Meet The Kabangka Team

Kabangka Board of Directors

Venus Ramos, Kabangka Chair

  • Venus is a graduate of the University of Ottawa, completing a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a Minor in Psychology. Though unrelated to her studies (sorry mom!), involvement in Filipino organizations played a significant role throughout Venus' time in University.

    It started in 2017, where she was a founding member of the Filipino Students' Association of the University of Ottawa. It continued onto becoming involved with the Filipino Canadian Students' Association, Pinoys on Parliament, and now, Kabangka. Venus envisions Kabangka as a space where the important work of Filipino-Canadians across Canada is united, recognized and celebrated.

  • Philippines: Guagua, Pampanga

    Canada: Ottawa, ON

  • Bopis

  • Wrapping everything in plastic and sacrificing our comfort to keep things clean LOL

  • Instagram: @vteeramos

    LinkedIn: Venus Ramos

Josel Angelica Gerardo, Director of Communications

  • Josel Angelica Gerardo is a Philippine-born, and Tkaronto-raised professional in municipal politics and a master’s student in political science at University of Toronto studying the politics of identity and belonging. As a young queer Filipina immigrant, Josel was quite involved in student leadership such as student government and university research projects focusing on mobilization, and equity, diversity and inclusion. Nowadays, Josel is also a community organizer, primarily in youth advocacy, Filipino/a/x-Canadian and 2SLGBTQ+ communities. From a professional role in higher education leading democracy initiatives to progressive politics, Josel is committed to positive change-making in local and national communities.

  • Philippines: Calamba, Laguna

    Canada: Tkaronto, Ontario

  • Sinigang na baboy / tocino / taho!

  • Seeing a Filipino/a/x in the wild and one of us asking “Are you Filipino?”

    From one question alone, the Kapwa feeling comes into the surface and the sense of belonging is felt throughout.

  • Instagram: @josel.angelica

    LinkedIn: Josel Angelica Gerardo

Angelo Gio Mateo, Vice-Chair

  • Angelo is a proud Filipino-Canadian, an immigrant, a storyteller, a policy wonk, a public servant, a Raptors fan, a music lover, a film geek, a coffee aficionado, and this year's Kabangka Vice Chair. He works in AI and data privacy policy. He brings to the Board of Directors his lived experience as an immigrant living "between the hyphen" as well as years of non-for-profit governance experience. He is excited to advancing Kabangka's mission to be Canada's premiere organization for young Filipinx-Canadians. Angelo lives in Ottawa with his partner and two kittens.

  • Canada: The traditional unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin People, also known as Ottawa, ON.

    Philippines: Quezon City – with ancestral roots in Bohol, Ilocos Norte, and Nueva Ecija

  • Betamax

  • Saying "Kain tayo!" at any given ocassion

  • Instagram: @angelo_mateo

    LinkedIn: Angelo Gio Mateo

Gerlino Dominic Tamayo, Director of Outreach & External Relations

  • Almost nobody knows Earl Tamayo by his full first name, Gerlino Dominic, but please be assured that they are the same person. Earl grew up in the Philippines before moving to Japan and then to Canada. Having lived in different places throughout his childhood, he was able to learn how to speak and understand many different languages, although his French is still a work in progress. His hobbies are photography, traveling and being a foodie. He is a self-proclaimed food connoisseur and he always tells himself that he is glad to be able to appreciate the variety and complexity of Filipino cuisine. Other than that, he also enjoys traveling and has traveled to many countries as a tourist. Needless to say, he takes pictures of everything he sees during those travels. If you ask him for a souvenir from his next travels, he will be glad to get you one!

  • Canada: Ottawa, ON

    Philippines: Quezon City (QC)

  • Kare-Kare

  • Being good at singing (self-proclaimed)

  • Instagram: @earliino

    LinkedIn: Gerlino Dominic Tamayo

Karla Atanacio, Pinoys on Parliament Chair

  • Karla Atanacio is a 1.5 generation Filipino-Canadian who is passionate about community organizing. At 13 years old, Karla and her family moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba. There she got involved with a Filipino-Canadian youth organization called ANAK Inc., where she first learned about the vibrant Filipino community that exists in the city. Since then, Karla has become a fierce advocate for youth rights in the areas of post-secondary education, mental health, and Filipino-Canadian empowerment.

