My kindergarten teacher once said I embellished stories in class. She advised my mother to teach me not to “fib.” As it turns out, all the stories I had shared were all true. Since I was a child, storytelling came with a great amount of enthusiasm and energy. Sharing stories and informing the community is not only an honor, but a privilege. I’m thankful my job allows me to practice my passion.
Before becoming an anchor, I began my news journey behind the scenes. In 2006 I interned, wrote and produced at local San Diego ABC affiliate, KGTV. I continued on to KUSI and KSWB FOX 5, as a morning and weekend producer. Ultimately I left San Diego to sign on as a general assignment reporter at KREX News Channel 5 in Grand Junction, Colorado. I shot, edited and produced my own stories. Upon my return to San Diego, I worked as an anchor/reporter for U-T TV. There I had the privilege of launching its very first UT San Diego morning newscast. I also had the incredible experience of traveling to the Philippines to report on recovery efforts following the destruction of Typhoon Haiyan. Those reports earned me my first Emmy award.
But as luck would have it, I returned to KSWB FOX 5 for a “second tour,” this time as a reporter. After two and a half years of reporting for our evening newscasts, the station changed my role and now has me waking up with San Diego as a morning anchor.
I am a Filipina-American born in Subic Bay, Philippines. I’m what you call a “third culture kid” having lived overseas most of my life including Japan, Singapore and Guam because of my father’s U.S. military ties. After graduating high school in Singapore, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of California, San Diego. I am also active in the Filipino-American community, hosting events such as “For The Love of The Philippines” — a televised San Diego Benefit for Typhoon Haiyan victims — and the Fil-Am Festival in San Diego.
Lastly, I’m a true “foodie” at heart. I love to eat!
What keeps me going? God. Family. Friends.
If I wasn’t in TV news, I would … definitely be traveling. Since I moved so often as I child, I typically get an itch to up and leave and explore different cultures.
What is something no one knows about me? I prefer “oldies,” jazz and R&B over any other genres of music.
If I had free time, I would … travel, read, cook and eat more!
