My name is Charlyn Quiec. I am a dentist, and my practice is located in Monrovia, where I also reside. I moved to the states permanently from the Philippines after graduating dental school in 2000 with only $800 in my pocket and a couple boxes of my stuff with the goal to help my mom, who was holding down three jobs then, and my siblings while they were still in school, to live the American dream. I recently got into rowing as part of my fitness regimen and row practically every day to reduce stress and the type of pain us dentists get. For me, it’s a game changer. I love hiking when I can, but prefer indoor fitness because I have Lupus and can’t tolerate too much sun. I am a Board Member for the Boys and Girls Club of the Foothills for over 10 years. Kids are one of my passions, and I believe that every kid needs a fair chance to be successful in life and every kid needs to have a safe environment in which to thrive.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am one of six siblings and the 3rd child. I am married to a wonderful man, Adam, and have two kids, Jasmine – 10, and Joshua – 7. My fur baby, Lolli, short for Lollipop, is my my eldest baby. She is my sweet ten pound, 14-year old Shih-Tzu who used to do pet therapy with me in her younger days.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I love being a dentist because I love being part of a person’s health care team. It is a passion of mine to make someone healthy starting with their mouths, and an even bigger passion of mine to create smiles that make people happy and confident. I graduated back on 2000 from dental school and came straight to the States and took all the state requirement exams and got licensed in 2002. I associated for a few years before I started my own dental practice and opened my office in Monrovia in 2005, and it’s now almost 17 years since then. I wish to continue to deliver high-end, quality care with exceptional service and compassion to my local and neighboring community.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love Mikomi, Peach Cafe and La Adelita
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
20 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
John and Kate Watson
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
New Zealand. I want to experience their culture and enjoy the scenic expanse of their nature
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I love all things Marvel and DC. My all-time favorite show is Grey’s Anatomy. Since the pandemic, I have a lot of shows that I have enjoyed and can’t wait for the new seasons to come, but it would be too much to mention here.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Always give the best you can to things you have committed to and don’t let things that you can’t do anything about stress you.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To learn to fly a small plane
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Goo Goo dolls
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Paint ‘N Play
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would love to have lunch with Tom Hanks or Hugh Jackman and we would have lunch at Mikomi
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing about Monrovia is the closeness of the people in this community. You can feel that at the end of the day, everyone here is ready to help each other and do things to improve the quality of the city and people in it.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still doing dentistry and watching my kids’ games and activities and traveling with friends and family.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My ear turns red and hot when it is about to rain, especially if it hasn’t rained in a long time.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Fiji
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
i will always love Christmas the most
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My friend, Esther Clauson’s Eggplant Parmigiana!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
God, my belief in him makes me continue to see the good in people, the positive in every situation no matter how hard, and the ability to push through the difficult times.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Babies and figs
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Mom, husband and kids
