Arizona, the Philippines, and My Family Journey

The Philippines is more than a destination on a map for me. It is part of my family, my business, my home, and my everyday life.

I have been traveling to the Philippines for more than a decade. Over the years, I have experienced the country not only as a visitor, but also as a husband, father, homeowner, business owner, insurance agent, and travel advisor.

Today, I have a home and office in Tucson, Arizona, as well as a home in Manila. My life is connected to both places, and that connection has shaped the way I serve families in Arizona—especially members of Arizona’s Filipino community and families navigating the spousal immigration process.

Becoming a Long-Distance Father

My wife and I welcomed our newborn son in Manila in April 2026. Becoming a father again has brought more joy into my life than I can put into words.

At the same time, our family is currently facing the difficult reality of living apart while we wait for my wife’s spousal visa process to move forward.

I returned to Arizona to care for my older son, operate my insurance and travel businesses, and continue building a stable future for our family. My wife and newborn remain in Manila, which means that video calls, photos, messages, and late-night conversations have become an important part of our daily routine.

Long-distance marriage is never easy, and long-distance fatherhood brings its own emotional challenges. Babies grow quickly, and every milestone matters. Being separated from my wife and newborn has helped me understand how difficult the immigration waiting process can be for families.

For other Arizona residents going through a similar process, please know that you are not alone. The paperwork may be administrative, but the people waiting are real families trying to build a life together.

My Wife Works With Me From Manila

Although we are separated geographically, my wife and I continue working together.

She assists me virtually from Manila with parts of my business operations. One of the greatest benefits of owning an independent insurance agency is having the flexibility to build a business that reflects our family and the communities we serve.

My wife speaks Tagalog, which allows us to better assist Filipino individuals and families who may feel more comfortable communicating in Tagalog.

Insurance can already be confusing. Add a language barrier, unfamiliar American insurance terms, or the stress of establishing a new life in Arizona, and the process can become overwhelming.

Our goal is to make it easier.

Through Funch Insurance Services, I can help Arizona residents compare options for auto, home, renters, small business, commercial, and other insurance needs. Because I am an independent agent, I am not limited to recommending only one insurance company. I can compare options from multiple carriers and work for the client rather than a single carrier.

Helping Arizona’s Filipino Community

The Filipino community in Arizona includes longtime residents, new immigrants, military families, healthcare workers, business owners, students, and families connected across two countries.

Many Filipino families are balancing responsibilities in Arizona while continuing to support loved ones in the Philippines.

I understand that life personally.

I understand sending money home, coordinating travel, planning family visits, packing gifts, navigating immigration paperwork, and trying to stay connected across a major time difference.

I also understand how important trust is when selecting an insurance agent or travel advisor.

You are not simply purchasing a policy or booking an airline ticket. You are protecting a family, planning a reunion, preparing for an emergency, or creating an opportunity to spend meaningful time with the people you love.

More Than a Decade of Philippines Travel Experience

My experience with the Philippines goes far beyond booking a vacation.

I have traveled between the United States and the Philippines for more than ten years. During that time, I have learned many of the practical details that travelers often do not discover until they are already preparing for their trip.

I have experience shipping balikbayan boxes, traveling with pasabay boxes on flights, planning complex itineraries, navigating Manila transportation, and helping families think through luggage limits and international travel logistics.

I also understand that travelers going to the Philippines are often carrying more than clothes.

They may be bringing gifts, household items, food, supplies, or something special requested by a family member. Anyone who has packed for a Filipino family knows the luggage scale can quickly become the most intimidating person in the room.

Through Funch Travel, I help travelers explore flight and hotel options for trips within the United States and internationally, including travel between Arizona and the Philippines.

My goal is not simply to find a flight. It is to help clients understand their options and prepare for the full journey.

Living Between Two Homes

Living between Tucson and Manila has changed how I think about the word “home.”

Home is my office in Arizona, where I help clients protect their families and businesses.

Home is Manila, where my wife, newborn son, and extended family are building their lives.

Home is the airport arrival area when a family finally reunites after months apart.

Home is a video call with a smiling baby.

Home is preparing another box filled with items requested by family members.

Home is also the Filipino community in Arizona, where people continue traditions, support one another, build businesses, raise families, and create new opportunities while remaining connected to the Philippines.

Insurance and Travel Support With a Personal Connection

My personal experiences allow me to serve clients with more than technical knowledge.

When I help someone plan a trip to the Philippines, I understand the emotions behind that trip.

When I assist a new Arizona resident with insurance, I understand that American insurance terminology may feel unfamiliar.

When I speak with someone going through a spousal visa process, I understand the frustration of waiting and the pain of being separated from the people you love.

Through Funch Insurance Services and Funch Travel, my goal is to provide practical guidance, honest communication, and personal service.

I am proud to serve Arizona’s Filipino community, families traveling between the United States and the Philippines, and anyone building a life that stretches across two countries.

My family’s journey is still being written. Until we are all together in Arizona, we will continue working, parenting, building, traveling, and supporting one another from both Tucson and Manila.

Two homes. Two countries. One family.