ABOUT

Mission

At Pinoybuilt.com, our mission is to empower and unite the Filipino American community by celebrating our heritage, amplifying our voices, and building a platform where stories, culture, and pride come together. We are committed to honoring the strength of our roots while fostering connection, creativity, and progress for the next generation of Filipino changemakers. Through storytelling, collaboration, and shared experience, we proudly carry the legacy of being "Pinoy" -- resilient, resourceful and ready to rise.

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Vision

To be the leading digital hub for Filipino Americans -- a vibrant space where heritage is honored, identity is embraced, and community thrives. We envision a future where every Filipino voice is heard, every story matters, and every generation feels empowered to celebrate who they are and where they come from. Through connection, creativity, and culture, Pinoybuilt.com will help shape a stronger, prouder and more united Filipino American identity.

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"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."

About me

I was born in Makati, Metro Manila in the Philippines. Raised mostly in Marikina, Rizal, I migrated to the USA at nine years old with my sister and lola to join my parents in Chicago, Illinois (they had migrated the year before). I had my tenth birthday in Chicago. To be closer to their siblings (my dad's younger brother was in the US Navy and stationed in San Francisco while my mom's younger sister had immigrated to San Francisco, CA), my parents moved us to Vallejo, California. I had my thirteenth birthday in Vallejo.

I attended public schools for the first time: Springstowne Jr HS, Hogan High School, and University of California at Davis. I was active in the Filipino organization at UC Davis, 'Mga Kapatid.'

While on vacation in Maui with my family, I found out that they did not have the 'Filipino Strength' t-shirts that they sold at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. My buddy did tell me to check out the 'Maui Built' apparel sold only in Maui. That was when I came up with the idea of selling 'Filipino Built' t-shirts. I told my family on vacation with me of my idea before I bought the domain filipinobuilt.com. My Tita Lila said that it was too long and to just shorten it to pinoybuilt.com. I bought the domain pinoybuilt.com in March 2011.