I was born in the Philippines. I grew up there until I was 21 years old. Back there, whenever I have to go places, I have to ask my friends what it’s like. I saw their photos that they shared or showed me. It was the most reliable review.
I remember that time when my parents and I were on our way to Bacolod City. We were driving with our Volkswagen Polo. Suddenly, there was a bump and we lost control. Good thing we were able to to pull over but the wheel was flattened. A nail stuck on it. Stranded in a city that we’re not familiar with. We were stuck in Kabankalan. We knew nobody. It was back in 2002, so, there was not even a smartphone nor Google maps. We relied in asking the people around on where was the nearest auto body shop. The people in town were very friendly to direct us to the right people. Even when Google Maps existed later the years, I got used to stopping by and asking people around for directions whenever I got lost. Until…
In 2015, I moved to San Antonio, Texas. With no friends being around and no one to tell me where to go. I was a stranger. I met my boyfriend who is now my husband. He helped my family and I adjust as well as our family friends. I still felt like a stranger. Whenever I asked my old boss of a question like, “Where is a good place to eat Asian foods?”. His response, “Google it!”. Then my life as a Local Guide started with “Google It!”
I remember my dad calling me because he was lost. Not knowing where he was and I was still a stranger in the city, I told my dad to Google his directions. With not a lot of friends around, I started relying on Google Reviews to see which store has the best selections and customer service. One day, The DPS in McMullen in San Antonio, TX was mistreating my family and I. I was able to leave an honest review of how our visit went. I received likes of my review and I felt I was able to contribute and be reliable. Whenever my husband and I look for a good restaurant to eat, we rely on Google reviews. Whenever we’re impress with the services, I put a 5 star review and even mention that server’s name. I wanted to appreciate workers as well. I felt more familiar with the city as I contribute and rely on Google.
I’m an amateur photographer and whenever I go places, I love to take pictures. I don’t care if it’s not edited or professionally done. I appreciate the nature’s beauty and taking pictures is my way of showing appreciation. I started leaving photos through Google Local Guides whenever I go places. Whenever I post pictures through Instagram or Facebook, I don’t usually get many likes. Probably about 20 or less. Sometimes 300+ for profile pictures but for landscapes? Just 20 or less. I was surprised to see in my emails that my photo has more than a thousand views!! I felt confident and the more I took pictures.
Now I moved to Round Rock with my husband and we have a dog. I use my photography skills in taking photos of our dog with a beautiful scene in the background like the Jacob’s Ladder. We went to places every weekend. We got to know the city even more and I got to get familiar with Texas even more. I’ve visited more than 10 cities in one year such as Waco, Bastrop, San Marcos etc. As I search through Google of all those nice places and best places to eat, I contribute in return.
What does the Local Guide program mean to me? Being an immigrant feeling homesick at the start, it helped me get to know the place I moved in more. It helped me gain confidence of living here in Texas. It helped me adjust and became a local. From being a stranger to a Stranger No more.