Paul Michael Jaramillo

PJ is a Certified Public Accountant, writer, storyteller, and an advocate for youth empowerment and environmental protection. His passion for storytelling and social impact has taken many forms—from writing thought-provoking articles on national development, featured in a Spanish newspaper and Rappler, to producing documentaries on mining and environmental issues that aired on ABS-CBN News and GMA News. A proud Ilocano and graduate of Northwestern University, PJ earned his degree in Accountancy then passed the CPA licensure exam in 2015. That same year, he began his professional career at KPMG in the Philippines. As an external auditor, he handled a diverse portfolio of clients, including a global workspace provider (the largest audit engagement of KPMG Philippines), a global bank, a major FMCG player, and several shared service centers. His commitment to innovation was evident early in his career. PJ and his team won the KPMG Asia-Pacific Data & Analytics Challenge and later coached the Philippine team to a top-three finish at the KPMG GlobalRunner Cup. He went on to lead KPMG Philippines' Network of Audit Innovators and Data & Analytics Champions, as well as its academic arm. He was an active contributor to the Asia-Pacific Audit Digital Transformation Workstream and a member of both the Audit Methodology Group and the Root Cause Analysis Team. Beyond technical excellence, PJ is deeply committed to learning and leadership. He was a regular training facilitator on audit methodology, professional standards, and emerging tools in data and analytics. He also served as the Firm’s System of Quality Management (SoQM) Implementation Manager and one of its Workforce of the Future Champions. In 2019, he contributed to the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) as a member of its Technical Working Group on Audit Methodology. His role in shaping audit quality and innovation has left a meaningful imprint on the profession. PJ defines success by the people he uplifts. As a mentor and coach, he invests in the growth of emerging professionals and previously served as a member of the KPMG Philippines People Committee. He leads various community-centered advocacy projects and shares inspiring stories through his vlog, PJspirations, a platform that celebrates individuals and their journeys. As a volunteer, he serves as Academic Master and Head Coach of PREMIER International Learning and Development Center, an organization devoted to providing coaching, mentoring, and training programs that help people grow personally and professionally. Today, PJ brings his passion and expertise to the Middle East, South Asia, and Caspian regions as part of KPMG’s Professional Practice and Audit Learning & Development team. In this role, he contributes to audit methodology advancement and learning strategy across the Middle East Cluster. He is also a certified #IAmRemarkable facilitator, leading sessions of the global Google initiative that empowers women and underrepresented groups to celebrate their achievements. Tiktok: PJspirations Snapchat: pgb_088 Personal Website: http://lnk.bio/pjspirations

THE SOLO DRIFTER: Caucasus (Georgia-Armenia) Travel Guide, Budget and Itinerary

In this #TheSoloDrifter series, I am featuring Georgia and Armenia. Hopefully, on my next update I would be able to include Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, read my travel guide for the two countries: Georgia Armenia You may also watch the highlights of my trip to sum up my journey in Caucasus region. Georgia Armenia TIME PLACE REMARKS …

THE SOLO DRIFTER | Georgia: Tiny Yet Extraordinary | A Travel Guide

I visited Georgia during the Eid holiday of 2026, at a time when winter was slowly giving way to spring. Before the trip, I often heard people say that Georgia is a country worth visiting more than once because every season reveals a different kind of beauty—from snow-covered mountains in winter and colorful blossoms in …

THE SOLO DRIFTER: Ancient and Ambient Armenia | A Travel Guide

After spending several memorable days in Georgia, my journey through the Caucasus continued across the border into Armenia. While the two countries share centuries of intertwined history, Christian heritage, and breathtaking mountain scenery, I immediately noticed how the landscape began to change. Georgia’s valleys, dense forests, and vineyard-covered hills gradually gave way to Armenia’s terrain, characterized by dramatic highlands, rocky mountains, and vast open plains.

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 and November 2025. Here’s another entry for my ‘The Solo Drifter’ section! Last 2022’s Eid Al-adha, I visited Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. During Ramadan 2023, I travelled in one of the countries in …

THE SOLO DRIFTER: Najran | Noble Land of Saudi Arabia | A Travel Guide

Najran surprised me in ways I didn’t expect. The warmth of its people, the sincerity of their welcome, and the quiet generosity in every interaction made the experience feel personal. And above all, there’s a certain stillness in Najran. A calm, peaceful rhythm that slows you down and invites you to simply be.