Vanessa Ytang

Where I live: I live in Cagayan de Oro. It is dubbed as the Philippines' City of Golden Friendship. It is a progressive city but spares you from the stress of heavy traffic. Paradise is within reach from all directions. Just minutes away from the city, you’ll find yourself in pristine white sand beaches, glorious jaded cliffs, and turquoise waters.

What motivates me: Helping others and empowering people is what motivates me. It gives me a sense of accomplishment and purpose that I can be of some help to others.

My hobbies: In my free time, I love to do volunteer work and landscape photography. I began volunteering last year. After each project, I felt enriched and fulfilled knowing that I did something meaningful and that I made someone happier. It also helps me understand the position and challenges of others better. I am also passionate about landscape photography. Shooting landscapes provides me with a therapeutic outlet. When I shoot, I find that all my worries disappear as I focus completely on the scenery around me.