Jezeth Esmas

Bio:

Jezeth (she/her) is a multi-hyphenate creative passionate about crafting engaging experiences that uplift communities. Over the past decade, she has worked with some of Canada's most innovative companies, proving that self-taught creatives can excel in corporate settings too. These days, Jezeth focuses her energy on non-profits, with Kabangka serving as her standard for building strong, supportive networks where everyone can grow and thrive. When she's not working, you'll find her concert-hopping, unboxing Smiskis, or playing cozy games on her Switch.

Platform:

From delegate, to committee member and Director, to serving as Chair, my journey with Kabangka has given me a full perspective on what it takes to build meaningful and lasting impact. I've experienced how empowering this community can be when members are supported, intentionally connected, and given opportunities to lead. At the same time, I've seen where we can strengthen our systems, improve alignment, and create more intentional pathways for growth. These experiences have shaped my approach to leadership–not just as someone who leads in the moment, but as someone who builds for what comes next. I'm committed to guiding Kabangka's continued growth in a way that stays grounded in its members while evolving with purpose.

Top 3 Priorities:

1. Enhance member experiences and growth pathways by creating more meaningful opportunities for engagement, leadership, and development within Kabangka

2. Expand access to opportunities nationwide by deepening community connections and ensuring Kabangka's programming remains accessible and relevant to Filipino/a/x-Canadian youth

3. Strengthening a (Ka)bankga that lasts by improving internal systems, investing in leadership development, and reinforcing Kabangka as a trusted voice in the Filipino/a/x-Canadian community

Why are you running?

Kabangka has played a defining role in my growth, and I'm committed to ensuring it continues to offer spaces where Filipino/a/x-Canadian youth can find the same sense of community and opportunity, things many of us know aren't easy to come by. I'm running to help guide the organization into its next chapter with intention, sustainability, and care.

Mahalia Johnna Baguio

Bio:  

Mahalia (she/her) is a community organizer and researcher who strives to uplift and empower equity-deserving communities. You’ll often find her journaling about her latest knowledge building task while she drinks a pour-over coffee or a flat white (or sometimes both in one day!) 

Platform:

Mahalia commits to strengthening Kabangka’s governance practices and  nationwide presence to ensure the organizations sustainable growth and legacy. Her previous experiences within Kabangka, whether it be through establishing an organization presence in BC, or as one of the co-organizers of Kabangka’s first Anti-Filipino racism conference in Toronto, shows that she is fit to bring Kabangka’s organizational capacity to the next level. As the next Vice-Chair, Mahalia will continue the momentum by ensuring Kabangka’s organizational roots and online presence continues to grow alongside its members and its leadership team, towards building a legacy of strong leadership reflected through its governance and its services. 

Top 3 Priorities:  

1. Implementing the online membership space for Kabangka members to gain exclusive access to professional development programming all-year round. 

2. Strengthening Kabangka’s governance practices to ensure the organizations sustainable growth while also empowering its leadership teams. 

3. Creating a clear pathway for Alumni and community partners to meaningfully contribute towards supporting the growth of the next generation of Filipino/a/x-Canadian leaders. 

Why are you running?

I am running for Vice-Chair because I want to support Kabangka’s organization structure with the same care and dedication that its provided to its members and the broader Filipino/a/x-Canadian community. 

Franz Sanico

Bio: 

My name is Franz Sanico (she/her) and I am pursuing a degree in Commerce at the University of Ottawa. I enjoy being involved in the community and contributing to initiatives that bring people together, and Kabangka is exactly that for the young Filipino/a/x-Canadian community. Through my time with the Filipino Students' Association of uOttawa (FilSAuO) and Pinoys on Parliament 2023 and 2024, I have had the opportunity to serve in a variety of roles involving both internal operations and external engagement. 

Platform:

If elected as Treasurer, I will aim to maintain financial transparency while strengthening our financial health and long-term planning. Learning from our mentors and predecessors, and working with our BOD, I will implement clear budgeting practices, provide timely financial updates, and ensure funds are allocated efficiently to support Kabangka's initiatives short-term and long-term. I also hope to explore new funding opportunities, including grants and partnerships, to expand our resources and possibilities. I want to help build a financially sustainable future for Kabangka!

Top 3 Priorities:  

1.  Maintain financial transparency through clear reports and communication to the Board of Directors and members

2. Develop and maintain a sustainable, well-structured short-term and long-term budget aligned with Kabangka's goals

3. Increase revenue through fundraising initiatives, sponsorships, and grant opportunities

Why are you running?

Having been part of the community of Kabangka and Pinoys on Parliament since 2022, being part of this has been important to me, and I want to give back by helping ensure it continues to grow and run smoothly!

