For most people, travel is a temporary escape. For Earvin John “EJ” Fabro, 29, it became a personal mission—one that led him across all 82 provinces of the Philippines.
“I used to think international travel was the dream,” Fabro said. “But when I started exploring the Philippines, I realized—why not start here? Why not see everything my own country has to offer first?”
That question sparked a journey that took nearly three years to complete.
The road to 82
Balancing work and travel wasn’t easy. A full-time engineer with multiple side jobs, Fabro planned his trips meticulously, always keeping an eye on budget fares and travel restrictions. His first stop was his hometown of Bulacan, and from there, he carefully made his way through Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Dinagat Islands became his final destination—a fittingly remote and unspoiled place to conclude his adventure.
Stepping off the boat in Dinagat, he felt a wave of emotions.
“I was exhausted, relieved, and incredibly happy all at once,” he said. “It felt like a huge achievement, but I also knew this was just the beginning.”
Fabro’s journey was filled with breathtaking moments—hiking to cloud-covered peaks, swimming in pristine waters, and experiencing the warmth of locals who welcomed him like family.
But not every trip was smooth sailing.
“Once, on my way to the airport, we got into a car crash. My family begged me not to go, but I pushed through,” he recalled. “That trip ended up being one of the best experiences of my life.”
From canceled flights to unexpected detours, he learned that travel is as much about resilience as it is about discovery.
A different perspective
After visiting every province, Fabro sees the Philippines differently.
“This country is beautiful, but so many places are overlooked,” he said. “There are spots that could be world-class if only they got the attention they deserve.”
Now, with the Philippines conquered, what’s next?
“I want to explore every country in Asia,” he said. “But I also want to revisit provinces where I didn’t have enough time.”
For Fabro, the journey doesn’t end at 82. It’s just the beginning of a lifelong adventure.
