Kulas, newly minted Pinoy
Senators on Monday unanimously granted Canadian vlogger Kyle Douglas “Kulas” Jennerman Filipino citizenship.
During a plenary session, the Senate approved on third and final reading, House Bill 7185 seeking the naturalization of Jennerman, with 24 affirmative votes, zero negative votes, and no abstentions.
Senator Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa welcomed Jennerman saying the latter’s intention about wholeheartedly embracing the Philippines was “clear from the beginning” by naming his social page — “Becoming Filipino.”
“Perhaps, this is a pivotal moment in globalization, wherein we learn to love our identity even more as Filipinos, but we learn it also from the eyes of someone we would at first consider a foreigner,” De la Rosa said.
De la Rosa thanked Jennerman for bragging about the Filipino cultures and traditions, especially for bringing pride to “Bisayang Dako” or the native Visayan people.
“Many of us have learned to love our country even more, because of your example. Thank you for learning, thank you for staying,” the senator told Jennerman.
Senator Joel Villanueva described Jennerman as an exceptional “human being” after being granted Filipino citizenship.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri likewise congratulated Jennerman.
“I trust that you will live up to this great gift given to you by the Filipino people. you have already done so much to promote our country, to Filipinos and nationals alike and we look forward to your future contributions as you champion the country that you call now your home. Maybe you can change the name of your vlog from ‘Becoming a Filipino’ to ‘I am a Filipino, congratulations my dear friend,” Zubiri said.
Jennerman has been staying in the country for 10 years already.
Zubiri, Villanueva and Senator Sonny Angara have earlier filed bills for the naturalization of Jennerman.