It didn’t take long for JM Banquicio to realize that travel isn’t only about ticking destinations off a list. For him, the true adventure was learning how to turn those trips into stories worth remembering, stories filled with practical tips, honest insights, and a touch of fun that made viewers feel like they were traveling with a friend.
“I wanted my videos to go beyond just showing beautiful places. I wanted them to serve as a guide, especially for people who are planning to visit the same destinations,” JM shares. That meant offering “practical tips, honest insights, and details that could actually make someone else’s trip easier and more enjoyable.” But beyond information, he made sure his content reflected the fun, surprises, and discoveries that make traveling truly memorable.
This mix of “value + fun,” as he puts it, became his signature style. “By balancing valuable information with an engaging and lighthearted style, I was able to shape my own voice: informative, but not boring; entertaining, but always meaningful. Over time, I realized that this mix of value + fun is what makes my content resonate. It reflects who I am not just as a creator, but as a traveler who loves helping others while enjoying the journey myself.”
Unlike many creators who chase perfection, JM believes authenticity is what sets him apart. “What I try to focus on in my content is keeping it simple, genuine, and helpful. My goal has always been to share valuable information that can guide viewers in their own travels, whether it’s tips on transportation, budget, or must-visit spots. At the same time, I want my videos to feel fun and lighthearted, like you’re traveling with a friend. I don’t aim for perfection; I just share my experiences as they are, hoping that people can learn from them or even be inspired to create their own adventures.”
His commitment to going beyond surface visuals is what makes his storytelling impactful. “For me, travel isn’t just about showing beautiful places, I include the story behind a place, the culture, the food, and even my own feelings or struggles during the trip. I always ask myself, ‘What can the viewers take away from this?’ It might be a helpful tip, a cultural insight, or simply the feeling of being inspired to explore. It turns into a story that people can connect with on a deeper level.”
But JM’s journey hasn’t been free of challenges. Like many creators, he grappled with self-doubt at the start. “I definitely went through self-doubt, especially when I was about to upload my very first YouTube video. I remember second-guessing myself a lot, wondering if people would even watch or if my videos were good enough. Before hitting that upload button, I even asked a few of my friends to watch the video first, just to get some reassurance and feedback. And what gave me the courage to move forward was realizing that I wouldn’t know the outcome unless I tried.” Looking back, he adds, “Over time, I understood that it’s okay not to be perfect in the beginning. What matters is starting, learning, and improving along the way.”
His identity as a Filipino also strongly shapes the warmth of his storytelling. “Being Filipino definitely shapes the way I tell my travel stories. I always carry with me the perspective of someone who grew up in a culture that values family, hospitality, and finding joy even in simple things. That reflects in how I share my journeys, I try to make them warm, relatable, and easy to follow, almost like you’re traveling with a friend.”
Whether it’s showcasing budget-friendly tips, navigating local transport, or highlighting experiences close to Filipino hearts, JM always considers how his audience, many of them fellow Filipinos, can connect with the stories he tells. For him, travel content is not just about moving from one place to another but about creating experiences that are approachable, meaningful, and worth sharing.
Through his evolution as a creator, JM Banquicio has found his voice: authentic, approachable, and deeply rooted in giving value. And in doing so, he has become not only a guide to places but also a companion in the joy of discovery.