Celine Murillo has emerged as one of the Philippines’ most compelling voices for biodiversity, blending storytelling, science, and social media to awaken renewed interest in the country’s flora and fauna. Her journey from economics instructor to “green-fluencer” reflects both personal resilience and a deep commitment to conservation.
Celine was among the seven prominent Bicolanas that literature and culture advocate Doods M. Santos, also contributing writer and editorial adviser for Dateline Ibalon, spoke about as part of her speech on Bikol Women and Ecology during the 2nd Buklad Arts and Culture Festival in Ateneo de Naga University on February 15, 2025:
“Someone from the younger generation, Celine Murillo of Sorsogon, a photographer, filmmaker, and a social media influencer for the environment. She has gained some recognition nationally, in much the same way as Patricia Non did for her community pantries (in Quezon City) during the Covid19 pandemic. Celine and her husband (Dennis) started on their journey for the ecology with a container garden that attracted birds during the pandemic. They started traveling around the country, joined conservation efforts for the tamaraw, and then began to study plants, trees, and flowers in the forests.
“Her content on YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok highlights her commitment to environmental conservation, as she features educational videos about the country’s rich biodiversity, waterfalls, native Philippine trees and flowers, and birds and butterflies. She believes Philippine flora and fauna should be taught in schools. She points out that humans are now suffering karma: ‘Whatever we do to the environment and other creatures will eventually come back to us, as evident in the triple ecological crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.’ “
Inspiring Bicol youth
On November 19, 2025, Celine was an invited guest of the Office of Student Affairs -Alternative Class Program in Ateneo de Naga University Office. She spoke about the importance of mainstreaming biodiversity and protecting our natural heritage. Her audience were hundreds of Ateneans gathered at the University Gymnasium.
She travelled the next day to Legazpi City where she was welcomed by BU Symbiosis, the Biology Society of Bicol University. She spoke at the Albay Day of Biosphere Reserve Symposium about using the power of storytelling, visual media and digital platforms to promote Philippine biodiversity, environmental preservation and natural heritage.
Weaving science and heritage in filmmaking
On December 3, 2025, the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST SIE) announced the winners of its 9th Indie-Siyensya Filmmaking Open Category Competition. The major award films stood out for their powerful narratives, scientific clarity, and exceptional artistry. The film “Damayan” by Celine and Dennis Murillo won 2nd Best Film.
In “Damayan,” which is set in Sagada, mushroom foraging is more than just a source of food—it is a way of keeping memory and community alive. The film takes the viewer into this tradition, showing how the “wood wide web” of mycelium connects forests, people, and culture. By weaving science and heritage, the film reminds us that competition is not the only story in nature; cooperation and connection are just as powerful. At its heart, it shows how the soil beneath us holds a shared life that sustains us all.
On October 9, 2024, Celine was winner of the Best Science and Technology Short-form Series trophy at the Bantog Awards for Science Communication given by the Department of Science and Technology – Science and Information Institute. The Bantog Awards aim to boost awareness and literacy in science, technology, and innovation. Her winning entry as Independent Content Creator was her Short-form Series named “Saribuhay sa Salapi” (Biodiversity in our Money).
In Davos with TikTok
Last January 2025, Celine Murillo was one of the four leading creators invited by Tiktok from across the globe to participate in the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. They came to share the work they do to inspire action at the first-ever TikTok Experience space. This interactive space served to educate the public about TikTok’s unique capability to drive global impact and the work we do to keep our platform safe and secure.
With over 706,000 followers on TikTok, Celine’s work on the digital platform combines scientific insight with relatable storytelling to educate her audience on protecting endangered species, preserving habitats, and addressing biodiversity loss. Her collaborative efforts with NGOs, local communities, and scientists along with initiatives like tree-planting drives and coastal clean-ups, inspire young Filipinos to take action for a more sustainable future.
In one of her vlogs, Celine at first shared her misgivings about attending the World Economic Forum event. The opportunity to experience winter in the Alpine ski resort appealed to her, but she was not sure what contribution she could make. She also thought the WEF did not have a good reputation in the climate and environmental space. But then she had a dialogue with the people from TikTok. Their expectations became clearer.
Eventually she agreed, admitting that on a selfish level this perhaps was her chance to see snow. At the WEF she attended various sessions, listening to experts talk and explain astounding science about the state of our planet, the climate crisis, and biodiversity. She said what she heard and learned was frightening and depressing. Solutions were presented and offered, but to her they seemed hollow—mere excuses to continue abusive and destructive systems that benefit only a few. She notes sadly that the people making promises to save the planet are virtually the same people destroying it. But she remains hopeful as she expresses her deep feelings:
“Yet amid the ironies and revolting realities, I chose to listen and learn. There were also stories of resistance and hope. There were moments that proved the value of laughter, conversation, sharing, and wonder. Like seeing snow for the first time, to understand how to keep going—because we must keep going. In many ways, my perspective grew and my convictions were strengthened. For this, I am grateful for the opportunity and experience. I still carry the sadness, fear, and anger from what I witnessed and heard there. But that doesn’t mean we stop. We continue introducing, loving, and acting for our biodiversity.”
From Grief to Green Advocacy
In 2014, Celine had to grieve the loss of her dear mother. The death was sudden and took her by surprise. She had already graduated from college with a degree in business management and had quit her first job in an automotive company. She was doing a job interview when she received the phone call. Sadly, by the time she got to the hospital, her mother had already passed.
