I was born in rural Philippines, growing up in a lively, multi-generational home on my mom’s side, while weekends were spent in the city with my dad’s big family. Creativity ran deep in both sides—architects, musicians, illustrators, and clothing makers—so I like to think design is in my blood! I climbed trees, ran wild, and ate fresh mangoes straight from the tree, never imagining how far life would take me.
I was 9 when we moved to California—a crazy, fast-paced place filled with different people speaking a language I had only heard on Cartoon Network. Like most immigrant kids, I learned to adapt. Fast forward, I was at Cleveland High School in Reseda, through the AOAT (Academy of Art and Technology) program, that I discovered my love for design. Joining the Yearbook class introduced me to Adobe programs and graphic design, and a studio tour at Meat & Potatoes in Burbank led to my first internship. That experience sealed it for me—I knew graphic design was the life for me!
Then—another life shift. I had planned to attend a university nearby, but after ten years of trying to secure citizenship, life took us in a different direction. We moved to Canada, settling near SFU in Surrey, where I enrolled in the SIAT (School of Interactive Arts and Technology). But in 2011, we lost my sweet Papa, and everything changed again. I left school—life felt too short. My Papa loved to travel and I wanted to experience life for him.
It wasn’t until 2013—after 20 countries and countless adventures—that I enrolled at VCAD (Visual College of Art and Design), where I earned my diploma and launched my very first online portfolio by 2015. But my love for travel wasn’t over just yet. On one particularly memorable trip to New Orleans, I met my very British (now) husband in a hostel. We fell in love, kept traveling, he moved to Canada—and 10 years later, we have a beautiful baby girl!
Life’s taken many turns, but design has been my constant. Along the way, I worked with several local breweries, where I discovered my passion for packaging. That path led me to BZAM, where I spearheaded the packaging production of over 200+ SKUs, all while designing romance book covers and beer cans on the side!
I’m resilient, creative, a team player & I know a good story when I hear one! Would love to be a part of yours.
