See the world through the eyes of traveler and content creator Justine Sy and maybe you’ll find adventure everywhere, too!
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If you’re on the fence about living out your dreams of exploring the world, take a page from Justine Sy‘s book, where just do it is written and underlined twice (metaphorically, of course). The frequent flyer and travel content creator embodies those of us who relish in everything the world has to offer, stepping into cultures, worlds, and places with bright eyes and a go-getter disposition.
Get to know Justine Sy as a traveler and creator who, by the way, was also a guest on our podcast NYLON Manila VOICES episode 2 all about financial awareness and securing the bag, in our interview below!
SEEING THE WORLD
A traveler since she was young and seeing the world with her family, Justine’s grown to love exploring new places. The travel bug stuck to her, and she decided not only to take all the chances of seeing the world herself when she grew up, but also to make a living out of it, marrying her love for new places and experiences with doing work that can help or inspire other people. Her experiences aren’t just for her to enjoy and see the world. It’s always nice to see someone try out new things and see new places so we get to figure out if we’d want to do it or go there ourselves.
Justine recently ticked something off her bucket list as she completed a solo trip to Japan—her first trip on her own, and to her favorite country, no less! Though it can be intimidating to go on a trip on your own, Justine embraced the uncertain and explored Osaka all by herself. We love an independent girlie.
Justine’s also not here for any excuses to not do things you want to do. She’s all for going for it and taking matters into your own hands. Traveling costs much—and not just financially! It can be daunting, exhausting, and stressful. But it can also be one of the most wonderful experiences of your life. So if you’re someone who’s a little apprehensive about exploring the world, but you really want to tick some things off your bucket list, know that Justine’s in your corner.
“Financial [reasons] or being afraid to try and do things,” she says of the reasons people might not choose to travel. “If it’s just the second one, just go for it. Because you really want to. Or bring someone with you. Kayang kaya niyo yan!”
When traveling with a friend, though, Justine advises to find out if you’ll mesh with them as travelers first. Given that there are different kinds of travelers, such as sightseers, adventurers, chill vacationers, food connoisseurs, and more, knowing beforehand how things can and might go will help your friendship survive the trip. If we’re talking traveler vs. vacationer, Justine thinks of herself as a traveler. While she’s not someone who plans the day hour-by-hour and has to stick to it, she’d love an itinerary or at least a general plan for the day.
“I want to go out and do things,” she says. “I don’t want to stay in the hotel lang. Even if it’s a chill day or a chill itinerary, gusto ko pa rin yung umiikot and nage-explore.”
GIVING IT A GO
When she’s out exploring, Justine also keeps in mind what she can glean from her experiences and share with the world. From budgeting tips to travel hacks, itinerary suggestions to relatable tourist stories, her content covers all things travel, and she’s driven to create not just fun stuff, but also resources and references that all types of travelers might be looking for. That’s why she started making travel content, too.
“When I was researching about certain locations, na-feel ko na nakukulangan ako sa information about some places,” she explains. “So, I thought okay, as a content creator, yun na lang yung gawin ko. I wanted to be that person na pinupuntahan ng mga viewers and they go, ‘okay, when we go to Justine’s page, andoon na lahat ng info. We can use her as a travel guide.'”
Though it can be easy to assume a vacation is made less enjoyable with the added pressure of having to create content because it’s your job, Justine doesn’t see it that way. There’s no pressure for her to make content—she just loves doing it, and with her experiences, it often just comes naturally. Instead, her issues lie in content she worked hard for sometimes not reaching as far as it could.
“I like creating content, but when you put out the content and it doesn’t get as much engagement as you expect, sometimes I’m like, ‘Bakit? May ginawa ba akong mali sa video,’ parang gano’n. Then I can’t repost that video anymore so parang sayang, in a way.”
“But at the same time,” she continues. “Iniisip ko na lang that every video that I put out, quality naman siya. So hindi ako nanghihinayang. Kahit konti lang yung makakakita, at least I know it can help someone out there.”
PLANNING AHEAD
Speaking of help, every traveler has a few routines, hacks, and essentials they always stick to when they travel. Justine has three specific essentials that she’s never without—items that are practical and will help you maximize your trip.
First off—always bring a powerbank. She exclaims, “Pag [phone mo] namatay, paano ka na?” It’s not just about no longer getting to snap your photos on the trip, but if your phone shuts down completely, you lose a way for you to contact someone for emergencies. It’s an unsafe world out here, unfortunately, no matter how much adventure it offers.
Bring vitamins and medicine, too! Don’t just YOLO your way through a trip—it’s harder to live your best life on vacation if you get sick. Bring painkillers, something for allergies, and the like, Justine advises.
Lastly, always have cash on hand. “Not all the places you will go to will accept cards,” Justine notes. “Even if hindi mo gagamitin, at least meron ka.” Though credit cards are often the go-to for some travelers, even cards from GCash, Maya, or GoTyme are extremely helpful alongside your cash. Keep several options with you at all times. Always have a backup—you wouldn’t want to be without a way to pay when you’re at a restaurant or buying souvenirs.
However, planning can only go so far—traveling comes with plenty of surprises. From missing trains to pickpockets, unpredictable weather to sights that don’t live up to the hype, some things will inevitably go wrong. Take it from Justine—when you travel, you have to be flexible and adaptable. You can’t expect things to always go your way or to always meet your expectations. But when things go wrong, just remain calm and file that experience away for next time. That’s how you learn, and that’s what’s going to make your experiences of seeing the world that much more enjoyable.
Photography by KIM ANGELA SANTOS of KLIQ Inc.
Creative Direction by GELO QUIJENCIO
Fashion Direction by GELO QUIJENCIO and KURT ABONAL
Makeup by ISH SISON
Hair by BRENT OPINION TRINIDAD
Shoot Coordination by JASMIN DASIGAN
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