Spaces help create our life’s narratives, and these are places that I am connected to or have learned from.

 

The Philippines

I was born in Manila, Philippines. While the city itself is quite chaotic, the Philippines has some of my favourite beaches. Ever. The Philippines, to me, consist of family, mangoes, more family, traffic, and the best beach escapes.

 

Vancouver

This is my place, this is home. I absolutely love my people, the local hang out spots I’ve nested into, the fact that I can bike or walk everywhere, the access to the mountains/oceans/forests, the diversity in food options, etc.

 

 

Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh)

This place has been many things to me. A playground, in that I am able to rock climb, hike, ski (close to here), and swim here. A teacher, through the land and its many humbling lessons. A therapist, as it is a beautiful place to be present and escape from the city and its many pressures. And it is just a quick jaunt along one of the most scenic highways!

 

Southeast Asia

I went on an International Exchange to the National University of Singapore, and travelled in and around Southeast Asia (including places such as Sri Lanka and Taiwan). The travel in itself taught me more than my time in lectures. I was exposed to diverse ways of living, being, and seeing things. This opportunity to interact with many cultures and worldviews is one that I am very grateful for.

 

Iceland

I took a course here through UBC called “Science, Sustainability, and Systems Thinking”. I immersed myself in Icelandic culture with a group of 20 other students from various faculties. We learned about geothermal energy, forestry, and ecology. With a small group, I investigated the sustainability of tourism in Iceland. I also fell in love with the place and its landscapes.

 

Haida Gwaii

Easily the most magical place I have been to thus far. Ancient wisdom and stories seem to be woven into the landscape, and everything is breath-taking.

 

CityStudio

This has been my Saturday space, where we dialogue and critically reflect on the systems, spaces, and possibilities of Vancouver. Here, we can innovate, ideate, and co-create for sustainability. Huge shout out to CityStudio for providing this space for our M.Ed cohort!

 

Places of notable mention…

Tofino, Oregon (Portland + Coast), and Coquitlam (where I grew up).