Tell us a little about yourself, your background and heritage, and how you came to NP.
I'm a proud second-generation Filipino American, the youngest of five siblings, and the only one born in the United States. My family hails from the Philippines, but I was born and raised right here in San Francisco. Growing up, family was everything. It still is. My mother was the eldest of seven children, and I was fortunate to have a massive extended family. I have 21 first cousins, numerous second cousins, and at one point, we all lived within a five-block radius. Our neighborhood was our world.
My journey at NP began somewhat unexpectedly in December 1996 at what was once Lillick and Charles. I started as a temporary receptionist. It was a completely new experience for me, as I had never worked in a professional office setting before. This opportunity arose thanks to my sister-in-law, who worked in Office Services. She recommended me while her sister-in-law was on maternity leave. I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunities I've had at NP over the years. What started as a temporary role blossomed into a career where I've been able to grow and evolve. I've held several different titles, and honestly, I never imagined that 28 years later I would still be here, serving as the Office Administrator for the San Francisco office.
What languages do you speak, and which one do you feel most comfortable with?
I primarily speak English and some Tagalog. English is definitely the language I feel most comfortable with. I have a full understanding of Tagalog. Growing up in our close-knit family, my aunts, uncles, and grandparents would often speak to me in Tagalog. I would respond in English. I've always been grateful for this exposure because it allowed me to understand their conversations, which included humorous commentary about people—unknowingly avoiding being the subject myself was a plus!
What inspires you? Or why do you do the work that you do?
My parents have been a profound influence in my life and work ethic. Growing up, we didn't have much, but they worked incredibly hard for us and always emphasized the importance of doing well. Their belief in me and unwavering support, even when my career aspirations shifted in college, motivates me. A part of me still strives to make them proud of the person I am and the work I do.
What inspires me and why I do the work I do are intertwined. I genuinely enjoy the diverse nature of my work, as each day brings a variety of challenges and tasks. Looking back, starting at the firm at a young age and being part of a professional environment was also a significant experience. The numerous mentors I've had at NP through the years further inspire me, especially the six office administrators I worked closely with before becoming one myself. They truly fostered great working relationships with me, which played a crucial role in shaping who I am today. I'm so grateful for their knowledge, support, and guidance. These experiences have been instrumental in my growth. Because of their impact, I now feel it's a privilege to offer similar support and foster those same kinds of positive working relationships, and I value the opportunity to pay it forward.
As we observe AAPI month, can you share your favorite traditions or customs that are important in your culture?
One of my most cherished traditions from my childhood was our large extended family gatherings. They happened almost every single week. The mothers would dedicate a portion of their time to prayer, usually to the Santo Niño (baby Jesus). While they prayed, the rest of us (kids and adults) would simply hang out, eat, and share lots of laughter. I’m not going to lie; we also fit the Filipino stereotype of loving to sing karaoke. Each family took turns hosting each week, so there was always a different setting. Food was, and still is, a central part of our culture, and every household had its own specialty dish, and others brought food to share. This tradition continued well into my adulthood but shifted once the pandemic hit. That constant connection and sense of togetherness is what I truly love about my culture.
My family comes from Cardona Rizal, a small town in the Philippines, about an hour away from Manila. When our town migrated to California, they created the Cardona Women's and Men's clubs. These clubs organized yearly conventions and holiday parties that still continue today. These events were vibrant and often featured performances by attendees, including the Tinikling, a captivating traditional Filipino dance involving dancers gracefully maneuvering between rapidly clapped bamboo poles. At one point in my youth, I thought everyone in our community was related to us. Because of this, I grew up knowing many of the people my parents knew from the Philippines and their children, creating an even wider sense of community. These organizations also played a vital role in raising money to support our hometown and its people in need, which is another reason I appreciate the connection.
