovering new destinations. BJ’s determination in exploring our beloved country has inspired countless others to embark on their own adventures. Currently serving as the Head of the Philippine Travel Masters Verification Team under the Philippine Global Explorers, BJ is a driving force in celebrating and promoting the beauty of the Philippines.
An Icon was Born
Circa 2010 was when BJ’s love for travel has sprouted through the infamous Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City. Experiencing the vibrant festivities sparked his interest in scouting more of the Philippines and came up with the idea and personal goal of visiting all of the provinces, 81 in official count at the time. He then started a social media branding called ‘Pinoy Travel Wh*re’, coined the tag #Project81 and quickly gained a surge of following. By 2015, BJ had successfully visited all 81 provinces, concluding his journey in the serene province of Southern Leyte. This achievement was the precursor to what we now know as 82 Provinces. BJ who refuses to tell-all and comically says he is ‘eternally 25’ when asked about his age, was quoted saying, “I may not be the first one to visit all provinces but I think I was a catalyst to this ongoing trend of visiting all Philippine provinces.”
Fast forward to 2018 when BJ ventured to international travel, he slowly gathered the current combined 68,000 followers across his social media platforms and got attention from different local and international brands for endorsements. Various companies reached out for endorsements of their goods such as apparel, supplements, skincare, environment-friendly products; as well as endorsements for establishments like hotels, resorts, airlines and booking platforms. Though his social media branding was quirky and unique, it was at this point that BJ decided to change his handle to ‘Pinoy Travel Icon’ for a much more positive and inexplicit tone.
Mindanao: A Misunderstood Gem
Among all the provinces he has visited, Sulu stands out as BJ’s favorite and most unforgettable destination. Mindanao for him is like a Geode crystal inside a rock waiting to be unraveled. Everything portrayed in the media was negative and initially, he was hesitant due to safety concerns. “Everyone who has not been to Sulu or anywhere in Mindanao, thinks that the area is the most dangerous place in the Philippines. This is mainly because the media delivers news mainly of military conflicts and violence,” BJ explains. “While there are some truths to this, Sulu is one of my favorites, it is not a terrorism zone. In fact, it is an amazing province with great culture and very hospitable people.”
However, BJ does have his own fair share of extreme travel, such as when he visited Tawi-Tawi in the past. Island hopping at the height of insurgents’ roaming around and wreaking havoc was quite an exhilarating experience. A solo Taiwanese visitor who happened to be in his tour group would have to drop down and hide whenever there is a boat approaching, assuming the sailors are members of rebel groups. On top of this, low tide caught up, a propeller broken and gas ran out. What could be worse? The boat seemed to be sinking with them not having life vests on. BJ has also seen the aftermath of the Zamboanga siege; his Once Islas (Eleven Islands) tour cut short due to a conflict; and came across many armed men belonging to different rebel groups. All of these mishaps are random incidents, BJ thought, so kept his focus on finishing Mindanao. Many great things came out from these experiences and the most meaningful were the connections he has made along the way, emphasizing the value of new friendships.
“I’m eternally 25. Travel keeps me young.”
– bj carreon when asked about his age
Advice to Blooming Travelers
BJ believes in traveling with intention and mindfulness. His advice to those planning to visit all 82 provinces is simple yet profound:
- Set Clear Goals: “You have to set your travel goals. Ideally, jot them down so you can have a physical checklist.”
- Travel at Your Own Pace: “Travel easy and at your most convenient time so you can really appreciate everything a destination has to offer.”
- Embrace the Journey: “Quality versus quantity applies here. Travel slow, enjoy and immerse yourself. Do not Click-and-go.”
Shaping the Next Generation of Travel Masters
As a recipient of the Philippine Travel Masters Award, BJ Carreon is a shining example of how travel can deepen one’s appreciation for history, culture, and community. His journey is not just about crossing destinations off a list—it is about discovering the true heart and soul of the Philippines. What started as his dream manifested into his reality, a proof that what seems to be an impossible adventure is actually doable if you just focus on it. As a travel influencer, BJ shares his experiences to inspire new budding travelers through his platforms: Facebook: Pinoy Travel Icon; Instagram: Pinoy Travel Icon; TikTok: Pinoy Travel Icon; Threads: Pinoy Travel Icon.
