Kabangka Elections 2024-2025
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For any questions, please contact Kabangka Elections 2024 Chief Returning Officer (CRO): Diyyinah Jamora, crokabangka@gmail.com
Important Dates
Kabangka Board of Directors Election
Nomination period opens - March 23
Nomination period closes - March 30
All-Candidates Meeting - March 31
Campaign Period - April 1 to April 14
Election - April 14
Programs (POP & Mentorship) Executive Committees Election
Nomination Period Opens - April 6
Nomination Period Closes - April 13
NEW Extended Nomination Period Closes - April 19 (For select positions marked with an asterisk*)
NEW All-Candidates Meeting - April 20
NEW Campaign - April 21 to April 30
Election - April 30
Qualifications to Run
Be a registered member of Kabangka at the time you submit your candidacy papers.
Collect five (5) signatures of nominators for your candidacy on your Kabangka Nomination Form.
Nominators must be registered members of Kabangka.
Electronic “signatures” in the form of emails from the nominator to the candidate are acceptable so long as the email from the nominator matches the one they registered with as a member.
Submit your completed Kabangka Nomination Form to the CRO by the deadline.
Attend the mandatory all-candidates meeting hosted by the CRO.
Full Elections Rules can be found here.
Positions subject to election
Kabangka Board of Directors
Chair
Vice-Chair
Treasurer
Director of Leadership and Learning
Director of Outreach
Director of Communications
Chair, Pinoys on Parliament
Chair, Mentorship
Pinoys on Parliament Executive
Vice-Chair
Director of Finance*
Director of Sponsorships
Director of Social and Cultural Affairs*
Director of Brand Marketing*
Director of Content Marketing*
Director of Outreach
Director of Speakers
Director of Workshops*
Director of Operations*
Kabangka Mentorship Executive
Vice Chair*
Director of Finance*
Candidates' Bios and Platforms
Board of Directors
Candidate for Chair: Venus Ramos
Hi Kabangka! My name is Venus Ramos. I was born in the Philippines, raised in Winnipeg, and currently reside on the unceded, unsurrendered Territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation, otherwise known as Ottawa.
This marks my second year running as the Chair of Kabangka. As one of the founding members of Pinoys on Parliament (POP) in 2018, Kabangka holds a special place in my heart. Over the years, I’ve held various positions such as Director of Outreach, Director of Social/Cultural Affairs, and Treasurer.
I deeply value the creation of inclusive spaces where we can cultivate a sense of belonging, explore our multifaceted identities, while uplifting our community.
Platform
As Chair of Kabangka, my focus this year revolves around three key priorities:
1. Connection and Collaboration:
Continue to strengthen connections and foster collaboration by organizing events, both in-person and virtual, in partnership with other organizations. This approach will expand Kabangka’s reach to communities across Canada.
2. Leadership Development and Capacity Building:
Equip our organizing team with essential skills through development workshops covering topics like EDI foundations, mental health, strategic planning, and leadership.
3. Sustainable Funding and Fundraising:
Diversify our funding sources to sustain and enhance Kabangka’s programs throughout the year and beyond.
Candidate for Vice Chair: Gerlino Dominic Furbeyre Tamayo
My name is Gerlino Dominic Tamayo, or also Earl Tamayo. I was born in the Philippines but grew up in several countries. As such, I am proficient in many different languages. Another skill of mine that I would like to highlight is that, as a result of my background, I am an “expert” at both greetings and farewells. This has enabled me to navigate the dynamic and ever-growing Fil-Can communities effectively, allowing me to collaborate with individuals from various backgrounds to advance causes that I believe in. I have been a part of the Fil-Can community ever since my time with the Filipino Students Association of University of Ottawa back in 2017. My hobbies include photography, traveling, and food connoisseur-ing.
Platform
1. Better Governance:
As Vice Chair, I will actively assist the Kabangka Chair in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities. These include, but are not limited to: monitoring the progress of directors and their projects; exercising signing authority; and representing Kabangka at official functions. This, in turn, will contribute to better overall management of the board and Kabangka as a whole.
2. Increasing Membership Engagement:
While constantly seeking to increase membership, I will continuously work to enhance the experience of both new and existing Kabangka members by listening to feedback and suggestions, and by proposing improved membership benefits and an exclusive member space. When implemented, these efforts would increase membership count and promote membership retention.
