Syrian vlogger Basel Manadil, who is known as ‘The Hungry Syrian Wanderer’ among his social media followers, revealed that he was been granted Filipino citizen in 2019.
Basel showed his Philippine passport for the first time while wearing a barong tagalog.
“Look at this. Filipino ‘yan, mga tao. You see, kalbo ako diyan. So, I have had this since 2019 and this is the first time I ever talked about it,” he said in his latest vlog.
He also wrote a short message to his kababayan.
“I am no bird, but I am a free human being with an independent will. Thank you Philippines for having me. I am happy to celebrate Independence Day mga Kababayan, mga tao,” he added.
Basel has been known in the vlogging world for going the extra mile to help Filipinos.
He gave a house to his longtime helper, treated food delivery riders, extended assistance during the Taal eruption and during the coronavirus pandemic.
Basel narrated that he came to the Philippines when he was 18 after a war in Syria broke out.
“After graduation, you know, I tried to apply for a job in many companies and I got denied,” Basel said.
“When I was offered to go to Europe, I was thinking deeply. 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,” Basel added.
After staying in the Philippines for a long time, Basel knew that his heart was in the right place.
“So, I’m hungry to wander more, help more people, and explore more things about the Philippines,” Basel added.
