Explore and Be Free... A Traveler's Perspective of LIFE


Budget Biyahera - Mai Flores



JOINING ME in this journey is,..

MAI FLORES
- A freelance content writer who has an overwhelming desire to collect Starbucks Global Icon mugs from different countries, from which she already visited South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and of course Cebu and Manila (amongst other Philippine destinations that she’s been to).

Mai's Starbucks global icon mugs
Mai's mug collection (Source)


An alumna of the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Mai graduated with a degree in BS Clothing Technology. She is single by civil status but happily in a relationship with her BEAU (as she romantically calls him). Her strength springs from knowing that she has a loving family, and of caring and honest friends. Their love and support is what keeps her going.


According to her...

"I like to travel. Well, I actually love it! That would have to be one of the constant things in my life that keeps me intact and rejuvenated. It keeps me in tune with sceneries, cultures and traditions other than my own.


Being a travel enthusiast, she has also found a career in the world of writing. Seeing and reading published works (whether on print or online) always gives her that sense of fulfillment. Her projects typically revolve around travel-related contents and proofreading/syncing telenovela scripts. Not only do these avenues of opportunities bring her to distant places around the globe. These slowly paved the way to her being recognized in the blogosphere.

She is the owner of BUDGET BIYAHERA, a travel site that has already made remarkable achievements and commendations. For Mai, anyone can travel without splurging too much. She believes in budgeting, yet still leaving room for those ‘few bumps’ on the road. She always includes expense sheets from every journey made as reference, so that her readers may have ideas on how to make every trip easy, or at least bearable on the pocket.

She was already featured in TURISTA MAGAZINE and TRAVEL MAGAZINE, whilst flaunting her unforgettable experience in Ilocos Norte. Her amazing encounter with the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, the cinematic view of the Bangui Windmills, and the breathtaking Kabigan Falls were all noteworthy.

An excerpt of Mai's article in Turista Magazine (March 2013 issue)
An excerpt of Mai's article in Turista Magazine (March 2013 issue)


An excerpt of Mai's article in Travel Magazine
An excerpt of Mai's article in Travel Magazine (September 2012 issue)



During this trip to Ilocos Norte, there was this one person whom she met that truly inspired her.

"When I traveled to Ilocos Norte last June 2012, I met a humble tour guide in Pagudpud named Raphie Respicio. For that one whole day that we got to spend with him (my beau and I), I soon realized that he was extraordinary. He went out of his way just to cater to the needs of his guests --- from customizing his tricycle into a more comfy ride to being the all-around guide (tour guide, photographer, historian). And because of his being a kind-hearted person to serve others, I paid it forward by blogging about his life and of his wonderful work ethic. Soon enough, he was thanking me for the many guests that he has been receiving all because of my blog. 
From then on, I realized that writing my personal experience about people that I meet on the road, and helping them out made me see my value and cause in life. I'm happy to know that I've been continuously helping a kind soul grow his business. His awesome tricycle now has WIFI, and he thanked Budget Biyahera for the opportunity to raise the funds for it. And all because of one day that's been matched with kind words and great work ethic, things turned out for the better. Ü  
Guys like Kuya Raphie made me see how valuable my traveling ventures are. That's why I never stop sharing my experiences."

Mai with Kuya Raphie
Mai with Kuya Raphie

"I've always loved Mark Twain's words of wisdom. He speaks of the realities of life. I've actually made the words "Explore. Dream. Discover" as one of my mantra's, to help remind me of what life has to offer. It keeps me in tune with what life is all about. And with this, I've come to learn how to balance both work and play from this meaningful travel quote."

budget biyahera photo
CREDITS


47 comments:

  1. Thank you po for this humbling feature, Ate! All the best sa iyong inspiring blog. :)

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    1. Actually, I have high respects for people who are so humble inspite of being successful in their chosen career. You're one good example, Mai.

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  2. I love reading Budget Byahera's posts and travels and also enjoy her as one of my friends after knowing her from the FBW Bloggers Night Preparation.

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    1. Budget Biyahera is so well-known that the woman behind it deserves nothing but praises and good words.

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    2. You're both sweet! Thank you po ulit! <3 :)

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    3. Looking forward to more of her travels and tips which is very handy for all the newbie and experienced traveler out there.

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  3. I love the mugs :-) would love to have one :-) Success starts when we are very humble when we reach the pedestal :-) Blogging is fun and intriguing, welcome to the club :-)

    http://www.tropical7107islands.com/2013/03/nanny-in-the-clouds.html

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    1. Humility reflects a person's character. Even the highest of profiles in the world can be humble without degrading oneself.

