Discover & explore more exciting places with Drew

Contrary to what people think about him being a hodophile and always on the lookout for new adventures, Drew Arellano would like to make it clear that he’s just out of the house twice a week for work even before the coronavirus pandemic.

“So ever since naman, I’ve always been a ‘househusband,’” quipped Drew who is a loving husband to Iya Villania and a responsible dad to their three kids: Antonio Primo, four; Alonzo Leon, two; and Alana Lauren, four months. “So, nothing really changed (when pandemic hit). It’s just a little bit more time with the family which definitely is not something to complain about.”

Drew sees it vital to connect with his kids more often to know them well — how they’re growing up, what their likes and dislikes — and that also “makes your relationship get deeper day by day.”

Thus, Drew found it tough to answer when asked about his struggles during the height of the pandemic because he’s among the lucky few who didn’t find any anxiety-producing situations while staying at home all day.

“The quarantine gave us more reasons to be happy with the kids; true happiness kaya parang it’s hard to think kung naging challenging for me (the hard lockdown). All I can say is, being with my family means more happy times. We’re very happy having three kids.”

It was only a couple of days ago when Drew began going out of the house to once again discover and explore exciting places in the country as Biyahe Ni Drew (BND) returned to primetime slot of GMA News TV last Nov. 13. In the coming weeks (Friday nights at 9:15), new episodes are set to treat televiewers to breathtaking sights and adrenaline-pumping adventures.

The Asian Artists Agency, Inc. (AAAI) talent also agreed that there is nothing like stretching your legs again and getting some fresh air. He is aware that a lot of people are still wrapping their heads with the idea of traveling but by following to the letter the safety protocols and health guidelines of LGUs, Drew assured that it is safe to travel.

“We (with the BND team) always wear masks, we always wash our hands and we do social distancing but more than these parang the mindset now is alam mo this could actually work. Ako, personally, it’s not about working anymore but this (show) is now like an advocacy of informing people on how to travel during this time of uncertainty — what is allowed to do and what are the things to bring para makapasok? I think these are the questions na nasa utak ng mga tao so these are some of the things that we also want to inform the audience.”

Part of their preparation prior to visiting a place is outsourcing stringers from faraway places to know the guidelines strictly being implemented. “’Pag ganun, of course, I have to work from home because I just can’t fly yet. So far, it’s not challenging at all. It’s been different but at the same time it’s very exciting to share with the people what we know and what they can actually enjoy again.”

Asked to give tips before planning on a travel, Drew replied, “I travel because of my work that doesn’t seem like work (laughs). I can say that anyone can be a biyahero and there are so many ways to enjoy even on a budget. But it would be nice to keep in mind that when you travel now, you travel with a purpose.”