I am a queer, gender nonconforming FilipinX interdisciplinary artist, movement facilitator, emotional doula, and mental health advocate. Rooted in my lived experiences with hidden disabilities and marginalization, my work integrates dance, somatic practice, mindfulness, and experimental film to explore themes of healing, belonging, and transformation. Through storytelling and movement, I create spaces that invite reflection, connection, and empowerment, fostering deeper relationships with ourselves and each other.
At the heart of my practice is a belief in the body’s innate capacity to heal and rejuvenate, as well as a deep commitment to exploring our interconnectedness. My work challenges traditional narratives, embracing vulnerability, emotional honesty, and radical love as tools for individual and collective liberation. I aim to inspire others to reconnect with their inner landscapes, navigate the complexities of suffering and liberation, and nurture meaningful relationships through somatic exploration and mindful creativity.
My short dance film, BASTARD, delves into identity, trauma, and resilience, drawing from my own experience of navigating societal expectations and inherited legacies. The film reflects my commitment to using art as a medium for empowerment and self-discovery while fostering meaningful dialogue around belonging and self-acceptance.
Currently, I am developing an interactive installation, The Space Between Us, that centers radical presence, reciprocal care, and shared vulnerability. This work invites participants to engage with compassionate awareness and the sacred space we co-create. Through back-to-back or face-to-face exchanges, participants are encouraged to connect with their bodies, emotions, and the profound possibilities of mutual support and reflection. This installation is a continuation of my dedication and research to creating inclusive, transformative spaces for healing and connection.
Additionally, Common Threads is an immersive visual exploration of Hamilton’s marginalized communities, blending candid portraits, movement studies, and abstract animations to reflect the city’s interconnectedness. The projection centers folks who are forced to be marginalized— racialized communities, queer individuals, and people experiencing homelessness—capturing both the beauty and struggle of their experiences. Using nature as a grounding element, the piece incorporates imagery of local landscapes and fluid animations that symbolize the unseen connections between people, communities, and the city. It asks viewers to reflect on belonging, exclusion, and interdependence, honoring the resilience of Hamilton’s diverse social fabric.
I am privileged to collaborate with Katie Rawn, a talented filmmaker and photographer, whose vision and support have been invaluable in bringing my ideas to life. Together, we combine our strengths in film, photography and embodied art to craft experiences that capture and amplify the stories of marginalized communities and our shared humanity. Our collaborative work continues to challenge traditional boundaries and explore new ways of engaging with art as a vehicle for social change and healing.
As an artist activist, I strive to amplify voices that are often overlooked, foster collective responsibility, and build a more compassionate world where healing and creativity are accessible to all. I am deeply curious about how participatory art and interdisciplinary collaborations can evolve as tools for community resilience and radical care. In my future works, I hope to explore the intersections of art, social change, and sacred practices, pushing the boundaries of how we imagine mutual aid and interconnectedness within our communities.