    Aside from being the Chairperson of Pinoys on Parliament (2023-2024), Karla also serves as a board director for the Canadian Federation of Students-MB, Manitoba Filipino Business Council Inc., and Kultivation Festival F.A.M.D.

    Karla is pursuing an undergraduate in International Development Studies at The University of Winnipeg.

  • Canada: Winnipeg, Manitoba

    Philippines: Cavite, Philippines

  • Lechon Kawali

  • We are such a generous community. My nanay and tatay raised me to always have a helping had to anyone in need. I see that being practiced in my everyday life when my friends say they have my back or when folks collaborate to address an issue in the community.

  • Instagram: @0kaykarla

    LinkedIn: Karla Atanacio

Hannah Beltran, Treasurer

  • Hannah is the Treasurer on the Board of Directors for Kabangka. During undergrad, she was a member of Carleton University’s Filipino Students’ Association (CUFSA) where she served as Co-President in her final year. She also served two terms on the Pinoys on Parliament executive as part of the Sponsorship Committee in 2019-2020 and the Director of Mentorships in 2020-2021.

    Her experiences as a 1.5 generation immigrant influenced her decision to apply to law school. Hannah is expected to graduate in 2026 with JD and MBA degrees at the University of Toronto. She hopes to increase representation of underrepresented groups in the legal field. She enjoys mentoring aspiring and current law students especially as a first-generation professional.

    In her free time, Hannah enjoys playing video games and watching live music. She’s excited to see Taylor Swift live next year.

  • Philippines: Tuguegarao, Cagayan

    Canada: Toronto, ON

  • Tofu sisig

  • Our loyalty to our families and our community

  • Instagram: @hannah.beltan

    LinkedIn: Hannah Beltran

Christopher Bustamante Mills, Director of Leadership and Learning

  • Christopher Bustamante Mills spent his childhood in the Philippines before moving to Canada to pursue his higher education at Fleming College and eventually Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario. Initially, he struggled to adapt to the new cultural norms, but he was inspired by the movie "Yes Man" to become more involved in his community. This newfound motivation led him to start a charity called EducAid Asia, join the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, and become involved in the conservative political movement.

    During his time in school, Christopher achieved numerous accomplishments, including raising thousands of dollars for various housing initiatives in Peterborough, building libraries in the Philippines, and inspiring men to become better versions of themselves. He was also fortunate enough to be accepted into the Conservative Party Internship and the Charles R. Walgreen Leadership Academy.

    Today, Christopher works as the Operations Assistant for Ontario's Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development, where he supports the Minister in staffing events and tours, and aiding in serving the people of Ontario.

  • Canada: Toronto, ON

    Philippines: Grew up in Paranaque but from Pangasinan

  • Sinigang/Beef Tapa

  • Chika chika obviously

  • LinkedIn: Christopher Mills

Cherlene Eloria, Mentorship Program Chair

  • Cherlene Eloria (she/her) is a law student at the University of Ottawa. She currently lives in Ottawa, ON where she was born and raised. She is interested in practicing labour, employment and human rights law after she graduates.

    As a founding member of Pinoys on Parliament (POP), Cherlene holds POP and Kabangka close to her heart. Before becoming Chair of Kabangka’s mentorship program, she previously held positions such as Director of Workshops and Chair of POP.

    When she doesn’t have her head in a textbook, Cherlene likes to hike, camp and enjoy movie nights with her loved ones. As a lifelong Swiftie, she is actively looking for tickets to the Eras Tour.

  • Canada: Ottawa, Ontario

    Philippines: Echague, Isabela

  • Sinigang

  • Our love of karaoke!

