d.j. wraps

When I was a kid, my family and I would go to the malls on Sundays. While my Mama and Ate (tagalog for older sister) would go shopping, my Papa would carry me right next to a gift wrapping booth so I could watch professional gift wrappers make their own bows, cut papers, and wrap presents for shoppers. I enjoyed it so much that I told my parents that when I grow up i didn't want to do anything but wrap gifts.

I moved to the United States in 2003. I was introduced to different kinds of hobbies and interests-- baseball, baseball scorekeeping, ballroom dancing, cooking, paragliding, and traveling. But one thing remained-- my passion for gift wrapping.

From living in San Francisco, I then moved to San Diego to attend school. I received my B.S. in Physiology and Neuroscience from University of California San Diego in 2010. I am currently pursuing a Masters in Forensic Science degree with Specialization in Criminalistics. I am also working on getting into medical school. I am so done with MCAT!!! I am currently employed as a medical assistant in a private Internal Medicine/ Family Practice clinic; I have been working in the medical field for seven years. Amidst my very busy work and academic life, I still find time to enjoy my art-- and build a website about it-- by wrapping empty boxes and volunteering to wrap presents for non-profit organizations.

At 26, I recently won first runner-up in The 2011 Scotch Brand Most Gifted Wrapper Contest. There is definitely room for improvement. There are lots of other things that I want to do and accomplish. I have a long way to go to reach my goals. On my way there, I will be making bows and wrapping presents. When I get there, I will still be making loops, twists, pleats, folds, and creases. :)