Professional Journey

Prior to my family’s move to the United States, my professional path lived in one space. Broadcast. Communication. Live engagement. Entertainment. Along the way, I built a foundation in marketing, B2B sales, and events management. Work that sat at the intersection of storytelling and strategy.

I had the opportunity to work with two of the Philippines’ largest media networks, along with a major advertising agency. Fast-paced environments where ideas had to land, connect, and deliver.

I was young, scrappy, and hungry. (Thank you, Lin.) Those years shaped how I think, create, and collaborate.

There’s a million things I haven’t done. This is a glimpse into the continuing ride of that journey.

Because immigrants, we get the job done!

MARKETING & EVENTS MANAGER

June 2025 to Present
George Mark Children’s House | San Leandro CA

Leading with Purpose

Stepping into this role felt like a natural continuation of the journey that brought me to George Mark. What began as applying my background in marketing, events, and partnerships has grown into leading those same efforts. I help shape how we tell our story, engage our community, and strengthen the relationships that sustain our work.

I continue to project manage our annual Fall Fundraiser, along with family events like Pumpkin Day and Star Wars Day. I am also leading a multi-channel year-end campaign and a branding review to refresh how we present ourselves to the community.

Working in a small nonprofit means being resourceful. I have learned to be hands-on, flexible, and intentional. I collaborate across teams and with trusted external partners to bring ideas to life. Every project is a chance to deepen connection and support.

What I’m Learning: I am learning to lead with vision, patience, and humility. The scale may be smaller than my past work, but the purpose runs deeper. That is what keeps me grounded.

MARKETING, COMMS, & EVENTS COORDINATOR

April 2022 to June 2025
George Mark Children’s House | San Leandro CA

Where Heart and Skill Found Common Ground

When I joined George Mark Children’s House, my goal was simple: to see if my experience could truly support the mission of this extraordinary place. I quickly found that it could, and that I had just as much to learn as I had to give.

I helped project manage many of our most meaningful events, including the Fall Fundraiser Gala, Corporate Volunteer Work Day, Family Picnic, Pumpkin Day, Star Wars Day, and Day of Remembrance. On the marketing and communications side, I supported brand strategy, led digital campaigns, and ensured consistent messaging across newsletters, social media, and reports. I also worked closely with our PR and digital partners on media outreach, SEO, and ad placements.

Along the way, I contributed to the 20th Anniversary campaign, developed the “Charmers” partnership initiative, and co-created a volunteer program that strengthened collaboration.

What I Learned: This was my first time fully immersed in the nonprofit world. I discovered that strategy, creativity, and business sense can live alongside compassion and service. It taught me humility, deepened my sense of purpose, and showed me that impact is measured not just in numbers, but in lives.

FREELANCE CONTRIBUTOR

December 2025 to Present
Fanthatracks.com | Remote

Where Geek Passion Turned Into Voice

Writing has always come naturally to me. From early on, I was told it felt easy to read. Like a conversation.

At George Mark, that instinct found purpose. Writing became central to my work. From social posts to blogs, I saw how stories drive connection. In nonprofits, they are what make the mission real and move people to care.

Outside of work, my Star Wars fandom led me to write occasional pieces for fan sites. Nothing consistent at first.

That changed with FanthaTracks. What began as casual submissions grew into a regular outlet, and eventually, an invitation to join as a contributor.

What I’m Learning: I stand on the shoulders of the Star Wars writers who came before me. Their work shaped how I experience this universe. I am grateful to be a small voice within it.

In a world of fast content and short attention spans, I still believe in writing. This is my way of sharing my geek journey and adding, in my own small way, to the larger story.

FREELANCE MARKETING & EVENTS CONSULTANT

January 2020 to Present
AG Premier | Brisbane CA

Freelancing Gig That Keeps The Craft Alive

Alongside my full-time work, I take on select consulting projects that keep me close to the creative and production side of events. They allow me to stay hands-on, from strategy and logistics to storytelling and show flow.

Highlights include strategy and production work for ABS-CBN’s ASAP in Las Vegas, segment producing for a WorldRemit YouTube campaign, and line producing the San Francisco leg of Star Magic Beyond the Stars. I also supported the opening of Snowflake Summit in Las Vegas as an independent consultant.

What I Learned: Staying connected to side projects reminds me that event work is a muscle. It needs use and challenge to stay sharp. These experiences keep me adaptable, instinctive, and grounded in the joy of the craft.

