January 2020: Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Kap Andong and KilometerZeroPH took the Biyahe Ni Drew team around Balabac, Palawan. Here’s the behind-the-scenes journal on Biyahe ni Drew goes to Balabac episode in January 2020. just before the pandemic.
It was great meeting the host, Drew Arellano, and the crew of GMA Network’s Biyahe ni Drew (BND). Incidentally, it has been four years already! The shoot was done on January 7-10, 2020,
Getting Balabac Featured
Our founder, Elvie Manlulu, helped curate the itinerary with their producer/researcher, Ms. Cherry Sibayan. We wanted to highlight the locals and their culture. Unfortunately, there were changes to the original plan, so with their limited time to shoot, we tried to squeeze in as much as possible.
Our goal is to feature the locals and visit the different islands and other spots that Balabac has to offer.
On Day 1, we met with Ms. Cherry, Rey, and Jeff. We took them to see the boat maker on Malinsuno Island and Canimiran Island, where they were also able to interview a seaweed farmer.
Day 2 – While I took Team A to Nasubata, and Onok Island, Kap Andong fetched Drew in Buliluyan.
BND Team A had a limited choice of models for the shoot in Onok. Good thing I wore a maxi dress to make awra!
Meanwhile, Drew, with BND Team B, interviewed the boatmaker on Malinsuno Island. They couldn’t shoot the Katalas or the Philippine Cockatoo because they had to leave early to reach the guest house and shoot with the island moms.
Team A took shots of how delicacies were prepared as we were waiting for Team B. Once they arrived, we quickly went on a river cruise.
Kap Andong shared the importance of taking care of the mangroves. We were hoping to see some crocodiles, but we weren’t that lucky during this visit.
Here we have the BND host, Drew Arellano, shooting a segment featuring how our island moms cook native delicacies like pinyaram or panyam, as well as ja.
Day 3 – We went to Matanguli Infinity Pool, Mansalangan Sandbars, and Punta Sebring before Drew had to split and head back to Puerto Princesa for his flight.
We went to see the different islands, varying shades of blue waters, and the finest white sands of Balabac.
After Drew left, the team had a more relaxed time and was able to dip in the waters of Candaraman. Unfortunately, it was high tide, so we just splashed in the shallow waters, which seemed like an infinity pool. Then we headed back to the guest house.
It was an honor to bring Biyahe and Drew around to see what Balabac has to offer. While most people were only interested in seeing Onok Island, we wanted to feature the people, culture, food, and biodiversity of Balabac to make the trip worthwhile.
After shooting the episode with them, we realize how hard these men and women work to show us how beautiful the Philippines is.
Just as our guests are dedicated to their work, we take care of them during their vacation or time off when they are here in Balabac.
We also saw how dedicated Drew is to his job and his family, trying to do everything he can in the two days that he is available to shoot. That’s why he wasn’t in the picture above.
So pwede pala na magset ng boundaries between work and family life. Try natin yarn!
In case you would like to know what Balabac has in store for you, watch the full episode here:
If, after watching this, you would like to visit Balabac, you know what to do. Book your tour with us! Email tours@kilometerzeroph.com or message us on WhatsApp at +639178578180.