Board of Directors
Alvin Catacutan, Chairperson
Alvin Catacutan is a life long martial artist ranked and certified to teach multiple styles of martial arts. He’s worked in theater, film, and television as an actor, fight director, stuntman, and producer. Alvin has devoted his life to teaching children and adults to live healthy, happy, safer lives through the martial arts.
Training directly under the legendary Guro Dan Inosanto at the Inosanto Academy of Martial Arts reconnected him with his Filipino heritage.
As the founder and head instructor of Pamana Kali: Philippine Martial Arts and Culture located in Torrance, California, Guro Alvin Catacutan is now on a mission to share his ancestral heritage by teaching Filipino and South East Asian Martial Arts.
Training directly under the legendary Guro Dan Inosanto at the Inosanto Academy of Martial Arts reconnected him with his Filipino heritage.
As the founder and head instructor of Pamana Kali: Philippine Martial Arts and Culture located in Torrance, California, Guro Alvin Catacutan is now on a mission to share his ancestral heritage by teaching Filipino and South East Asian Martial Arts.
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Marcie Taylor, Vice ChairpersonMarcie Taylor is a social media consultant, marketing professional, and freelance writer. She has written for the Orange County Register, Pelican Hill Resort Magazine, LA Travel Magazine, the Huntington Beach Visitors Guide, and Filipinas Magazine. Born and raised in Manila, she moved to the U.S. in 2000. She is the author of the book “Missing Mangoes: For Filipinos and Those Who Love Us,” a collection of personal essays about her experiences as an immigrant in New Jersey.
Marcie Taylor blogs at marcietaylor.com. She is also the Founder, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of SurfCityFamily.com. She is the Founder of the Social Media Breakfast Club. She hosts two online programs on Facebook Live and YouTube called “Midnight Sessions,” which features one-on-one interviews with Filipino musicians and “Mars Cafe,” an eclectic magazine show with guests including rockstars, artists, chefs, authors, and entrepreneurs. She currently lives in Orange County, CA with her husband and two sons. Follow @marcietaylor on Instagram and @marcietaylormedia on Facebook. Learn more about her social media marketing services at marcietaylormedia.com |
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Maria Theresa T. Calimag, Esq., Board Member (Immediate Past Chairperson)
Manila born, LA raised. Zealous and compassionate legal advocate. Arts and Music lover. Attorney Calimag graduated cum laude and obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree at California State University, Northridge in 2005 prior to receiving her Juris Doctorate at California Western School of Law in San Diego in 2011. While in law school, she participated in "KAMP" - Kuya Ate Mentorship Program - mentoring Filipino-American youth in San Diego. She was born in the Philippines and immigrated to the United States when she was only eleven years old. She is fluent in Tagalog and English and is currently working towards speaking Spanish fluently. Attorney Calimag loves to travel. She enjoys the beach, going to the gym, singing karaoke, and playing with her tabby cat, Cinnamon. |
Ghen Laraya Long ,Esq., Board Member
Ghen Laraya Long is an experienced international technology and entertainment attorney. She specializes in transactional contracts for the creation, production and distribution of all forms of content over traditional and new media platforms. Long has a roster of technotainment clients ranging from producers, directors, writers, musicians, and actors and large multimedia companies to small startups for whom she provides advice, in-house counsel and production attorney services.
Prior to recent stints with Disney and Red Bull Media, Long was VP Business and Legal Affairs for Mandalay Digital Group Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Digital Turbine Inc., Assistant General Counsel and Director of Mobile Partnerships for CBS Corporation, International Corporate Counsel for Amp’d Mobile and Business and Legal Affairs Counsel for Tokyopop! Inc. She is a co-founder of Greenlight Women and a board member and has served on the boards of Women in Film, and Echo.
Long is an active member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and serves on her Peer Group Executive Council. She is qualified to practice law in Ontario, Canada and California and is a polyglot. She is a volleyball (beach and indoor) fanatic as well as a Duranie.
