Let’s Take a Drive to Nowhere

Fill up a Ford Fiesta with the most adventurous people. Add some photographers, writers, musicians, fellow creatives to the mix, then drive. For a week or so, it’s just you, your friends and the road. Drive to remote areas and take lots of photographs–of places, of mundane things, of the adventures and misadventures everyone will encounter. Sleep in cars or tents in hidden beaches and make poetry, create stories. As is in the words of Foster Huntington, “Home is where you park it.”

Be inspired by the landscape of Luzon’s northern regions, by the wind rushing to your face, by the magic light in magic hours. And when the light is gone, ignite the fire and make bonfires in yet another seaside escape you just discovered. Dance by the fire, sing, stargaze. Live free and feel free. You are allowed to–entitled even. Everybody knows this is nowhere. But make it yours by the pictures you’ll take and the stories you’ll tell and the music you’ll make.  

In the simplest of terms, this is how it will be — a car full of creatives. A week. On the road. Finding North.

AND THERE WE HAD IT. What was supposed to be a road trip idea that stemmed from feasting on cold pizza, a long walk one cold night, a penchant for anything Ryan McGinley kind of adventure, and three girls constantly chasing happy, it turned to reality.

These were our favorite moments.

[buffer by=”10px 15px 10px 15px” id=”bar”]Day 1: Zambales[/buffer]

The three explorers became six. A brand new Ford Philippines’ loaned Ford Fiesta fresh from the dealer waited for us, we named it Henry. Backpacks, a skateboard, and a ukulele filled the trunk. No plans, no itinerary, just an old map and limited cash. We began our drive.

[buffer by=”10px 15px 10px 15px” id=”bar”]Day 2: Pangasinan[/buffer]

Spotted an enchanting cave and swam it. Continued our drive and found ourselves our own empty beach.

[buffer by=”10px 15px 10px 15px” id=”bar”]Day 3: Baguio/La Union[/buffer]

There was wavecrashing, and coffee breaks, and surfing.

[buffer by=”10px 15px 10px 15px” id=”bar”]Day 4: Ilocos[/buffer]

Endless drives to nowhere, random pitstops, and being in the moment. We went a bit wild on this one. We braved the typhoon weather and cut through the coastline going up to Ilocos Norte and found this bit of paradise. After this shot came the storm billowing stronger, barrels of waves that could have eaten us alive were right at us.

[buffer by=”10px 15px 10px 15px” id=”bar”]Day 5: Ilocos, again.[/buffer]

Went sandboarding on the sand dunes, and offroading hill after hill too.

“And in that moment, I swear we were infinite.”

[buffer by=”10px 15px 10px 15px” id=”bar”]Day 6: Apayao[/buffer]

Found palm trees in Apayao.

[buffer by=”10px 15px 10px 15px” id=”bar”]Day 7: Cagayan[/buffer]

Woke up to this. Morning seaside mist, mighty waves that tease, and sea foam that crawls on to our feet. Hello from somewhere in Claveria, Cagayan.

[buffer by=”10px 15px 10px 15px” id=”bar”]Day 8: Wildest long drive yet, completed.[/buffer]

Northern Luzon loop, eight days of unending highways, seven provinces, favorite people, breathtaking views, two drivers, and several mixtapes. We are signing off.

Photos courtesy of the Finding North team.