Paul Michael Jaramillo

PJ is a CPA, writer, storyteller, environment and youth advocate. As a writer, his articles on national development were published in a Spanish newspaper and local news network Rappler. As a storyteller and environment advocate, his documentary films on mining and environment were featured by ABS-CBN News and GMA News. He launched his career as a CPA at KPMG in the Philippines in late 2015. He started his professional journey as an external auditor of a global workspace provider (the largest audit client of KPMG in the Philippines), global bank, leading MFCG in the Philippines and a number of shared service centres. As an auditor, his team won the KPMG Asia-Pacific Data & Analytics Challenge and coached the Philippine team that placed third to the KPMG GlobalRunner Cup. More than two years later, he led KPMG in the Philippines’ Network of Audit Innovators and Data & Analytics Champions and its academic arm, while serving as a member of the KPMG Asia-Pacific Audit Digital Transformation Workstream. He served as a member of the Audit Methodology Group and Root Cause Analysis Team of KPMG in the Philippines. He was a regular training facilitator of KPMG on audit methodology, innovation, data and analytics, professional standards and regulatory updates. He also served as a coach for newly promoted supervisors. PJ was also the Firm’s System of Quality Management Implementation Manager and a Workforce of the Future Champion. He was also a Sampling Specialist of the Firm. In 2019, PJ was a member of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA)’s Technical Working Group on Audit Methodology. PJ led in developing some of the innovative solutions of KPMG in the Philippines. Above all, PJ is a people investor. He invests on people who have potential and talents. That makes him a coach and mentor to some young professionals in the profession and served as a People Committee member of KPMG in the Philippines. He leads advocacy projects that help communities. He produces vlogs thru his YouTube channel, PJspirations which features stories of different individuals. As a volunteer, he is the Academic Master and Head Coach of PREMIER International Learning and Development Center, which provides coaching, mentoring, training and learning programs and platforms that promote growth and development in every individual’s life and career. He is also with the Middle East and Caspian regions of KPMG as a member of its Professional Practice group and Audit L&D for the Saudi Levant Cluster, providing subject matter knowledge and guidance on audit methodology, and learning and development programs to its offices. He is a proud Ilocano and a graduate of Northwestern University. He also conducts #IamRemarkable sessions, a program initiated by Google for women and underrepresented groups.

THE SOLO DRIFTER: Just Jordan, Simple yet Elegant – A Humble and United Country | A Travel Guide

This blog was originally published on 30 June 2023. It was updated for my latest Jordan trip in August 2024. Here’s another entry for my ‘The Solo Drifter’ section! Last year’s Eid Al-adha, I visited Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. This time during Ramadan 2023, I travelled in one of the countries in the …

#TheSoloDrifter in Saudi Arabia | Sharqiyah Sojourn: Discovering Saudi’s Eastern Charms

Nestled along the shores of the Arabian Gulf, Sharqiyah, the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia, boasts a tapestry of rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture awaiting the intrepid traveler. From the bustling metropolis of Dammam to the tranquil oasis of Al-Ahsa, this region beckons with its diverse array of tourist destinations. Embark on a …

#TheSoloDrifter in Saudi Arabia | Asir’s Majesty: A Landscape’s Legacy

Asir’s landscape is a masterpiece of contrasts which captivates visitors with its awe-inspiring vistas, pristine natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage. From the towering summits of the Sarawat Mountains to the verdant forests and fertile valleys below, Asir beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike to explore its diverse terrain and discover the untamed beauty that …

#TheSoloDrifter in Saudi Arabia | Hejaz Hues and Jeddah’s Diversity and Artistry

At the heart of the captivating Hejaz lies the bustling metropolis of Jeddah, a city that pulsates with the rhythms of modernity while proudly preserving its rich heritage. As you navigate through the labyrinthine streets of Jeddah, you’ll be greeted by a kaleidoscope of cultures, languages, and traditions, each contributing to the city’s unique identity. …

THE SOLO DRIFTER: Travelling to one country – United Arab Emirates (UAE) – and three dimensions (the past, the future… and the desert) | A Travel Guide

This blog post was initially published on 23 September 2022. It was updated on 14 April 2024 for other locations and activities. You read it right! Another entry for my ‘The Solo Drifter’ section, meaning I’m travelling alone again (at least in the tours)! And you read it right! I experienced one country with three …