EVENTS DIRECTOR

April 2020 to February 2021
Crunchyroll | San Francisco CA

Finding Stability in a New and Shifting World

I joined Crunchyroll at a pivotal moment, as the pandemic reshaped how people gathered and connected. My role quickly evolved from traditional event management to helping reimagine that connection.

I helped transform Crunchyroll Expo into a fully virtual experience, working across teams and with ReedPop to build digital platforms, rethink sponsorships, and create programming that still captured the energy of the fan community. In a time of isolation, it was meaningful to help bring people together in a new way.

I also focused on analytics and reporting, using audience insights to guide strategy and support the path back to live events.

What I Learned: It was a brief but formative time. I learned adaptability, patience, and how to lead through uncertainty. It reinforced that creativity and empathy matter just as much as execution.

HEAD OF GLOBAL EVENTS

August 2016 to April 2020
ABS-CBN Global | Daly City CA

Learning to Lead at Scale

Leading the Global Events Business Unit at ABS-CBN Global taught me what it means to manage at scale. Not just in audience reach, but in creativity, culture, and collaboration. We produced large-scale events across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, reaching tens of thousands each year.

I oversaw business strategy, planning, creative development, and execution. This included ASAP Live arena tours across multiple cities, as well as fundraising initiatives for ABS-CBN Foundation International like TIKIM and Gifts of Love. I also led Namamasko Po, our first global digital event connecting audiences across continents.

Working across time zones pushed me to grow as a strategist and collaborator. It demanded clarity, consistency, and respect for the teams behind the work.

What I Learned: This role shaped how I lead. It taught me to think bigger while staying grounded in purpose, people, and integrity. Ambition works best when paired with humility.

BOARD MEMBER

February 2008 to January 2017
Asian-American Advertising Federation

Championing Representation and Community

Serving on the board of the Asian American Advertising Federation (3AF) was a meaningful extension of my professional life. It allowed me to give back to the industry that shaped my career while helping elevate Asian American voices in marketing and advertising.

I was an active member of the conference logistics committee for the annual 3AF Marketing Summit (2012–2017), headed the sponsorship drive that delivered an annual average of $53K in revenue (2013–2016), and produced the awards show (2014–2016).

What I Learned: This experience reminded me that representation matters. That collaboration across industries and communities can create opportunities for lasting visibility and inclusion.

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING SALES, TRADE MARKETING, & EVENTS (NORTH AMERICA)

September 2007 to August 2016
ABS-CBN International | Redwood City CA

A Return to What I Know Best

Joining ABS-CBN in North America felt like coming home to media and storytelling. I led Advertising Sales, Trade Marketing, and Events, managing teams across ad sales and events while working with local and national advertisers.

We grew the advertising business into a strong revenue driver and introduced OK, GO!, a fan event blending festival and concert. It became a blueprint for monetizing live experiences and later evolved into a global initiative.

I also launched turnkey ad solutions for small businesses and led trade marketing efforts, from holiday programs to client engagement campaigns.

What I Learned: Leadership is about growth. Not just for the business, but for people. The best ideas come from collaboration, and success is measured in both results and relationships.

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

September 2007 to August 2016
Spotzer Digital (formerly Spotzer Media Group) | Emeryville CA

Learning the Startup Mindset

After my first U.S. role at Viamedia, I joined Spotzer Media Group, a startup ad agency based in Emeryville, as part of its first wave of Account Executives. We were introducing Spotzer’s new advertising model to clients across the Bay Area and helping shape how the company presented itself in a crowded market.

It was my first real glimpse into the startup world — fast, lean, and constantly evolving. Decisions were made quickly, creativity was scrappy, and every win, no matter how small, felt like building something from the ground up.

What I Learned: Working in a startup environment taught me to stay nimble and resourceful. It showed me that innovation thrives when people wear multiple hats, move quickly, and stay curious. And at the end of the day, cultivating relationships is what helps inch you closer to closing meaningful deals.

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

February 2007 to June 20o7
Viamedia | Foster City CA

Crossing Over Not Starting Over

As an immigrant, my first job in the United States came with Viamedia, where I operated under the California office based in Sacramento. I was responsible for selling airtime for RCN Cable (now operated by Astound!) within the San Francisco Bay Area.

It was a completely new environment — a new country, a new culture, and a different way of doing business. But I found that the fundamentals still held true: communication, creativity, and integrity transcend borders.

What I Learned: This experience taught me that skills are universal and adaptable. Even in a new world, what I had learned in the industry back home could find relevance and purpose here. It reminded me that experience travels well when you stay open and curious.