Meet Janina Gantuangco Ancla, a talented architect who has successfully established herself as an architect, vlogger and gamer – three hats in one. Janina’s interest in architecture sparked during high school thanks to her artsy side and math skills. She then registered and obtained a license to practice architecture in the Philippines.
As a blogger, Janina enjoyed sharing insights about food, travel, and other engaging topics, but her passion for vlogging came naturally. So, following in her sister’s footsteps, Janina started vlogging and realised it was more complicated than it seemed.
During the pandemic, Janina discovered her love for gaming after peer pressure from her friends to play Mobile Legends. With good company and familiar gameplay, Janina’s passion for gaming evolved into a streaming career featuring games like Genshin.
Janina believes that architects, especially Filipina architects, should explore different design or multimedia careers to help refresh their creativity and relieve the stress of working in this industry. She has seen many architects thriving in various professions outside of architecture, encouraging others to challenge themselves and learn more about their passions.
For Janina, the most significant advantage of being a Filipina architect is defying norms and challenging the notion of a male-dominated field. Women can prioritise, multi-task and do anything that men can, even better.
She explains that she “tends to gravitate to her creative, passionate, and empathetic side” whenever she needs a break from work. Her hobbies make her de-stress. “
“Sometimes we feel we’re too old or it’s too late. But we’re good at beating up on things we don’t deserve. Starting is always the most challenging. You’ll never know if you don’t try!” Janina Gantuangco Ancla says. “Do it. Do it for you. Discovering yourself, the thrill of new knowledge, and learning a new skill is something else,” when asked what her message is to young Filipina Architects and those aspiring to be one.