3. Strategic Planning for Growth:
To foster Kabangka’s growth and success, I will introduce a series of strategic plans in collaboration with the Chair and other board members. Supported by extensive analysis, these plans will address areas requiring attention while promoting already successful areas to achieve even greater effectiveness. An example of this would be a plan to continue the efforts to attain charitable status.
Candidate for Treasurer: Hannah Beltran
Hello! My name is Hannah and I’m your candidate for Treasurer on the Board of Directors this year. I’ve enjoyed serving as your Treasurer this past year and collaborating with the Board of Directors to improve Kabangka for current and future members. It would be my pleasure to keep the momentum going and continue finding new ways to contribute to Kabangka.
Outside of Kabangka, I’m a JD/MBA student at the University of Toronto. I love trying new restaurants, going to concerts, and playing video games.
Platform
1. Implement an investment strategy
Cultivate Kabangka’s long-term growth by finding short- to medium-term investments that will help Kabangka expand its financial capabilities
Prioritize investments that will result in high, guaranteed returns, while ensuring financial liquidity so that Kabangka can access invested funds quickly in case of an emergency
2. Focus on long-term partnerships
Find organizations that are willing to work with Kabangka over several years to improve financial predictability and provide a financial safety net for large projects like POP
Host a financial literacy session
Why is investing important for organizations? What makes a good budget? If there is sufficient interest from Kabangka members, I would host a financial literacy session that will improve transparency about Kabangka’s general financial strategy and help youth leaders improve financial planning in their organizations.
Candidate for Director of Leadership and Learning: Karla Atanacio
Hello! I’m Karla Atanacio, a policy and program professional, community organizer, and media presenter from Winnipeg. As a Filipino-Canadian immigrant, I'm passionate about promoting Philippine culture and inclusivity, particularly among youth.
In 2024, I am excited to join Kabangka’s board of directors as your Director of Leadership and Learning. As the former chair of Pinoys on Parliament, I am excited to bring my specialty in stakeholder relations and project coordination in this role. I am also keen on bringing my knowledge about Filipino-Canadian entrepreneurship, as evident in my role as the Director of Youth Engagement with the Manitoba Filipino Business Council.
Through my role as an education and training analyst and my previous job as a learning and development assistant, I’ve learned how to develop training materials, arrange workshops, and assist with the development of a learning management system. I look forward to implementing big learning ideas at Kabangka!
Platform
1. Program with Completion Certificate:
Launch a Leadership Certificate Program for Filipino-Canadian youth, focusing on skills like public speaking and cultural awareness. The curriculum, developed with educational experts, includes online and in-person modules, culminating in a capstone project. Partner with educational institutions for certification, ensuring program legitimacy and recognition. Implementation includes resource allocation for development, instructors, and certification, with a clear timeline for rollout and completion.
2. Training for Directors by Partners:
Introduce comprehensive training for directors, facilitated by experienced partners and sponsors. Focus areas include nonprofit management and community outreach. Establish partnerships for specialized training sessions, ensuring skill enhancement in key organizational areas. Incorporate a feedback mechanism for continuous improvement and adaptability, aligning training outcomes with organizational goals.
3. Advisory Board-Driven Workshops:
Leverage the expertise of the advisory board to conduct specialized workshops. Collaboratively design sessions that utilize board members' unique skills, ranging from leadership to cultural heritage. Ensure a regular schedule of diverse, engaging workshops, promoting community involvement and professional development. Utilize these workshops as platforms for knowledge sharing and networking, strengthening community ties and organizational capabilities.
Candidate for Director of Communications: Jezeth Esmas
Jezeth Esmas holds an Honours Bachelor of Public Health from the University of Waterloo, where she had a diverse range of roles in UWFSA (the Filipino student association there) including: VP Marketing, VP External Affairs, and Co-President. Within the past decade, her creative talents have been extended to the Filipino Canadian Students' Association and Pinoys on Parliament – planning events, organizing performance showcases, and spearheading social media and video campaigns.
Post-university, Jezeth has gained extensive experience through internships in Toronto. On MyStartr's Youth Innovation Council, she identified the needs of young people not in employment, education or training (NEET). Currently, Jezeth is a Marketing Intern at a growth-stage investor company that builds software and uses AI to help companies scale faster.
