Profession: Architect
City: Manila
Country: Philippines

What inspired you to want a life in Architecture and the creative industries?:
Creativity and passion are interlinked in my Architecture pursuits, alongside real estate development and the thrust for Sustainability.  Architecture is an inspiring medium through which we could creatively chart paths towards preserving the natural environment, allowing good design to help shape better lives.  Through our work, we make lives more fulfilling, we build communities that respect nature.  People and  environmental goals inspire me then and now.

Who inspired you in finding your path to Architecture/Film and the creative industries?:
My father inspired me in the field of architecture, engineering and building.  Through his eyes and engineer’s lens, I saw the possibilities of building better.  My mother honed my artistic skills early on by enrolling me in painting and art classes, and encouraging me in my craft.  At present, the young women (and even men) who reach out to me in the Architecture industry, in school and in the early stages of their career, are very inspiring for me.  I amplify their voices and assist them in climbing their individual ladders.

How you unlock obstacles and overcome bias in your work?:
With sheer grace and grit, determination and faith, I have unlocked obstacles and continue to overcome biases, challenges and difficulties.  Sometimes these difficulties are: due to forces of nature, clients, suppliers, contractors, ineffective associates and staff, errors, circumstances or non-aligned preferences. These contribute to situations that shake our core and question ourselves and capabilities.  It is this innate strength, grit and feminine grace that allows us to endure, with hopeful lessons learned that we will make choices to yield better outcomes, in the future.

What improvements do you feel are required to promote effective change in the academic and working environment?:
Bringing up the youth of today with good values, respect, kindness, integrity and strength of character will help make the academic and working environments better.  It always starts with people, then policies, as these will form the norms and legalities that will bind everyone.  Inclusivity even in the field of architecture must be definitive, to erase biases on gender, race and other barriers.