I'm a data practitioner based in Lisbon, Portugal, specializing in insights engineering. I grew up in a small coastal town in the Southeast region of the Philippines where the ocean was just a block away, and my childhood playground was a mix of forests and beaches. This early connection to nature gave me a sense of freedom and adventure that still drives me today.
After earning my IT degree from Mindanao State University, I sought new opportunities in Singapore. Over the next 10 years, I honed my expertise in data analytics, learning how critical data is to business success and how challenging it can be for companies to integrate siloed systems. During my time there, I met incredible mentors who shaped me professionally and personally, sparking my deep interest in helping organizations make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Eager to broaden my skills, I enrolled in various learning programs to stay ahead of the ever-evolving data landscape. I worked across multiple industries, helping businesses tackle complex challenges and achieve their goals through the power of data.
In 2017, chasing a dream of blending tech with nature, I moved to Cape Town, South Africa, hoping to be part of the "Silicon Valley of the Cape." But after six months of job hunting with no luck, I pivoted and took over a surf hostel on a beautiful island in the Philippines. During that year, I dove into surf culture while running the business, applying my analytics skills to improve operations and enhance guest experiences.
Although island life was incredible, I couldn’t ignore my drive to continue growing in data analytics. That’s when I learned about Portugal’s welcoming environment for tech professionals. In 2019, I moved to Lisbon, drawn by its sunny weather, vibrant tech scene, and surf spots. Since then, I've been working with startups, helping them leverage data to fuel their growth, and enjoying the balance of a fulfilling career and the ocean just a short drive away.