Mayong Buntag/Hapon/Gabie... Magandang Umaga/Hapon/Gabie Philippines :).... This channel will document my #BecomingFilipino journey. #BecomingFilipino is an adventure. It is the journey of a 26 year old Canadian trying to “Become Filipino”. Simply put, I am not Filipino. I don’t have a Filipino passport and it would be almost impossible for me to get one. Truth is I will never be able to say “I am Filipino”. But there are so many simple beautiful things that I have experienced and witnessed that make up Filipino culture… Things that I would be honoured to learn from, and be honoured to share with the world around me. I love the Philippines and it is my home :)
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WE LEFT THE PHILIPPINES FOR OUR FIRST EVER TRAVEL EXPERIENCE TO TAIWAN!
This is a raw look at some of our moments of travel over Valentines Day. Myself and Therine really enjoyed taking this spontaneous trip, and it was really a wonderful place to walk around and explore! Sometimes I forget the Philippines is so close to many countries here in Southeast Asia. 100% I would go back for another trip to Taiwan. And it was easy on our Philippines Passport... No visa needed!
Take a trip with us from Manila to Taipei in this raw travel vlog.
Power On!
*** For more stories and adventures check out my Facebook Page: #BecomingFilipino
In this video, I show you how I make my Filipina Wife happy after a long adventure trip by motorcycle. I also share with you things you might not know about my life and #BecomingFilipino...
Happy Wife, Happy Life.
Power On!
*** For more stories and adventures check out my Facebook Page: #BecomingFilipino
This was an incredibly beautiful day for me that started down by the famous Calaba bridge in Abra Province. After catching a sunrise, I made my way into La Paz, where I found myself enjoying a morning bowl of Miki prepared by a wonderful family. Angel's pancitan was delicious! From there, I find myself swimming in some of the clearest water at Lusuac Cold Spring, which then energizes me to get some weaving and power on up and over the mountain road!
Speaking of that mountain road... the ride to Ilocos from Abra is absolutely epic! The mountain ranges and view decks give you spectacular views... but the road can also be a little sketchy!
This is my adventure from Abra to Ilocos...
Power On!
*** FOR MORE STORIES AND ADVENTURES CHECK OUT MY FACEBOOK PAGE: #BecomingFilipino
CACTUS STUFFED LECHON IN THE PHILIPPINES! What an awesome spontaneous find here in Bangued, Abra...
It was morning, and I happened to walk past a vendor selling this classic Filipino roasted pig. I realized I'd never tried lechon in Abra before. So why not!? I asked for 1/4kg. As Manong went to work chopping it up, I noticed there was a whole lot of green bits coming out from the meat. Turns out, it was a local cactus called "Karimbuaya".
Cactus leaves stuffed into lechon?
Yes! And does it ever add amazing flavor! You do not need any sauce whatsoever with this lechon... I can't quite describe the taste of the karimbuaya, but it has a slight "green oniony salty twang" to it. I couldn't stop eating it! I wanted karimbuaya on every bite of the lechon... it was that good!
This could very well be one of the top ten lechons I have ever tasted! It was called "Jlens Lechon", cooked by Manong and Manang.
This video is a look at my experiences in Bangued, and then driving to a famous view deck that overlooks Abra, Ilocos Sur, and other areas of the Cordilleras.
Power On!
*** FOR MORE STORIES AND ADVENTURES CHECK OUT MY FACEBOOK PAGE: #BecomingFilipino
MOUNTAIN TOWNS IN THE PHILIPPINES CAN ACTUALLY BE SOME OF THE SAFEST...
In this video, we start off with a beautiful morning in Candon City, Ilocos Sur. I head to the market, try some local calamay, and then make my way up towards the mountains. Quirino has a beautiful skyline 360 degree viewdeck... where I enjoy the cool temperatures even on a hot sunny day. Driving my motor back down, I turn off to the historic mountain town of Gregorio Del Pilar. Tucked away in a valley between mountains, the local police told me there is rarely any crime in the area...
Yup, sometimes the mountains are actually the safest places for a home in the Philippines.
My motor travel adventures takes me to a hot spring, around various rice terrace fields, and then back down towards the Province of Abra.
Power On!
