A Filipino’s Creative Path: Photography, Video, and Digital Media Adventures in Thailand

Meet the Creator Behind The Filipinos of Thailand

"I grew up in the mountains of Tanay, Rizal in the Philippines. Life was simple, with rice fields, rivers, and sunsets that made you stop and stare. Every now and then, missionaries would visit our town, and that is how I got my first taste of other cultures. Moving to Manila for university was a whole new world, with local friends, international friends, chaos, and learning how to code switch without tripping over myself.

During university, I had a short work experience in the marketing department at the British School Manila. After graduation, I stayed for a year, getting a real feel for international education and realising this was the world I wanted to be part of.

I originally planned just a six-month to a year gap before starting a career. That plan somehow landed me in Thailand, teaching English in the mountains of Nan. I had a camera and zero idea what I was doing. I photographed everything, from sunrises to coffee farms, kids running around, and teachers trying to speak Thai. It was not work. It was pure joy.

Fast forward, and I have been a Digital Media Specialist in Bangkok for almost nine years. I film plays, cover events, develop campaigns, write features, and sometimes wonder if I am a professional storyteller or just really good at stalking people with a camera. Over the years, my work has given me the chance to meet, collaborate with, and occasionally feature incredible creators and well-known people in media and music. I have met Mark Wiens from Migrationology, Ananda Everingham who starred in the scary Thai movie Shutter, the amazing singer-songwriter Phum Vipurit, Harry Mills from the touring West End show Phantom of the Opera, and many more. These experiences have given me exposure to the world of international mainstream media and inspired me to grow as a creator.

Faith has been a big part of my creation and storytelling. I am involved in music volunteering at my church as a worship leader, playing acoustic guitar, and it reminds me that creativity is also about serving and connecting with others. Community is equally important. I do not think I would thrive or survive in Bangkok without my community, especially my men’s group, where we hold each other accountable, look after each other’s well-being, and love one another.

One time, a photo I took of a disabled father, and his son, smiling on the street went viral. Their pure, real happiness hit me hard. That is when I knew I really loved doing this.Over time, I realised I am not just taking photos or filming videos. I am keeping pieces of people’s lives. That is what drives me.

That is why I started The Filipinos of Thailand. I have met so many of us chasing dreams, teachers, nurses, artists, and entrepreneurs, and our stories deserve to be seen. I like to think I am still doing that, one frame, one story, and one slightly awkward selfie at a time."