Ghen Laraya Long is an experienced international technology and entertainment attorney. She specializes in transactional contracts for the creation, production and distribution of all forms of content over traditional and new media platforms. Long has a roster of technotainment clients ranging from producers, directors, writers, musicians, and actors and large multimedia companies to small startups for whom she provides advice, in-house counsel and production attorney services.
Prior to recent stints with Disney and Red Bull Media, Long was VP Business and Legal Affairs for Mandalay Digital Group Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Digital Turbine Inc., Assistant General Counsel and Director of Mobile Partnerships for CBS Corporation, International Corporate Counsel for Amp’d Mobile and Business and Legal Affairs Counsel for Tokyopop! Inc. She is a co-founder of Greenlight Women and a board member and has served on the boards of Women in Film, and Echo.
Long is an active member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and serves on her Peer Group Executive Council. She is qualified to practice law in Ontario, Canada and California and is a polyglot. She is a volleyball (beach and indoor) fanatic as well as a Duranie.
John Erick Pabalan, Treasurer
John Erick Pabalan hails from the Philippines and was raised in sunny Southern California. His upbringing was deeply rooted in Filipino cinema, thanks to his parents who owned a video store.
Professionally, John Erick is a Certified Public Accountant, having earned his bachelor's degree from California State University, Northridge. His career journey has been diverse, encompassing various roles within non-profit healthcare organizations, a prestigious Big 4 firm, and culminating in his current role as a partner in his own accounting firm. He proudly established his firm in Panorama City, where he grew up, and has since expanded its services to the west side of Santa Monica.
In the midst of the pandemic and lockdowns, John Erick's life took an unexpected turn when he crossed paths with Jason Lustina on Facebook. Their shared experiences as Filipino Americans who grew up in Southern California led to the creation of the Facebook group "SoCal Filipinos." What started as a humble online community has now grown to nearly 90,000 members, with over 200,000 followers on Instagram. Beyond the digital realm, they've joined forces with various organizations to host live events, fostering connections among Southern California's Filipino community.
However, what John Erick treasures most in life is his role as a father. He's a devoted dad to his two young children, Sofia and Lucas, who occupy the center of his world. When asked about his occupation, he proudly declares, "I'm a dad." To him, that is the most meaningful job title, and he carries it close to his heart.
Professionally, John Erick is a Certified Public Accountant, having earned his bachelor's degree from California State University, Northridge. His career journey has been diverse, encompassing various roles within non-profit healthcare organizations, a prestigious Big 4 firm, and culminating in his current role as a partner in his own accounting firm. He proudly established his firm in Panorama City, where he grew up, and has since expanded its services to the west side of Santa Monica.
In the midst of the pandemic and lockdowns, John Erick's life took an unexpected turn when he crossed paths with Jason Lustina on Facebook. Their shared experiences as Filipino Americans who grew up in Southern California led to the creation of the Facebook group "SoCal Filipinos." What started as a humble online community has now grown to nearly 90,000 members, with over 200,000 followers on Instagram. Beyond the digital realm, they've joined forces with various organizations to host live events, fostering connections among Southern California's Filipino community.
However, what John Erick treasures most in life is his role as a father. He's a devoted dad to his two young children, Sofia and Lucas, who occupy the center of his world. When asked about his occupation, he proudly declares, "I'm a dad." To him, that is the most meaningful job title, and he carries it close to his heart.
Maryrose Mendoza, Secretary
Marc Anthony Nicolas, Board Member
With over 15 years of experience in the television industry, Marc Anthony Nicolas has managed to captivate viewers and foster a sense of community. Throughout his career, he has produced some of the most renowned and beloved talk shows, including "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," "The Tyra Banks Show," and "The Kelly Clarkson Show." He is currently the Supervising Producer on "The Talk" on CBS.
Recognized for his exceptional work, he has been the recipient of two Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Talk Show. This accolade underscores his commitment to excellence and the high regard in the entertainment industry.
