Welcome to My Travel Blog! – Manzo!!

Hi everyone!

My name is Manuel Manzo, but you can call me Mr. Manzo. I’m 24 years old, and this will be my third year teaching high school. I couldn’t be more excited to be joining CH2C! Bay Area to Panama and sharing this experience with all of you. I know this trip is going to challenge us, teach us, and create memories we’ll be talking about long after we return home.

A little about me—I come from a proud Chicano family and am the youngest of four siblings. My family’s roots are in La Palma and Guadalajara, Jalisco. La Palma is a small rural town where family, tradition, and community are at the heart of everyday life, while Guadalajara is one of Mexico’s most vibrant cities, known for its mariachi music, incredible food, and rich culture. Part of my family’s history also traces back to the region that is now Arizona, from a time before it became part of the United States. Growing up hearing these stories is one of the reasons I’ve always been so interested in history, culture, and learning about the world.

One thing you’ll probably learn about me pretty quickly is that I love food. Mexican food will always be my favorite, but if I had to pick my next top three cuisines, they’d be Filipino, Japanese, and Thai. I’m always up for trying something new, especially if it’s a local favorite. You’ll also rarely see me without an iced coffee or a Yerba Mate in hand…although every once in a while, a Red Bull sneaks into the mix.

Music is another big part of my life. Some of my favorite artists are Ariana Grande, Jhené Aiko, Miguel, Keyshia Cole, and H.E.R. Outside of school, I love playing volleyball and have the opportunity to coach my school’s volleyball team. Whether I’m coaching or teaching, I enjoy watching people grow, support one another, and discover what they’re capable of.

What I’m looking forward to most on this trip isn’t just visiting Panama—it’s having the chance to experience it beyond what we usually see as visitors. I’m excited to explore alongside all of you, learn what everyday life is really like, hear people’s stories, experience the local culture, and better understand what makes each community unique. I think the best part of traveling isn’t just seeing new places—it’s building connections, keeping an open mind, and coming home with a new perspective on the world and ourselves.

Thank you for stopping by my blog! I can’t wait to meet everyone in CH2C! Bay Area to Panama and share this incredible adventure. Here’s to new friendships, unforgettable memories, and an experience we’ll never forget with all of you as we take on this adventure together. Let’s make it a trip we’ll always remember!