You're welcome here.

As a teen, it was instilled in me to be independent. And what better way to do that than start earning? So that, I did. It might have been pennies, but it was eye-opening to experience first-hand, the market’s demands when it comes to purchasing custom-designed shirts. Thank you to that alumni who started the business! He was quite brilliant.

Originally, I was part of a different strand of study – my initial college degree was Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Development Studies. Thankfully, I was able to join a college block filled with BA Literature students at the start of my tertiary studies.

My activities and societies during those fun-formative years were: Malate Literary Folio, Office of Counseling and Career Services, and De La Salle University Chorale.

Long story short, I graduated after 4 years with a CGPA qualified for Latin Honors. I may have not expected the award and recognition, but until today, it defines me in corporate interviews and semi-intellectual introductions from my peers.

I wrote about this in my blog on social media: Purple Reverie on Facebook

My first exposure to corporate life was through a retail luxury distribution enterprise, owned by a couple. Everyday, I was amused with the boss lady’s clothes – she is the epitome of authentic style without trying too hard. Spent 6 months preparing for a luxury streetwear brand’s launch in the market and before I left, got to witness the birth of a new brand, from ideation to merchandising. It was named, cul-de-sac. Then just like that, it was time for me to go! Got a recommendation from my supervisor (who is also an alumni) to try a different function – not sure if that was because I am not a typical hire for such an analytical and creative pursuit but her hand-written letter (printed on the post cards I designed during my stay with their company) is still with me – a treasure I intend to keep!

In a nutshell, transitioning into the real world really shook my core.

The first salary I earned from my menial assistant job was spent unintelligently. After a year (mostly spend during the Covid-19 pandemic) with that group of companies in Metro Manila, Philippines… burn out finally caught up with me.

In a few months, I got to join a really fun team, we distributed flip flops made in Brasil. The learning curve was manageable as I got a proper handover from my predecessor. Not to sound too much of a job-hopper but after more than a year… my current organisation called me with a job offer!

Now here I am, 4 years in with a Research and Development company part of a bigger group – still in Marketing. Haha! Getting the hand of things took me almost a good 2 years. And frankly, I am still catching up because technology moves at the speed of light – so much innovation has occurred in the few years I’ve been in the industry.