Travel tips from the 'Travel Timer'

Several issues ago, Susan Calo-Medina made a list of her “10 Must-Visit Places Abroad” that included Machu Picchu in Peru, one of the world’s highest peaks, the dream destination Dr. Vicki Belo and her beloved Hayden Kho recently visited.

Susan is, of course, everybody’s favorite traveling companion although in a vicarious manner, thanks to her long-running show Travel Time which has “traveled” around all networks, always imitated (the “imitators” have come and gone without leaving any trace at all!) but never equaled (how could they?).

If you haven’t heard, the good news is that Susan’s show already has a printed version called, naturally, Susan Calo Medina’s Travel Time, The Magazine, a quarterly now on its fourth issue (more about it in a while) with the famous Loboc Children’s Choir on the cover.

With her show and her magazine, Susan is doing such a great job in promoting (selling) the country that, why not, she should be named a Tourism Czar. Or, at least, given by the government a plaque of appreciation (long delayed), the same honor that should have been bestowed on FPJ who played up the country’s tourist spots as setting of his movies, such as beaches of the twin Ilocos provinces, the breath-taking scenery of Bicol (Mayon Volcano among them, what else!), and the Chocolate Hills and other attractions of Bohol (featured in the latest issue of Susan’s magazine).

The latest issue of Travel Time.

“Actually,” said Susan, “I have worked for but not with the government. To work with the government, you must have the patience and the stomach for it. It’s a vocation. It doesn’t pay well so it’s not worth it.”

She paused and said, “Ask me about the new Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez.”

So what can she say about Sec. Jimenez?

“He’s perfect for the position,” gushed Susan. “He has a gorgeous mind and a warm heart. He can disarm people, he can convince, he communicates very well. He knows what he’s saying and he communicates it well.”

Oh yes, what are Susan’s “10 Must-Visit Places Around the Country?”

These:

1. The Banaue Rice Terraces

2. Intramuros, Manila

3. Bohol

4. Cebu

5. Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte

6. Sorsogon (“Don’t’ forget to check out the butanding in Donsol town”)

7. Batanes

8. Mindoro Occidental (where the Apo Reef is)

9. Puerto Princesa, Palawan (“Try dolphin-watching”), and

10. Tawi-Tawi (“Beautiful but there’s some danger involved in going there”).

And here are “10 Travel Tips From the Travel Timer”:

Susan trying out the ‘plunge’ in Danao Adventure Park in Bohol

1. Don’t forget to pack your medicines;

2. Be sure that you have your novenas;

3. Double check your toiletries (soap, shampoo, etc.);

4. Leave a copy of your itinerary with your family (the ones left at home);

5. Bring enough supply of sunblock;

6. Have your plane/bus tickets and credit ready and, if traveling abroad, also your passport;

7. Bring along your charger (for the celfones and laptops, etc.);

8. If on a filming mission, don’t forget the name of your coordinator and his contact number(s);

9. Prepare proper shoes and proper clothes; and

10. Bring books (novel you haven’t finished reading, etc.).

As promised, here are some of the interesting articles in the Travel Time mag’s latest issue (theme is “Every Which Way”):

• Island in the Sun by Gibbs Cadiz, about what to see in Bohol;

• Baguio for Insiders by Celina Cruz;

• Pila’s (Laguna) Discreet Charm and In Love with Ifugao by Floy Quintos;

• Out into The Light by Ricky Lopez who shows why the Puerto Princesa Underground River must be included in the list of The New Seven Wonders of the World, and many more (so you have to buy a copy).

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. You may also send your questions to [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on www.twitter/therealrickylo.)