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  4. I read her articles too and yes she includes expenses sheet. Kudos to her! More travel!!!

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    1. Those expense sheets make her travel site more helpful to other tourists, local or foreign.

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  5. Kudos to her, she writes well too. I've been reading her blog and finds out about budget travel which is very cool

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    1. Actually, Mai are blessed with two distinct and admirable traits. The first one is her being a natural kind-hearted person. She has this simple yet charismatic character. Second, she truly is an A-lister when it comes to writing.

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  6. wow... she's living the life! i am not more inspired to be diligent in my travels and writing...

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    1. She has the passion for both that's why it's easier for her to do two things at the same time and enjoy the experience as well.

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  7. I respect humble people like you and congratulations for your success in your chosen career.

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    1. Mai Flores as my featured personality truly deserves a spot in my site because of her being low profile inspite of her success.

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  8. We have plans to travel the Philippines one of these days. I will surely check out your blog.

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    1. You can check out Mai's site anytime. You'll get more travel guidelines as you go through every article she posted.

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  9. Yeah, I've read some of her post and quite interesting... I didn't know she collects starbucks mugs.. very interesting indeed.. :D

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    1. Those mugs are great souvenirs and will always remind her of her noteworthy travels.

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  10. you really are inspiring us. with all the countries you had visited it credits you a lot of knowledge. .

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    1. She truly is an inspiration to many and being the Budget Biyahera herself, I believe she's an authority when it comes to traveling.

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  11. Such a nice lady and a beautiful one. I am a fan of her Budget Biyahera. She writes quality posts.

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    1. I'm a great fan as well, Sir Papaleng. She's one of my favorites and you're included too.

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  12. wow congratulations you've been a long way now! more bloeesings in the future and nice to know something about you too!

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    1. Ms Mai Flores is the one and only, Budget Biyahera. I'm really privileged to have her joined me in this journey through life. Collecting Starbucks Global Icon mugs is included in her travel must-dos.

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  13. I've read her blog as well she's very detailed and provides useful information about the places she has visited.

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    1. I love her writing style and how she presents her detailed expense sheet. No wonder, more tourists are taking time out to check her latest post.

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  14. She deserves to be feature. I enjoy reading all her travel posts.
    Tess

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    1. She's a good and humble person so she deserves all these compliments.

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  15. Kudos to Mai. A well traveled BIYAHERA herself.

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    1. True! She's been to many places already and for sure she'll have more travels in the near future. But her foot is injured. Maybe, she has to rest a little longer.

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  16. it was really nice to know a little more about a fellow blogger... as it is so nice for someone to write about her. Yahweh bless. ralph

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    1. I'm honored to feature her. She's actually giving so much pride in my new site.

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  17. Yeah she deserves to be feature WOW GALING!!! Kudos Mai :)

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    1. She may have a simple life but she lives it to the fullest. Thanks for the thoughts Ms Levy :)

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  18. Mai-oh-Mai! I would love to travel the world too! I want to see different cultures to broaden up my perspectives.♥

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    1. By all means, you can travel for as long as you want Ms Kim... Do it while you're young so that you will have no regrets later. Just be safe :)

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  19. Budget Biahera is an awesome travel blog. Mai is very detailed, I love her expense sheets super helpful!

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    1. Her travel site is indeed very helpful to new and old backpackers who wish to have fun and worthwhile trips.

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  20. Wow! the woman is such an inspiration. I'm a travel enthusiast and loves writing as well. It is my long time dream to be featured on such magazines and have a popular travel blog. Still working on it now but I am positive :) thanks for sharing ♥

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    1. That's great! Good luck to you Ms Ganessa. I'm sure you'll achieve your goals sooner than you expect. Just keep believing in yourself and have faith.

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  21. I love reading travel blogs as I like to travel too. I wanna be featured in a magazine too.

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    1. I really enjoy reading travel sites and magazines, too. It's like I'm actually seeing the beautiful places before my eyes especially with excellent captures of majestic scenery.

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  22. Such an overwhelming response here! Thank you for the compliments, and thank you again Ate Marri for the kind words and for the feature. More power to your one-of-a-kind blog! :)

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    1. Keep doing what you love to do and stay happy. I hope your foot is well enough to plan for your next out-of-the country escapades. I never thought this blog is one-of-a-kind... Thanks! I'm truly delighted to hear that.

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  23. Budget Byahera is one of the travel webpages, which I like and keep on reading. The writer of that site has the full grasp of her forte on travel and she's also one of my preferred content writer. More power Mai Flores!

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