Beyond his contributions to television, he has made a significant impact on the Filipino community and received prestigious honors. Nicolas was inducted into the Asian Hall of Fame, which celebrates outstanding achievements and contributions by individuals of Asian descent. Inductees include Freddie Mercury, Margaret Cho, Ken Jeong, Kristi Yamaguci to name a few.
His accomplishments extend beyond the entertainment world, as he has been bestowed with the T.O.F.A. (The Outstanding Filipinos in America) Award and has been enlisted in the "75 Most Influential Filipino Americans." These awards recognize and celebrate the achievements of individuals that have raised the profile of the Filipino American community.
His dedication has set a benchmark for excellence in television. With a commitment to making a positive impact through media and philanthropy, Marc Anthony Nicolas continues to inspire and uplift others in the industry and beyond.
With over 15 years of experience in the television industry, Marc Anthony Nicolas has managed to captivate viewers and foster a sense of community. Throughout his career, he has produced some of the most renowned and beloved talk shows, including "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," "The Tyra Banks Show," and "The Kelly Clarkson Show." He is currently the Supervising Producer on "The Talk" on CBS.
Recognized for his exceptional work, he has been the recipient of two Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Talk Show. This accolade underscores his commitment to excellence and the high regard in the entertainment industry.
Beyond his contributions to television, he has made a significant impact on the Filipino community and received prestigious honors. Nicolas was inducted into the Asian Hall of Fame, which celebrates outstanding achievements and contributions by individuals of Asian descent. Inductees include Freddie Mercury, Margaret Cho, Ken Jeong, Kristi Yamaguci to name a few.
His accomplishments extend beyond the entertainment world, as he has been bestowed with the T.O.F.A. (The Outstanding Filipinos in America) Award and has been enlisted in the "75 Most Influential Filipino Americans." These awards recognize and celebrate the achievements of individuals that have raised the profile of the Filipino American community.
His dedication has set a benchmark for excellence in television. With a commitment to making a positive impact through media and philanthropy, Marc Anthony Nicolas continues to inspire and uplift others in the industry and beyond.
Dr. Jamie Borromeo, Board Member
Dr. Jamie Borromeo is a consultant and researcher with a unique background in education, diversity, equity and inclusion, non-profit and public policy experience. She has provided strategy for Fortune 500 companies and organizations to optimize and maximize the value of diverse human capital in organizations.
As former Executive Director of the National Council of Asian American Business Associations (NCAABA,) Ms. Borromeo was responsible for fundraising and creating the signature program of the organization, The NCAABA Supplier Academy, where she managed accounts with Wells Fargo, Bloomingdale’s, Apple, Southwest Airlines, The Walt Disney Company, Lockheed Martin Space Systems, and other U.S. based corporations.
She received her Masters of Science Degree in Education at Johns Hopkins University School of Education with an emphasis on the neuroscience of learning. She has provided business instruction for University of Hawaii Community College, and has a doctorate in Business Administration with her dissertation research published on a collection of interviews with Fortune 500 senior executives to evaluate the internal perspectives of DEI programming in Corporate America and its relationship to organizational performance. Her research papers on diversity, equity and inclusion have been accepted in top management conferences, including the 2022 Vienna, Austria and 2023 Cagliari, Italy European Studies for Organizational Management Conferences.
As former Executive Director of the National Council of Asian American Business Associations (NCAABA,) Ms. Borromeo was responsible for fundraising and creating the signature program of the organization, The NCAABA Supplier Academy, where she managed accounts with Wells Fargo, Bloomingdale’s, Apple, Southwest Airlines, The Walt Disney Company, Lockheed Martin Space Systems, and other U.S. based corporations.
