Filipino traveler visits Philippines’ 82 provinces in a decade

Ric Clara, 35, completes his travel goal of visiting all 82 provinces in the Philippines. Photos courtesy of Ric/Facebook

After a decade of traveling, 35-year-old Ric Clara, of Manila, has successfully achieved his goal of visiting all 82 provinces in the Philippines. 

In 2011, Clara started “Project 82 Philippines” with an aim to visit and experience the beauty of every province in the country.

On May 20, he shared his incredible milestone via the Facebook group “DIY Travel Philippines” as he marked Sulu as the 82nd and last province he had visited. He also expressed his gratitude to everyone who had joined him throughout his journey. 

In an interview with Inquirer.net, Clara noted that the Philippines had “a lot to offer to local and international [tourists] from world-class beaches, beautiful mountains, rich history and culture and the hospitality of the people.”

Among the 82 destinations he visited, his favorites are Siargao, Balabac (in Palawan), Dinagat Islands (in Caraga Region), Sulu and Basilan for their breathtaking and paradisiacal beaches.

However, Clara noted that some of his favorite attractions are not popular, calling for boosting the “undiscovered gems” of the provinces with proper tourism promotion and recognition. 

Meanwhile, completing Project 82 does not mean his travel journey has ended. Clara has gone beyond borders as he is set to complete “Project ASEAN,” which has him traveling to all 10 Southeast Asian countries. 

He has visited eight ASEAN countries so far, with Laos and Myanmar as his next destinations. Clara said he had also gone to non-ASEAN countries including China and Taiwan. 

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