My name is John. I'm gonna be honest, I am diagnosed biploar II. (it's not so bad) It just means that sometimes, I live in existential dread and most often than not, I am the happiest person in the room for no apparent reason.

My self assessment includes me thinking I could be fun to be around. I like to try out new things and find the beauty in intent and execution. I believe that travelling broadens my perspective in life. It lets me see through the life of an individual in a different culture.

My work:
I am a seasoned design professional with varied competencies in marketing, branding, advertising, copywriting, promotions planning and execution. I also have tons of business ideas that I want to see into fruition. I am also a founding partner to a japanese flower shop based in the south metro manila.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

The plight of millennials that live in a third world country: we get a third world salary. Travelling doesn't come easy and I have come to realize how vital it is to invest on experiences rather than material possessions. One thing that you can accomplish while travelling is create meaningful relationships along the way. To quickly summarize, there are two reasons I am on Couchsurfing: (1) it is more economic for budget travellers to look for a host; (2) couchsurfing makes it easier to break the ice with the people who already live in that country. You get to connect with the country you are visiting better than the average tourist and in the process, you create friendships which is something that is priceless.

Interests

Graphic design, photography, food

• design
• graphic design
• music festivals
• japanese food
• basketball
• food
• christianity
• theology

Music, Movies, and Books

I enjoy a diverse range of music and I do not devote myself to a fan base. I like R&B, Indie, Classical, Late Night Jazz, Acoustic. But I suppose if I were to pin down a favorite band, I'd say Phoenix.

I watch a good amount of japanese anime (Code Geass, Gurren Lagann, Hajime no Ippo, Steins;Gate) and some western TV shows (Suits, How to Get Away with Murder, Breaking Bad, Mad Men) and I've even tried watching some Korean dramas (Descendants of the Sun, Doctors, Boys over Flowers)

I don't read much but I am trying to improve my reading comprehension and command a good vocabulary. I am currently reading Sophie's World (it's a thick philosophy novel)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Survive 2 major car accidents without serious injury (except for my upper back). I can tell you all about it if we meet in person.

Teach, Learn, Share

For the most part, I'm confident that I can teach English and if there isn't much of a language barrier, I can probably share some Marketing concepts and some strategies (I really try to be passionate with what I do)

I wanna learn other people's experience and make it my own. (Not in a catfish way) Quoting George Santayana, "Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it." It applies similarly to the history of other people. You can learn from other people so you don't make the same mistake.

What I Can Share with Hosts

The best thing I can give you is a meaningful friendship. I always try to live with purpose and intent. The people I come across so far have made me the person that I am today and I hope I am able to do the same for other people. It is in my interest to make everyone and everything around me better than how I found it.

I can also treat you to a meal and some beers (if you drink).

Countries I’ve Visited

Japan, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Philippines, United States