A little about me.

I am a first generation Filipina-American and my family is originally from Olongapo, Philippines. I was born in San Diego, CA and grew up with my extended family (cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents) all under one roof.

My dad was in the U.S. Navy and when I was 8 years old, he received orders to Atsugi, Japan (a small city 2 hours from Tokyo). It was an adjustment to leave the States and go from a full house to just my parents, brother and me - but we all fell in love with Japan. Besides the amazing food and lovely culture, this is where I met my lifelong childhood friends.

After 6 years, we moved to Sicily, Italy. We went from Japan city life to the countryside with geep (goat-sheep) roaming the streets. I was fortunate to join the volleyball, basketball, and soccer teams, which allowed me the opportunity to travel to international schools all over Europe year-round. While in Italy, I frequently visited many cities including Rome, Milan, Venice. I even got to play tournaments in Germany.

I made it back to California, attended UCI for my undergrad (zot zot!) and worked in Newport Beach a couple of years post-grad. UCI was fun (to say the least) and where I met my bffs/sisters. While OC is wonderful, I was bored. On a whim (and kind of buzzed on wine), I sent out my resume and within 2 weeks I had a new job and moved to LA!

So as you can see, I’m not originally from LA. I was not born and raised here. So why “los angelysse”?

While every place I’ve lived holds a very special place in my heart, no place has ever quite felt like “home”. As soon as I moved to LA, I felt connected and grounded. Growing up a military brat, I was exposed to a lot of places but not a lot of diversity. LA’s beauty is in its diversity and it is what I deeply fell in love with. In every experience in LA, every part of me changed for the better.

In my mid to late 20s, I was living my best LA life. The food, fashion, and lifestyle - I wanted it all and I grew through craving every experience LA had to offer. I lived in a studio in Miracle Mile (Mid-City West) and eventually bought my first home, a condo in Hancock Park/Melrose.

Now fast forward to my post-ratchet life haha, my husband and I live in a beautiful Spanish style house in El Sereno (Northeast LA) with our baby, Nico and pup, King.

I started losangelysse because I love to write about my experiences and want to share the LA love with all of you!