Platform
As the prospective Director of Communications, my platform focuses on the following key objectives:
1. Establish and maintain brand guidelines to ensure Kabangka’s consistent communication and presentation to target audiences across all marketing efforts
Goal: Enhance Kabangka’s ability to build upon its platforms, strengthen brand identity, and differentiate itself in the market
2. Improve search engine optimization (SEO) performance while prioritizing accessibility and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB)
Goal: Increase Kabangka’s visibility and make it easier for users to find, navigate, and learn about its events and services
3. Boost Kabangka’s online presence via social media engagement on Instagram and LinkedIn, tailoring content to create meaningful relationships and foster community involvement
Goal: Position Kabangka’s social media platforms as spaces that are welcoming and safe to engage in, encouraging audience interaction
With my diverse experience and passion for fostering growth and innovation, I am confident that my platform will contribute to Kabangka’s overall success.
Candidate for Chair, Pinoys on Parliament: Josel Angelica Gerardo
Josel Angelica Gerardo is Philippine-born and raised, and a Tkaronto immigrant settler. Currently, she is a young 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 heavily involved in Toronto Metropolitan University student leadership such as student government and research projects focusing on mobilization, and equity, diversity and inclusion.
Josel is a community organizer, primarily in youth advocacy, Filipino/a/x-Canadian and 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Currently, she is leading the planning of the upcoming Kapwa Rising Community Conference in Tkaronto to unlearn, unite and uplift against anti-Asian racism. 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, while also staying committed to her favourite hobby of being a tourist in her own city drinking iced coffees.
Platform
Create a POP experience where leadership development opportunities in various industries and sectors are available to ensure that anything Filipino/a/x youth want to get involved in, they’ll have the opportunity to learn more and potentially pursue it
Advocate for Filipino/a/x youth representation in all industries and sectors, primarily in decision-making tables
Remain committed to equity, diversity, accessibility, inclusion, and solidarity in planning and executing the POP experience
Strengthen our relationships with the Filipino/a/x community across the country to co-create spaces of empowerment for youth
Commit to increasing outreach to Filipino/a/x in the Atlantic and Northern provinces, and rural communities
Build upon the legacy of previous POP conferences & learn from the amazing work the teams did to create a better experience for all
Candidate for Chair, Mentorship: Cherlene Eloria
Cherlene Eloria was Kabangka's Mentorship Program Chair for the 2023-2024 year. As a proud second-generation Filipino-Canadian, Cherlene is passionate about uplifting Filipino youth across the country. In 2018, she co-founded Pinoys on Parliament, an annual leadership conference for Filipino-Canadian youth held in Ottawa. Cherlene has previously held the positions of Chair and Director of Workshops of POP. She is inspired every day by the advocacy and community-organizing work led by Filipino-Canadian youth across Canada.
Cherlene is currently in her final year of law school at the University of Ottawa. She is interested in practicing labour, employment, and human rights law after she graduates in June 2024. In her free time, Cherlene enjoys going to concerts, hiking, and reading.
Platform
1. Foster current and new partnerships:
I plan to foster strong partnerships with Kabangka's mentorship program and learn from industry leaders on how to elevate the mentorship program. This term, I developed a partnership with Mentor Canada, which led to the creation of new training materials for mentors. If re-elected, I will build on this existing relationship and seek new partnerships with other Canadian mentoring organizations that support racialized youth etc.
2. Develop mentee guides and other mentorship resources:
Currently, Kabangka provides mentors with resources to support them throughout the mentoring relationship, including a training module and a Mentor Guide. If re-elected, I plan to create similar resources for mentees. By giving mentees the tools to make the most out of their mentoring experience, Kabangka will champion the goal of placing mentees in the "driver's seat" of the mentoring relationship.
3. Create opportunities for mentors and mentees outside of one-to-one mentoring relationship:
Kabangka is fortunate to have many Filipino-a-x leaders express interest in becoming mentors. However, not all interested folks are matched with a mentee. If re-elected, I plan to create opportunities for mentors outside of the formal one-to-one mentoring program. Some ideas include creating group mentoring or drop-in mentoring opportunities and inviting mentors to lead workshops on topics in which they have expertise.
Pinoys on Parliament Executive Committee
Candidate for Vice Chair: Penelope Joy Lagera
Hello! I'm Penelope Joy, or Pen. I was born and raised in Davao City until my family moved to Mississauga. I'm a public servant graduating from uOttawa with a degree in Political Science, and I'm excited to embark on my Master's in International Affairs at Carleton. I've had the opportunity to witness the evolution of FSAs over the years, thanks to my Ate, who would bring me to events in the early 2010s during her time at university. This experience deeply inspired me to contribute to the Filipino-Canadian community when I moved to Ottawa. I served in FILSAUO as its VP Social and VP External, while also taking part in Kabangka's External & Outreach Committee and POP's Workshops Committee. I'm happy to be part of this hardworking family.
