Why Travel Beyond
Travel has been a big part of my life ever since I was a young girl. Through my many explorations, I have met the most amazing people and created the most incredible memories. Working at Travel Beyond gives me the opportunity to share those experiences and also the joy of immersing yourself in a new culture and environment. There is something truly special about going out of your comfort zone and embracing the unknown. Not only will you create amazing memories when you travel, but you learn so many things about yourself too.
It is also rewarding to be part of a company that cares for its clients from the moment they inquire about their travel to their return. I pride myself on delivering the highest quality of service with my work and know that at Travel Beyond, I will be able to do just that.
Destinations Visited
Southeast Asia: Thailand (visited about 4 times)
Additional countries: Singapore, Philippines (born and raised), Hong Kong, various states within the United States (California, Minnesota, Florida, Tennessee, Nevada).
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts, University of Santo Tomas, Philippines, 2011
Master Makeup Program certification, Cinema Makeup School, Los Angeles, CA, 2015
Cosmetology Certification, Los Angeles Trade Technical College, 2017
Career History
For 12 years, I have worked as a makeup artist doing beauty and special effects in different areas of the world. I started this career when I was in college in the Philippines and feel so fortunate that the profession allowed me to study and eventually work in the United States.
For years, I was part of a production company based in Los Angeles, California. While here, I traveled to many different parts of the country, assisting with the creation of thriller/horror movies. In addition to doing the makeup and special effects, I also wrote scripts and dealt with pre-production (research, location scouting, planning, organizing). Additionally, I have years of retail experience within the health, beauty, and wellness industries in particular, and I edit videos involving fitness, travel, and beauty for promotional, creative and entertainment purposes.
Where I’ve Lived Abroad
Yes! I am, in fact, currently living abroad, as I am thousands of miles away from where I was born (Manila, Philippines). While in the US, I have lived in Los Angeles, CA (2014-2021) and now live in Minneapolis, MN.
Most Memorable Travel Experience
In 2018, I was able to explore my home country of the Philippines with my (now) husband. Together, we spent a couple of months enjoying the culture, the food, and the amazing islands of the Philippines (we have more than 7,000!). We were able to go island hopping in El Nido, Palawan, a destination voted to be most beautiful in the world in recent years.
During this trip, we also visited Bangkok, Thailand. We were able to go shopping, enjoy the street food, and visit the amazing Buddhist temples. I have been to Thailand many times but experiencing the culture alongside my husband, who was there for the first time, was very memorable. Southeast Asia is spectacular, and, with its many cuisines and cultures, is a region everyone should visit in their lifetime.
My Most Recent Trip
I try to visit my family every couple of years, so my most recent trip was to the Philippines in 2021. Travel was a bit more complicated than years past, due to the pandemic, and involved flights being moved and a week-long quarantine upon arrival. We also had to wear a mask and face shield while out and about, but it was worth it, as I got to spend time with my parents and brother!
Together, we enoyed some of Manila’s local cuisine including Shabu-Shabu (Chinese Hot Pot), authentic Korean BBQ, dim sum and what we call “Boodle Fight’ or Kamayan, which is a feast of food laid out on banana leaves and eaten with your hands. This is very traditional in Filipino culture because the majority of our events center around food.
The Philippines is also known for its shopping malls, and Manila is home to the largest in Asia, called “Mall of Asia.” It is so big that it typically takes a day or two to get all the way around the mall, and my family and I had a great time exploring. Another fun destination we visited was Tagaytay, located in the mountains about an hour or two from the city. Here, there is a beautiful lake within the crater of a volcano! It is the perfect day trip from Manila because this spectacular natural scenery is combined with great hotels and restaurants. To top off our trip, my husband and I were also able to enjoy at-home massages, a treat that is really popular in the Philippines!