When Motherhood and Travelhood Come Together
Meet the 3 moms who made their passion for traveling into a celebration of family and fun — Travelhood 2024
In a world where the demands of motherhood often leave little room for personal passions, three dynamic women have proven that it’s possible to blend family life with entrepreneurial spirit. Chal Chang Lontoc del Rosario, Czarina Ledesma-Cabuñag, and Claud Baron Paulino, each a powerhouse in her own right, have come together to create Travelhood, a travel fair that’s more than just an event—it’s a celebration of exploration, family, and the joy of discovery. Recently concluded last August 31 to September 1, 2024, at The Fifth at Rockwell, Power Plant Mall, Travelhood is set to be the ultimate coming together for travel enthusiasts and families alike.
This article delves into the stories of these remarkable women, exploring how they’ve channeled their unique experiences into building an event that promises to inspire and delight. Through their individual journeys, we’ll see how Travelhood is not just a travel fair but a testament to the power of collaboration and the excitement in exploration.
Chal Chang Lontoc del Rosario: A Life Shaped by Travel
Travel is an intrinsic part of Chal’s identity, passed down through generations and shared with her own children. With a mother who traveled to the Philippines as a foreigner and a father who was a retired pilot, Chal’s life has always been on the move. “Ever since my kids were in my womb, they’ve traveled with me,” she reflects, emphasizing that travel is more than just a pastime—it’s a way of life. “As a travel purveyor, I live and breathe it everyday, in every aspect.” From the breathtaking landscapes of Batanes to the cultural richness of Sri Lanka and the adventure-filled expanses of New Zealand, each trip is etched in her memory as a unique story of discovery.
Chal’s passion for travel extends into her professional life as well; she’s an entrepreneur running Jeron Travel, a multi-awarded travel agency, and soon, she’ll add “pilot” to her list of accomplishments. “It’s just a buffet of life for me that I’m happy experiencing,” she shares, embodying the spirit of a modern-day Jane of all trades.
Beyond her personal adventures, Chal has found kindred spirits in Czarina Ledesma-Cabuñag and Claud Baron Paulino, with whom she co-founded TRAVELHOOD. “We’re all very practical women who love life and making the most out of it!” she says, describing the synergy that drives their collaboration. Together, they’ve curated a travel fair that reflects their shared love for exploration and family, offering exclusive deals like budget-friendly Alaska cruises and luxury trips to Amanpulo. For Chal, travel is more than just a series of destinations; it’s an investment in memories that last a lifetime. As she puts it, “Travel is an investment worth a lifetime,” a belief she’s passing on to her two sons, who are already enthusiastic travelers themselves.
Claud Baron-Paulino: Exploring the World, One Adventure at a Time
For Claud Baron Paulino, travel is a source of inspiration that feeds her soul and deepens her appreciation for the world around her. “I love exploring new places, trying out new food, and learning more about other cultures,” she shares. Among her many adventures, her most unforgettable experience was a voyage to Antarctica, combined with a tour of Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. “It was an adventure of a lifetime,” she recalls, describing the surreal landscapes of the White Continent and the majestic mountains of Patagonia. Whether marveling at massive icebergs or hiking through New Zealand’s South Island, Claud’s travels are filled with moments that leave a lasting impact.
Beyond her role in TRAVELHOOD, Claud is a multifaceted entrepreneur with a knack for spotting opportunities. She founded Retail Lab, a platform for start-up brands, and launched Soirée, a series of holiday shopping fairs. During the pandemic, she expanded her culinary ventures by starting Caviar Cake Manila, followed by Manila Graze Co., a catering company specializing in grazing tables. Despite her busy schedule, Claud always finds time to travel with her family.
“Whenever we go to other countries, we always give our son an overview of the culture,” she explains, emphasizing how travel has become an educational journey for her six-year-old son, Evan. Looking ahead, Claud is excited about the future of travel, predicting a surge in new destinations and experiences. At this year’s TRAVELHOOD, she’s thrilled to offer incredible deals on exotic locations like Galapagos, Iceland, and even Antarctica, making it a must-visit event for all travel enthusiasts.
Czarina Ledesma-Cabuñag: Finding Inspiration and Balance in Travel
Traveling is often a getaway for most, but for Czarina Ledesma-Cabuñag, it is also a source of rejuvenation that sparks new business ideas and creative solutions. “Traveling recharges me, reminding me that the world is vast and full of dreams and opportunities beyond Manila,” she reflects. One of her most memorable experiences was a destination wedding that took her from Portugal to Spain, with cherished moments shared among close friends and family. “The memories made with our guests were unforgettable, and I’m incredibly grateful for that time together,” she says, offering special thanks to her friend Chal for hosting and helping with the arrangements.
Apart from her role in TRAVELHOOD, Czarina is deeply involved in various ventures, from the construction industry to promoting guided homeschooling—a hybrid education model she believes will help create future-ready individuals. “In a rapidly changing world, I believe this system is crucial for preparing our children for the future,” she explains. She also manages part of the wellness department at Medical City, is a partner in Havaianas Boracay, and serves as a Kagawad for Barangay Forbes. As a mother, Czarina embraces travel as an educational tool for her nine-year-old son, Julio. “Being in the actual location makes learning more exciting and memorable for him,” she notes.
Reflecting on the importance of balance in travel, she advises, “Sometimes, just relaxing at a coffee shop or enjoying a museum is the best way to experience a place. It allows you to enjoy the view and the people with you more as well.” As she looks to the future, Czarina is excited about the evolving travel industry, predicting a surge in niche markets and more family-friendly destinations. At TRAVELHOOD, she’s especially looking forward to sharing exclusive deals on both local and international travel, and the thrill of their auction, where incredible experiences are just a bid away.
On Travelhood and Elevating the Travel Experience
Travelhood isn’t just another travel fair; it’s an experience crafted for the discerning, open-minded traveler. Founded in 2014 by event specialist Czarina Ledesma-Cabuñag and travel industry veteran Chal Lontoc-Del Rosario, Travelhood was born from a shared passion for creating a community of travelers seeking unique and elevated experiences. “We wanted to create a travel fair that’s more curated to our taste for travels with real good deals,” they shared. Over the years, it has earned a reputation for offering exclusive travel deals and hosting the Philippines’ only live travel auction, bringing a fun and engaging atmosphere to travel enthusiasts.
After a pandemic hiatus, Travelhood is back with renewed excitement and a fresh perspective, now joined by Claud Baron-Paulino of Retail Lab, who brings a focus on curated resorts, unique itineraries, and uncovering hidden gems. “This is the new Travelhood. We cater to the discerning traveler, the jet-setter, and the explorer who craves more than just a good deal,” they explained.
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