WHY I STAYED IN THE PHILIPPINES (My Untold Story)

I ARRIVED IN 2016 for one month (which turned into 5+ years), but only started vlogging in 2020. So what happened before then?

I have never told this story before - and now seemed as good a time as ever to do so! Join me for a raw look at why I came and why I stayed in the Philippines.

All the photos are my own from my original travels here in 2016 - no videos back then because I didn't come here as a vlogger!

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00:00 Intro
00:50 Why Did I Come Here?
02:57 My Manila Experience
05:47 The Cordillera
07:25 Heading South
10:27 The Pivotal Moment
15:18 Through Mindanao
18:11 Staying In Davao
19:51 How Did I End Up In Cateel?

[KumanderDaot]

Something different to usual, hope you enjoy my story!

I'll be deep in the bukid when this is released so I'll get back to comments once I have signal again!

[JohnSmith-bzbe]

It is amazing hearing about how some people visit this country but end up living over there. I really enjoyed listening to you chat. Originally, I just stumbled onto your channel and found it fascinating you speaking a Filipino language and feeding your mum their food back in Wales. I actually thought you came back too soon but I am happy to see that I was wrong in that regard. That country is energising you, and your rapport, Kulas as well, with the locals is quite marvelous to watch. Just vlogging for a year is impressive, both you and Kulas have a sound taste in music that continues to impress and it really helps to add to the overall quality of your shows. I remember two of your videos caught me by surprise and I think I wrote, "Just, wow". Cheers for sharing, take it easy over there and keep smiling :)

[tsuzukadesu]

remembering even the road names is amazing. You have a good memory KD

[replied]

I love how animated you are in telling your story. Do what you love, take good care of yourself. We your supporters will go along with you in your journey

[TravelingTutor]

"Why are you wandering around in the rain" 😆 Traveling with no particular place to go is like a leaf in the wind landing here and there. I didn't realize that you went to so many places before settling down in the southern part of the Philippines. It was great to hear your story, and thanks for sharing it. My wife and I have tickets booked for mid-October, and hopefully, the flight won't get canceled like the last four have been.

[nilasarmiento]

It's worth living around, side by side with people on the ground. The Philipines has this
environment. You won't become lonely with smiling, hospitable Filipinos. There's more fun. Actually, filipinos welcome you and love you to be here.

[TheThailightZone]

Great video. Love hearing open modest people telling their stories.
Way better than the millions of YouTube vloggers spewing out the same reviews of the same location or attraction or restaurant or food for the millionth time - as if they are the first to discover it and are the voice of expertise which is a feat in of itself considering they arrived the night before and will be moving on a day later.

[ZebraFacts]

I love to hear people's "story". It is always fascinating how people got to where they are now. In fact, to me, I have never met a boring person that tells their story. It is the ones that keep their story unknown, then to be the boring/uninteresting people. I think that when KD is old and reflects on where he has been and what he has done, he will find that he had a very adventurous and interesting life. It doesn't have to be a perfect life, but it sure helps if it is an interesting life.

[london_-sp]

Loving your no longer untold story :)). We Filipinos are one of the simplest and hospitable people in the world. We like being friendly wherever we go, that's why you relate much :)). Same here in UK, British are friendly and very approachable people. So blessed we are here in UK, while so envy with you while your exploring the remotest place in our country. Enjoy every bit mate!

[Franco-hlky]

I was like a grade schooler sitting cross legged listening intently to your story. You're such a good story teller. You immediately get the attention of your listener.

[dejhary]

Grew up in Vito Cruz corner of Taal Street and Nene's Lechon.
Thank you for taking us back to the beginning of your great adventure backpacking in the Phils. Always enjoy your storytelling. You should write your own memoir. I'll be the first one to grab a copy!

[arnoldarmstrong]

I think you are happier here! I have been following your vlogs ever since. even when you went back in the UK. keep on vlogging kumander. the fishpond is another story. do things what makes you happy. Jesus Christ makes you complete!

[stevechan]

I know this is late; but I am GLAD you found the Philippines. The people deserve people who are truely sincere and just as nice as you seem to be. My wife and my family are partially from the Philippines and we are Chinoy ( Chinese Filipino). I am Chinese/Japanese and my wife is Chinese Pinay. I can see both in your eyes and in your mannerism how difficult is must have been in your travles as I am an old man now. However, to seek the place you call home is what we all are looking for. The old adage from Ancient Chinese Culture: With PROSPERITY there are no WARS! Kyle is a good guy and you both need to remember this moving foreward and POWERING ON! The Philippines is a place were you can find AMAZING PEOPLE!! GOD BLESS YOU and your FAMLY and FREINDS!

[beanwagsadventures]

Happy to know you got to visit Banaue and Hungduan (Hapao)! Safe travels, keep exploring!

[wilfredohizon]

So impressed with your memory. You narrated everything from the day you first arrived in the Philippines in 2016? as if it was only yesterday!

[masliyanmadisonb.]

I didn’t know you already had been to many places in the Philipines. In fact, you also visited my hometown Sagada and I appreciate your good reviews of our place. I only came to know about you thru your friend Kulas’ vlog in Cateel. Maybe you could have breached the million subscribers if you started vlogging earlier, like Kulas.

[patriciamammarelli]

You’re a free spirited person KD. Your inner drive to live life with joy, excitement and fulfillment is what makes you endearing to your fans 👌

[Aminahforever]

Thank you KD for sharing us your story. Wow! It’s emotional to think of your adventures in the past, getting adapted to the Filipino culture, the food and the lifestyles. Not easy but you are very brave. Those unrecorded “episodes” were what made you stronger and knowledgeable as you blend in well with the locals. It’s also a blessing for you to have married a Filipina, you are meant to be a Foreign Filipino😂😂👏🏻. I fully appreciate you KD. You are good, humble, hard working and an honest man. Stay safe as you continue your journey around The Philippines.

[kenethgopez]

I'm so fascinated with your photos. Kumander! You are truly a genuine one with your adventure and I admire how you clearly recall all the details you told us in this video.

[Linkcast]

You have a good memory... telling those stories and the time and all... by yourself, you dont need a camera you did what you wanted to do and by your stories we had an idea of what it was like. Good people attrack good people, that's why you stayed. More power.