"It's 7,107 times more fun in the Philippines."

Mayon Volcano is an active stratovolcano in the Philippine province of Albay.

I left the Philippines before my 10th birthday. I've vacationed in 1978, 1986, 1999, 2005 and 2013. With 7107 islands in the Philippines, I still have many more sights to see "back home." But nothing would give me more pleasure than bringing my family to visit Albay and hiking up Mayon Volcano just as my Lolo did in his youth.

Watch the first official Philippine Department of Tourism AVP.

Philippines history: "300 years in a convent, and 50 years in Hollywood."

By: J.F.R. Perseveranda

#PinoyBuilt #FilAmVoices #FilipinoAmericanStories

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Posted by: J.F.R. Perseveranda

Former IT Product Manager at Pacific Gas & Electric. Photographer at JFPerseveranda.com. Founder, Social Media Manager & Content Creator at Pinoybuilt.com. I'm a 1.5 generation immigrant—Filipino-born, U.S.-raised—sharing stories that bridge cultures. Share yours at PINOYBUILT.com. I’m still learning about our roots, and I invite you to learn with me. I was born in Makati City and raised in Marikina, known for world-class shoes and strong community ties. I went to Marist School; my sister went to St. Scholastica’s. We spent weekends in Malate—those memories of old Manila still shape who I am. At 9, we moved to Chicago, where I saw snow for the first time. At 12, we relocated to Vallejo, CA. Since then, I’ve lived in Davis, Glendale (SoCal), back to Chicago in my 20s, San Francisco & Fremont. I visit SoCal often for family. Chicago will always be special—but go Golden State Warriors! At UC Davis, I was a member of Mga Kapatid, where I had the chance to participate in Pilipino Culture Night and perform traditional dances like Bangko. Now, as a father of three, I’m doing my best to pass on our Filipino heritage. Let’s build something Filipino together. Mabuhay. Salamat!