Michelle started riding at the age of 11, and through dedicated training, first represented the Philippines at the age of 12. She has competed internationally since then, and has trained in Australia, Europe, and Canada. Among her achievements are:
• 4-time jumping equitation champion from 1996-2000
• Australian Elite Squad member from 2001-2007
• 2000 World Cup Winner, Sale VIC, Australia – making her the youngest rider in the history
of the Pacific League to win a World Cup Qualifier
• Team Silver Medal, Busan Asian Games 2002
• 2005 World Championships and World Cup Qualifier Winner
• Winner Pacific League World Cup 2005
• First Philippine Representative at the World Cup Final to compete in and complete the
World Cup Final, finishing overall 24th and the highest placed Asian Rider at the 2006
World Cup Final
• Team Silver Medal, SEA Games 2011, Jakarta

She began coaching after the 2011 SEA Games, and was the coach for young rider teamsabroad, bringing home gold with riders Camila Curto and Chiara Amor for competitions in Malaysia and Singapore respectively. Combined with her degree in Pyschology and Marketing from the University of NSW where she was a Ben Lexen Scholar from 2002-2005, she has supported riders on teams with sports psychology, and trains her younger students both on and off their horses in understanding horses and how to motivate both human and non-human athletes for success.

Michelle has been involved with JustWorld International since 2003, and away from the EAP, she is a mother of two, owner of her own food business in The Tasty Palette, and consults and manages equine clients on and offshore. “Working with and for the EAP is my chance to give back to the sport that has given so much to me in my life. I work hard to try to give our riders and equestrian enthusiasts the beautiful experiences I was privileged to have through hard work and dedication, whilst working to give our athlete – both present and future – the support and opportunities that were lacking while I was an elite athlete myself. I was blessed to experience being an elite athlete under two flags, so I am well aware of what support can do; and with that knowledge, try to bridge the gap for the future of Equestrian Sport in the Philippines. Its a long and windy road ahead, but I am confident that together, we will be able to make it happen.”