Raised by a single mother, my family immigrated from Manila, Philippines to Orange County, California when I was eight years old. I’m the second youngest of seven siblings, and we were raised in a loving yet sheltered environment. Despite the support of my family, the expectations of my Asian American upbringing were clear: I was meant to pursue a career in medicine with little room for deviation.
Despite my natural creativity, opportunities to express myself were limited in my daily life. It wasn’t until my teenage years that I stumbled upon the photography section of a Rizzoli bookstore. Many lunch breaks and spare moments were spent there, unknowingly laying the foundation for my future as a creative.
As I entered adulthood, my journey led me to San Francisco for several years of college, followed by Los Angeles and eventually, New York City. Each location left its mark on me, shaping my identity and expanding my creative horizons.
Through many twists and turns, various careers, and life experiences, my devotion to photography has remained steadfast. When I turned my decades-long passion into a career, I was grateful for the journey—a journey that colored my artistic vision and placed my heart in the space where light and shadow converge.
Today, I have found my home in the vibrant streets of New York City, where every corner holds a new source of inspiration. My work reflects my diverse experiences and celebrates the beauty in everything that catch my gaze.
Through my lens, I strive to give a voice to the moments I capture, whether it’s a whisper softly or a roar, one frame at a time.
Lives and works in New York City.
Arsen@TheSparklyMonkey.com