BIO:

I am a Registered Acupuncturist and a Certified Yoga Teacher. I am a writer, a vocalist, a dancer, an artist. I create experiences and hold sacred space. My life is multi-faceted, and it might only make sense to me, and that’s more than enough. I’ve chosen to be in relation to community through my artistic and cultural practices. My building blocks for our collective future are joy, ease and radical care, especially for BIPOC and LGBTQIA2S+. I didn’t know this would be my path, until I looked back and saw the way I had come.

FUN FACTS:

1. Registered Acupuncturist

2. Songwriter

3. Credited back-up vocalist

4. Writer

5. Witch

BIO:

Angelica Candido is a multidisciplinary artist and poet whose work explores healing, identity, and connection. After navigating personal loss, she created Interconnectedness, a book of art and poetry that bridges emotion and transformation. She shares her journey through community workshops, live painting, and open mic events that invite others to reflect and express themselves. Rooted in lived experience, her creative practice empowers the next generation to embrace vulnerability and discover beauty through art.

FUN FACTS:

1. Getting taught by an artist from Istanbul, Turkey

2. Solo travelled to Philippines and got a tattoo from Whang Od

3. Rescued a cat from the forest

4. Went parasailing in Boracay, Philippines

5. Self-published a book

BIO:

I'm Kathleen! You can also call me Kath. I'm a community worker, an academic in training and a musician from Vancouver. You may know me as the co-founder of Sliced Mango Collective. As a bunso (youngest child) in my 20's to two Filipino immigrants, my work leans into the curiosity of what it means to be Filipinx/a/o in the global diaspora. Currently, this looks like doing research on how adult children of immigrants in Canada learn Philippine languages. As an advocate for Filipino language and culture programs, I hope to empower those who want to connect to their heritage and learn amongst peers and community.

FUN FACTS:

1. I was born and raised in K'emk'emláy (Vancouver) but have been living in Tkaronto for the past 1.5 years.

2. My parents grew up together in the same hometown and they speak a language called Oasnon. This inspires the research I'm currently pursuing in grad school.

3. I started singing and performing locally in Vancouver at age 4; music greatly informs my work and research to this day.

4. I once travelled to the Philippines for school, not for family. In undergrad, I did a 2-week artist residency to make computer music with Music and Dance students at UP Diliman. It just so happened that the dance instructor was my second cousin

5. One of my resolutions this year is to come back to my love for skating. I loved Toronto's outdoor rinks this winter and I brought my in-line rollerblades for the warmer months

BIO:

As the founder of a startup sports therapy clinic, I’ve bootstrapped my way from treating clients out of borrowed spaces to recently signing my first lease and taking over an entire gym. I didn’t have a roadmap—just grit, community support, and a deep belief in the healing power of movement. I’m proud to be building something for and with others, especially Filipinx youth who are daring to dream big. Our stories matter—let’s bridge them together.

FUN FACTS:

1. Worked with a few CEBL-NBA G-League players

2. Learning Korean

3. Won a trip to China in 2019 for a Panda volunteer program that turned out to be a reality/competition-type show

4. If you had AsianAvenue (AA) you most likely got your music from me. Yes - I was a pirate uploading files on servers

5. Studied accounting, dropped out, got stuck in retail management, managed my first store at age 19/20 and did 7 store turnarounds.

BIO:

Jordan began her career on Bay Street at Scotiabank Private Banking after earning her BA from the University of Toronto. She later joined Canada’s top BNS mortgage team, contributing to over $1 billion in funded mortgages. Known for her transparency and client-first approach, Jordan is passionate about sharing financial knowledge and empowering others through education. She specializes in creating tailored mortgage solutions—whether for home purchases, investments, or refinancing—and attributes her referral-based success to building trust and delivering exceptional results.

FUN FACTS:

1. A black belt in taekwondo

2. Started my career at the bank as a teller

3. Love to be outdoors hiking or paddle boarding in the summers

4. Funded over $2B in residential mortgages in my career

5. Top-performing individual mortgage agent in Canada

BIO:

Growing up in a low-income family, where my father struggled with addiction, I had to face hard truths, break generational cycles, and work through childhood trauma.

As a Filipino, I’ve always felt torn between two worlds—trying to fit into Canadian society while holding tight to my roots. I’ve faced heartache, triumphs, and deep self-reflection, which taught me that personal growth is the most important part of life. At 24, I moved to Toronto and was exposed to a new way of living. Learning to trust myself and navigating the opportunities here led me to bootstrap my own business. It’s not easy, but every experience prepares you for what’s to come. There’s always a lesson if you take time to reflect.

FUN FACTS:

1. I’m endlessly curious about how things work—whether it’s human behavior or business systems. My background in psychology shaped how I see personal development as the root of everything, and that perspective is what makes me love the behind-the-scenes engineering of ideas, rituals, and meaningful work.

2. I once played competitive basketball—though I wasn’t the best on the court, it taught me how to lead, push through failure, and play the long game. Michael Jordan’s mindset around growth and resilience continues to shape how I show up in life and business.

3. Over the years, I’ve worked 21 different jobs in different industries. I didn’t realize it then, but I guess I was building a masterclass in how systems, people, and leadership work. That experience shaped me into the entrepreneur and mentor I am today.

