Ditched my stilettos for hiking boots, fancy purses for a 70L backpack, and crazy city life for mountain calm. Trying to live life as bistārī as possible.

Former training and development manager and communication arts professor; currently studying (again!).

I'm careless, reckless, and constantly lost. I'm pretty happy and positive (I think?). I spontaneously blurt out random stuff and/or giggle at the most inappropriate moments, curse in the classroom every 6 seconds, and walk around with food in my hair.

I give the worst advice but I'm a great listener (debatable). I love lounging around and being lazy but sometimes, I get these sudden bursts of crazy and I go completely insane, like a corgi when it gets the zoomies; hide all sharp objects!

I love high heels, anything pink, and anything with kittens, glitters, unicorns, and monkeys. Yes, I'm tiny and I love girly stuff but I can climb mountains, walk for days, pitch tents, make fire, camp in the wilderness, hitchhike, take sketchy 24-hour bus rides, and sleep pretty much anywhere.

I love animals, poetry, languages, customs, traditions, cultures, and people. I love talking to strangers and doing anything I haven't done before. I will literally try everything at least once.

I haven't fought off lions with a kitchen chair and fished using my bare hands but they're on my list.

Oh, and food! I love food. Food is life.

Bistārī. Bistārī.

Current Missions:
बिस्तारी बिस्तारी.
Kick ass, change lives, make the world a better place.

Stuff I've Done Recently:
2-year backpacking trip
2-year teaching gig
Everest!
Nepal

Stuff I've learned so far:
Fear is stupid but there’s no need for you to conquer ALL your fears in ONE day.
(Take it easy.)

Be different. Embrace your weirdness.
(Well-behaved women rarely make history!)

Family will drive you crazy.
(Don't fight it. Get used to it.)

Life is one big joke; so laugh.
(And laugh often.)

Perfection is overrated.
(So is tangle-free hair.)

Being silly is awesome.
(Bring glitters everywhere.)

Keep your friends close and your enemies away.
(Ain't nobody got time for negativity and drama!)

Learn something new each day.
(Yes, even pointless stuff like tips on how to lick your own elbow! It might come in handy someday.)

Don’t be afraid to get lost and take your sweet time finding your way back.
(Or don't. Stay lost. Being lost is fun!)

Make friends everywhere you go.
(People, animals, inanimate objects, all of the above.)

Practical isn't always going to make you happy.
(Eat that chocolate cake! )

Push your boundaries a little bit further everyday.
(Go that extra mile!)

Don’t wait for anyone to make your dreams come true.
(Fucking do it yourself!)

Positivity is NOT overrated.
(If it can be solved, why worry? If it can't be solved, why worry?)

Just wing it.
(Bahala na si Batman!)

Use your advantages.
(For the benefit of others!)

Relish your alone time.
(Sometimes, it's healthy to eat by yourself.)

When a door closes, don't settle for a window, break the fucking door!
(And break it good!)

Do not underestimate the power of stories.
(They can inspire, educate, and open new doors.)

It only seems impossible.
(Until you get off your ass and do it.)

Everything is impermanent.
(Whatever it is, it'll pass. Chill.)

The happiness of others is in our hands. It's our responsibility.

All beings are the same; all want to be happy and prevent suffering.

Live bistārī, bistārī. (Slowly, slowly.)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love meeting people who love life, traveling, and adventures. Tell me about your country. Share your travel stories with me! Show me pictures! Inspire me!

Interests

Dogs and cats. Doing random and totally spontaneous things. Coffee. Books. Meditation. Yoga. Writing. Lipstick. Talking to strangers and animals. (Yes. I talk to animals and, sometimes, other inanimate objects.) Coffee. Dolls. Anything Batman-related. Dogs, cats, and other furry animals. Climbing mountains. Camping. The ocean! Rice. Good Food. Long chats. Coffee. Cultures, traditions, and festivals. Rice. Anything colorful. Ooh, and glitters! I love glitters!

• animals
• cats
• dogs
• writing
• books
• festivals
• dining
• cooking
• chocolate
• coffee
• yoga
• meditation
• traveling
• socializing
• backpacking
• camping
• rock climbing
• languages
• psychology
• mountains
• feminism
• gender equality
• marxism

Music, Movies, and Books

Music
Classical - for studying
Salsa - for doing chores
Boybands - for when I'm feeling cute
Showtunes or rap - for everything else

Movies
Political dramas, Action films

Books
I'm a total nerd. I'll read anything. Yes, even that pamphlet you got at the waxing salon. Give it to me!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

It's hard to name just one! But if I had to, it has to be reaching Everest Base Camp in Nike trainers and a rain jacket with no innate strength, training, preparation, and insurance at all. Yep. I must be insane and/or suicidal.

Teach, Learn, Share

I don't have a lot but whatever I do have; I'm willing to share. Just ask nicely. Halfsies on everything!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can cook one dish. But if it's awesome, one is all you need!

Countries I’ve Visited

Brazil, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Philippines, Taiwan