UPDATE: We’re excited to be traveling to Japan again this November (our 5th time)! Darwin will be busy with his video projects on some days, while I plan to explore and take walks in nearby areas where we will stay as part of my exercise (I’m currently pregnant with our first baby). We’re looking for kind hosts in Tokyo who can accommodate us for a few days. It would be great if you have time to hang out and maybe join me for a walk! But if not, I can manage. :)

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~We create travel videos showcasing our adventures in Japan. Check them out here: https://www.instagram.com/japans2ries/ :)

~I used to work as a scriptwriter and producer for television documentaries and magazine shows, focusing on Filipino culture and traditions. Now, I’m a freelance writer, video editor, and social media manager. I also teach elementary students writing and photojournalism.

~Traveling is my ultimate energy boost! 😅 Whenever boredom strikes, I find myself searching for cheap flights 🤣 or drafting itineraries for future trips, especially to Japan. I get a thrill from discovering new places and diving into new experiences. I’m a bit of a planner—I love researching destinations in detail. While I sometimes overthink my travels, I’m working on embracing simplicity and learning to live in the moment.

~By the way, I share this account with my fiancé, Darwin. He’s an I.T. specialist and a wedding/event videographer. He’s my adventure partner and takes amazing photos of me along the way! When we travel, we’re not your typical ‘tourist’ travelers. Instead, we love immersing ourselves in the local culture, meeting people, and exploring off-the-beaten-path spots. We’re also passionate about capturing cinematic photos and videos. If you’re interested, we’d be happy to document our travel experiences together!

PROFILE NOTE (HOSTING): I’ve only hosted once, back in April 2023, and it was an amazing experience! We explored some of the most scenic places in my country with our guest. My Japanese surfer, who had hosted me in Japan before, tried to leave me a review, but due to technical issues, it hasn’t shown up on my profile yet. Still, you can check out the photos from our trip here in the Philippines. I’m really looking forward to hosting more travelers in the future!

***Please read home page for additional info :)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

We are eager to connect with locals, explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, and immerse myself in the authentic culture. I also look forward to sharing the rich traditions and beliefs of my own country, fostering a meaningful cultural exchange.

Couchsurfing is beautiful, strangers to friends, sharing experiences and culture. Be kind! :)

Interests

I love history and culture. I want to research about stories from the past. I also find it nice to explore the unique cultures of places to truly know their people.

• photography
• movies
• japanese culture
• sento
• onsen
• culture sharing
• studio ghibli
• cherry blossom
• wisteria
• apple picking

Music, Movies, and Books

I really appreciate content and art that offer life lessons and deeper insights.

Movies - Grave of the Fireflies, Coco, Korean Drama "Move to Heaven"
Series: Harry Potter
Books - Tuesdays with Morrie
(I am currently reading "Ikigai" and "I want to Die but I want to Eat Tteokbokki", but I am really not a book person, I am visual person. So I am not done with these yet, but I hope to finish it soon)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

~Before trying couchsurfing, I traveled to Occidental Mindoro for work to climb Mt. Iglit and document the status of our national animal—the tamaraw. These incredible creatures are extinct everywhere else and can only be found in Mindoro. Our team spent 9 hours climbing to the peak, where we spotted the tamaraws through telescopes, though we couldn’t get up close. The hike down took another 9 hours, and while it was exhausting, it was truly one for the books! Unfortunately, I wasn’t fully prepared, and the hike left me with some knee pain that flares up when I try to hike again, but the adventure was unforgettable.

~One of the most amazing experiences I had while couchsurfing was visiting an onsen in Japan with our host. At first, I was really shy and unsure of the process—I thought I could cover myself with a towel, but to my surprise, you have to be fully naked before entering the bath! Thankfully, my host was incredibly caring and guided me through it all. I ended up loving the experience and can’t wait to do it again, hopefully during the winter when I return to Japan with my baby.

Teach, Learn, Share

Let's teach and learn about life. :)

What I Can Share with Hosts

Our photography skills (we often offer to take profile photos of our friends as souvenirs).
We can cook decent meals.
Washing the dishes is my expertise :D
If we can, we also bring souvenirs from the Philippines.

Countries I’ve Visited

China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, Taiwan

Countries I’ve Lived In

Philippines