Hey, local guides. I’m April, a level 6 local guide from Iloilo City, Philippines.
My local guide journey begun back in 2018. I was invited to an event of Google local guides. It was my first time and I didn’t know back then that Google maps were also made because of other’s contributions. I got in loved of the idea that you can share your own photos and thoughts and even add places in Google maps that would be useful to the community. From then I became passionate about it.
Adding places:
It is my great honor being able to add places on the map because it can help the location itself to be known to others.
You see, it is making an impact to the community. I didn’t even expect at first that people can really benefit on it.
Adding photos:
Well, this one is as important as other things too. Photos are really beneficial to people searching for places. I just love the idea that I can share my own personal photos and show the world that you can be a photographer too. In your own special way. 
Just look at these photos here, I didn’t expect that it would gain such views. I’m happy about it because my contributions are reaching others.
Writing reviews:
This one is the most essential to me as a consumer.
As a person, I value other’s review because it is important as well to my decision making before I go to places.
So, I make sure that when I write my reviews it is all based on my experiences. I feel that it is very helpful as I am feeling the same when I view other’s contribution. It saddens me to make a bad review to places but I need to write what’s just true.
That’s it for my own experiences. I can’t wait to go to the Local Guides 2020 in California and be able to meet new friends, add places, share photos and write reviews for the community. See you.