Next of Kin

Stigma remains an ongoing issue for a Filipina former actor living with HIV alongside her gay son who was born positive — but tenderness and resiliency prevail.

Typing my bio in third person for a project you have already gleaned I am spearheading feels weird. I’ll try first person!

NEXT OF KIN marks my first time directing.

Although LA is my current home, my real home will always be NYC, where I was born at Staten Island University Hospital (yes, we used to drop my mom off at the Staten Island Ferry to the tune of Carly Simon’s Let the River Run for her commute in the 1990s) and went on to receive my BFA in Drama from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.

As an actor, previous credits include multiple New Media Series and Short Films that have played at film festivals throughout North America, Europe, and Africa–including Nashville FF, Shriekfest, and Rincón International FF. Previous stage: INCITATION TO DANCE at Theatre West in LA and originating the role of Toddy in the then Broadway bound musical AMAZING GRACE. Absolutely thrilled and honored to be sharing a story near and dear to my heart. Endless gratitude to the rest of the NOK Team.

Plays in

Shorts Program V: Larger Than Life

A Q&A panel with the filmmakers will take place after the screening. Larger Than Life sheds light on…