I am interested in journalism,

new media, and digital cultures in the Philippines.

Some context

At 28, I was a casualty of mass retrenchment when the largest publishing company in the Philippines decided to fold all its magazine titles and transition fully online. Feeling too young to be sacked and too old to keep up with the Gen Z, I decided to get to know the very thing that took my job: the internet. I completed my Master of Digital Communication and Culture at the University of Sydney (2020) where I graduated with High Distinction. Here, I re-ignited a passion for research, learning about internet cultures, and examining the role of journalism in the age of digital media. I then secured the International Macquarie University Research Excellence Scholarship to pursue my Master of Research with Macquarie University, where I completed my thesis entitled "#DefendPressFreedom: Journalists’ use of Instagram in news reporting under Duterte’s populist administration in the Philippines."

Previously, I worked as a columnist and editor with The Philippine Star and was associate features editor of Esquire Philippines. My work is published in VICE, CNN Philippines, Town & Country, ANC-X, Elle Decor, FHM, Preview and Rogue. I specialize in long-form feature writing, interviews, profiles, culture, news, arts and entertainment. I am experienced in producing stories for print, video, and audial mediums. Before jumping full-time into media, I worked in a creative advertising agency as an account manager handling the NESCAFÉ account and overseeing major productions for national TV, radio, and billboard advertisements. I have given talks on writing to students at the Ateneo De Manila University (2020), De La Salle University (2017), and University of Asia and the Pacific (2013-2015).

Writing Research
Project Management

Print Production Copyediting

Social Media Video

Podcast

See Full CV

At the heart of my work is engaged storytelling.

My background in the media industry and renewed interest in academia lends itself to complementary writing styles and systematic investigations. At the core of it all: engaged storytelling, based on insight gathering and research. I am able to work on communications across a range of disciplines, working with corporate clients, editors, journalists, and academics. You should also know the following:

According to my screen time, I spend less than four hours on social media per day.
I am certified in SEO fundamentals and also in Mental Health First Aid training.
I get angsty waiting for problems to get sorted.
It took me two years to do the crow pose in yoga.
I have been subject to attacks from a Philippine pop star’s fan club — so I am no stranger to some form of online harassment.

Published Work

Under quarantine, Filipinos spend more time on Pornhub, Twitter, and Zoom

The Philippines is one of the most engaged internet users in the world, but the country also suffers from a palpable digital divide.

Why These Moms Want Marijuana Legalized In Duterte's Philippines

As the government wages a brutal war on drugs, a group of mothers are hoping for a law that they argue, could save their children's lives.

Why the passage of the divorce bill will help Filipino women

The state of the absolute divorce bill in the Philippines.

See All Work

My work for clients include print production, content strategy, editing, and copywriting work. The output ranges from internal newsletters, annual reports, PR writing for media releases, text for websites, social media, and e-mail campaigns. As a producer and project manager, I am able to put together a team of creatives through a network of talented art directors, photographers, artists and stylists in the country, working within a range of budgets, styles, and business objectives.