The loss of her mother led her to seek solace in nature. Celine coped by hiking, enabling her to process her grief while deepening her connection with the forests. “Hiking the steepest mountains was my way of healing,” she shared. Her commitment to environmental conservation solidified during her solitary hikes. Despite her loss, she never lost track of her goals. Her enthusiasm to heal herself was deep – she spoke the language of the trees and plants giving voice to the silent forests.
Beginnings – a simple roaming life
Before her rise in the digital mainstream, Celine had a now-defunct blog called Celinism, where she wrote about her adventures outdoors and travels with her partner, Dennis Murillo. They met in high school in Angono, Rizal, became sweethearts in 2007, and then ten years later, got married.
In the aftermath of her mother’s death, they started traveling and climbing mountains. They explored Catanduanes on a motorcycle, scaled the second highest peak in the Philippines – Mt. Pulag in the Cordilleras – and some of the lesser-known mountains in Rizal province. She would get freelance writing jobs for magazines.
From 2018 to 2019, the couple joined a team that produced Suwag o Suko, a documentary on the conservation of the endangered tamaraw or the Mindoro dwarf buffalo (Bubalus mindorensis). Celine wrote the script with director Mark Ace Gatdula. Dennis provided photography and additional footage.
Credit: All featured photos and media by Celine and Dennis Murillo.
They both considered the documentary production a milestone, with Dennis saying they were forced to learn many technicalities of long-form video production. Celine had this memory literally tattooed on her left arm. Opposite the tamaraw tattoo is a Malabulak tree (Bombax ceiba), her favorite, on her right arm.
The pandemic ushered in new hobbies and learnings. Locked in their apartment they started a container garden that attracted birds. She bought guidebooks and gears to feed this fascination for birds. They began traveling and slowly learned what they want to do – a simple, roaming lifestyle.
After the pandemic restrictions eased, they modified their 1992 Mitsubishi Delica Starwagon, which they named “Eli the Camper Van.” They started a series of videos of their travels aboard Eli. On their joint YouTube channel, they featured places like Quezon Province, Camarines Norte, Albay and the rest of the Bicol region. They went around Mindanao before settling down in Sorsogon City, the hometown of Celine’s mother. Before long, she had her mother’s house renovated.
By then they had lived in a van for one and a half years. Dennis, who left his job as an electrical engineer for this new life, learned and cultivated a passion for landscape photography. For these kinds of content, Celine was behind the camera filming him.
Pivot to TikTok and more recognition
In 2022, Celine pivoted to TikTok, recognizing its power to shape public opinion. With her husband Dennis as videographer, she began producing short, accessible videos about native trees, birds, and other species. Her conversational style—often in Tagalog, English, and regional languages—helped her reach diverse audiences. Today, she has amassed hundreds of thousands of followers across platforms, making species like the turquoise jade vine and Philippine ironwood part of mainstream online conversations.
Celine emphasizes that her work is not just about science but about decolonizing narratives that privilege foreign species and perspectives. By spotlighting indigenous trees and wildlife, she challenges the notion that “foreign is better” and underscores the interconnectedness of humans and nature. Her storytelling draws from Indigenous wisdom, scientific research, and lived experiences, often highlighting communities like the Talaandig and Higaonon of Bukidnon.
Her efforts have earned her recognition as a Gen.T Leader of Tomorrow (2025), one of Tatler Asia magazine’s trailblazing entrepreneurs, creatives and next-gen leaders creating positive impact across Asia. She was also a Young ASEAN Storyteller (2022), a programme sponsored by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity. She has collaborated with organizations such as the UNDP, National Geographic, and the Forest Foundation of the Philippines. These partnerships amplify her advocacy, but Murillo remains grounded, often reminding audiences that conservation is a collective effort.
Celine acknowledges the emotional toll of environmental work, describing it as both “rewarding and heartbreaking.” She insists that sitting with grief and wonder alike is a form of resistance. Her approach emphasizes community: when she rests, others continue the work, embodying the ecosystem of change. By instilling awe and hope, she believes people are more likely to protect the natural world.
Conclusion
Celine Murillo’s journey illustrates how personal loss can seed public purpose. Through TikTok videos, films, and immersive storytelling, she has become a bridge between science and everyday Filipinos, reminding them that biodiversity is not an abstract concept but a living heritage. Her voice—authoritative yet tender—continues to inspire a generation to see nature not as something to exploit, but as something to love, protect, and revere.
View more videos by Celine Murillo
Credits: All photos and media by Celine and Dennis Murillo. This piece was written by Jojo De Jesus for Dateline Ibalon based on these references:
- Tatler Asia / November 11, 2025: https://www.tatlerasia.com/people/celine-murillo
- Dateline Ibalon / February 30, 2025: https://dateline-ibalon.com/2025/02/bikol-women-and-ecology-doods-m-santos/
- Tiktok Community / January 30, 2025: https://newsroom.tiktok.com/tiktok-creators-davos?lang=e
- Inquirer / March 16, 2024: https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/487827/online-storyteller-awakens-renewed-interest-in-ph-flora-fauna/
- ABS-CBN / April 1, 2024: https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/4/1/get-to-know-celine-murillo-the-green-fluencer-championing-love-for-nature-with-online-videos-1424
- Rappler / June 5, 2024: https://www.rappler.com/environment/celine-murillo-finds-herself-natural-world-conservation-biodiversity/