Philippines

I’m half Filipino, and over the years, I’ve had the chance to explore many incredible regions of the Philippines. From lush jungles to hidden beaches, I’ve experienced the country’s stunning natural beauty firsthand.

Through my travels, I aim to promote tourism by sharing a more authentic and personal perspective—one that goes beyond the typical tourist experience. Speaking Tagalog and having extended family throughout the country gives me unique access to local insights and off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Join me on this journey as I discover the Philippines through the eyes of someone who’s both an insider and an explorer—a proud half-Filipino reconnecting with his roots.

  • Genre

    Tourism

  • Video Style

    Short Impressions Video

  • Region

    Surigao del Norte, Philippines

Siargao

Siargao was named the Best Island in the World by the Reader’s Choice Awards in October 2018—surpassing even Boracay, Palawan, and Bali. Known as a surfer’s paradise, this island has a charm and vibe that’s hard to match.

I feel incredibly lucky to have experienced Siargao before it became a major tourist hotspot. Back then, it was all about raw, untouched nature, laid-back island life, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Definitely a must-visit destination when exploring the Philippines!

  • Genre

    Tourism

  • Video Style

    Vlog

  • Region

    Biliran, Philippines

Province Island Biliran

I visited my extended family in Biliran, where they welcomed me with open arms and gave me a glimpse into their everyday life on the island. With little to no tourism, Biliran remains one of the Philippines’ hidden gems—peaceful, authentic, and largely untouched.

Together, we explored some of the area’s stunning surrounding islands, including Dalutan, Capiñahan, Sambawan, and Higatangan. Each one offered its own unique beauty and charm, making the experience truly unforgettable.

  • Genre

    Tourism

  • Video Style

    Documentary

  • Region

    Cavite, Philippines

In collaboration with:

Philippine Coffee Board Inc.
Kape de Filipina
Commune Café + Bar + Roaster

Kape de Filipina

As a late-blooming coffee enthusiast, I developed a passion for exploring unique and often overlooked coffee flavors. This curiosity led me to dive into the world of Philippine coffee—a once-thriving industry in the 1800s that gradually lost its global prominence due to intense competition and the devastating coffee rust outbreak.

But the story isn’t over. The long-forgotten Filipino coffee bean is quietly making a comeback, with the rare and bold Barako (Liberica) variety leading the charge. With its distinct taste and character, Barako has the potential to carve out a space in the global specialty coffee scene—and maybe even rise to the top once again.

This was a true passion project, and I had an incredible time bringing it to life! Huge thanks to RJ for being my shooting assistant and spreading nothing but good vibes. And a big thank you to ECHOFarms for allowing us to film the coffee-making process and share some insightful interviews.

  • Genre

    Tourism

  • Video Style

    Vlog

  • Region

    Romblon, Philippines

Romblon

I visited a friend and her family in Tablas, Romblon—a peaceful island not far from the tourist hotspot of Boracay. Unlike its famous neighbor, Tablas remains largely untouched by mass tourism. The locals value their privacy and prefer a quieter, more traditional way of life. Public transport is limited, and motorbike rentals are rare, so I felt incredibly lucky to know someone who connected me with a local willing to lend me a bike.

Exploring the island was an adventure in itself. I had entire beaches to myself, spent quality time with friends, and met incredible people who chose to settle here—far from the hustle of the more popular islands. Island life here is truly something else: slower, simpler, and deeply grounding. A whole different story compared to city living!

  • Genre

    Tourism

  • Video Style

    Vlog

  • Region

    Davao, Mindanao, Philippines

In collaboration with:

My Tour Guide:
Jep Matias

Mt. Apo

In this episode, I take on the challenge of climbing the highest mountain in the Philippines—Mount Apo.

We chose the Kapatagan Trail and completed the hike in 3 days and 2 nights, opting for a route that offered a more enjoyable and less stressful experience. Like many mountains in the Philippines, hiking without a tour guide isn’t really an option. But in the case of Mt. Apo, even hiking solo with a guide isn’t allowed. Due to strict regulations, you’re required to join a group, which also means spending quality time with fellow hikers at camp—definitely part of the experience!

  • Genre

    Tourism

  • Video Style

    Vlog

  • Region

    Negros Oriental, Philippines

In collaboration with:

My Tour Guide
Jason Tilos

Mt. Talinis

This was my second attempt to summit Mt. Talinis—my first try was cut short by a typhoon. I was shocked to see how much the trail had been damaged higher up the mountain, but the breathtaking views more than made up for it. The surreal, almost post-apocalyptic landscape around the lake felt like something out of Zombieland—hauntingly beautiful.

On the way down, we were hit by heavy rain and had to navigate slippery, treacherous terrain. Unfortunately, filming in those conditions wasn’t an option—but trust me, it was intense!

  • Genre

    Tourism

  • Video Style

    Short Impressions Video

  • Region

    Iloilo, Philippines

In collaboration with:

Tribu Paghidaet
Tribu Baryohanon

Dinagyang Festival

Huge thanks to Tribu Paghidaet and Tribu Baryohanon for welcoming me into your rehearsals!
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to film the festival up close—it was an unforgettable experience.

Capturing the raw emotions and energy of the dancers from such a close perspective was truly special.
And to the students: thank you for sharing the clip and helping it go viral! I’m honored that you used it for your school projects.

  • Genre

    Tourism

  • Video Style

    Vlog

  • Region

    Negros Oriental, Philippines

Apo Island

When I arrived at Malatapay Wharf, I had no reservation, no plan—just a backpack and a sense of adventure. As a solo traveler, I quickly learned that boats to Apo Island only depart with a minimum of five passengers. Luckily, I found two friendly couples to share a boat with, and off we went.

Apo Island greeted us with warm, welcoming locals—kids playing, people chatting at the billiard hall, and families gathering around the community well. The boats typically dock on one side of the island, while most tourists make their way to the opposite side, where the sea turtles are usually found.

Our visit happened just a day after a storm, so the water was murky, and spotting turtles was a challenge. Still, my guide managed to find a large one, and I was lucky enough to spot a small one on my own.

I highly recommend visiting Apo Island. It’s an affordable adventure, perfect for making new friends and soaking in island life. Just keep in mind that it’s best as a half-day trip—the waves can get pretty rough in the afternoon!