Name: Jon
Hometown: Sacramento
Languages: English & Tagalog
Tenure: 3^rd Season
GR Leadership Position: Captain - As one of the four captains, I help make sure the team is ready for the season and for my line to have the best time ever!
College: California State University, Sacramento
Degree: B.A. in Communication Studies
Occupation: Dance Instructor and Choreographer

What is your favorite thing about your job?
I get to see growth in my community, and I enjoy spending my time with likeminded individuals and seeing their own journey with dance.

What was your first job?
Private Violin Tutor

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Studio musician. Howard Shore's original score for The Lord of Rings: The Fellowship of The Ring (2001) is so epic and bone chilling. Movie soundtracks have a way of stirring emotions, and it was something I wanted to be a part of growing up.

What activities bring you the most joy?
Taking dance classes, playing video games, and spending time with my community is what brings me the most joy.

What is your personal motto?
"I love it!" It's a reminder for myself to always find love and reasons why we pursue things in life.

What causes are you passionate about?
I am passionate about mental health awareness, supporting the arts, and LGBTQ rights.

What is an interesting fact about you?
An interesting fact about me is that I unintentionally have a collection of different Pikachu figurines and merch.

What is your favorite part of game day?
My favorite part of game day is being on the sidelines! There's nothing more amazing than being on the field with the Faithful and with my teammates under a common goal of cheering on the 49ers!

If you could make up a cheerleading superpower, what would it be?
Glow in the dark! Night games are a lot of fun especially the light shows at Levi's Stadium.

Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about?
I can custom build a PC! I am a gamer, so upgrading my computer to play the latest games is a must!

How do you want people to remember you?
I want people to remember me by how I made them smile or laugh.

What is a personal goal you are working towards this year?
A personal goal I am working towards this year is self-care/recovery. Dance is a physically demanding art and injuries can be so common, so in order to heal and prevent future injuries, I am working making sure my body is prepared for any task.

Who is your biggest role model and why?
My biggest role model is studio owner Isela. She was a Sacramento Kings Dancer for 5 seasons. Her mentorship and guidance has taken me to great heights and has given me the courage and confidence to show up as my true self.

What is your favorite thing about Gold Rush?
The comradery on Gold Rush is like no other. The network of current and former members share a common understanding of love and support for one another as its history spans years of excellence and artistry.

What song gets you pumped up on game day?
Tick Tick Boom by Sage the Gemini

If you were a football player, what position would you play?
I would be a placekicker! Field goals and extra points is the cherry on top that helps makes the difference during a game day.

What is your favorite pregame ritual?
My favorite pregame ritual is sitting in my favorite corner in the locker room and making sure I am mentally prepared for the excitement and energy of game days!

What are you most looking forward to this season?
I am looking forward to growth and seeing my teammates shine in new ways this season.