*** FOR MORE STORIES AND ADVENTURES CHECK OUT MY FACEBOOK PAGE: #BecomingFilipino
I MET A FILIPINO CANADIAN WHO BUILT A GIANT SHIP NEAR THE MOUNTAINS OF ILOCOS...
This video is a big adventure into the mountains of Ilocos Sur. But first, I wake up after staying overnight at Manong Rudy's ship in Tagudin. After 43 years in Canada, Manong came home to the Philippines and during the pandemic decided to make a giant ship guesthouse next to his original resort by the ocean. I really enjoyed staying and chatting with Manong, and then, it was off into the mountains. After a wonderful stop over for some food in the town of Suyo, I make my way up to the town of Sigay. The Philippines mountain roads are beautiful as they wind through valleys and ridges...
Eventually I end up at the jump off for Aw-asen falls. This is the tallest waterfall in Ilocos Region. And one I certainly will not forget!
A giant ship, and a beautiful mountain adventure... another day in the Philippines!
SPECIAL THANKS TO CGV THE EXPLORER: https://www.facebook.com/CGVTheExplorer
*** FOR MORE STORIES AND ADVENTURES CHECK OUT MY FACEBOOK PAGE: #BecomingFilipino
I DECIDED TO LEAVE THE BIG CITY OF MANILA AND HEAD TO ILOCOS... WHERE I FOUND MYSELF ON A FARM!
This video is my spontaneous journey almost 400km by scooter up to a northern region of the Philippines. I leave early in the morning to avoid traffic, and then find myself cruising through the rice fields of Nueva Ecija. Some food stops along the way, and next thing you know I am in La Union! Turns out this part of the Philippines is famous for grape farming... which I happily get involved doing!
From there, I carry on driving until I reach Ilocos Sur.
A new motor journey begins! Being on the Becoming Filipino scooter adventures!
*** FOR MORE STORIES AND ADVENTURES CHECK OUT MY FACEBOOK PAGE: #BecomingFilipino
I have been back home with my wife in BGC for the past week. On this day, I pick up the camera again as we head 45 minutes away to Antipolo Rizal. We decided to visit the beautiful Pinto Art Museum... which is a maze of galleries, cafes, beautiful buildings, and lots of contemporary and modern art.
From the museum, we check out one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the Philippines. The Antipolo Cathedral is beautiful, and also surrounded by a very busy vibe... and lots of cashews!
Our day in Antipolo ends at our Ninang and Ninongs restaurant called "Chives". I highly suggest it!
Positive vibes at home with my wife.
*** FOR MORE STORIES AND ADVENTURES CHECK OUT MY FACEBOOK PAGE: #BecomingFilipino
A REAL FILIPINO FIESTA! That is what I experienced happening across the entire Municipality of Kalibo on my last day of Ati-Atihan Festival.
It was absolutely amazing waking up to witness the outdoor mass... you can truly feel the devotion of everyone. Right after it finishes, all of Kalibo begins to celebrate fiesta. Filipinos will invite you to go and "eat their house", and you can see everyone taking a break from all the festival vibes to just connect with one and other, eat, and enjoy.
Speaking of enjoying...
I can't believe how everyone goes right back to doing their "sadsad". And then in the evening, there is a grand religious procession... where groups not only celebrate with dance and music, but they push carts with the images of Santo Niño down the road to the church. It is incredible. This was my best festival experience in the Philippines.
A real fiesta and a beautiful festival...
Hala Bira, Pwera Pasma!
*** For more stories and adventures check out my Facebook page: #BecomingFilipino
ABSOLUTELY MIND BLOWING, AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL, JUST INCREDIBLE... ATI-ATHAN FESTIVAL IN KALIBO!
The days continue to get better and better. This video is a combination of two days and a few beautiful and exciting moments at the Festival! We start off by getting blessed doing "Paeapak" at the church. This is a tradition for devotees... using a small Santo Niño Figurine. From there, I stop by the museum, but then start making my way through different groups doing "sadsad". Literally, the whole municipality and Province come together to partake in this one of a kind dance and celebration! It is an unbelievable experience!
On Saturday morning, we wake up to the main "Ati-Atihan Sadsad Competition". With various groups from Modern Tribal to Balik Ati.... it is just mind blowing seeing all the colors, outfits and movements. This is a must visit festival in the Philippines.
JUST BEYOND BEAUTIFUL!
*** For more stories and adventures check out my Facebook Page: #BecomingFilipino
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