For JM Banquicio, the spark that ignited his love for travel wasn’t a childhood vacation or a family getaway. It came later in life, during a bold decision to embark on his very first out-of-the-country solo trip.
“My earliest memory of travel that planted the seed for my love of exploring was my very first out-of-the-country solo trip to Cambodia and Thailand,” he recalled. “I can still remember the thrill of navigating from the airport to the city center on my own, it was both nerve-wracking and liberating, like a rite of passage.”
That journey was filled with small triumphs that would later shape him as both a traveler and a storyteller. From his first stay in a hostel, where he swapped stories with fellow wanderers from across the globe, to experiencing the breathtaking sunrise at Angkor Wat and the bustling streets of Bangkok, each moment became a milestone. “Every small win, like figuring out public transportation or trying out a new dish, gave me so much joy and confidence,” he said.
But JM’s adventures didn’t remain personal souvenirs. Inspired by creators he admired online, he soon found himself compelled to share his own journeys. “At first, my main reason was to document my travels through videos, something I could look back on whenever I wanted to reminisce about the places I’ve been and the experiences I’ve had,” he explained. “But along the way, I realized that sharing my journeys isn’t just for me, it can also inspire and help others.”
That realization became the turning point. Through his content, JM discovered that his travels could make a meaningful impact, encouraging others to book their first trip, try local delicacies, or see the world with fresh eyes. “It’s that connection with others, knowing my experiences can make an impact, and that truly motivates me to keep creating and sharing, instead of just keeping it personal,” he added.
Choosing YouTube as his main platform was a deliberate move. The long-form format gave him the freedom to tell stories with depth and detail, especially when the pandemic confined many to their homes. “YouTube gives me the space to capture the full experience of a trip,” JM said. “When I started during the pandemic, YouTube was also one of the platforms most Filipinos turned to for entertainment and inspiration during lockdown. It felt like the perfect space to share travel stories at a time when people couldn’t explore physically but still wanted to see the world virtually.”
The road wasn’t without challenges. Balancing a corporate job while creating content tested his commitment. “One of the biggest challenges I faced in the early days was consistency,” he admitted. “To overcome this, I became very intentional with my planning. I created a content pipeline for the entire year, lining up trips in advance, maximizing long weekends, and scheduling travels around holidays.” For JM, consistency wasn’t about rushing; it was about discipline and resourcefulness. “Looking back, those challenges actually trained me to be more strategic and creative as a storyteller,” he reflected.
What began as a hobby eventually grew into something far more profound. The messages from his audience made him realize the value of his work. “The moment I started receiving heartfelt messages from viewers saying that my videos inspired them to travel, gave them the courage to try solo trips, or even just helped them escape stress during the pandemic, that’s when I realized this was bigger than me,” JM said.
JM emphasized that travel isn’t just about visiting places. It is about stories, connections, and impact. That combination of passion and impact, the feeling that I’m able to both pursue what I love and create something valuable for others, made me realize that this path was worth committing to.”
The roots of his wanderlust may have begun with a single solo trip, but those first steps laid the foundation for a life devoted to exploration, storytelling, and inspiring others to embrace the journey.