I am Vic Ryan Julius Ong, a Filipino raised to love the mountains and the seas in the island of Mindoro. I am a Documentary Filmmaker, exposed to the dualities and polarities of this existence. I am a community organizer, challenged in working with urban as well as tribal communities. I am a farmer, learning about the interconnected fabric of life and sharing it with others. I am a dreamer of a gentler and kinder world.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I hope to connect with other individuals working towards creating a system that is kinder to both man
and nature. One of the most daunting challenge that we have come across in developmental work is in
teaching communities to shift from the linear, consumerist system to a circular regenerative one. I hope
to learn methods of bringing people and communities together.

Interests

We are currently developing a farm and permaculture learning site called Hiraya (Hope) Farm in the
island of Mindoro, Philippines. We are working closely with the nearby community as well as the
Indigenous Tribes of the Region. A major aspect of the project is in promoting the establishment of
backyard gardens for every household, eventually leading to a community garden.

• documentaries
• cycling
• mountaineering
• scuba diving
• filmmaking
• permaculture
• farming

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

While filming deep in the mountains of Mindoro, we had a rare chance of encountering the Bangon tribe that lives fully self sufficient with minimal contact from the outside world. We also managed to film the endangered Tamaraws after days of trekking.

Teach, Learn, Share

Through my experience as a documentary filmmaker, I have developed a deeper understanding of the
Filipino culture and the challenges that we face. I have learned to study systems from different lenses
and formulate possible routes to move it further. My background in Permaculture and natural farming in
the context of the tropics could come in handy.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can offer good conversation, positive energy, and buy them a cold beer.

Countries I’ve Visited

Hong Kong, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

Philippines