13/05/2026
Ilocos Sur Native and Nurse Amir Savellano Completes Journey Across All 82 Philippine Provinces
After years of meaningful exploration across the archipelago, Amir Alexander Dennis M. Savellano, also known as “The Traveling Spoon Chef Amir,” has officially completed visiting all 82 provinces of the Philippines, becoming the 307th recorded finisher of the Project82 journey.
Born and raised in the municipality of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur on December 20, 1972, Amir considers Ilocos Sur not only the first province on his Project82 journey, but the very foundation of his identity. Having spent his entire life in his hometown, the province remains deeply rooted in his personal story and lifelong journey.
His final province visit became a deeply emotional and symbolic conclusion. On May 12, 2026, Amir officially completed his Project82 journey in Bantayan Island, Cebu. While many travelers also choose the island as their final stop, Amir shared that his decision was guided entirely “by heart and soul,” making the milestone even more meaningful.
Amir’s passion for travel began long before his provincial quest. While working in Saudi Arabia in 2009, he spent much of his free time traveling internationally and exploring different parts of the world. But despite being a globetrotter, he eventually realized that he had yet to fully discover the beauty of his own homeland.
The realization stayed with him for years. Inspired by the saying about not becoming a stranger in one’s own country, Amir decided that once he completed his overseas contract in 2023, he would dedicate himself to exploring every province in the Philippines. From that moment on, international flights were replaced with local adventures across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Behind his love for exploration were also the strong influences of his parents, whom he described as true world travelers. Seeing albums filled with photographs from their journeys around the globe inspired him from an early age. He also looked up to his father, who served as a Chartered President of the Jaycees, whose leadership and passion for connecting with people further motivated Amir to embrace travel and cultural discovery.
For Amir, traveling was never just about visiting landmarks or checking destinations off a list. Instead, his journeys became opportunities to immerse himself in the lives of different Filipino communities. He spent time understanding local traditions, observing everyday life, and appreciating the rich diversity of cultures across the country.
One of the things he valued most was Filipino cuisine. According to Amir, food serves as a living reflection of history and identity, an edible story that reveals the roots, struggles, and traditions of every community he visited. Through every province, he discovered not only flavors but also the spirit of the people behind them.
Now approaching his 54th birthday this December, the nurse and passionate traveler from Cabugao joins the growing community of Filipinos who have successfully completed the challenge of visiting all 82 Philippine provinces, carrying with him countless memories, friendships, and stories gathered from every corner of the nation.
Congratulations, Amir Savellano, on completing your inspiring Project82 journey!
