The studio & our hosts

The people behind peoplez.

A small studio and a wide circle of hosts and guides. Every trip we design is built with people who actually live in the place.

The studio

The studio behind every journey.

MM

Marimil Magbanua

Founder & Trip Designer
Pampanga, Philippines

Started peoplez in 2020 to design the slow, soulful trips she wished existed. Spends most days on long calls with travelers and hosts.

Our local hosts

A few of the hosts who make every trip personal.

TB

Tito Ben

Bangka captain & island guide
El Nido, Palawan

Born on a small island in Bacuit Bay. Knows every hidden lagoon and which beach is empty at lunchtime.

AL

Ate Lina

Cooking host & home-stay
Banaue, Ifugao

Cooks pinikpikan over an open fire and tells the stories behind every Ifugao terrace from her veranda.

KJ

Kuya Jun

Surf guide
Siargao

Has surfed Cloud 9 since he was a kid. Will get beginners standing up and take the rest to the secret reefs.

NC

Nanay Cora

Heritage guide
Vigan, Ilocos Sur

A retired history teacher who walks Calle Crisologo by lantern light. Her great-grandmother lived in one of the casas.

ME

Manong Edgar

Mountain trek guide
Sagada, Mountain Province

Leads cave-connection treks and sunrise walks to Kiltepan. Forty years on these mountains and counting.

AM

Ate Marites

Resort host
Panglao, Bohol

Runs a five-room hideaway off the main road. The kind of breakfast that makes you cancel the rest of the day.