Jojie Alcantara in Agusan Marsh photo by Rein Navarro
JOJIE ALCANTARA is a Filipina writer and photographer who dabbles between photography and the arts. Armed with her Canon DSLR cameras, dental floss, asthma inhaler, and a dash of reckless bravado, she discovers and documents exciting, unheard of places in her personal quest to promote the islands of the Philippines, particularly Mindanao. Her passion for travel and photography has brought her to places in Asia but her most rewarding trips were the unknown islands in her country where she encounters enchanting places, queer folks, strange rituals and suspicious, inedible-looking food.
This solo traveler is constantly inspired by discoveries in life, views failures and mistakes as minor setbacks, and continuously reinvents herself as she moves on.
This proud Dabawenya is a dog lover and horror fanatic whose images and stories are featured in her lifestyle column in local SunStar Davao (running since 1994), national (Manila Bulletin’s Travel Section and Picture Perfect), and international publications (Mabuhay Magazine, Smile Magazine, 7,107 Islands Mag, etc.).
In 2006, she had her 15 minutes of fame globally among Pinoys when her collection of funny signs during travel went viral in cyberworld, and national TV networks (Mel & Joey, Boy & Kris, and Lucy Torres’ Gomez talk show) caught on. She is preparing to launch her new unpublished set soon.
She accepts commissioned projects but prefers to keep to herself, or work from home and travel. She gives workshops, speaking engagements, and contributes materials for Mindanao tourism. Currently, her photos are in the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” National Campaign by the Department of Tourism.
She has bagged awards and prizes in both national and international photo competitions, but is now more frequently invited to be a judge.
Her recent achievements: Bravo Filipino: Artisans at Work photo exhibit sponsored by the Ayala Foundation and Filipinas Heritage Library, along with 6 other photographers which include Don Jaime Zobel and actor Piolo Pascual (2010)
Product endorsements include: Ace Choco Munch (a TV ad that ran for 3 years); the new Nokia N8 for Smart Communications print ad in Preview Magazine Dec. 2010 issue along with Basti Artadi (Wolfgang) and commercial director Sid Maderazo; Crepelato Ice Cream for a billboard; MX3 Products on print and TV; Maggi Magic Sarap TV ad on October 2011; and Aromacology Sensi products.
Her photo of Mount Mayon from an aerial view has landed the cover of Mabuhay Magazine’s May 2011 issue. Another cover photo was that of actor Sam Milby in M Magazine, Davao City former Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio, and recently, a cover photo of Tawi-Tawi in 7,107 Islands Magazine. View more of her published works here.
FEATURED IN MANILA BULLETIN’S PICTURE PERFECT ON February 16, 2010 – Photographer of the Week, Jojie Alcantara
Feb 2010 – Photographer of the Week, Jojie Alcantara
To read more about her profile, visit her other inspirational travel photoblog called The Scene Stealer.
The Scene Stealer, a photoblog by Jojie Alcantara
JOJIE ALCANTARA is a Filipina writer, photographer and artist who leads a double life. One is a stay-at-home recluse of an artist. The other self is a solo traveler out to document unexplored parts of her beautiful islands. In between snippets of rest from a 24/7 duty, she blogs, surfs, watches horror movies at midnight, hosts TV specials, and continues to mourn her loss by wearing Michael Jackson shirts and memorabilia. How she juggles her time remains to be a mystery. 
hi jojie,
because of your blog, i went to see the agusan marsh and “lolong”. also to tinuyan falls, enchanted river, tinago island hopping.
Let me thank you by advising you about:
@municipality of kalayaan/spratlys
councillor noel osorio 09391735239 invited me to join them on 25nov. its a resupply/repair expedition for 15days at least. maybe you can travel there too. contact him directly.
thanks
bong avena
09228886666
renato_avena@yahoo.com
Bong, that sounds like an exciting trip for you, congratulations on the invit.
the idea sounds tempting but 15 days is too long for me to stay out and I already have schedules around that time if ever I would get invited. Still it is good to know my blog has helped you in your choice of travels. Do visit this blog every now and then for updates. And let me know about your trip. 
Best regards,
Jojie
Good Day to you Ms. Jojie
I am a blogger from Agusan Sur and I am very happy reading your article about Agusan Marsh. I just want to know regarding the photo shoot competition, if sino ang nag-organize? Thank you
I’m doing research about the Agusan Marsh
Good day, onyotian, am so sorry for the super delayed reply. I missed this message, juggling several blogs.
As for the organizers of the photo shoot competition, I think it was the group of Atty. Vince Fortun, cousin of Vice Mayor Law Fortun. He is on Facebook.
Hi miss jojie! i’m going to davao this june and planning to tour the whole davao region plus agusan del sur and del norte. i was searching for tourist spots and sample itineraries and that’s how i stumble upon your blog. i was about to disregard other provinces but i was enticed after seeing your pictures. this will definitely serve as my fuel in pushing thru my plan. who knows, i might stumble upon you in person when i reach mati =)
Hi there! I had hope you left your name for me to refer to you but Pinay Travelaholic sounds good enough.
Thanks for dropping a nice message and I wish you well on your adventures in our region. Should you need more references, please feel free to visit my other site: http://www.pbase.com/jojie_alcantara. Take good care and enjoy your trips! 