Filipino creators made their mark at the NAS Summit in Bangkok. From meeting inspiring influencers like Jen Barangan, Abigail Marquez, Ace Gapuz, and Eliz, to learning about AI in content creation, it was a celebration of Filipino talent on the global stage. More than just a summit, it was a space for connection, collaboration, and proudly raising the flag for the Philippines.

Mark Lanzuela, a Filipino storyteller and photographer, captures the lives and dreams of Filipinos in Thailand. From his work as a Digital Media Specialist to his side projects like Mark Went Wild, he shares stories that inspire, connect, and celebrate everyday moments, one frame at a time.

Friends, the Filipino community, and Thai friends I had only just met came together. They prayed for me, raised funds for my treatment, and stood by me in the hardest season of my life. It reminded me that family is not only about blood. It is about love.

Hardship was my biggest teacher. It shaped my dreams and my determination to break the cycle of poverty. I wanted to be the turning point in my family’s story.

Thailand and the Philippines share more in common than many realize. Warmth in greetings, love for food, and strong family values make it natural for Filipinos to adapt and live like a local here.

"Respect is earned by how you carry yourself."
For over 15 years in the mountains of Nan, Thailand, Filipino teacher Jopay Baliton has taught more than English. As a transgender woman, she proves that self-respect and mutual respect can break barriers and build lasting community.

Have you noticed how natural it feels for us to live the Thai way? From street food to the wai greeting, many of us adapt without struggle. Our Kapwa values make it easy to connect, respect, and live in harmony with Thai culture, even with different beliefs. We are not afraid to make mistakes, even if our Thai sounds “barok,” because we love learning and building connections.

Being Filipino means carrying the culture of kapwa tao wherever I go. It is this deep sense of shared humanity, of seeing yourself in others, that makes us blend easily into any culture. In Thailand, I see it when I can connect with people without words, when I can respect their traditions while sharing my own. It is in the way we adapt, not by losing who we are, but by finding common ground.