About Me

I was born on the 13th of September 1982 and grew up in the streets of Tondo, Manila - a place known for being one of the poorest and most densely populated districts in the Philippines. I spent my elementary and high school days at Angelicum College where in my senior year I was the Senior Council President. During the same time, I was also the Corps Commander of the Citizen Army Training after undergoing a rigorous officer course for 3 years. I flunked high school, failing to graduate on time, and needed another year to finish all of my academic deficiencies.

After completing high school in 2000, I then studied Architecture at the Mapua Institute of Technology where I was elected Graduating Class President of 2004 and Editor-in-Chief of the college yearbook as well. I finished the 5-year bachelor's degree in only 4 years and was given special honors for my academic achievement, by also placing 3rd overall. After 2 years of on-the-job training, I took the Board Exams for Architects in 2006 and placed 1st out of 1,105 examinees - the first Mapuan Architect to do so since the 1960's.

After obtaining my architecture license that year, I joined a multi-disciplinary architectural firm where I spearheaded a wide range of monumental architectural and planning projects handling high-profile clients. I was quickly promoted from an entry-level position to mid-management level in a 2-year span, as the head of the Architecture Studio 2 Department, and subsequently elected to top management in 2009. While working in the firm, I successfully acquired two additional professional licenses. In 2007, I took the Board Exam for Master Plumbers placing 10th overall and, in the next year, obtained my third professional license, taking the Board Exam for Environmental Planners and placing 4th overall.

In 2010, due to personal and financial reasons, I left the firm and established my own professional office, Raison Design Studios, and later renamed, Le Studio de Raison.

Apart from being an Architect, I am also a freelance photographer, image editor and graphic designer with over 15 years of experience in different genres. I also have a keen interest in a broad range of fields such as History, Engineering, Mathematics, Business Administration, Physics, Chemistry, Electronics, and Performing Arts. I have composed, recorded, and remixed quite a number of songs in the rap and hip-hop genre. I play the guitar and the piano. I am also very skilled at sports particularly billiards, chess, basketball, badminton, and table tennis - where I have joined and won in several local competitions. I have also expanded my knowledge in the use of graphite and charcoal pencil in art drawings where in my focus subjects are female portraits. Just recently, I have also developed skills in filming and video editing.

I can say that I am a radically artistic individual, living in a strangely opinionated neighborhood. I often exhibit a readiness to challenge authority and traditional values. I feel a certain degree of hostility towards rules and even enjoy ambiguity. I have an artistic bent in all of my works. I am a person who is open-minded, eager to try new things, travel to foreign lands, and think about unusual ideas. My beliefs are unique and frequently drift towards the unconventional. I would never blindly imitate, instead, I seek to live according to my own convictions. Since my lifestyle is highly individualistic, I demand a free and unattached life for myself that allows me to determine my own course. My urge for freedom sometimes causes me to do exactly the opposite of what is expected of me.

I am a very good conversationalist. I strive to be able to talk about anything under the sun. Charm, character, and charisma are very important traits for me. I find it exciting talking with strangers. I easily adapt to the personality of whoever person I speak to. I do not feel nervous in social situations since I have a good impression of what others think of me.

I am extremely difficult to upset or stress out, since I rarely react with negative emotions. Even when I am anxious about something the feeling quickly passes. I am usually in a good frame of mind. I come across as very calm and resilient, sometimes considered as almost fearless by some. I often resist any cravings that I have, although sometimes I do give in.

Taking charge of my life is my ultimate task. I place less faith in my luck and more in my own deeds. I solve problems in a practical, realistic and uncomplicated manner. I am a very good observant who quickly learns from the moves other people make. I am reliable and can be depended upon. I value my word-of-honor. My pronounced strength of will projects my self-assurance to others. I am never fully satisfied until I have accomplished my ideas.

My drive to be recognized as successful keeps me on track towards my lofty goals. My past experiences have made me what I am today. I have been in the bottom of the pit. I have been down and out. After realizing the mistakes I made and the painful lessons that I learned, I have managed to turn my life around. Now, I believe that there is nowhere to go but up. That is the main reason why I strive hard to achieve excellence, often pushing myself beyond limits. I believe that the harder I prepare, the easier I will accomplish my objectives. Having a strong sense of direction in life, I may sometimes be too single-minded and obsessed with my numerous undertakings. But despite these distractions I am able to maintain focus and overcome my reluctance to begin tasks.

I find helping other people genuinely rewarding. I like to share my thoughts and my talents so that others may also learn from my experience. Assisting those who are in need is a form of self-fulfillment for me rather than self-sacrifice.

Ultimately, my mission in life is to leave a legacy behind - that I existed in this world when I am long gone, that I made the most out of what I had, and that I have touched and inspired the lives of others, encouraging them that they may do the same.