What's your job about?

I work as a data scientist for Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC). RCBC is the 5th largest privately owned universal bank in the Philippines and I am proud to be one of the people behind its data and analytics arm.

As a data scientist, my job is to turn data into insights that.

I work as a data scientist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), one of the Philippines’ largest privately-owned universal banks. RCBC is a leader in maximizing data-driven insights to redefine banking, and I’m fortunate to be part of its innovative analytics team.

My role is to transform raw data into actionable insights that enhance decision-making. On any given day, I might analyze millions of transactions to uncover patterns, build predictive models to address business challenges, or collaborate with stakeholders to implement data-driven strategies.

A recent project I worked on involved fraud detection. Using machine learning algorithms, I analyzed transactional data to identify unusual patterns—such as unexpected spending in new locations or repeated failed login attempts. By creating a system that flags these anomalies in real time, we aim to prevent fraudulent activities before they could escalate, protecting both the bank and its customers.

If I were to explain data science to a teenager, I’d say: imagine taking all the information from your favorite apps, like what songs people listen to or what videos they watch, and figuring out patterns—like predicting what people might want next or spotting something unusual. Data science is all about finding the story hidden in the numbers.

What's your background?

I grew up in Cebu before moving to Manila for college. I graduated summa cum laude with a degree in BS Applied Physics from UP Diliman, where I first discovered my passion for data science. Despite not having a formal background in the field, I immersed myself in it during my third year, interning at various companies to develop my skills and deepen my understanding.

A defining moment came on our recognition day, when the CEO of RCBC, Mr. Eugene S. Acevedo—also a physics graduate from Cebu—delivered an inspiring speech about how the analytical rigor of physics translates seamlessly into data science. His words resonated deeply, and after graduation, I joined RCBC’s data and analytics team, where I’ve been tackling challenges with data-driven solutions for over a year now.

Currently, I am taking my expertise further by pursuing a Master’s in Data Science at the Asian Institute of Management. Balancing work and graduate studies has been a rewarding journey, allowing me to blend academic insights with practical industry experience.

Looking back, every step—from my early fascination with physics to my evolving journey in data science—has taught me the value of curiosity and lifelong learning.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Yes, absolutely. Many of my classmates in my Master’s program and some workmates come from diverse backgrounds, including business, marketing, and biology, and they’ve successfully transitioned into data science. What matters most isn’t your starting point but your ability to think critically, solve problems, and continuously learn.

Key skills for a data scientist include a strong foundation in statistics, programming, and data visualization. Equally important are curiosity, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate insights effectively. With dedication and a willingness to adapt, anyone with a passion for data can excel in this field.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

The coolest thing about my job is uncovering the unexpected stories that data models reveal. For example, who would’ve thought that nighttime lights—something seemingly unrelated to economic activity—could serve as a predictor for economic growth? While we didn’t use this in RCBC, it's a fascinating example of how seemingly unrelated data can provide powerful insights. It’s moments like these, when data challenges assumptions and reveals hidden connections, that make the job so exciting. It’s like solving mysteries, but with algorithms and insights.

What are the limitations of your job?

The biggest limitation in my job is the data itself. Often, the quality or availability of data isn’t ideal, and this can hinder model accuracy or limit the insights I can extract. Incomplete, noisy, or unstructured data can be a major challenge, requiring significant time and effort to clean and preprocess. For anyone considering this field, it's important to be comfortable navigating these data-related hurdles, as they are an inherent part of the job.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...

If I could go back and meet myself at university, I’d say:

1. Be a curious explorer—don’t just stick to the syllabus. Dive into side projects, internships, or quirky hobbies. The more you try, the more you’ll learn.
2. Soak up the wisdom—talk to everyone! Mentors, professors, random people at the coffee shop. You never know where the best advice or ideas will come from.
3. Sleep is your superpower—seriously, don’t pull all-nighters. Your brain will thank you when you wake up with fresh ideas (and fewer coffee jitters).