What excites you about the world of the show and how your character fits into it?  

Unstable is a wholesome workplace comedy. It's the kind of show I feel like families will love watching together, which is so fun for me because watching family comedies was a huge part of my childhood. I remember learning what comedy was from network comedies and it's why I love the genre today. Luna (my character) is so fun and honestly easy for me to play. She's a nerdy scientist with no self-awareness. Like, she’s the weirdo in the show who’s able to say what no one else can. I love these types of characters because the fun is in the social behavior. Her honesty either makes people uncomfortable or makes people laugh.  

You had an interesting dilemma occur during your audition process-Can you tell us a little bit about the crossroads you encountered?

Yes! I was offered two series regulars at once and had to choose between them because shooting took place at the same time in two different cities. It was insane and caused me multiple sleepless nights. Both shows/roles could not have been more different. My role on Unstable felt more natural for me. I had a gut feeling that the showrunner, cast and role were more aligned with what my goals for my career have always been and I just had to go with that gut feeling. I also talked to my mentors (Desean being one of them) and family/friends about it and it felt like the right choice. But the other role is also a dream project that I had to say no to, which really sucked. I literally went back and forth 3 or 4 times up until the deadline casting gave me. But ultimately I chose Unstable and I'm really happy with my decision! Looking back, I'm really grateful I got to make a decision like that - so much of this job is without agency but it taught me that there are always going to be choices I have to make, big or small, that will impact the trajectory of my career and there's a lot of power in knowing that.

 
As an actor who identifies as an Asian female, what are your thoughts about representation in this industry?  

It’s hard, you know? There aren’t a lot of series regular roles specifically for Asian women and I  am very aware that playing one will mean something to the Asian/Filipino community as it meant a lot to me growing up watching them. When I first read the sides for Luna I automatically thought oh, she's a nerdy Asian girl with no self-awareness this is going to be a problem.  Because I knew exactly what kinds of jokes were going to be made at her expense and what comments were going to be made about her appearance or intelligence. Which is fair to think  because when you grow up seeing one version of a community on screen, you get tired of the  same exact roles today being called "representation." Anyways, luckily I was wrong and Luna is not just unaware and nerdy. She's also a romantic lead with a character arc that impacts the story of the series and is a full person outside of her ethnic identity. She's also hilarious so hopefully now everyone will see that Asian women are the funniest in the world. That's factually accurate. 

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You had an entirely different career before you decided to pursue acting. What led you to change course? 

I was always a theatre kid, but I grew up in a really small town and I had this thought that acting wasn't a career you could choose. I didn't know anyone that was an actor and I just thought all the actors I saw on TV started as kids and that’s how they got to do what they do now. I went to school here [in Southern California] and after I graduated, I got a job working for a non-profit but started taking acting and improv classes for fun. It turns out I love acting and improv and immediately felt sad I hadn't found them sooner in life. But honestly, I feel like having a full life before I started acting has helped me so much - whether relating to a character for an audition or just dealing with the rejection and obvious difficulties that come with this career.  
How has training and training with Desean and the Last Acting Studio influenced and aided your process, both in auditions and on set?

 
Studying with Desean at LAS and my background in improv really helped me on set. I'm so so grateful to have trained for years because everything you learn in class is just instilled in you when you get to set. Which is great because you can't even think about making a "creative task"  for yourself when you just got six new notes from the director. The work has to already be in your body which is something Desean taught me in class. The director is always trying to get the shot and get the performance they want and sometimes the shot takes priority so you have to hit your notes every take. Also, sometimes you have to interpret the director's notes and make them make sense to you which is what we practice in class as well.  

How has having an acting community played a role in your career thus far?  

My community is everything! The teachers that have become mentors and classmates that have become friends, they keep me going, and vice versa. Throughout this audition process, I heavily relied on my acting friends and teachers to have my back. That's just what we do for each other because we know we can't survive in this industry without each other. Find the people in your acting community that make you feel good. The real people that you trust and make you feel confident!  

From all you’ve experienced until now, what is important to you as an artist in this business?  

It's important to me to learn how to trust myself. This last year taught me that. It's also really important to me that I'm having fun. That sounds pretty silly but I just know what I love about this job is making people laugh and making myself laugh and if I'm doing that in every role I  play, then I would say that's very successful to me.