{"id":57277,"date":"2015-07-31T22:00:17","date_gmt":"2015-07-31T14:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/?p=57277"},"modified":"2015-08-02T14:50:31","modified_gmt":"2015-08-02T06:50:31","slug":"global-filipino-dr-deo-baraan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/2015\/07\/31\/global-filipino-dr-deo-baraan\/","title":{"rendered":"Global Filipino: Dr. Deo Baraan"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>For many medical professionals, traveling is a luxury that nobody has time for. But for Dr. Amadeus Baraan, it is a necessity to keep him sane.<\/p>\n<p>Fondly called \u2018Deo\u2019 by friends and family, he fell in love with traveling\u2014oddly enough\u2014in medical school because he believes \u201cyouth only comes once.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_57281\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-57281\" style=\"width: 636px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/DEO-BARAAN-3.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-57281\" src=\"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/DEO-BARAAN-3.png\" alt=\"\u201cIn my life, the magic of travel will never fade. It is an addiction with one simple cure: Travel More -- Grandeur Traveler style!\u201d (@grandeurtraveler \/ Instagram) \" width=\"636\" height=\"637\" srcset=\"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/DEO-BARAAN-3.png 636w, https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/DEO-BARAAN-3-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/DEO-BARAAN-3-300x300.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 636px) 100vw, 636px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-57281\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">\u201cIn my life, the magic of travel will never fade. It is an addiction with one simple cure: Travel More &#8212; Grandeur Traveler style!\u201d (@grandeurtraveler \/ Instagram)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Traveling \u2018keeps me sane\u2019<\/strong><br \/>\n\u201cMy first semi-backpacking trip to Europe fueled my wanderlust,\u201d Deo recalled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI actually started traveling when I was young, but the peak of my travel was in college and medical school. When I finally finished medical school, I decided that my mind and body needed a break,\u201d he added, so he took a few trips around the United States as well.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy love for travel grew stronger and nothing could stop it,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<p>Today, Deo is currently training as a dermatologist in a Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) accredited hospital in Manila where he serves as the chief resident.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDespite my seemingly impossible schedule, I make sure that most weekends (especially the long ones) are devoted to traveling. Those days keep me sane,\u201d Deo explained.<\/p>\n<p>But how does he balance his demanding workload and his love of traveling?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPeople always wonder how I can juggle all my work, but the secret is quite simple. At the end of the day, it\u2019s all about time management,\u201d he answered.<\/p>\n<p>\u201dThe thought of getting stuck and having regrets was the most frightening thing,\u201d he said. \u201cI always told myself I didn\u2019t want to spend most of my prime years in the hospital.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>The birth of the Grandeur Traveler<\/strong><br \/>\nHis passion for traveling gave birth to his successful website \u201c<a href=\"http:\/\/www.grandeurtraveler.com\">Grandeur Traveler<\/a>\u201d where he documents his trips. In fact, he considers his website as his \u201cbiggest investment aside from [his] medical career.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He\u2019s also gained quite a following on social media because of his amusing stories and gorgeous photos. As of posting, Deo has over 46,000 \u2018Likes\u2019 on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/grandeur-traveler\">Facebook<\/a> and more than 4,900 followers on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/grandeurtraveler\">Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDocumenting my travels through my travel blog was a product of passion. It seemed like a natural course,\u201d he shared. \u201cThere was something about blogging before the rise of social media that made it more personal. In a way, that made it more exciting. I wanted to share my stories, both the good and the bad. I eventually learned how to take better photos since it was a necessary skill for a blogger.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Today, Deo said that he couldn\u2019t travel without his iPhone, DSLR camera, and powerbanks (yes, plural) because he loves taking photos so much.<\/p>\n<p>On Deo\u2019s website is his catchphrase: \u201cBecause traveling is anything but ordinary,\u201d which is one of the reasons how his moniker\u2014the Grandeur Traveler\u2014came to be. But if he\u2019s all about grandeur, does that mean money\u2019s no problem when it comes to traveling?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cConsidering my career as a travel blogger, I would say that this \u2018job\u2019 has helped me save money,\u201d he said. \u201cI don\u2019t necessarily have techniques on saving money, but I think the best advice I can give is to be smart about travel.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Deo was gracious enough to share his traveling tips with us.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFirst, when I book hotels, I am always loyal to one booking engine. You can become a VIP member and you get special rates and discounts. The same concept goes for airlines. You need to stick to one that has good partnership with other airlines. I also use my credit cards that have the best travel programs and benefits,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n<p>He also pointed out that he\u2019s received sponsorships from various establishments, which enabled him to travel more.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThrough my blog, I have received a lot of sponsors that have literally taken me to many beautiful places, from Palawan to Los Angeles. I consider myself lucky in that sense,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_57280\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-57280\" style=\"width: 637px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/DEO-BARAAN-2.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-57280\" src=\"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/DEO-BARAAN-2.png\" alt=\"Doc Deo Baraan touring the breathtaking Taj Mahal temple in India. (@grandeurtraveler \/ Instagram)\" width=\"637\" height=\"637\" srcset=\"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/DEO-BARAAN-2.png 637w, https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/DEO-BARAAN-2-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/DEO-BARAAN-2-300x300.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 637px) 100vw, 637px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-57280\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Doc Deo Baraan touring the breathtaking Taj Mahal temple in India. (@grandeurtraveler \/ Instagram)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Captivating destinations, daring adventures<\/strong><br \/>\nDeo has traveled extensively within the Philippines and even abroad, but when asked about his favorite destination in the country, he had only one place in mind.