Hi! I’m Renz, an environmental youth leader and visual storyteller based in the Philippines. I’m passionate about conservation and sustainability, serving on the National Youth Council of WWF Philippines and as an ambassador for several youth organizations. I’m also a member of creative initiatives at Wavefarers, where we work on projects that connect communities with nature.

I’m a proud graduate of the Philippine Science High School, and I’m currently in a gap year. I’ve spent over seven years capturing the beauty of our planet through photography, earning a few awards along the way. I love documenting my journey and doing lots of content creation. I’m excited to meet fellow travelers and share stories about our adventures and passions!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I believe this platform offers students like me the opportunity to travel affordably and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle. It’s a chance to make new friends, share experiences, and support each other in our journeys.

Interests

• singing
• photography
• dancing
• running
• reading
• basketball
• business
• filmmaking
• lifestyle
• mindfulness
• muaythai
• self-improvement
• leadership
• breathwork
• stoicism
• youth empowerment
• enviromentalism

Music, Movies, and Books

Music:
Bob Marley - Three Little Birds
George Harrison - Awaiting on You All
Khruangbin - So We Won't Forget

Movies:
Everything Everywhere All at Once
Gran Turismo
Past Lives

Books:
It was a yellow book; I forgot the name, but I love self-improvement, self-help, business, philosophy, psychology, and arts.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I started photography at the age of 12 and began doing business at 14. Well, it wasn’t all about business; it was about telling people to smile because they have great smiles! Cheese!!! I garnered recognition both locally and internationally, but what really grounds me is the impact I make, one person at a time. I document once-in-a-lifetime memories that we can revisit through the images I capture.

My photography has evolved into photojournalism and content creation, helping my community with environmental issues and factual news. It’s also a way for me to express myself, allowing my creativity to flow and be shared with others.

Now, I get to use my camera to document my travel journeys, youth leadership, and my advocacies for a healthier, restored planet where all of us can live in harmony with nature—or live in harmony with ourselves because all our nature is, in itself.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach: I have a wealth of knowledge in the visual arts, a deep faith in humanity, insights into my culture, and environmental ideas. Having graduated from the leading science high school in the Asia-Pacific region, I can share fascinating stories, life experiences, and tips on philosophical topics.

Learn: I believe that life is a lifelong learning journey. I’m open to constructive criticism, self-improvement, new lessons, interesting ideas, groundbreaking stories, tear-jerking experiences, and both career and life advice.

Share: I'm eager to share knowledge and experiences through meaningful conversations or even intense physical activities! Additionally, I can share my skills in leadership, collaboration, multimedia design, sustainability, research, visual arts, project management, communication, problem-solving, knowledge of Adobe apps, media production, and writing.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can bring my sheer wisdom and optimistic attitude to my hosts, creating a positive and enriching atmosphere. I would love to include them in my vlogs and documentation, as they are an essential part of my journey. Additionally, I’ll make sure to bring some Filipino memorabilia for them, showcasing our rich culture.

I can also share traditional Filipino dishes, giving them a taste of our cuisine, and engage in meaningful conversations about our cultures and experiences. Through storytelling, I hope to exchange insights and foster a deeper understanding of our backgrounds. Lastly, I can offer my expertise in household tasks—like expertly washing dishes or transforming laundry folding into a competitive sport! I promise to contribute to their daily life and create a sense of camaraderie, even if my cooking skills are a bit questionable. Just think of me as your lovable, slightly clumsy helper who’s always up for a good laugh!

Countries I’ve Visited

Egypt, Indonesia, Russian Federation, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Philippines