Athena was born in Manila, Philippines, but moved to Japan at age 3 when her family relocated due to her father's work.

The story tells how the rubber-tree powered superhero (played by Mark Bautista) fights back against bullying and captures the heart of Lara (Sarah Geronimo), the girl he loves.

[6] In 2009, Athena appeared[7] alongside Joem Bascon and Toni Gonzaga in Paul Soriano's A Journey Home, described as "an inspirational indie movie with central themes of forgiveness, family solidarity and the upholding of moral values.

In 2012, Athena played Reena San Jose in the 4th Wall Theater Company production of Rivalry,[1] based on the Ateneo–La Salle rivalry between two universities in the Philippines, which opened to unanimously positive reviews such as by The Philippine Star; "Filipinos are naturally gifted singers, particularly, the lead female protagonist whose vocal timbre reminded me of a younger Lea Salonga.

"[13] Set in 1968, the story follows the tensions as the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the La Salle Green Archers prepare to meet in a basketball final, Athena's character described as "a beautiful Maryknoller named Reena San Jose, who, after enduring heartbreak, promises herself that she’ll never get involved with another guy again.

Presented by renowned singer and actress Regine Velasquez, and eventually won by Sarah Geronimo, Athena sang Celine Dion's That's the Way It Is.

[19] On August 9, 2008, Athena joined Sam Concepcion, Cheska Ortega, Enrique Gil and Nelsito Gomez to sing the opening and closing song for the launch program of TV channel TV5.