I was born in Manila, Philippines, and family has always been at the center of my life. I am the proud mother of three children—one son and two daughters—and grandmother to three wonderful grandsons. I married an American, and we have shared the past 30 years together building a life filled with adventure, learning, and unforgettable experiences.

Travel has always been one of my greatest passions. I have had the opportunity to visit 13 countries, including the United States, and some of my favorite experiences include walking 10 miles along the Great Wall of China and trekking through the Himalayas to the base camp of Mt. Everest. Those journeys taught me the value of perseverance, curiosity, and appreciating the world around us.

Before entering the culinary field, I spent 20 years as a dive instructor. With more than 7,000 logged dives and depths reaching 200 feet, I experienced a world that many people never get to see. From sea turtles and whale sharks to incredible underwater landscapes, diving in the Philippines, Sabah, and Malaysia showed me just how remarkable nature can be. It remains one of the most rewarding chapters of my life.

My love of cooking began even earlier. I grew up in my family’s restaurant and was taught to cook at the age of eight. By the time I was 14, I was helping manage daily operations while also serving customers and working as the cashier. Those early experiences taught me the importance of hard work, hospitality, and bringing people together through food.

For the past seven years, I have worked in the culinary field in America, and one of the greatest joys of my career has been preparing meals for seniors. There is something special about creating food that brings comfort, happiness, and a sense of home to others. Being able to care for people through cooking is both a privilege and a passion that continues to inspire me every day.