I was born in the Philippines, in a much simpler era when smartphones were still unheard of, but today I am a citizen of the world.
I am a professional writer, web developer, performing artist, fitness trainer and group exercise leader. I am an experienced instructor in speech, acting, personality development, voice, dance and martial arts. I have taught people of all ages, from all walks of life.
I have received awards in Literature (Stevan Javellana Foundation), Journalism (Philippine Information Agency), Sports (University of the Philippines, Philippine Sports Commission) and Leadership (Ayala Foundation, Rotary) in acknowledgment of my work in different fields of endeavor. My essays/columns, fiction, poetry and reviews have been published in numerous print media since 1995. I have written and directed two theatrical plays staged in Iloilo City, Philippines: Gisi (“Torn”) and Tatsulok (“Triangle”).
I completed my basic education at West Visayas State University. I have a tertiary degree in Business Administration, Major in Marketing, from the University of the Philippines. I will soon complete my graduate studies in Public Administration, Major in Human Resource Management.
I am certified under the standards of the University of Cambridge as an Examinations Officer. I got a perfect score of 9.0 in my IELTS and 95.95 in my Philippine Civil Service qualification exam.
I am a certified Group Exercise Leader and have taught Aerobics, Aqua Fitness, Cardio Kickboxing, Kung-Fu, Mixed Martial Arts, Zumba, Bokwa, TRX Suspension, Piloxing, Pound and STRONG by Zumba. I am certified as an Advanced Level Instructor under the Les Mills system for the RPM (indoor cycling), BodyBalance/BodyFlow (yoga, pilates, tai chi fusion), BodyPump (total body workout with light weights), BodyCombat (martial arts-inspired cardio) and Tone (cardio, weights and core) programs.
I was formally schooled in Ballet, Gymnastics, Latin Ballroom, Hawaiian-Polynesian and Classical Interpretative dance. In martial arts, I have degrees in Wushu Sanshou, Tai Chi and Hung-Gar. I have also trained extensively in Karate, Muay Thai, Wing Chun and Arnis.
I have been a hustle queen since I was five years old. I started as a radio talent, freelance author, web developer and dance instructor while still at school. I eventually added performing arts, fitness and martial arts instruction to my skill set. After graduation, I worked for different private and government establishments in the Philippines.
I moved to the Middle East in 2007 with my husband, Peter, and have lived and worked in the Sultanate of Oman since. We have one child, a beautiful baby girl born in April 2016. I currently have a career in education, finance and sports.
I discovered my passion for cooking in 2013 and am currently expanding my knowledge, skills and experience in the culinary arts. I take pride in my Philippine, Chinese and Italian dishes, which always have an Asian Fusion twist due to my travels in South East Asia.
I am actively blogging to chronicle my adventures in life as much as I can through images and words. I am also writing a novel series. Yes, it is fiction and, yes, it has martial arts.
My charity and volunteer work involves traveling in South East Asia to promote my advocacy of a healthy lifestyle. I have conducted group exercise classes and given talks to share my experiences in fighting obesity and getting into a regular fitness habit.