She received her Masters of Science Degree in Education at Johns Hopkins University School of Education with an emphasis on the neuroscience of learning. She has provided business instruction for University of Hawaii Community College, and has a doctorate in Business Administration with her dissertation research published on a collection of interviews with Fortune 500 senior executives to evaluate the internal perspectives of DEI programming in Corporate America and its relationship to organizational performance. Her research papers on diversity, equity and inclusion have been accepted in top management conferences, including the 2022 Vienna, Austria and 2023 Cagliari, Italy European Studies for Organizational Management Conferences.
Cher Calvin, Board Member
Staff
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Giselle “G” Tongi-Walters, Executive DirectorGiselle Töngi, has long been active in the entertainment industry with over two decades of TV experience in both the Asian/American market. Primarily recognized for her acting in film, television and TV in the Philippines, winning several awards & nominations for her work, Töngi is also a writer and producer. Her past work includes the short film “Pinoy Grease,” “Pinoy Tango,” as well as “The Balikbayan Project: With the Bascos,” a 13-part travel series about a second generation Fil-Am family’s experience in the Philippines for GMA Pinoy International. As a Social Media Producer for Rappler.com, Maria Ressa , Nobel Prize Winning Journalist tapped Töngi to produce lifestyle, theater and entertainment packages. For three years she expanded the only daily talkshow for Filipinos living in American called Kababayan Today, on LA18-KSCI to reflect Filipino culture and community, syndicating to the Philippines on TV5 . Associate Produced "America Adjacent" with the Skylight Theater in Los Angeles. Töngi is a graduate of the University of California with a communications degree and double minor in film and theater. She is more recently defined by the many roles she plays off the stage. She has actively participated in or hosted many events and fundraisers in the Filipino American community. Her personal goals have always been aligned with melding her own bi-cultural identity. Growing up in the Philippines and America has given her a unique perspective, allowing her to value the importance of her roots. Töngi says that “to be able to bridge the gap between my own two cultures by creating content specifically for Fil-Ams such as myself is truly the focus of my professional career. To be able to be a voice in my community and be given the chance to represent the Fil-Am experience is also a way to define our culture and identity, which I take very seriously. This keeps me aligned with other people who are also working toward reuniting other fellow Fil-Ams together.” Giselle has a Master's in Nonprofit Management from Antioch University, Los Angeles and continues to serve her community through her leadership in the FilAm arts and culture space. Tongi is also the Community & Cultural Liaison for the first Filipino story on Broadway opening Summer 2023 called Here Lies Love. |
Giovanni Ortega, FilAm Arts TEATRO Director
Giovanni Ortega (Artistic Director, FilAm Arts Teatro) has been working professionally for over a decade as a proponent of the performing arts as a multidisciplinary artist and educator. He believes in creating an accepting and inclusive relationship with artists and communities as well as developing narratives for marginalized communities.
Founding Executive Director
Jilly Canizares
FPAC Co-Founders
Jerome Academia
Norma Requierme Austin
Juanito "Johnny" Balaoing
Steffi San Buenaventura
Lilia A. Cajilog "Firefly"
Romeo H. Salumbides
Norma Requierme Austin
Juanito "Johnny" Balaoing
Steffi San Buenaventura
Lilia A. Cajilog "Firefly"
Romeo H. Salumbides
FILAM ARTS ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
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Jose Antonio Vargas
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Laarni Rosca Dacanay
Laarni is an award-winning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion communications leader in the media and entertainment industry. As a trusted strategic partner advising on how DEI drivesboth culture and business needs, Laarni provides counsel on best practices, communications,employee resource groups, employee engagement, and community relations. She’s committed torepresentation in media, from interns to the C-suite, above and below the line, and in newsrooms. Laarni has worked for a number of respected global media brands including TIME Magazine, Comcast, NBCUniversal, NBCUniversal, Focus Features, and NBC Entertainment. A community leader and advocate for representation in media, Laarni serves on the PBS SoCal Community Advisory Board, is Co-Producer, Asian Pacific Filmmakers Experience at