Interview With Cedric Solidon of GalaPinoy
Please give my readers a background about yourself. What made you want to start galapinoyredux.com?
I actually started blogging in 2006, but brought down the original site in 2008. Late 2009 the travel bug has bit me again and I was also finally able to immerse myself in photography. So I decided to put up a blog again, this time focusing on travel and photography.
I'm a freelance copywriter and photographer, so the idea of coming up with a travel and photography blog came naturally to me.
In all of your travels, in your opinion what country has the best food? and the worst food?
I wouldn't say I've already encountered the best and worst foods in places I've been too since I'm not really picky with my food. But I'll probably never get tired with Chinese food in general.
When you first started traveling, did your family support your decision?
Yes. In fact, they unwittingly encouraged me to travel by taking me on summer vacations to the province when I was a kid.
If you had to choose one favourite destination, which one would each of you chose?
Hong Kong I guess since I love the urban atmosphere, the trains, the food and the lovely girls.
What has been the least exciting destination you've traveled to?
I'd rather not say the name of the place, but it was with a tour group and a bunch of uninspiring sights.
Did you always have a love of travel or did you develop your passion for traveling as you got older?
I've always loved to travel and go to new places. However, it's only now that I've been really able to travel as often as I want.
What impact has galapinoyredux.com had on your lives?
For one, it forced me to get out of my home office and travel and explore new places. Another thing is that it enabled me to pursue one of my childhood passions: photography.
What has been the most surprising destination you've been to? Meaning, you had a specific mindset about a certain destination but it was totally a different experience than you had imagined.
Anywhere in Mindanao that I've been to. The island has gotten a bad rap because of the conflict going on in a few small areas, but it's generally peaceful and the people are warm and accommodating.
If you had to decide which destination has been the most influential in your life, which destination would you chose?
Hong Kong. As cheesy as it may sound, I loved the two weeks I spent there with my family when I was a teenager. I'd say it's one of the most memorable trips I ever did. And in terms of influence on my travel, it's in Hong Kong where I saw a bunch of backpackers with, erm, huge bagpacks and look as if they haven't bathed in days. And told myself that I would do what they're doing someday, well that is traveling and carrying a backpack.
What advice would you give to a newbie traveler?
Never let money prevent you from traveling. Never forget your wallet, passport, and clean set of underwear. Try food that look the least appetizing--just make sure it won't kill you.
In 10 years, do you see yourself still traveling or slowing down?
Sure. I'd go crazy if I don't travel.
Thanks Cedric for the interview. Please visit his blog @ GalaPinoy