Marcos Caratao Jr. is a 20-something student who authors the 'Explore Iloilo' blog which aims to provide everyone with "the latest news anddevelopments related to Iloilo." The blog has become successful that it has also spawned 'Explore Boracay' and other projects. More travel talk in the following interview:

1. How did you come up with a site like Exploreiloilo? what were your objectives in coming up with the site?

The idea of making a website about my hometown, Iloilo, started way back in 2002 as a project in high school. Back then, there were only a few websites about anything related to Iloilo.

It concerned me because I know Iloilo has a lot to offer and there was definitely a huge lack of information and promotion on Iloilo in the internet.

Years of developing ways to spread the beauty and progress of Iloilo resulted in ExploreIloilo.com.

2. Please tell us more about your other blogs. What made you decide in focusing on the travel niche?

I have a personal blog over at http://ambot-ah.com, where I post about my latest travels, photo-ops, blogging endeavors, and personal thoughts. I actually decided to focus on the travel niche so that I could have a reason to travel, I just simply love visiting other places and share my experiences with other people in hopes that they too will be able to appreciate the places that I go to.

3. What do you like best about blogging?

Blogging gives ordinary people like me a voice and an audience where they can be heard. People who continue to visit my blogs, have given me a lot of opportunities in life that I would have not gotten otherwise.

4. Your thoughts on blog monetization. Has it been fulfilling so far for you?

Making money from blogs can be very rewarding. I highly reccomend other people interested in blogging to start monetizing their blogs by joining advertisement programs.

However, bloggers should always remember that monetization should not be a priority, it is only a result of being able to offer useful content to visitors.

My blog earnings have been very fullfilling! At first, it has paid for my web hosting and domain registrations, and then after hardwork and dedication, it has even helped me pay for my college tution, internet bills, gadgets, and not to mention my travel expenses.

5. For somebody like me who hasn't been to Iloilo, what do you recommend in terms of sights, sounds, taste?

Iloilo is famous for its heritage sites so I suggest that you take the time to visit the vintage structures of Iloilo such as its grand churches, stately old mansions, and historic districts.

Beautiful white sand beaches and azure blue waters abound in Guimaras Island and the nothern towns of Iloilo such as Carles, Ajuy, and Concepcion. Iloilo's nightlife is alive in Smallville, a whole strip of specialty restaurants, bars, nighclubs, coffee shops, and hotels. Iloilo is also famous for its fresh seafood and for being the home of Batchoy and Pancit Molo, so be sure not to miss out on a food trip when in Iloilo.

6. Supposing you were given the chance to travel to other parts of the country, what places are on your wishlist?

There are still a lot of places I haven't been in the country, I haven't even set foot in Mindanao. I would really love to visit beautiful places in Southern Philippines especially the tropical beaches of Davao, Basilan, and Siargao.

Palawan and Nothern Philippines are also among in my priority wishlist, what I would do to be able to see the Marlboro Hills of Batanes, walk along the historic places in Ilocos, soak up the culture of Ifugao provinces, or immerse myself in the natural beauty of El Nido/Coron.

7. Please name three to four things you can't live without, as a blogger?

I can't go anywhere without my camera, I just can't imagine travelling without it. Having a speedy PC and reliable internet connection is also very important for a blogger.

8. What makes you a fulfilled blogger?

As long as there are people out there still willing to spend time reading what I have to post, I will continue to be fulfilled as a blogger.

If there will come a time that noone visits my blogs then I guess it's just a matter of finding ways to capture the interest of visitors.