About Alyssa Sarmiento-Co

Alyssa Sarmiento-Co is a storyteller at heart. Born and raised in Manila, she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Communication from the Ateneo de Manila University and took up a graduate degree in Media Studies and Film at The New School in New York City. Her short film, "Umaga" won an award in Poetic Cinema at the Dorothy Hirshon Film Festival, and she has produced a roster of personal short films since then. Alyssa also taught preschool in Brooklyn, and witnessed the birth of Sari-Sari Storybooks during her stay in NYC. She took inspiration from the stories of the Ivatan community to craft the narrative for Melo. Together with Christina, she developed a story they hope would capture the life in Batanes, celebrate the heart of the young Ivatans, and inspire the rest of the world to get to know this town's rich culture and beautiful language. Alyssa is currently a communication strategist at a leading agency in the Philippines, crafting and telling stories of brands and advocacies. She is now based in Manila with her husband, Pat, and their cats, Mara and Clementine