  • Instagram: @cherleneeloria

    LinkedIn: Cherlene Eloria

Kabangka Committee Members

Mahalia Johnna Baguio, Communications Team Member

  • Mahalia (she/her) is a second-generation Filipino-Canadian from British Columbia. She is currently a MSc candidate at Carleton University, where she is creating a dashboard to help inform trauma- and violence- informed community health programming. She also assists with creating knowledge translation materials using an advocacy framework to promote stakeholder engagement, and assists with anti-racism initiatives in the health sciences department. Her interests as an aspiring health sciences researcher is in illicit and restricted substance legislation, and in community health work addressing health inequities for equity-deserving populations.

    Mahalia also works in the federal public service as a Junior Analyst for Global Affairs Canada, where she works in data analysis, management, and governance strategies. She can also be found taking spin classes or drinking coffee, matcha, and hojicha lattes at every hour of the day.

  • Canada: Ottawa, ON

    Philippines: Olongapo, Zambales / Talisay, Cebu

  • Kare-Kare and Turon (I can’t choose one lol).

  • Our line dances!!!!!. Ocho-Ocho anyone?

  • Instagram: @_mjbaguio

    LinkedIn: Mahalia Johnna Baguio

Roselle Villanueva, Communications Team Member

  • Roselle Villanueva is a student at Concordia University majoring in Sociology with a minor in Law and Society. Her sights are set on pursuing a future degree in Law. She has a curious mind with a passion for media studies, psychology, politics, digital marketing, fashion, and a deep appreciation for the arts. She is a graphic designer, podcast host and producer. She also derives great pleasure from event planning, community organizing, and carefully crafting curated playlists.

  • Canada: Montreal, Quebec

    Philippines: Makati City

  • Siomai

  • how we understand each other with just “yung ano”

  • Instagram: @rosellevllnv

    LinkedIn: Roselle Villanueva

Julius Chester, Mentorship Program Team Member

  • Coming soon!

  • Coming soon!

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Tim, Mentorship Program Team Member

  • Coming soon!

  • Coming soon!

  • Coming soon!

  • Coming soon!

  • Coming soon!

Penelope Joy Lagera, External Relations Team Member

  • Penelope Joy, known as Pen, was born and raised in Davao City, Philippines. She moved to Mississauga at the age of 8. She's currently in her fourth year of Political Science at the University of Ottawa and has worked for nearly two years as a Junior Policy Analyst at Public Services and Procurement Canada. Additionally, Pen serves as the Vice President of External Affairs for FILSAUO. Her hobbies include photography and cooking.

  • Canada: I grew up in Mississauga but I am currently in Ottawa for university!

    Philippines: Davao City <3

  • Sinigang

  • Our sense of Kababayan

  • LinkedIn: Penelope Joy Lagera

Kapwa Rising Taskforce

Team Members

Jocelle Refol, Logistics & Programming

  • Jocelle Refol (she/her) is a second-generation Filipino immigrant-settler from Vancouver but recently relocated to Toronto to pursue her Masters of Public Health at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. Prior to moving, she was a Filipino youth worker and part of Sliced Mango Collective, a Filipinx organization whose goal is to connect Filipinx youth to their culture through the arts. Throughout her life, she has explored her identities as a storyteller, advocate, community organizer, researcher, and facilitator. When she wants to decompress, you can find Jocelle listening and dancing to music, writing, or indulging in her skincare.

  • Canada: Toronto, ON

    Philippines: Aklan, Altavas

  • Kare kare

  • Being able to spot another Filipino from afar!

  • Instagram: @joeymaee

    LinkedIn: Jocelle Refol

Richmond Uy, External Affairs

  • Richmond is a Filipino 1.5 Gen who grew up in Scarborough for the past 20 years of his life. He currently works as a political staffer at the city of Toronto, but is an organizer outside of his life as a worker. He has helped organized and worked with organizations/collectives such as Anakbayan, the Filipino Youth Fellowship and Progress Toronto to achieve more equitable outcomes for his own and other communities around him. Richmond has also a background in Urban Studies and is currently he is enrolled in TMU's continuing education program for GIS. Richmond is passionate about developing affordable housing as well as build local community power. In his spare time he likes to watch movies, take photos and boulder!