Dana Noelle Opeña Puli

Bio:

Dana (she/her) is a passionate, motivated, young professional who currently works in the non-profit space based in Victoria, BC. Dana is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces and found her passion through creating graphics with her past volunteering and work. In her spare time, you can see Dana join dance classes, try new cafes, and spend time with her two cats, Mila and Skye.

Platform:

I aim to strengthen communication within Kabangka by making information more accessible, clear, and engaging for all members/prospective members. By striving to expand our online presence by increasing content and creating strategic timelines that foster strong engagement, reflecting Kabangka’s values and programming. In addition, I want to foster a collaborative environment by creating more opportunities for feedback and interaction. Through thoughtful strategy, I hope to help grow Kabangka's portfolio and to provide more representation for all of Canada.

Top 3 Priorities:  

1.  Growing Engagement and Online Presence

Creating engaging content (posts, reels, visuals) encouraging new members to participate in events, increase membership, and stay connected with Kabangka.

2.  Improve Communication, Clarity, and Consistency

Ensure all announcements, events, and updates are shared clearly, on time, and across the right platforms so members are always informed.

3.  Maintaining a Strong Brand Identity

Maintain consistency in Kabangka’s messaging and visuals so the organization feels cohesive and professional.

Why are you running?

I developed a strong interest in communications and graphic design, and I firmly believe that this opportunity can greatly assist in my growth. In addition, I firmly believe in the mission of Kabangka, and how they foster inclusive spaces to provide opportunities for Filipino/a/x-Canadians is extremely important.

Richmond Uy

Bio: 

Richmond Uy (he/him) is a Scarborough-raised Filipino organizer that is passionate to learn about the world he occupies in and use this knowledge to empower and support the next generation. As a graduate of the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus in City Studies, he aspires to be an urban planner for the communities he occupies and wishes to stand in solidarity with. His background is primarily in political advocacy, and currently works as a Government Relations Coordinator at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Platform: 

I’m excited to be running as the (Co-)Director of Outreach to be a part of the Kabangka team for the year 2026-2027. I have been the director for the past 2 years and am looking to build on the work that my Committee teams during this time. Within the first two years, we were able to learn more on how Kabangka operates as an organization in relation to Fil-Can youth, with the second year more focused on building relationships with key partners of Kabangka. Into the new year, I am looking to utilize these partnerships to develop year-round annual events that are sustainable, as well expand the reach of Kabangka beyond Central Canada into the east.

Top 3 Priorities:

1.  Develop Events and Programs with Key Partners that were discussed in 2025-2026

2.  Create a Feedback System to understand the needs of Filipino youth during and beyond the term of 2026-2027

3.  Develop Relationships outside of Ontario - Manitoba and Nova Scotia particularly

Why are you running?

I am running to continue all the hard work my committee team and my Co-Director, during my 2025-2026 term, had developed. The work to empower the next generation of Filipinos deeply motivates me and all the great work Kabangka has been doing while I have been involved with them, as well as the work built prior to my initial election at Kabangka.

Bienvenido III (Ben) Luchina

Bio:

Ben Luchina is an early public service professional with a diverse background spanning government, non-profit leadership, and community advocacy. When he’s not at work, he’s looking for the next cafe to fuel his caffeine addiction or aesthetique.

Platform:

Ben commits to embodying Kabangka’s mission in BC through strategic partnerships, increase in membership, and professional development opportunities. With extensive experience in stakeholder management and community organizing, ranging from being involved with his university’s Filipino Student Association, to Alliance Philippines and to being part of the Outreach Committee with Kabangka since 2024, he works to bridge the Filipino youth gap in professional spaces. Ben’s goal is simple: to ensure every young Filipino who attends Kabangka events leaves feeling like they are part of a community and they are able.

Top 3 Priorities:

1. Establish Strategic Partnerships: Build relationships with community partners across BC to amplify outreach efforts and maximize attendance at regional events.

2. Expand BC Representation: Implement targeted engagement strategies to significantly grow Kabangka’s membership base in British Columbia, ensuring members in our province participate in national programs such as Pinoys in Parliament (2027).

3. Bridge the Professional Gap: Continue the workshop series related to professional development and networking events to provide Filipino youth with the tangible skills and connections needed to thrive in professional spaces.

Why are you running?

I am running to be the representation I didn’t see while growing up in Victoria, BC at the time and to ensure Filipino youth feel empowered to claim their space in any professional field.

Jocelle Refol

Bio:

Jocelle (she/her) is a storyteller, advocate, community organizer, and researcher with a background in public health. She served as the Director of Leadership and Learning for the 2025-2026 term. Previous to her role, she was a co-organizer for Kabangka's Kapwa Rising conference that focused on Filipino Anti-Asian Racism.

Platform:

As the current Director of Leadership and Learning, I intend to build upon the progress of my term to offer intentional, unique, and kapwa-centred programming for the Kabangka team and general membership. With lessons learned about membership interest and engagement from the term, I aim to apply these in the strategic planning for the upcoming year. Furthermore, I intend to nurture and expand our community network to seek out additional opportunities for our membership. 

