CURRENT MISSION

Explore new cultures, inspire others and make friends all over the world!

ABOUT ME

I'll be honest and say that I'm a bit shy at first. BUT I can easily adapt and once I've eased up, I can be a whole lot of fun! I am a good listener and enjoy hearing peoples stories. I am pretty generous and thoughtful of others.

I am a HUGE FOODIE and I am guilty to be one of those people who'd take a photo before touching my food. I enjoy photography, collect cameras, and spend too much time on Instagram. I am updated with the most random news, and I pride myself in being an expert at browsing through online deals and travel sites. I like exploring my own city--finding and capturing everyday food, scenes and spaces.

I am always in transit--I am from the Philippines but I also grew up in Taipei, Taiwan. I moved to Canada and lived from the West to East. I did my undergrad in Vancouver (took Spanish and Chinese) , worked in Calgary for a year and now I am in Toronto. I initially moved here for culinary school but I decided to pursue my long-time passion and currently a Digital Media grad student. You can check out my blog/portfolio at www.ajfernando.com and follow my adventures on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ajfernando.

PHILOSOPHY

Make everyday your masterpiece.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I met up with an awesome group of Couch surfers in Vancouver! I got to know their travels and I've stayed in touch with some of them through Facebook!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

None yet. :( Hope to change that to my trip to Europe in Feb 2016!

Interests

Traveling, scuba diving, snowboarding, photography, dancing, eating, reading a good book, speaking multiple languages, immersing in other cultures, cooking and baking, multimedia and graphic arts, paleo, healthy and holistic living. Oh and I LOVE all things Latin America!

• arts
• culture
• books
• photography
• dancing
• dining
• cooking
• baking
• yachting
• news
• reading
• traveling
• blogging
• scuba diving
• snorkeling
• snowboarding
• communications
• freelancing
• languages
• study abroad

Music, Movies, and Books

I've been reading a lot of books about Health and Nutrition. It's one of my passions and I hope to make it a career someday!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Going on a study abroad program in Ecuador. I had 2 homestay families there that I am grateful for. They taught me so much not just about their culture but even about myself. They made me realize how much I've taken my own family and blessings for granted. Through my experiences with them, they brought back the meaning and importance of "family" in a person's (my) life.My trip to the Galapagos is definitely one of my favorites. I got to snorkel with giant tortoises, sea lions, penguins and manta rays. I also jumped off a yacht (probably about 3 stories high)!

Teach, Learn, Share

I'd like to improve my Spanish and Mandarin but I love learning new languages in general!

I'd like to think that I am good photographer. I can teach you some tips and tricks!

What I Can Share with Hosts

A curious friend. I like to listen to other people's stories--their own experiences and adventures in the world. I also do freelance photography and social media consulting. If anyone needs tips on how to improve their Instagram game, I've got you covered! :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Canada, Chile, China, Ecuador, Guatemala, Japan, Malaysia, Peru, Singapore, Thailand, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, Philippines, Taiwan