at the soft-launch of OTV Studio (2022)
photo by Felton Edward Kizer
As a Filipino-American artist, I am deeply committed to destigmatizing mental illness and celebrating underrepresented voices through all artistic mediums. With a profound appreciation for the transformative power of storytelling, I have dedicated myself to this mission throughout my career. In an industry constantly striving for increased equity, my goal as a creative is to contribute to fostering inclusive and accessible spaces for artists.
Growing up, performing on stage ignited my passion for building immersive worlds, breathing life into vibrant characters, and weaving impactful narratives. My passion for art guided me through earning a degree in Film & Television at DePaul University's School of Cinematic Arts in Chicago. There, I honed my skills in character analysis and storytelling, both as a screenwriter and a playwright.
In April 2021, I had the honor of joining Open Television's 2021 Fellowship Program and was awarded a production grant to bring my pilot script "ManicMan!" to the screen. The pilot, my directorial debut, premiered at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago in April 2023. During my time working with OTV, I studied the nuances of intersectional storytelling and its ability to echo diverse perspectives. The OTV Fellowship underscored for me the importance of intentional artistic expression.
at #OTVTonight: A Return to Fellowship (2023)
photo by M Lamourt
Between the creative beats, you can find me indulging in my love of immersive theatre, strong coffee, and good food. With an insatiable hunger for the unconventional and the authentic, I am always on the hunt for my next great story to tell.
on the set of 'ManicMan!' (2022)
photo by Lucas Byron