Platform
1. Promoting Cultural Empowerment
When I went to Brazil on field research in 2023, I was told by an Indigenous woman that "no matter how much they cut off our roots, it takes one drop of fertilizer for us to reconnect to the land and ourselves." As Vice-Chair of POP, I aspire to emulate this message by contributing, even in the smallest measure, to the transformation and empowerment of our cultural identities as Filipino-Canadian youth.
2. Sustaining Inclusive Community Building
POP represents the collective efforts of youth in amplifying our voices to address the challenges of settling in Canada. It's a space where we've worked to foster belonging, finding self-confidence through our shared immigrant experiences nationwide. As Vice-Chair of POP, I aim to uphold this sense of inclusivity, or Kababayan, to ensure the conference remains a supportive environment where all participants feel like they're with their pamilya.
3. Leadership Development and Networking
As Vice-Chair of POP, I would like to provide practical tools and guidance that would help Filipino-Canadian youth in becoming effective leaders in their communities and beyond. I hope we can continue to nurture Filipino-Canadian youth's personal and professional journeys by providing a chance for them to explore various career paths and pursue their passions with confidence, and get the support that they need from their Ates and Kuyas.
Candidate for Director of Sponsorhips: Andrew Canete
Andrew is a graduate of McMaster's Arts and Science program. He held leadership roles in all of his years with his FSA, ending with his Co-Presidency in 2022. He is currently on the Kapwa Rising taskforce, a Kabangka team bringing the great success of Centre Kapwa's anti-Asian racism conference to Toronto. He has learned much about sponsorship timelines and outreach through this experience. He plans to take his sales experience and previous time as the Director of Workshops to lead the Sponsorships team.
Platform
Gotta Go Fast! The early bird gets the worm. In this case, the worm is the backbone of sustaining the essential function of POP (and can even support the conference to reach new heights!). If selected, my team and I would not chase deadlines, rather count down the days of funding sources to open.
Candidate for Director of Social and Cultural Affairs: Danielle Marie Borbajo
Danielle Borbajo (she/her/hers) is a proud Batangenia and Cebuana residing in Treaty 1 territory, also known as Winnipeg. She has been involved with Pinoys on Parliament since she was a delegate in high school, and previously held positions as Director of Social and Cultural Affairs and Director of Outreach. Danielle has gained many experiences in community organizing through her volunteer work in schools, and local organizations. Some of her positions include VP Community at University of Manitoba Filipino Students' Association, General Coordinator of Shinerama, and as a student instructor for the Respiratory Therapy Program for CanU.
Danielle is currently entering her 2nd year of her Bachelor of Respiratory Therapy this upcoming school year. She hopes to increase the specializations in the scope of practice, and to improve the healthcare system to be more inclusive and considerate of community members with special needs and disabilities. Danielle is also interested in opening her own cafe, and running her own flower business in the future. In her free time, you can find her tending to her 100+ room plants, exploring the city for some good eats, or singing into her karaoke mic.
Platform
1. Provincial Fundraising Events
Filipino/a/x youth and future delegates will get the chance to network in social settings for example, social mixers, trivia night, film screenings, etc.
Future delegates will get the chance to learn about the POP, feel the sense of community, and gain new relationships
Collaborating with student groups and organizations to host events to raise funds for the upcoming conference
Events will focus on inclusivity, and accessibility so that everyone can participate
By hosting events outside of Ontario, our presence and general outreach can increase to wider audiences
2. Increasing Sponsorships for Events
Main Events include: Delegate Showcase, MYX showcase, and Community Symposium
Strengthening the existing relationship with MYX to create a memorable experience with the guest performer and delegates. Last February, we held our first ever interview with our guest artist, RUSSELL!. I hope to increase engagement and involvement of our sponsors and guest performers throughout the conference.
Increasing the number of participating vendors for our Community Symposium to highlight more local business, community organizations, people outside of Ontario, and increasing attendance to the public.
By navigating and increasing the number of sponsorships with the Sponsorships team, I hope to use the funds to support the delegates in the talent showcase with an honorarium, giveaways, and providing small party favours at the start of our Gala.
3: Increasing Social Media and Online Presence
Working in conjunction with the marketing team to create online campaigns, scheduling posts during peak engagement hours, and effectively communicating delegates with time sensitive details about the conference.
Partnering with content creators, local businesses, volunteers, and sponsors to raise awareness about POP on their social media platforms, means of communication with clients.
Projects may include Q&A sessions with the POP team, participating in trends to share information about the conference, posts centered around our theme, etc.
