I was born and raised in the Philippines then I moved to Australia in 2010. I lived and worked there for over 6 years and when I quit my last job, I had to decide whether I should finally pursue my dream to live in Spain or to get another job. I am now living in Madrid, so I'm making most of my time exploring Europe while I'm still here! A city becomes fascinating when I learn about its history and culture but more so when I hear interesting secrets and funny stories about the people and the city's past. I absolutely love to eat, drink (and laugh) so I love trying local favorites and going to markets.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I used to work corporate but my sense of adventure hit me and I decided to quit and move to Spain so now I'm an English teaching assistant to pre-school kids, which doesn't really pay well :) I would normally book a hostel or airbnb but I found myself one day just needing a place to shower or have a quick rest before hitting the road again and with my current job, I thought I'd give couchsurfing a try and rely on the kindness of strangers to save a bit and to be able to explore more :) PS I can cook for you if you like! PPS I know my profile says I can't host, which is unfortunate and is due to my current living situation where I am sharing a house. I am proud to say that I have hosted a lot of friends when I still had my own apartment in Sydney, and will open my house as soon as I get my own place (or roommates who don't mind guests).

Interests

• culture
• wine
• beer
• traveling
• food

Music, Movies, and Books

Love most types of music, from classical to pop, depending on my mood, except heavy metal. I enjoy going to karaoke despite not being so blessed with a voice of an angel :) I also love movies, if I have to give favourites it would be Shawshank Redemption, Pulp Fiction, Schindler's List, The Fight Club... oh so many!!! My favourite author is Neil Gaiman and I've read most his books. I also love The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit, Game of Thrones (George RR Martin should write faster!) and of course, Harry Potter! :)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Being born in the Philippines from a non-wealthy family is very limiting. The politics and the culture pull you away from making a better life and getting out. I'm lucky to have intelligent parents, who instilled good values in me and encouraged me to think for myself and live my life. I suppose I'm proud that I was able to leave and make a better life in Australia, and also to be able to see as much of the world as I can. I don't have money but I'm rich in experiences and I am full of love and kindness every day. It's not one thing I've done, but the little things I do every day.

Teach, Learn, Share

1. love yourself
2. be fearless
3. be joyful and laugh
4. life is a gift - not a chore, enjoy life
5. be yourself
6. be grateful
7. ask
8. be kind, it doesn't cost you anything

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can cook for you, give you tips about places I've visited (I'm an obsessive-compulsive researcher) and we can share a laugh and a chat over a glass of wine or beer.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Fiji, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Laos, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Vatican City State, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Philippines, Spain