^The Pantheon
Years ago, I travel by myself – alone, not minding that I don’t really know the place as much. Not minding if I don’t know anyone from that city or town. It’s local yes, but a 6-hour travel to an unfamiliar city is quite a feat for a teenager during my days! lol. Going to a city by myself rarely happens now. That’s why when hubby and I explored our neighboring country Italy, we saw to it that we spent a few hours apart and see the cities to ourselves, discover something while alone.
Find flightsSo we did that in Rome and in Florence. Armed with a map, a camera and a friendly aura, I had about 5 hours walking in Rome, hopping from train to train, shooting whatever moments and scenes I can. I visited the Vatican city, walked around the Coliseum, shopped, shoot (if I literally can, I would have) gladiator-clad men and dined Italian where I met a very friendly polyglot. With his help, I found my way to the Pantheon, just when the sun had set. Hubby and I agreed to meet at Piazza della Rotonda, in front of the iconic ‘temple’ and the fontana before it.
I was truly proud of myself for those hours, still not being at ease, I braved the unfamiliar streets, and since my Italian is very basic – below basic actually so I always converse in English. I felt I could survive when left alone for long. Then again, Rome is a city – not as remote as some of the places we see on the TV series, Survivor. So, imagine if you – a very confident, social and truly able man would be stripped off all the gadgets you have and all the technology available around – be brought to live in a far-flung Philippine island, what would you do to survive?
That is ‘Voyage’, a new campaign from premium beer brand Heineken® where men from across the world, of different upbringing will be dropped on in different global locations with nothing but the most basic of supplies and directions. The result of each man’s adventure is ‘Dropped’ – a series of experiences following our “fearless” explorers on their legendary travel experience.
Legends, are they born or are they made? ‘Voyage’ is the fifth installment of the Heineken ‘Legends’ platform, the combined campaign, which will be broadcast live across digital and mobile media. It’s main channel will be via the Heineken® Dropped YouTube channel. Here, viewers will be able to follow each ‘Dropped’ voyage, have access to the documentary-style content and also share their own video entries to the ‘casting couch’ – with the ultimate chance of partaking in their own legendary travel adventure.
Each voyage’s final destination is: home. Will a traveller be able to go back? Will he become a legend? The answer lies of course within each participant – their ability to adapt, overcome language barrier and their resourcefulness along with other factors will determine their survival and success. This and that, these and those, put them all together and one can create a legend or be one, no, sometimes, legends may not be born nor made but Dropped. My solitary adventure is definitely not in league. :/
I think survival is the big thing when it comes to these cases. Adaptability is another one. It’s interesting to find out why Heineken decided to go with this adventure as theme to promote its brand and for what cause.
I admire your guts, sis.. I have such a poor sense of direction I am not so brave to go around an unfamiliar place alone! It must have been so much fun to roam around Rome. It would be very interesting to watch this campaign on TV!
I think Filipinos would do well in this challenge as they are trained to adjust to different situations and always has a pleasant disposition.
What do you mean by legend? Those persons who are exemplary in deeds, courageous, brave and undaunted as a result of a successful “voyage to the unknown”. Coming off conqueror from any challenges or game of life takes a lot of preparation and one of them is skill,talents and most is experience. So it may be born or made. Either!
Being able to communicate well in English is the advantage of most Filipinos anywhere we go. I think when you are a traveler and loves journey, you really have to be brave in unfamiliar places which you did. 🙂
The best trip of my life so far was at Rome. Walking in the busy streets and staring at lovely structures really made my day. It’s really a challenge though to communicate with the locals there especially when your looking for something. BUt yes, we survived it too.
That’s very brave of you. I would never be able to travel alone in an unfamiliar place. I would need my sister or my husband with me.
It definitely does take some independence to travel to an unknown place all by yourself! What a great way to learn and experience new things though! More teenagers need to do things like this nowadays.