’m a professional musician specializing in keyboards and piano, with experience as a vocalist and musical director.

Originally from the Philippines, my career spans a wide range of musical roles, including serving as musical director for renowned Filipino artists such as Lea Salonga, Gary Valenciano, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Kuh Ledesma, and Martin Nievera, as well as the iconic group Music & Magic.

In 1993, I relocated to Honolulu, where I collaborated with some of Hawaii’s finest talents, including the late Fiji, the Local Divas, Loyal Garner, Melveen Leed, Carol Kai, and Nohelani Cypriano. I also had the honor of performing alongside internationally acclaimed trumpeter Tiger Okoshi and Nestor Torre at the International Jazz Festival in 2000.

For four years, I served as Musical Director for Hawaii’s Society of Seven LV. Today, I continue to share my passion for music through solo performances at premier venues such as Marriott Beach Club’s Longboards (Sundays), Star of Honolulu Dinner Cruises, Waikele Country Club, and the Waikīkī Yacht Club every second Friday.

My repertoire spans a variety of genres, including classic jazz standards, pop-rock, Latin, R&B, and Hawaiian music. Beyond music, I’m most proud of raising two wonderful children as a single mom — both now thriving in their own careers.

What are your thoughts on aging?

At 63, I’m deeply grateful to still be doing what I love — creating music, staying healthy, and embracing each day with joy and purpose. Aging, to me, is a beautiful journey — one filled with gratitude, wisdom, and the freedom to live life more fully than ever.

What wonderful things can younger women look forward to at your age? Younger women and girls, might think that it's scary getting older. Let's inspire them!

To all the younger women — don’t be afraid of getting older. It’s actually beautiful! You grow stronger, more confident, and more at peace with who you are. At 63, I’ve learned that joy doesn’t fade — it deepens. Take care of yourself, keep your passions alive, and embrace every stage with gratitude.

Share tips on how you celebrate yourself, what you do for fun, and self care.

I’ve come to appreciate the simple ways to celebrate life and care for myself. I enjoy unwinding at The Kahala Spa, where the ocean-view massages bring a sense of calm and renewal. I love weekend escapes to Maui, or peaceful walks along Ala Moana Beach Park to reflect and recharge.

Dinner with friends at Roy’s is always a treat, their butterfish never disappoints! For me, self-care means staying active, making music, and nurturing joy in everyday moments. Life becomes truly beautiful when you slow down, stay grateful, and keep your heart light.

Share one experience/story. We all have life struggles. But the big share is how did you over come and lift yourself up? Advice to other women to empower them.

Life hasn’t always been easy. I’ve been divorced twice, and my second husband passed away three years ago.

Even after all these years, I’ve learned to find strength in music, my children, and the simple joys of each day: playing piano, watching the sunrise, or laughing with friends.

My advice to women: allow yourself to feel, then choose to keep moving forward. Love yourself, nurture your passions, and know that even after loss, life can be full of joy again.

What would you tell your 14-year-old self?

Be kind to yourself. Life will throw challenges your way… heartbreak, loss, and moments that feel unfair, but you are stronger than you know. Follow your passions, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to stand alone if you have to. Celebrate your uniqueness, embrace your dreams, and remember: the best is yet to come.

What is your definition of success?

To me, success is living a life full of passion, gratitude, and joy, doing what you love, caring for yourself and others, and rising stronger after every challenge.

How is your age group relevant? We are under represented but one of the most powerful and influential demographics:

Women in our age group may be underrepresented, but we are powerful and influential. We bring experience, resilience, and perspective, and our voices still have the power to inspire, lead, and make a difference. 

Twenty years from now, when you look at these portraits we took together, what do you think you will say to yourself?

Twenty years from now, when I look at these portraits, I hope I’ll remember how strong, joyful, and full of life I was in this moment, and be proud of the woman I’ve become.