I am Filipino-American, and was born and raised in Houston, Texas. Prior to my academic life I coached a competitive gymnastics team for five years, and even judged the USAG Trampoline and Tumbling National Championships in 2013 and 2014. At the same time, I worked as an extended day teacher at Roberts Elementary in Houston, coaching students in gymnastics and tumbling.
Additionally, I played bass guitar in a number of prog metal and hardcore bands in the Houston area for almost ten years.