04/26/2026
Wow 🤩 There are so many things in life I’m grateful for, and this is one for the books 🙏
I grew up with very little. There was a time in my life when we lost it all, and the struggles around me became very real. There were days we didn’t know what we were going to eat, or when the next real meal would come.
Only a few people truly know this part of my story, my life in the Philippines 🇵🇭
As a child, I loved standing in front of the mirror, acting, pretending, imagining I was someone else… someone accomplished, distinguished, powerful, strong, protecting the innocent and oppressed. Just like the superheroes I used to watch in the movies.
Those movies came from our small TV powered by a car battery. Our neighborhood wasn’t even connected to the grid. Every night, neighbors and kids would gather in our home, sitting shoulder to shoulder on the concrete floor just to watch. I still remember it so clearly, even the smell of those nights.
Looking back now, I realize how much that shaped me. When you grow up with so little, you learn how to dream with whatever you have.
Now I look at where I am and can’t help but pause. Not just in awe, but in reflection. How many of us once dreamed of a different life, and somewhere along the way, stopped believing it was possible?
This is one of those moments, an unexpected recognition from a name I used to only see on billboards, on TV, and hear people talk about growing up. Something I never imagined would one day recognize me ✨
And while it feels good to be recognized, what means more to me is what it represents. Consistency matters. Showing up matters. Even when the path doesn’t make sense, it is still leading you somewhere.
Thank you to Ayala Land International Sales Inc. for this honor. I am truly grateful and deeply touched by the time and effort they put into recognizing and celebrating their marketing partners from all over the world, USA, Canada, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, and Japan 🌎 It speaks volumes about how they value relationships and partnership.
And to the team behind me, Sir Thirdy Tadena, Ms. Olive, and most especially Ms. Emilie Gepte, thank you for continuing to support me even when things get busy and demanding 🤍
As one of their leaders shared, we may be in challenging times, but when we work together, great things can be achieved.
I’ve learned this firsthand. Challenges don’t block the path. They reveal it. They open doors. They create opportunities.
So if you’re in a season where things feel uncertain, heavy, or slow, don’t stop. You might be closer than you think.
The question is, are you still willing to believe in that version of yourself?
