For many, travel is an escape—a fleeting getaway from routine. But for Earvin John “EJ” Fabro aka EJ Knows, 29, it was something bigger: a mission, a challenge, a dream. What started as casual hikes with friends in 2018 turned into an extraordinary adventure spanning all 82 provinces of the Philippines.
“I used to think international travel was the ultimate goal,” Fabro said. “But when I started exploring the Philippines, I realized—why not start here? Why not see everything my own country has to offer first?”
With that goal in mind, he set out on a journey that would take nearly three years to complete.
The road to 82
Completing all 82 provinces wasn’t easy, especially while juggling multiple jobs. By day, Fabro worked as a full-time engineer. On the side, he is a musician, financial advisor, business owner, health card agent, and social media content creator.
“People ask me how I manage my time,” he said. “Honestly? Research, planning, and a lot of backup plans. You can’t just have Plan A—you need a Plan B, C, even Z.”
His first stop, naturally, was his hometown of Bulacan. From there, he worked his way through Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, carefully mapping out his routes while keeping an eye on budget fares and travel restrictions (especially during the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic). He originally planned to save Batanes for last, a symbolic final stop. But a seat sale changed that, making Dinagat Islands his ultimate destination.
Stepping off the boat in Dinagat, he felt it—an overwhelming mix of emotions.
“I was exhausted, relieved, and incredibly happy all at once. I felt like I had conquered something huge, but at the same time, I knew this was just the beginning,” he said.
The highs and lows of the journey
Ej Knows’ travels took him to places most Filipinos only see in postcards. He stood on mountaintops where the clouds touched the earth, swam in crystalline waters no tour guide had written about, and ate meals prepared by strangers who would become friends.
But travel isn’t just about the beautiful moments—it’s also about the trials that come with them.
“Once, on my way to the airport, we got into a car crash. It was storming, my dashcam broke, and my family was begging me not to push through with the trip,” he said. “That was the third sign telling me to stay home. But I went anyway. And you know what? That trip turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life.”
Despite the setbacks, he pushed forward. Through delays, cancellations, and the occasional logistical nightmare, he learned resilience.
The beauty (and struggles) of the Philippines
After visiting every province, EJ Knows has seen the country in a way few have. And while he’s in awe of its natural beauty and cultural richness, he’s also painfully aware of its neglected treasures.
“The Philippines is breathtaking,” he said. “That’s why foreigners keep coming here. But at the same time, I’ve seen how some places are left forgotten. There are spots that could be world-class destinations if only they were given proper attention.”
He believes in the power of travel—not just to explore, but to educate. Each province he visited had its own identity, its own traditions, its own way of life.
“What we see in other countries, we have here, too—sometimes even better. The problem is, people just don’t know about it.”
What’s next for EJ Knows
Now that he’s conquered all 82 provinces, what’s left? For Fabro, the answer is clear: keep going.
“I want to visit every country in Asia,” he said. “And I also want to go back to some of the provinces where I felt I didn’t have enough time.”
Beyond ticking off places on a map, he dreams of experiencing the country’s major festivals and climbing its famous mountains.
More than anything, he wants to share his journey—to show Filipinos that adventure doesn’t have to mean flying thousands of miles away. Sometimes, the greatest discoveries are right in our backyard.
“My journey isn’t just about me,” he said. “It’s about proving that there’s so much to see in the Philippines. And if I can do it—while working multiple jobs—then so can others.”
With a passport ready for Asia but a heart still deeply rooted in the Philippines, Fabro’s adventure is far from over. It’s just entering its next chapter.
