As a teenager, I was introduced to renowned Filipino contemporary and modern artist Ibarra de la Rosa (1943-1998) at the FEATI University College of Fine Arts who taught my sisters and me oil and acrylic painting techniques. This began my journey and joy of painting. Dela Rosa's style of impressionism, pointillist-like brushstrokes and abstract images are some of my early influences. 

Growing up in Vancouver, British Columbia has also influenced the way I see things. I am influenced by nature and my surroundings-- the mountains, ocean, and forests where I live. I'd like to think that my positive energy, imagination, love of bold colours and ethnic background as a Filipina-Canadian artist bring a unique perspective to my work.

Over the years, I've had many group and solo exhibitions with acquisitions which include: the Vancouver East Cultural Centre, the Richmond Art Gallery, the UBC Art Gallery and acquisition by the Richmond Art Gallery, and the Vancouver Folk Festival. I was also a grant recipient for ArtStarts in Schools, a not-for-profit organization bringing professional artists to the classroom and have volunteered at Garden City Elementary to teach art.

I've been painting almost my entire life, and each time I put paint on canvas, I grow.  Each painting is like a beginning and an evolution.  When you look at my paintings, there isn't a true, systematic organized way or technique that I use as a constant. Rather, it is a way of thought and expression. Depending on what my mood is, and the time of day, the painting comes to life with how I feel at that moment.  I use a lot of colours; and my preference is bold, primary colours.  I feel my emotions resonate with each painting, taking time to meticulously engage with my inner self and expressing that in form. I have always been an optimistic person, seeing the glass as more than half full!  Lastly, I paint for myself.  I paint what I'd like to see on my walls, and seeing them hanging in my living room and hallway, gives me great happiness of accomplishment. If someone else likes my painting, all the better!