Some travel to discover themselves, others travel to escape. For travel show host Milo Anzo, traveling can be a little bit of both and more.
Born to a poor family in Pandacan, Manila, Anzo had initially thought that traveling was only meant for the opulent. He said the farthest he had gone to was Baguio City and that was during a dance meet way back in high school. Despite the situation, his foremost wish was that of traveling to new places. “We didn’t have any money for travel, so I can’t go where I wanted to,” he said. “So, I focused on my studies first and worked for my dream.”
He took up a business course, but he got involved into acting, and once thought of taking up theater acting in college. Unfortunately, his mom couldn’t continue supporting his studies because she was retrenched from her job, forcing him to quit school. He needed to make a living, so when an opportunity to work in China came, he grabbed the chance.
“The first time I really traveled abroad was when I worked as a teacher in China for three years,” Anzo said. “Although I was in a different country, I admit that I adjusted easily. The people there, of course, didn’t know how to speak the English language, but I was able to cope.”
After saving some money, he decided to come home and complete his studies. Several months past graduation, he was offered an opportunity to host his first travel show, which brought him and his team to different places around the country, such as Surigao del Norte, Eastern Samar, Palawan and Cebu, among others.
When that show folded, he hosted another travel show and, finally, Lost Boy Adventures, which airs every Saturday at 10 a.m. on Studio 23 Sports and Action channel. It gave him an opportunity to visit popular destination, such as Boracay and Palawan. “At that time I couldn’t wait to visit them because I’ve heard so much about these places,” Anzo said. “Every time I travel, I always felt like a kid opening presents.”
Interestingly for a travel show host, Anzo doesn’t really know how to swim and is afraid of heights. He admits that he is afraid of open waters or jumping off a cliff. “The show actually helped me face my fears because I have to do some stunts and stuff I normally wouldn’t dare to try on my own,” he laughs. “While on the job, somehow things worked out for me. Like this one time, in an episode shot in Boracay, I had to go parasailing. Since I can’t swim, I requested from the production team to have a boat ready. I was grateful because they were supportive and assisted me right away after I plunged into the sea. I was really scared, but the experience was exhilarating, too!”
While Lost Boy Adventures is, indeed, a travel show, it’s also a lifestyle magazine show that features success stories of ordinary people. One of the most memorable experiences Anzo has had with his work is when he visited a community involved with mining activities. As part of his advocacy, Anzo said, “I am actually against irresponsible mining. I learned that from the show. We really need to take care of our environment because it’s the only place that we live in.”
In the upcoming episodes, Anzo will feature more of Palawan and Pampanga. “These episodes are quite interesting and exciting, because, aside from the wonderful places we visited, you get to witness the fear in my eyes, especially when I am in the water or up in the sky,” he laughed. “The show is raw in some of its elements.”
“Forced” to travel because of his work assignments, Anzo said he also forced to look at familiar things with a different perspective. He admits, though, he still enjoys travel for the fun of it.
“One time, I traveled by my lonesome without the cameras or crew following me. Palawan has always been my favorite because the waters are crystal clear and the places are so majestic. Everything is so peaceful and calm. So, I came back, checked into a hotel, and explored the islands. I also revisited the restaurants we have featured on our show. I wanted to enjoy the destination at my own pace, making sure every minute counts.”
Where he ended up, it is clear that Anzo couldn’t complain. “I’m now a traveler who hosts by profession and travels for leisure wherever I want to. Life’s sweet and exciting at this point. I would like to take the audience with me on my journeys and share the experience.”