Sundance, member of the Television Academy’s Honors Committee and the National Association of Black Journalists Los Angeles Chapter’s Advocacy Committee, and this is her 14th year on the Public. Relations Society of America’s National Diversity & Inclusion Committee. As the daughter of immigrants from the Philippines, she is a lifelong champion of the Filipino culture, bridging her American background with her ethnic roots. As a young student, she produced the first-ever Filipino American Cultural Event at her high school, showcasing traditional dance performances to the-then mostly non-diverse student body. She continued her advocacy in college with the Pilipino American Student Association and today, she actively advocates for more Pinoy representation in media and entertainment. Based in Southern California, you can follow her at @laarnid1 on Twitter. |
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Jeremiah Abraham
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Jamie Hernandez
Time Warner Jamie’s passion for equity and inclusion, plus her background in production management, led her to the role of Production Equity & Inclusion Manager at WarnerMedia. She is excited to be a part of this extraordinary team, working on the forefront of equity and inclusion in the industry. Prior to WarnerMedia, Jamie was at NBCUniversal where she was Senior Manager, Production & Operations for the Entertainment Content Group (E! & Bravo). Jamie was part of the team that oversaw all aspects of production management for the networks’ original series & specials. Jamie also worked at NBC’s Alternative Series & Specials department and started her career donning a polyester uniform as an NBC Page. In addition, Jamie currently serves as the Co-Chair for the Culver City Chapter of ARC (Asian-Americans & Pacific Islanders Representing Change), one of WarnerMedia’s Business Resource Groups. Previously, Jamie served as the Global Advisory Committee Co-Lead for Asian Pacific Americans@NBCUniversal Employee Resource Group and worked with the D&I team to implement and execute initiatives and strategies. Prior to that, she was the SoCal Chapter Co-Lead for APA, managing a team of committee leaders and volunteers. Jamie is a fan of anything ube and the Los Angeles Lakers. |
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Aris TaglePUBLICIS
A longtime community leader and activist, and has dedicated much of his life to community service. Aris has been a member of the Pilipino Alumni Association of UCLA since graduation, served two terms as Chair, and founded the annual UCLA PAA Scholarship Benefit and Alumni Awards back in 2001. He was honored as the UCLA PAA Distinguished Alumnus of the Year in 2018. Aris also completed a four-year term on the UCLA Alumni Association Board of Directors, being elected as Vice Chair and then Chair in his final year. In 2019, Aris was honored by his high school alma mater with induction into the Whitney High School Alumni “Wall of Fame” in his hometown of Cerritos, CA. Aris holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from UCLA, and an MBA from the Yale University School of Management. |
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Charlene Joy Jimenez
DEFINE AMERICAN Charlene Joy Jimenez is the Director of Entertainment Partnerships & Advocacy at Define American — a media advocacy and culture change organization that uses the power of narrative to humanize conversations about immigrants. Charlene leads the organization's flagship consulting program, which helps filmmakers and writers to develop more authentic immigrant characters and navigate complex immigration-related storylines. Prior to Define American, she was Director of Publicity & Digital Engagement at Lionsgate as well as co-chair of Lionsgate’s Multicultural Employee Resource Group, advocating for more diversity and inclusion in front of and behind the camera. Charlene has also held positions at charitable fundraising startup Omaze and Legendary Entertainment's Nerdist.com. Her work has been recognized by Social Media Week LA, Fast Company, and the front page of Reddit. She is passionate about pop culture and equitable representation within it. |
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Winston F. EmanoMANO Y MANO MEDIA
Winston Emano is a principal of mano Y mano Media, a full spectrummedia consultancy and micro studio producing exclusive content for broadcast networks/new media on five continents. A specialist in film, he has represented more than 100 films for film festival, awards and theatrical release campaigns and is a sought-after media trainer for filmmakers and professional athletes alike. A William Paley Scholar at the famed SI Newhouse School at Syracuse University, he serves on the Academy Awards Host and IDA Awards Screening Committees and is a founding board director and Chair Emeritus for FilAm ARTS. |
