About Joanathx: Filipino Expat Travel Blog by Nathaniel & Joanna

I’m originally from Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines. I currently work and live in Saudi Arabia as an expat — been here since 2011.

I started Joanathx to share travel stories and outings from my free time — weekend trips, random discoveries, and honest reviews of places I’ve been. It’s not a full-time thing. Just something I genuinely enjoy doing between work and family life.

When I’m not working or writing, I’m usually out hiking, trying new food, or planning the next trip.

Nathaniel at Aloha Ubud, Bali — Filipino expat travel blogger living in Saudi Arabia since 2011
Nathaniel at Aloha Ubud, Bali. Hiking and blogging in his free time while working as an expat in Saudi Arabia.

About Joanna

My wife Joanna is a former OFW who worked in the UAE before coming home to the Philippines. She’s now a full-time mom to our son and occasionally helps with the blog’s social media when she can between mom duties. Her OFW experience gives us a real perspective on what it’s like to work abroad, which shows up in how I write about expat life and travel.

Joanna at Aloha Ubud, Bali — former OFW in UAE, full-time mom, and co-founder of Joanathx
Joanna at Aloha Ubud, Bali. Former OFW in the UAE, now a full-time mom managing the blog from the Philippines.

Why Joanathx

I started this blog because I was tired of generic travel guides written by people who spent 48 hours in a country and left. Living in Saudi Arabia full-time means I can write about places with actual depth — the good, the bad, and the “why did I think this was a good idea.”

My goal is simple:

  • Document hikes, food discoveries, and weekend outings for anyone who wants the real experience
  • Share honest travel stories from Saudi Arabia, UAE, and beyond
  • Help fellow expats and OFWs navigate travel in the Middle East

What I Write About

Most of my content focuses on:

  • Saudi Arabia travel — from Riyadh to AlUla to Jeddah. Living here full-time means I can go beyond the tourist trail.
  • Visa and travel practicals — like my Saudi Arabia visa guide which walks through the eVisa and family visit visa process step by step.
  • Hiking and outdoors — trails, mountains, and outdoor adventures from the Philippines and Indonesia.
  • Expat life — what it’s actually like to work and live in the Middle East as a Filipino.

If you’re into any of these, you’ll probably find something useful here.

Connect

I’m not always quick to respond since I work full-time, but I do read every message.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you originally from?

I’m from Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines. Joanna is from the Philippines too. She’s back home taking care of our son while I work in Saudi Arabia.

How long have you been blogging?

Started Joanathx in 2019. I write in my free time — weekends, nights, and whenever I have something worth sharing.

What do you do for work?

I work as an expat in Saudi Arabia. Joanathx is something I do on the side — it’s not my full-time job, just something I enjoy.

Do you travel full-time?

I work and travel when I can — weekends, holidays, and the occasional long weekend. The blog is about making the most of the time I have off.

What countries have you visited?

So far: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, and [others]. Always working on expanding the list.

How can I collaborate with Joanathx?

I’m not a full-time influencer, but I’m open to genuine collaborations. Reach out through the contact page with what you have in mind.

Do you do guest posts?

Not at this time. I write all my own content to keep things authentic.