Canadian vlogger steps closer to becoming naturalized Filipino

Canadian vlogger Kyle Jennermann | PHOTO: Senate of the Philippines/YouTube

MANILA, Philippines — Kyle Douglas Jennerman, the Canadian vlogger behind the YouTube channel “BecomingFilipino,” inched closer to his years-long goal of officially becoming a Filipino.

The Senate on Monday unanimously approved on third and final reading a bill – transmitted from the House of Representatives – which seeks to grant Filipino citizenship to Jennerman, more popularly referred to as Kulas.

Canadian vlogger Kyle Douglas Jennerman, who is behind the YouTube channel “BecomingFilipino, in one of his travelogues of the Philippine sites. Here in the video, he shows places in Kalinga, Mountain Province. Screengrab from BecomingFilipino YouTube video

“He really wants to be a Filipino. And he is not some fair-weather friend who loves us only for our scenic spots and hospitality, but would turn a blind eye to our identity, culture, and our language. He freely chose to enter into our world,” Senator Ronald dela Rosa explained his affirmative vote in plenary.

READ: Canadian wants to be Filipino: Just call him Kulas

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri also expressed trust that Jennermann, now teary-eyed, would “live up to this great gift given to you by the Filipino people.”

“You have already done so much to promote our country and our culture to Filipinos and foreign nationals alike. We look forward to your future contributions as you champion the country that you now call your home,” he said.

Last Feb. 27, the lower chamber approved House Bill 7185 with 244 lawmakers voting in the affirmative.

The bill granting Philippine citizenship to Jennermann will now be up for signing into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Jennermann started his YouTube page in 2006 and has since amassed over one million subscribers.

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JPV