After losing business during pandemic, man converts tricycle into mobile home and travels with his family

A man in Camarines Norte has captured attention by converting an old and dilapidated tricycle into a fully functional camper home.

Benjo Guzman Dimaandal, a 36-year-old entrepreneur who had to close down multiple businesses due to the pandemic, relocated to the province and seized the opportunity to realize his long-standing dream of embracing the van life. Undeterred by his previous setbacks, Benjo poured his efforts into creating a mobile home.

When he spotted his mother’s old tricycle parked outside their house, inspiration struck, and he began envisioning his dream mobile home. Investing about PHP100,000 (US$1,797.25), he transformed the tricycle into a compact, yet comfortable, roaming home.

Their tricycle camper, dubbed a “Magic Trike,” has a bed, table, sink and a small kitchen. It also has a portable toilet with flush.

In an interview with Philippine Star, Benjo shared that nothing compares to waking up to the sounds of nature during his road trips.

@parttimehippiesph Hindi magsasawa gumising sa sa iba’t ibang lugar. #parttimehippies #vanlife #tricyclediaries #roadlife #fyp #travel #tricyclehouse #relaxing ♬ original sound – Part Time Hippies

“My favorite part is waking up disoriented, not knowing where I am. Then realizing I’m surrounded by the sea, mountains, and rice fields. It’s truly fulfilling for me to be able to live out my dream of van life and the freedom of the open road,” he noted.

Benjo, who runs an online business to sustain his and his family’s lifestyle, has also earned some 47,000 followers on TikTok account as he documents their “tricycle van life.”

He also recently installed an indoor shower.

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@parttimehippiesph Indoor shower sa halagang 1,500. Removable Wrap around shower curtain will be installed as well. Step by step tutorial will be posted on my you stsube. Check comment for the link. #parttimehippies #vanlife #roadlife #tricyclehouse #tricyclediaries #DIY #tutorial ♬ original sound – Part Time Hippies

“Amazing! Our fellow Filipino’s mind is incredible! Hats off to you, sir. It looks fantastic!” commented one netizen.

“A traveling house. That’s the goal!” exclaimed another.

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