who am i?

I’m a second generation settler and uninvited guest of Filipino descent who resides, counsels, and creates art on the stolen lands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

I’m a Counselling Art Therapist with experience helping many in the community, across genders and race, individuals who are neurodivergent, incarcerated, substance affected, and diagnosed with many psychological disorders.

I’m a brother, son, partner, friend, and role model for those in my community. I was formerly an animator and video director with a promising career I loved, but I couldn’t help but see the impact that our media, our culture, and our occupational commitments conflicted with our collective well-being. After a life of overcoming depression, discrimination, and many difficult life transitions, I found myself learning to acknowledge the barriers I’ve faced, the privileges I’ve had in life, and the responsibility that comes with understanding both perspectives. That led me to seek creative ways to tap into the deep wisdom within each of us.

On the side, I write poetry, host anti-oppression workshops for Bakau Consulting, am an Advisor for Vancouver Foundation’s LEVEL BIPOC grants, and participate in a private accountability group centering our intersectional lenses and decolonization.