I spent a significant amount of my life in education from being a classroom teacher to supervising education programs and now back to being a classroom teacher in one of the inner city schools in the Bay Area. In between, I have volunteered in some civil society organizations mostly focusing on education-related programs. At some point, I tried corporate jobs but realized that I thrive better in the education sector.

Outside work, I love to travel and explore new places, learn more about cultures, meet people, and exchange stories. I believe that stories are powerful and each story has the power to change the world. There is so much that we can learn from each other to build tolerance where people from diverse backgrounds can live in a more pluralistic society and a more livable world.

MY TRAVEL PHILOSOPHY
I believe that travel is not a luxury; it's a necessity for a richer, more connected life. Traveling broadens our perspectives and opens us to the beauty and diversity of the world. It’s not just about visiting beautiful tourist spots but truly immersing in the unique identity and culture of each place. I aim to experience destinations as a whole, not as an outsider looking in but as a part of the local rhythm. For me, travel is about engaging deeply with the lives of locals and fellow travelers, learning from their stories, sharing moments, and building connections. Each journey is a chance to grow and celebrate our shared humanity!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

The idea of Couchsurfing is very close to the Filipino Bayanihan culture. It is a beautiful and significant part of my culture, symbolizing a strong sense of community, unity, and mutual support. Rooted in the Filipino word bayani, which means "hero" or "community spirit," bayanihan reflects the Filipino ideal of working together toward a common goal without expecting anything in return.

Traditionally, bayanihan was exemplified in rural communities when neighbors would come together to help a family move their bahay kubo (nipa hut) to a new location. Men would carry the house on their shoulders using bamboo poles, carefully transporting it while women and children supported in other ways, such as preparing food and water for everyone involved. This practice embodied the Filipino values of compassion, cooperation, and communal effort.

Beyond the literal house-moving tradition, bayanihan represents the Filipinos' readiness to lend a hand in times of need, especially in the face of adversity. Whether through volunteerism, disaster relief, or simply offering support to friends and neighbors, bayanihan continues to be an enduring symbol of Filipino solidarity. In modern Filipino society, bayanihan is visible during calamities when communities, individuals, and organizations rally to support victims, showing their resilience and deep-rooted commitment to helping one another.

Like how Bayanihan reminds Filipinos that everyone has the power to be a hero, especially when they contribute to the well-being of their community, Couchsurfing reminds me of the power that communities could bring.

Interests

Outdoor activities, books, culture

• culture
• books
• design
• interior design
• crafts
• gardening
• traveling
• mathematics

Music, Movies, and Books

I listen to random music although I prefer Matchbox 20, Script, Maroon 5 and reggae music. Jason Mraz is chill. Recently, indie music has gone into my Spotify playlist.

The Count of Montecristo is a classic! The Alchemist is timeless! Carl Sagan’s Pale Blue Dot has transformed how I see the world we live in, the universe and our place in it. In between, I like Michio Kaku’s, Richard Dawkin’s, and Stephen Hawking’s! John Grisham also got into me at some point.

I watched the Inception twice and I can watch it a couple times more! Star Wars fan! Ruroni Kenshin!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I moved to different countries (Thailand and the US) to teach students whose cultures are very different from my own.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach about Filipino culture (language, food, etc.). Philippines speaks more than 80 languages with distinct variations and we developed our variety of English as an English-speaking country in Asia. I can also offer to tutor foundational Math and some concepts and principles on math and math education. I am keen at learning about other cultures and perspectives with an ultimate goal of understanding people on a deeper sense.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Just let me know if there is anything I could help you with and I will be happy to lend a hand. In one of my Couchsurfing experiences, I offered to tutor my host's children who were home-schooled. I can also cook and share random recipes with love! I love plants and gardening so if you need a hand to do some gardening and any plant-related stuff, I could help. I can also be that handyman you might need. :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Cambodia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Philippines, Thailand, United States