I’m doing my PhD in anthropology at the University of Virginia. I specialize in medical anthropology, so technically I *study* medicine, but I don’t think I’ll ever actually *do* medicine...

Originally I’m from Manila, a huge city of more than 12 million people. For a while I also lived in Paris and Budapest for graduate school. I travel a lot because of my work, and I’m always excited to meet new people wherever I go.

I’m easy to be with, I like having a good conversation over a beer (I don’t drink coffee—I’ve somehow developed an intolerance to caffeine!), and I’m always curious about other people’s cultures, stories, and experiences!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I frequently travel alone, and I am always thrilled to discover a new city and meet the people who live in them and who can host me during my stay!

I would also be delighted to host people who wish to explore Charlottesville, home to the University of Virginia whose campus is the only one in the world that’s included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, as well as the rest of the historic state of Virginia. I also live 2-3 hours away from Washington, DC.

Interests

• beer
• anthropology
• languages
• statistics
• volunteering
• travel
• counseling
• france
• germany
• data science
• philippines
• hungary
• epidemiology
• global health
• southeast asia
• academia
• medical anthropology

Music, Movies, and Books

Wow, this is really tough! Off the top of my head, in no particular order:

Music: U2, Coldplay, The XX, London Grammar, José Gonzalez, Parov Stelar

Movies: Stranger Things, Dark, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Six Feet Under, Please Like Me, Lovesick

Books: Michael Cunningham’s novels especially Flesh and Blood

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

As a medical anthropologist, I volunteered for an HIV prevention clinic in Manila as a trainer and counselor for a year. It was quite an experience meeting different people, listening to their stories, and sharing possibly life-changing knowledge with them.

Teach, Learn, Share

I have nine years of experience in teaching languages (English, French, Italian).

Currently trying to learn German!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can prepare a nice Southeast Asian dinner for you!
You can also practice your English (or French) with me. I can also proofread or translate documents like school papers, job application letters and CVs, if you’re into that...

I have also travelled quite a bit in Europe and Southeast Asia and would love to share travel tips!

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Netherlands, Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, Hungary, Italy, Philippines, United States