For frequent traveler BJ Carreon, the refrigerator in his kitchen isn’t just an appliance—it’s something that reminds him of the past 15 years of his life in just one glance. That’s because his fridge is home to his massive magnet collection.
Also known as the Pinoy Travel Icon, BJ is one of the few individuals who have visited all the 81 provinces of the Philippines, which he completed in 2015. He started collecting magnets a decade and a half ago from his many travels. Today, he has more than 300 unique fridge magnets.
“Over the years, I’ve been to a lot of places and one consistent souvenir they all have is a fridge magnet,” BJ said. “Fridge magnets are small, decorative, and inexpensive reminders of my journey as a traveler and each one of them has a story to tell.”
The first magnet in what would become his collection is the one he bought in Hong Kong, a magnet with the image of the Victoria Harbour, which is the nation’s most iconic landmark.
BJ’s vast collection of fridge magnets are a mix of common ones and some that are harder to find. Some he bought himself, others given as gifts. As a collector, the price of the magnets is a non-issue. It’s what the magnet represents and what he’ll remember from looking at it years later that matters.
“My favorite magnet is a map of Myanmar, one that is made up of at least 10 crushed gemstones such as sapphire, ruby, and jade. It is very unique and it reminds me of my adventures in Myanmar when it was still not yet fully opened for tourism,” he said.
Bj doesn’t mind having multiple magnets from the same place as long as they have different designs. If, by chance, he gets multiple pieces of the same design, he gives them away as gifts.
Aside from fridge magnets, BJ also collects keychains and foreign banknotes.
As for being able to travel freely again post-pandemic, BJ is optimistic that we will be able to travel again soon. Over the past summer, he was able to travel locally, going back to Quezon province and Boracay.
BJ said: “In the meantime, let us support our domestic tourism to help the industry recover from the economic impact of the pandemic.”