I am Tim (22 years old) studying AB in International Studies at De La Salle University (DLSU) in Manila, Philippines since May 2013. Currently, I am on exchange at Zhejiang University taking MA courses in International Relations in Hangzhou, China. Also studied in Chiang Mai, Thailand (Fall 2015) and New Delhi, India (Summer 2016).

I am a history geek and love films based on historical events. I would also be very interested in knowing about your culture (and personal stories). I used to go boxing back in high school, now I run 5 to 10 km thrice a week. I will stop swimming until it gets warmer in China. I can go to museums, temples, beaches, mountains, and bars - definitely your all-around guy.

During alone time, I read books (usually relating to the social sciences and fiction novels) or surf the Internet. On rare occasions, I play Dota 2. When with friends . . . well, anything can happen.

PHILOSOPHY

The cure for boredom is curiosity. I thirst for knowledge on various subjects - may it be on architecture, business, cultural traditions, food, international issues, or the environment. Also, I keep an open-mind when meeting new people, travelling to different places, and trying new things. I travel not only to consume food and take pictures, but also learn of what makes the world diverse.

2018 GOALS

1. Travel to North Korea.
2. Graduate from DLSU.
3. Reach HSK (Level IV) in Mandarin.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am on a student budget when travelling. If I can find a free place to stay, why not? In return, you have my full respect. I have stories to exchange, meals to cook, and a home for you in the Philippines (when I return from exchange).

Interests

• running
• swimming
• international relations
• food
• travelling

Music, Movies, and Books

I do not keep track of my favorite things, so these are what pops out of my head.

MUSIC
Fall Out Boy, Coldplay, Boys Like Girls, Linkin Park, We The Kings, Simple Plan, Mozart, Bob Marley, Adele, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Parachute

MOVIES
Loving Vincent, Black Hawk Down, Argo (2012), 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, Black Mirror Series, On The Job, Harry Potter Film Series, Steve Jobs (2015), White Chicks, Marvel Cinematic Universe Films, Star Wars Film Series, Insidious, The Founding of an Army, God of War (2017), Enemy at the Gates

BOOKS
From Third World to First: The Singapore Story, Why Nations Fail, A Handbook on Philippine Public Diplomacy, World War Z, Around the World In 80 Days, Charm Offensive: How China's Soft Power Is Transforming the World, Henry Kissinger's Diplomacy, The Little Prince, The Forgotten 500: The Untold Story of the Men Who Risked All for the Greatest Rescue Mission of World War II, 1984, Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage, After Dark, Gagamba: The Spider Man, Kafka on the Shore, Percy Jackson & the Olympians Series, The Heroes of Olympus Series, The Kane Chronicles Trilogy, Manual of the Warrior of Light, The Alchemist, By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I ran a full marathon last February 2017. Ask me for more.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can cook Filipino food and trying to learn Mandarin, so if you are a native speaker, feel free to help me!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Stories, home-cooked Filipino food, and my friends from around the world as well.

Countries I’ve Visited

Cambodia, China, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, United States, Vatican City State, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Spain, Thailand