  • Canada: Scarborough

    Philippines: Pasig, but Dad is from Samar!

  • Sinigang

  • Sense of Kapwa

  • Instagram: @rich_mundo

    LinkedIn: Richmond Uy

Interested in joining Kapwa Rising? Fill out this Google Form!

Advisory Council Members

France Stohner

  • France is a mental health counsellor and community organizer who spent her undergraduate years at the Simone de Beauvoir Institute of Concordia University, where her education was built on anti-oppressive and social justice frameworks. She possesses a background working in urban development for women’s safety in cities, before going on to complete a Masters of Arts degree in Counselling and Spirituality from the universities of Ottawa and Saint-Paul. 


    France is a host for Radyo Kapwa, the Filipino/a/x progressive show on CKUT 90.3 FM, and cares for her cultural community by being on the Advisory Council for Kabangka and as executive director of Centre Kapwa, nonprofit organizations supporting the leadership and mental health of Filipino/a/x youth and their families through art, movement, and conversations. In order to maintain connections to her Motherland, France is also a coordinator for Super Inday Art, a program bringing art initiatives to incarcerated women at the Iloilo City District Jail on Panay Island.

    Passionate about youth, she has also worked in post-secondary education mental health and wellness, and on campus sexual violence prevention and response teams. Certified in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University, she proudly serves on the Canadian Race Relations Foundation Coalition Against Anti-Asian Racism Canada (CAARRC) and as Coordinator for Violence Prevention and the Promotion of Peace at the Peace Network for Social Harmony.

  • Montreal, Quebec

  • Kalderatang Kambing

  • My favourite aspect of Filipino culture is how diverse we are! Ask 50 Titas, Titos, and Tatos to make you pansit, and you'll end up with 50 kinds of pansit depending on the region!

Jeffrey Hernaez

  • Jeff is a lawyer practicing commercial litigation and public law at Olthuis van Ert’s Vancouver office. Jeff has represented clients at all levels of court in British Columbia and in commercial arbitration proceedings.

    Jeff was born and raised in Toronto. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science at Western University. Jeff then attended Osgoode Hall Law School, where he graduated in 2015. He was called to the Bar in Ontario in 2016, and in British Columbia in 2017.

    Outside of work, Jeff is an avid curling and tennis fan. In fact, many of his travels involve playing or watching those two sports! During Vancouver’s rainy winters, Jeff can often be found at the Vancouver Curling Club, where he curl’s in Vancouver's LGBTQ2+ curling league. Jeff is also currently the President of the Vancouver Tennis Association, Vancouver’s LGBTQ2+ tennis club.

  • Vancouver, British Columbia

  • Lumpia or Pork Inasal! Can’t get enough of either.

  • I love Filipino humour and optimism. I have always been so inspired by how we can maintain a positive outlook even in the most challenging circumstances.

Aileen Santiago

  • Aileen Santiago is a secondary school teacher with a background in languages, literacy and literature studies, as well as social justice education. She self-identifies as Taga-Ilog (Filipina) Fukien (Chinese) Canadian and speaks English, French, Filipino and is currently learning Mandarin. As a racialized settler immigrant in Canada, she has long understood the inseparable connection between identity, culture, and community and is continuing to learn and unlearn about her settler responsibilities. For her, equity is rooted in respecting the perspective and lived experiences belonging to a diversity of people within our communities. Aileen is the current coordinator and a contributing writer of the PASSOC project promoting Philippine content in the Ontario curriculum (www.passocproject.com). She is also a staff representative at the TCDSB Filipino Advisory and Race Relations Committees. She is the founding coordinator of the Fil-Can Educators Network, which aims to connect Philippine educators across Canada (bit.ly/filcanednetwork). She was recently appointed as one of the TCDSB's Equity Resource Teachers to help support other educators and students.

