Family Sells House To Pay Off Debts, Now Lives In A Van: 'We Are Happier, Healthier'

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Even Filipinos abroad were not spared from the COVID-19 pandemic. Harry Basio, a registered nurse in Canada, had to sell their house and car after losing his job because of the pandemic. Now he lives with his family — his wife, two kids, and their dog — in a camper van they call “Kai” (short for Kalayaan).

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In an interview with Summit Videos, Harry shares that his family moved to Canada in 2015. “In one year’s time, bumili kami ng bahay, tapos bumili kami ng sasakyan, without realizing na matindi pala ‘yung cost.”

It eventually reached a point where they were living paycheck to paycheck. “Nagulat kami nag-pile [up] eventually yung expenses kasi aside from the mortgage, marami pang mga extra bills — yung insurance, gas, etc,” he shares. “Nabaon kami sa utang.”

When Harry lost his job, the family decided to downsize and convert their van into a house on wheels. He says, “Life is short. Tapos uubusin mo ba yung buhay mo sa pag-wo-work para pambayad lang ng bills?”

They crossed the border and went to the United States, where Harry found a new job in Tyler, Texas. They have been living in their camper van for two years now, inside a state park in their community.

Harry admits that the van life comes with its own set of challenges. However, they have learned to face it together as a family. The experience has not only humbled them but made them closer than ever.

“Noong nasa bahay kami, kanya-kanyang kwarto so walang pansinan ‘yun. Kami [ni misis] stressed sa trabaho, pag-uwi mo ng bahay, pagod ka na rin, hindi mo na makausap ‘yung mga anak mo,” Harry shares.

Now that they’re living together in one van, their relationship grew, and their bond became stronger. “At saka nakita ko, sobrang healthy namin ngayon kasi nakakapaglakad kami.”

They’ve also unlocked the ability to travel anywhere that the vehicle can take them! One of the perks of van life is waking up to a different view every time.

"Hindi mo kailangang mabuhay para magpa-impress sa ibang tao. Ang importante, happy ka." — Harry Basio

It also made them realize that you don’t need a lot of material things to be happy. Harry, who used to be a goal- and success-oriented person says it was one of his biggest realizations after embracing the van life.

“Hindi mo kailangang mabuhay para magpa-impress sa ibang tao. Ang importante, happy ka,” he says, adding that he’s learned to become content with the simple things.

“Family is the most important thing, more than work, more than money, more than everything,” Harry adds. “Everything else in this world is not permanent. Pero ‘yung mga memories na ma-e-experience mo, ‘yun ‘yung mag-la-last.”

Watch their inspiring video below and find out if the van life is for you and your family:

READ THESE STORIES ON TINY HOMES

• Mom Eats And Sleeps In This House On Wheels To Juggle Two Jobs!
• This Tiny House Was Built In 3 Months And Cost P280,000!