Canadian-born Kulas of BecomingFilipino votes for first time in PH polls

Canadian-born content creator Kyle Jennermann, widely known online as Kulas of BecomingFilipino, recently participated in the Philippine elections for the very first time. He cast his ballot on Monday, May 12, marking a significant step after becoming a naturalized Filipino citizen.

Jennermann officially became a naturalized Filipino in September 2023, taking his Oath of Allegiance to the Republic. He voted in Taguig during the 2025 polls and shared his perspective on the process from the viewpoint of a former Canadian voter.

He expressed being "really impressed" with the overall experience at his precinct. Kulas particularly commended the assisting staff for their efficiency and the notably "friendly" atmosphere among voters present, despite the likelihood of differing political preferences.

The vlogger found this spirit of camaraderie among voters, even in a potentially tense political climate, to be "very refreshing" during his approximately 45-minute voting process.

Detailing the positive aspects, he noted the clear and prominent signage at the entrance, which effectively guided voters, and the speed with which staff directed individuals to the correct lines.

He also appreciated the security measures in place, specifically seeing his own name and photo on the list of registered voters and the requirement for fingerprint verification. He described this system as "very professional and safe," assuring him that no one else could vote using his identity. The ability to double-check his selections on a receipt after feeding the ballot into the machine was another positive point.

Offering observations from his Canadian voting background, Jennermann pointed out aspects he found "a little different or interesting." He mentioned the typical classroom setting for Philippine polls, finding the open environment less conducive to privacy compared to what he was used to.

He elaborated that without "hidden cubicle" structures, it felt potentially easier for someone to glimpse another's ballot. Navigating the long ballot sheet while trying to keep his selections private without folding or crinkling the paper presented a slight challenge for him.

Furthermore, he expressed confusion and dismay regarding individuals positioned outside the precinct or on the road offering sample ballots, questioning whether their intent was to influence voters or merely serve as a reminder of candidates.

Reflecting on the democratic exercise, Kulas took the opportunity to remind fellow Filipinos about the importance of exercising their right to vote.

These midterm elections involve approximately 68.43 million registered Filipino voters nationwide, selecting candidates for a total of 18,320 elective positions. This includes national posts such as 12 senators and one party-list group, as well as various local positions like congressmen/women, mayors, vice mayors, provincial governors, vice governors, and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Panlungsod, or Bayan.

Kyle Jennermann began creating travel vlogs about the Philippines in 2014 and has built a substantial online following, currently holding 1.14 million subscribers on YouTube. He married his Filipino wife, Catherine Diquit, in 2024.