Vlogger Basel Manadil a.k.a. 'The Hungry Syrian Wanderer' reveals he’s now a Filipino citizen

After years of giving his viewers a taste of the food and beauty of the Philippines, vlogger Basel Manadil a.k.a. “The Hungry Syrian Wanderer” is now an official Filipino citizen.

The YouTube star made the announcement in a vlog he posted on Independence Day titled “I Am Filipino.”

Wearing a traditional barong, Basel showed everyone his Philippine passport for the first time since he got it in 2019.

“Look at this. Filipino 'yan, mga tao. You see, kalbo ako diyan (That's a Filipino, people. You see, I'm bald there),” Basel said. “So, I have had this since 2019 and this is the first time I ever talked about it.”

Basel also posted a short message to his “kababayan” on Instagram.

“I am no bird, but I am a free human being with an independent will,” he wrote.

“Thank you Philippines for having me. I am happy to celebrate Independence Day mga Kababayan, mga tao," he added.

'I Am Filipino'

Basel Manadil, the creator of popular vlog “The Hungry Syrian Wanderer,” moved to the Philippines alone at the age of 18.

In a vlog, Basel narrated how he came from a well-off family and traveled to the Philippines after the war started in Syria.

Basel also revealed why he decided to stay in the Philippines despite being offered a chance to live a more comfortable life in Europe.

“After graduation, you know, I tried to apply job in many companies and I got denied,” Basel said.

“When I was offered to go to Europe, I was thinking deep. The luxury life, instant money, instant happiness, and instant job, which is Europe or Philippines, simple life, no expected money, no expected job, and just living day by day,” he added.

“I chose the Philippines, pure travel and mingling with the locals of every place I go to. This is what I chose," he added.

After experiencing life in the Philippines and spending time with Filipinos, Basel said he “found out the real meaning of 'The Hungry Syrian Wanderer’.”

“So, I'm hungry to wander more, help more people, and explore more things about the Philippines,” he said.

Basel is currently followed by more than 4.3 million subscribers on YouTube, where he showcases the beauty of the Philippines through his travels and experiences with hardworking Filipinos. —Margaret Claire Layug/JCB, GMA News