1. Tell us about yourself:
I come from a family of six: I have two older sisters and one younger brother. Our family moved here from the Philippines when I was 12. We spent a few years in Camarillo and have been living in Oxnard ever since. I also spent a few years in San Luis Obispo, where I earned my degree in Biochemistry (BS) and a Master’s in Polymer and Coatings Science at Cal Poly. Outside of work, I’m a full-time dog mom to the goodest boy, Mozzie. Yes, I’m one of those crazy dog moms, and he is my baby (please don’t tell him he’s adopted). On Sundays, you’ll find me playing golf and daydreaming about winning the lottery so I can just play golf and hang out with Mozzie every day.
2. What do you do for a job?
I’ve been in the chemical manufacturing industry for the last 10 years, working as a Chemist and Scientist. Currently, I work as a Scientist for a silicone manufacturing company, NuSil/Avantor, in the Biomaterials business unit, focusing on providing materials for medical device manufacturers in the healthcare industry.
3. Tell us something people might not know about you:
I can recite the periodic table while doing burpees. Okay, maybe not—but wouldn’t that be cool?! (I’m usually too busy dying to even remember my own name). I’ve been doing CrossFit for maybe 8–9 years now, and I still hate running.
4. What brought you to CrossFit in the first place?
I heard CrossFit involves flipping tires and thought, “Yeah, I could use that skill if my car ever breaks down.” Plus, it seemed like a good excuse to wear cool compression gear. Kidding aside, traditional gyms intimidated me, and I found I lacked the motivation to go. After my intro session, I was already hooked—everyone was so welcoming, and I saw that CrossFit caters to all fitness levels!
5. What was your first impression? How has that changed?
My first impression was, “What did I sign up for?!” But now, I realize it’s not just about feeling like you’re dying—it’s about feeling like you’re dying… together with your friends. Shoutout to the 5:30 AM class!
6. What was your first “bright spot”?
That moment when I finally strung two double-unders together and didn’t whip myself with the rope! I still do occasionally, but it’s no longer as bad.
7. What are you working on now?
Surviving burpees without crying. Also, trying to figure out how to make thrusters less evil. If anyone has tips, please send help.
8. What’s your favorite Beachside Crossfit memory?
That time I thought I was a CrossFit beast, finishing a WOD way before the time cap! Turned out I had created my own rep scheme. But hey, it was a great few seconds of glory, followed by panic! Also, giving Coach Kai a hard time every morning at the 5:30 AM class never gets old.