Top 3 Priorities:

1.  Offer informational and skill-building events to support members' academic goals (e.g. tips for applying to university programs).  

2.  Collaborate with the mentorship program to deliver professional development programming (e.g. individualized resume support). 

3.  Host a mental health workshop for Kabangka members. 

Why are you running?

I have thoroughly enjoyed planning and delivering programming for Kabangka membership over the past year and would love to continue supporting the organization's growth. 

Cassandra Morcilla

Bio:  

Cassandra Morcilla is a community advocate with a background in the legal field and a deep commitment to mentorship and youth empowerment. She has been actively involved in Kabangka Canada, working to create spaces where young people feel supported, connected, and seen. Through her leadership, she prioritizes building mentorship programs that are intentional, culturally responsive, and grounded in real relationships. Cassandra is passionate about strengthening community through intergenerational connection and shared growth. She is dedicated to ensuring that mentorship is not just a one-time experience, but a meaningful and lasting part of every participant’s journey.

Platform:  

As a candidate for Chair of Mentorship, I am committed to building a program that is intentional, inclusive, and rooted in community care. I aim to strengthen mentorship by introducing structured check-ins, mentorship resources, and curated programming that support both mentors and mentees throughout their journey. I will prioritize creating culturally responsive spaces that foster meaningful, long-term connections beyond one-time interactions. By expanding opportunities for skill-building, networking, and community engagement, I hope to ensure that participants feel supported at every stage of their growth. Ultimately, my vision is to cultivate a mentorship program that empowers individuals while strengthening a connected, resilient, and thriving community.

Top 3 Priorities:  

1.   Make mentorship outcomes visible and impactful I will introduce simple but effective ways to track engagement and growth—through reflections, feedback loops, and community highlights—so we can better understand what’s working, support participants in real time, and continuously improve the program.

2. Create spaces where mentorship feels real, not transactional Beyond one-on-one matches, I will introduce mentorship circles, community check-ins, and story-sharing spaces that reflect our lived experiences and allow mentors and mentees to connect in more authentic, culturally grounded ways.

3.   Structured support that sustains relationships I will implement regular check-ins, feedback loops, and simple mentorship tools/resources so relationships don’t fade after the initial match, but instead grow and remain meaningful over time.

Why are you running?

I am running for Chair of Mentorship because I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when young people are given consistent, meaningful support—and how often they are left to navigate their paths without it. I want to change that by building a mentorship program that is intentional, accountable, and rooted in real connection, so no youth feels like they’re doing it alone.

Kyrah Miranda

Bio: 

I am Kyrah Miranda from Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. I grew up there before moving to Canada and am now based in Ottawa, the home of POP, and my journey has shaped how I value connection, representation, and community. I served as Vice Chair during POP Bituin and as Director of Workshops during POP Panahon, and I currently work with the Philippine Centre Canada as a Project Coordinator leading workshops and trainings for the Filipino community, which has given me a strong understanding of community building, the importance of listening, and working together with the community.

Platform:

Filipino-Canadians are making strides across industries and communities, and I am proud to be part of that growth. As Kabangka and POP continue to gain visibility nationwide alongside our community partners, the expectations of our communities and delegates are also evolving. As Chair of POP’s 9th year, I aim to build on this momentum by ensuring POP remains grounded in the experiences and perspectives of those it serves, while continuing to grow in relevance and impact. I see POP not only as a conference, but as a key touchpoint within Kabangka’s broader community, where relationships, collaboration, and opportunities can be further strengthened and sustained. By strengthening how we listen, engage, and connect, POP can continue to grow as a space that reflects and supports Filipino/a/x youth across Canada.

Top 3 Priorities:

1. Deliver relevant and responsive programming by strengthening delegate feedback loops before and after POP, including pre-conference input to better understand delegate expectations, and post-event reflections to support continuous improvement and preparation for POP’s 10th year, while working closely with directors to ensure that the programming of the conference, such as workshops and speakers, reflects the evolving and diverse needs of Filipino/a/x communities across Canada.

2. Strengthen POP as a year-round community by expanding pre- and post-conference engagement through networking opportunities, small-scale events, and consistent communication touchpoints, while strengthening relationships with community partners to support ongoing connection among delegates, teams, and partners.

3. Support clearer pathways for delegates beyond POP by building new and maintaining existing partnerships with Kabangka to expand access to mentorship, collaboration, and involvement opportunities, and by introducing structured post-POP touchpoints that sustain engagement and contribute to POP’s long-term growth

Why are you running?

I am running because POP is at a point where it is no longer just growing, but maturing, and through my experience as Vice Chair last year, I have seen the importance of listening to delegate feedback and building on what works. I want to help guide that shift by making this year more intentional, grounded in feedback, and built on the progress of previous years.