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEl Nido (Palawan) is on the top of my list,\u201d he said without batting an eyelash.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll those towering limestones, pristine waters, sandy beaches and secret coves are the ingredients of the perfect tropical getaway,\u201d he explained. \u201cI once heard a tourist say, \u2018I can\u2019t believe something like this exists in the world.\u2019 I couldn\u2019t agree more with him.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Aside from El Nido, Bohol is Deo\u2019s second favorite spot in the country.<\/p>\n<p>\u201c[Bohol] has a captivating geographical landscape, unique fauna, and laidback atmosphere that will make you want to live there,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>Despite having reached numerous destinations, Deo still has dream destinations\u2014three to be exact.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI still want to see Morocco and get lost in its culture and history. I am thrilled that this trip will be happening later during this year. Galapagos Islands and Antarctica\u2014two destinations that have a special place in my travel book, will hopefully be next,\u201d he answered.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI [also] want to explore more of India again soon,\u201d he adds. \u201cMy trip there a few months ago has opened my eyes to India&#8217;s unique way of living\u2014something that I have never strongly felt in other countries\u2026 India is a feast for the senses.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAside from the beautiful chaos and its people&#8217;s spirituality, I have found the life of the Maharajas particularly interesting. I may have one in my past life,\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n<p>While staying in Oberoi in India, Deo said he would never forget what one of his fellow guests told him. Deo shared, \u201c[She said,] \u2019People go to India to find themselves but it is India who ends up finding them.\u2019 It is what I may have unknowingly wanted to get from traveling.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He adds, \u201cI don\u2019t think traveling will ever end for me. Even after seeing some of my dream destinations, there\u2019s always something out there that will continue to inspire, fascinate and move me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>When asked about his most dangerous and\/or daring escapade, Deo recalled his trip to Bohol.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Plunge in Danao Adventure Park in Bohol was quite mad,\u201d he said, referring to the three-second free fall where you swing like a pendulum.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere was a silent scream from start to end,\u201d he shared.<\/p>\n<p>But when it comes to his most unforgettable trip, he always goes back to the place where he first fell in love with traveling.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll my travels are unforgettable\u2014especially my recent trip to India and Maldives\u2014but nothing could beat my first trip to Europe because curiosity got the best of me,\u201d he answered.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen I went to the Red Light District near Moulin Rouge, I decided to enter one of the \u2018clubs\u2019 there with so much naivet\u00e9 that it almost got me killed. And before that, we got mugged in Amsterdam, and my things were stolen at the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris,\u201d Deo shared.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was Murphy\u2019s Law at its best,\u201d he said, adding that since his European trip, he has \u201cbecome a wiser traveler.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_57282\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-57282\" style=\"width: 637px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/DEO-BARAAN-4.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-57282\" src=\"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/DEO-BARAAN-4.png\" alt=\"Doc Deo at the famous Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia (@grandeurtraveler \/ Instagram)\" width=\"637\" height=\"634\" srcset=\"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/DEO-BARAAN-4.png 637w, https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/DEO-BARAAN-4-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/DEO-BARAAN-4-300x300.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 637px) 100vw, 637px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-57282\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Doc Deo at the famous Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia (@grandeurtraveler \/ Instagram)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>What\u2019s next for Doc Deo?<br \/>\n<\/strong>With the success of his travel blog and his residency program\u2019s nearing conclusion, what\u2019s next for Doc Deo?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor now, I am just finishing my residency program, which will be done in a few months. If everything falls in its proper place, I will start my dream clinic,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>So what does this have to do with his traveling?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSince I will be controlling my time, I can have bigger plans for my blog. Perhaps I can get writers to contribute for my site. I have always wanted to have an online magazine.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Oh, that. That\u2019s a great plan. But how would Doc Deo encourage Filipinos\u2014and foreign tourists\u2014to go out and explore the Philippines?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor Filipinos and foreigners alike, I always say the same thing: An open mind is important,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBeyond the traffic and the urban pollution, this country\u2019s natural beauty is unparalleled and mesmerizing. You only need to start exploring one place and you will just fall in love with this country,\u201d Deo shared.<\/p>\n<p>For those who are struggling to find the inspiration to travel or starting their own travel blog, Deo says, \u201cLove everything you do. Everything stems from that\u2026 In my life, the magic of travel will never fade\u2026 It is an addiction with one simple cure\u2013travel more, Grandeur Traveler style! \u201c<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For many medical professionals, traveling is a luxury that nobody has time for. But for Dr. Amadeus Baraan, it is &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":44,"featured_media":57281,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-57277","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-filipino-canadian-in-focus","mauthors-ching-dee","mauthors-philippine-canadian-inquirer"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57277","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/44"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=57277"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57277\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/57281"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=57277"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=57277"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=57277"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}