Stranded American vlogger in Cebu spreads cheer, gives aid

American vlogger Dustin Borglin is no stranger to the Philippines. He first visited the country in 2016. He made friends with locals, developed a taste for Filipino food, and eventually fell in love with the country. He vowed to return.

"I really love the Philippines. It’s like my second home," he said on "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho."

Dustin went back to the Philippines last March 2020 for a short vacation. The plan was, he was going to return to Cebu, where he earlier made friends and together, they were going to go to Mindanao.

But lockdown was declared in the country. So Dustin and his friends, Raymund and Reche, decided to just make YouTube videos.

They would vlog about their adventures, and whatever earnings Dustin received from his vlogs, they would hand out as cash aid to whoever's in need. Some of his subscribers would even give direct donations.

Being in the Philippines for a while now, Dustin became aware that there are people who had no access to basic toilets. So Dustin had a proper toilet made for the residents.

Dustin even had a house built for Raymund because his earlier dwelling proved unsafe, especially when there are typhoons.

"They're like my family. I've known them for almost three years now, and they've just been so kind to me," Dustin said.

Because Dustin still doesn't know if he'll be able to fly back home in time for Christmas, the people he's been able to help fixed for him an early Christmas surprise. They prepared his favorite food and had his parents dial in for a video call.

For Dustin, "It doesn't matter how much money you have. It doesn't buy happiness. They might not have a lot but everyone here is very, very happy." —LA, GMA News