  • Toronto, Ontario

  • Coming soon!

  • Coming soon!

Arvin Joaquin

  • Arvin Joaquin is an award-winning journalist and editor. Currently, he is a multiplatform journalist and host of OMNI News: Filipino Edition, a daily national newscast in Filipino. Before joining OMNI News, he was an associate editor at Xtra Magazine, Canada’s largest 2SLGBTQ+ publication. He wrote the magazine’s Digital Publishing Award-winning newsletter Xtra Weekly and was the founding editor of the column Love Like Mine, which showcases 2SLGBTQ+ love in all its forms.

    Arvin’s reporting is guided by his belief in journalism’s power to serve communities and uphold human rights. He cultivates understanding and empathy across cultural and social divides through factual and sensitive storytelling that explores facets of the human condition. Through his reportage, Arvin puts people and their stories at the forefront of critical issues: from Gender and Sexual Minority newcomers’ challenges in finding and fostering safe spaces in Canada to migrant workers’ experiences living away from their loved ones to young queer and trans Filipinos navigating the challenges brought by the second wave of the HIV epidemic in the Philippines.

    Outside of reporting, Arvin advocates for promoting inclusive and diverse newsrooms. He spearheads projects that support community-based journalism and the journalists interested in pursuing it. He also mentors aspiring journalists through programs offered by the Canadian Association of Journalists and Shared Bylines. A fierce advocate for a better and healthier Canadian media landscape, Arvin equips new journalists with tools and insights to improve their skills and successfully navigate newsrooms.

    His work has been nominated for multiple National Magazine Awards and the Journalists for Human Rights/Canadian Association of Journalists Award for Human Rights Reporting. He also has received numerous nominations and wins at the Canadian Online Publishing Awards and Digital Publishing Awards. In 2021, he was awarded Excellence in HIV coverage by the NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists, an American journalism organization dedicated to unbiased coverage of 2SLGBTQ+ issues.

    Arvin holds a Master of Journalism from Carleton University and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours with Distinction) in Communication and Sociology from Simon Fraser University. His work has appeared in various publications such as Maclean's, Huffington Post, Toronto Star and The Globe and Mail.

  • Vancouver, British Columbia

  • Nilagang baka, ginisang munggo and a particular type of sisig.

  • Philippine pop culture. If they want to learn more about the Philippines' history, I always tell people to look into our pop culture to get the feel and understand a decade’s zeitgeist.

Kat Daaca

  • Kat Daaca (she/her/siya), SCMP is a negotiations educator, consultant and speaker specializing in decolonized negotiations strategies. In 2022, she launched Reclaim Your Wealth, a workshop for bipoc community to explore their beliefs around negotiation and learn the skills to use negotiation to inspire daily acts of liberation. The workshop has since expanded to include racially informed training and consulting services that use decolonized negotiation strategies to empower racialized folks to better self-advocate for themselves in the colonial spaces they occupy.

    In 2020, after working ten years in supply chain management and in the middle of a global pandemic, Kat quit her corporate job and started Kanekta, the first and only Filipina-Canadian owned supply chain management consulting company where she worked for two years before transitioning to negotiations consulting. She is presently the Vice-President of the Manitoba Filipino Business Council, as part of the council’s first-ever all-female board of directors; a Chairperson for Kultivation FAMD, a grassroots volunteer-driven group promoting the modern cultural scene in Manitoba’s Filipino community; and an advisor for Kabangka.

  • Winnipeg, Manitoba

  • It’s so tough to choose just one!! (so I wont, lol). I travel a lot and the first thing I want when I’m back at my parents’ place is sinigang- that warm hug in a bowl feeling is so comforting. I also LOVE okoy and laing.

  • Kapwa, our shared identity. I exist in my relations- how dope is that? #KapwaMagic.

We’re in the search for our last Advisory Council member - stay tuned!