CURRENT MISSION: To meet warm and happy people while traveling and hosting!

ABOUT ME: My name is Arvin, living in Manila, Philippines. I lived in Bangkok, Thailand for 3 years. I grew up loving anything about different countries, cultures, languages, and cuisine. Believe it or not, I already memorized all countries' flags and capitals when I was 5 years old. I thought I am a weird person until I met travelers and people who were the same as I am!

I love conversations - you might find me to be energetic and enthusiastic about things. I am currently working in my family's small businesses so I can adjust my schedule if you are around town so I can show you around.

If I am not available for hosting, the best I can offer you is I can pick you in airport and send you wherever your host's location is. It can be overwhelming to use Manila's public transportation system so I am here to offer you some help.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing makes some nice change in our daily routines and it's always great to meet different people from other cultures. I started solo traveling overseas when I was 20 years old and I was a college student that time. I know that a free place to stay might help a fellow traveler who would love to see the world, even with a limited budget.

I started using Couchsurfing way back in 2013 when I was visiting Bangkok, Thailand for the very first time and the rest was history. Since 2013, I've welcomed and toured 145 friends from different countries. Most of them were not on Couchsurfing since I was an admin on Facebook for Southeast Asian travelers.

Interests

Traveling and meeting new people!

• culture
• backpacking
• language exchange
• foods
• europe
• latin america
• southeast asia

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have many amazing stories of my backpacking experiences! Most of them are awaiting for you to listen if you are interested. But here are some you might find interesting:

1. When I was 12 years old, I secretly boarded a provincial bus from Manila to Pangasinan province (a 7 hours bus trip) and I told my parents I will only sleepover in a friend's house for school project.
2. I've visited all Thailand's 77 provinces when I was 24 years old. It is alleged that I am the very first foreigner who was able to do it. (maybe)
3. I've visited all of Southeast Asia's 10 countries. I will tell you that this region will offer your great experience - you will meet warm and friendly people while indulging yourself in to a paradise without breaking your bank.
4. I've met people who helped me during my ordeals while backpacking. For an instance, I have to change metro train stations in Warsaw and I am about to miss my Flix Bus to Budapest. I asked a random stranger for direction and the next thing I know is I am running with a lady on heels to hurry to the other station! We were both laughing while running and it was a really great memory that I will surely remember.
5. I've able to sing "Mu Isamaa on Minu Arm" together with 30,000+ Estonians during an event in Tallinn.
6. I will share more stories to you once me meet and I am also excited to hear your stories!

What I Can Share with Hosts

As I mentioned, I can offer my hospitality to anyone who needs it. Let's just be respectful with each other and surely there will be no problem.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Laos, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Myanmar, Poland, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Thailand, Turkey, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Philippines, Thailand