What is the greatest insight you've gained from
the experience running the initiative?
That the communities will always surprise you, and
teach you something, provided you are willing to be
present with them and listen.
Are there any particular moments with travelers or
partner communities that stand out to you?
Recently, a group from Malaysia wanted to donate
money to one of the entrepreneurs we introduced
them to at the GK Enchanted Farm. However, the
entrepreneur herself amazed our guests by saying that
she would rather the money went to someone else
who needed it even more than her. That is the spirit of
walang iwanan (no one left behind)!
What would you like your travelers to gain or take
away from a trip with MAD Travel?
Through the power of presence it really is possible
to change the world, one community at a time, and
that if we are able to redefine travel as a search for
meaning and greater understanding of the world
around us, then change can come more quicker than
you imagine.
How have your partner communities responded to
the initiative?
They have really bought into the concept and
now regularly look forward to the next time we will
be bringing guests. We needed to show that we are
willing to be present in the communities on a regular
basis, week-in week-out, and prove that we are not just
another outside organization bringing empty promises.
Day 253
Any future plans you can share with us?
I think the outlook for 2018 is bright. The type of
tourism experiences we offer are exactly what more
and more travelers are looking for. Travelers today,
especially the young, want to gain a more complete
understanding of country—not just of its most beautiful
sites but of its people too, and how they live. They want
to explore a country and immerse in its culture while
making a meaningful contribution as they travel. Many
also long to find a deeper purpose in life. It may be
through hearing inspiring stories, or meeting people
who are walking the talk and learning from them. This
is what “adventures that matter”, our tagline, means.
A MAD traveler takes the plunge near a waterfall in Baler,
Aurora. Image by Thrive and Travel
Take part in lifting Filipino communities
by booking a tour on madtravel.org, or
follow @makeadifferencetravel on Facebook.
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