Candidate for Director of Brand Marketing: Rome Lim
Bio & platform pending
Candidate for Director of Content Marketing: Iana Razo
Bio & platform pending
Candidate for Director of Outreach: Franz Sanico
Hello! My name is Franz, a 4th year undergraduate student in Commerce at the University of Ottawa. I was born and raised in Davao City and Samal Island, then moved to Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario with my family. While there, I was an active member of Sault Sainte Marie’s small Filipino community. I have been a part of uOttawa’s Filipino Students Association (FilSAUO) for two years, serving both in committee and executive roles. It was with FilSA that I came to learn about Pinoys on Parliament and was deeply inspired by the hard work and drive of the Ates and Kuyas in POP and Kabangka. I served as the Director of Outreach last year for POP24, and am eager to take that experience to improve and continue on again this year!
Platform
1. Introducing innovative approaches to outreach strategies
Through researching new ways in planning, implementing, and measuring the results of outreach efforts throughout the year, we can reach a wider social and geographical audience.
2. Increasing collaboration with directors and committees
Through consolidating outreach efforts with the work of the directors also working with community organizations and leaders, we would be able to streamline communication and correspondence with various contacts of interest.
3. Driving early registration and interest
Through active, consistent engagement with key figures, we can explore ways to incentivize early registration and active engagement.
Candidate for Director of Speakers: Feona Miclat
I’m Feona, was born and raised in the Philippines. I’m currently doing Biology at Carleton University in Ottawa. I’m currently the Junior representative of the Carleton University Student Association (CUFSA). I have led my high school’s Student Council and was involved in the Student Ambassador Club. Through this involvement, I was able to showcase my leadership, delegation, and of course my Filipino pride. I’m running for this position to not only challenge myself and to improve my skills but also to connect Filipinos not only in Ottawa but also all around Canada.
Platform
Established speakers: To seek for more established Filipinos not only here in Canada but also internationally. Discovering the hidden Filipino gems and make sure to let them shine bright and inspire the youth.
Candidate for Director of Workshops: Kyrah Karish Miranda
Kyrah Miranda, a fourth-year student at Carleton University studying forensic psychology with a minor in law, is deeply committed to community development and outreach. As a project coordinator at the Philippine Centre Canada, she channels her passion for creating inclusive spaces within the Filipino community. Her personal journey of adjustment to life in Canada fuels her determination to make the Filipino community more welcoming. Formerly a chef, Kyrah's culinary adventures now coexist with her community-focused role. You can follow her foodie content on Instagram. Excited to join the Pinoys on Parliament team, Kyrah looks forward to making a meaningful contribution.
Platform
1. Inclusive Participation
I will ensure that workshops are inclusive, welcoming diverse perspectives and fostering a supportive environment where all participants feel valued and empowered to contribute. Through actively encouraging collaboration, peer learning, and the exchange of ideas, ensuring that every participant feels not only included but also actively engaged and empowered throughout the workshop sessions.
2. Inclusive Leadership
I aim to foster an inclusive environment where diverse voices are heard, respected, and empowered to contribute meaningfully to the discussion and decision-making processes within the team.
3. Efficient Logistics
Implement streamlined processes and clear communication channels to ensure seamless workshop operations, from registration to session transitions, enhancing the overall participant experience.Moreover, I will establish effective feedback mechanisms to continuously evaluate and improve logistical processes, ensuring that the workshop runs smoothly and participants can fully focus on engaging with the content.
Candidate for Director of Operations: Sean Cruz
Hello Kabangka Members! My name is Sean Cruz, and my family moved to Canada from the Philippines in 2016. With extensive experience as the President of the Carleton University Filipino Students' Association (2022-2023) and as the Vice Chair of Pinoys on Parliament in 2024, I consider myself a seasoned community organizer. I am excited to announce that I am running for the position of Director of Operations for POP 2025. Having been involved with the conference for three years, I am confident in my skills and experience to excel in this new role.
1. Elevating the POP Experience
Since this is a new directorial position at POP, I have the opportunity to lay the foundation and set the standards and expectations for the Director of Operations for the next generation of POP. I will work alongside the Chair and Vice Chair to create a robust framework for the POP itinerary, aiming to create a memorable and transformative experience for the delegates.
2. Utilizing the POP data
To elevate the POP experience, I will utilize current POP data to create an experience that reflects the interests of Filipino-Canadian youth. By doing this, I aim to ensure an increase in attendance and equal regional representation among the delegates.