I was born in South Africa from Dutch decent and lived in both South Africa and The Netherlands for an extensive time. During my internship as a mechanical engineer for the merchant marines, I sailed around the world twice in a year and was exposed to numerous enlightening cultures. After having worked in the installation and production of logistic systems for several years, I completed my Master studies as an Industrial Designer -Three Dimensional and at the same time served as faculty, teaching manufacturing processes at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

While doing my Master’s Thesis, I became interested in sustainability. I then completed a design certificate in Permaculture Design and an Ecovillage Training course at Findhorn Scotland in 2007 and also studied Ecovillage Design Education and Training of Trainers course at Wongsanit, Thailand in 2008.

Having been based in the Philippines since 2008, I designed and constructed an Eco-Homestead, Green Bed & Breakfast Inn project at a rice farming community in Cabiao, Nueva Ecija, named “Tuwâ The Laughing Fish”.

My interest in Permaculture further inspired me to train in Community Transition for Peak Oil Survival and Climate Change Adaptation in 2011.

I have been a practicing permaculturist since 2009. I started Permaculture aid work and consultancy last December 2013 by helping communities that were devastated by Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). Also in this period, I moved to Mount Malarayat, a coffee mountain at Lipa, Batangas and developed a Food Forest.

My ambition is to take the time to study the old ways of weaving the trees to help people create a successful food forest. I will also be conducting Permaculture research and experimentation and the development of appropriate technology. Another priority is giving Introductory courses on Permaculture as the educational aspect of the Maayo Holistic Center based at Dauin, Negros Oriental, Philippines.