4. Music plays a huge role in my life—I intentionally weave it into everything I do, from creating cozy, nostalgic playlists at the spa to curating the energy of Bunso Club events or workouts. I believe music becomes the soundtrack of our lives—it’s the universal language that helps us feel, connect, and heal.

5. I'm originally from Winnipeg, I’ve been calling Toronto home since 2014.

BIO:

There's a notion that as you grow into your career that you have to drop all of your hobbies (especially the creative ones) in favour of their job or pursuing avenues where money is the paramount goal.

You are so much more than your career and the only person stopping you from pursing that spontaneous passion or flexing those creative muscles is you. You don't have to stay in one lane regarding tech. Buy the turntable and learn how to DJ. Join that hip hop dance class that you wanted to try out because you watched America's Best Dance Crew too much as a kid. You might be pretty bad at it at first and you might not make money but don't let yourself be a cog in the corporate machine.

FUN FACTS:

1. I've been shooting concerts and covering for around five years.

2. I've shot an arm wrestling documentary.

3. I have a tier list for the best fried chicken sandwiches in the city.

4. I love suspiciously specific Spotify playlists.

5. I love weightlifting and going to the gym.

BIO:

I started my career doing every possible job related to making videos. I started my own company called Asterisk and it got acquired by ICON. I'm now a VP at ICON where we provide content and technology services to professional sports teams, airports, and retail brands. I'm also on a lot of different board of directors in the Creative Industry and love to give back. I'm a board member at Ontario Creates, the Dean's Advisory Board at Queen's University, and the Board Chair at Tourism Kingston.

FUN FACTS:

1. I started a video production company that got acquired

2. I shot a documentary in Kenya

3. I played varsity baseball in university

4. I was a child actor

5. I have two awesome kids.

BIO:

I am a recent graduate of OCAD University’s advertising program and I’ve been working commercially and creatively as a wardrobe stylist and brand strategist for the past 5 years. Prior to doing creative work/ school I was pursuing a double degree in medicine and business at Western University. Honouring my passion and affinity to creative work led me to a super rewarding lifestyle that feels meaningful. My openness to learn more, collaborate and support people around me is the foundation of my practice.

FUN FACTS:

1. I’m the eldest sister and eldest girl cousin in my family (out of 30 cousins!)

2. This past summer I produced my first short film, helped organize a music festival/ convention and styled my first celebrity athlete all in one month!

3. I’ve had natural grey hairs since I was a kid.

4. I’ve been styling music video for the past few years

5. My favourite place to travel has been my ancestral home town San Fabian, Pangasinan

BIO:

Francis Macapagal started his nursing career in 2004 and is currently a Clinical Nurse Specialist on the Paediatric Advanced Care Team (PACT) at SickKids Hospital in Toronto, Canada. Francis completed his Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Masters of Nursing at Ryerson University. In his current role he provides education, support and comprehensive coordination of care to children with potentially life-limiting illnesses and their families. Francis also supports the interprofessional healthcare team through staff mentorship and education. In his spare time Francis enjoys cooking and cycling, and is an avid sports fan, particularly the Raptors.

FUN FACTS:

1. Avid cyclist

2. Picked up pickleball last summer and won my first gold medal at a tournament last month

3. I've never been to the Philippines but plan to celebrate my 50th birthday there in 5 years

4. I've been a nurse at SickKids for over 20 years but have had a variety of different roles, including opportunities to teach nursing internationally in Qatar and several countries in the Caribbean

5. I was featured as part of Filipino Heritage Night with the Raptors

BIO:

As the founder of a startup sports therapy clinic, I’ve bootstrapped my way from treating clients out of borrowed spaces to recently signing my first lease and taking over an entire gym. I didn’t have a roadmap—just grit, community support, and a deep belief in the healing power of movement. I’m proud to be building something for and with others, especially Filipinx youth who are daring to dream big. Our stories matter—let’s bridge them together.

FUN FACTS:

1. Worked with a few CEBL-NBA G-League players

2. Learning Korean

3. Won a trip to China in 2019 for a Panda volunteer program that turned out to be a reality/competition-type show

4. If you had AsianAvenue (AA) you most likely got your music from me. Yes - I was a pirate uploading files on servers

5. Studied accounting, dropped out, got stuck in retail management, managed my first store at age 19/20 and did 7 store turnarounds.

BIO:

Growing up in a low-income family, where my father struggled with addiction, I had to face hard truths, break generational cycles, and work through childhood trauma.

As a Filipino, I’ve always felt torn between two worlds—trying to fit into Canadian society while holding tight to my roots. I’ve faced heartache, triumphs, and deep self-reflection, which taught me that personal growth is the most important part of life. At 24, I moved to Toronto and was exposed to a new way of living. Learning to trust myself and navigating the opportunities here led me to bootstrap my own business. It’s not easy, but every experience prepares you for what’s to come. There’s always a lesson if you take time to reflect.

FUN FACTS:

1. I’m endlessly curious about how things work—whether it’s human behavior or business systems. My background in psychology shaped how I see personal development as the root of everything, and that perspective is what makes me love the behind-the-scenes engineering of ideas, rituals, and meaningful work.

2. I once played competitive basketball—though I wasn’t the best on the court, it taught me how to lead, push through failure, and play the long game. Michael Jordan’s mindset around growth and resilience continues to shape how I show up in life and business.

3. Over the years, I’ve worked 21 different jobs in different industries. I didn’t realize it then, but I guess I was building a masterclass in how systems, people, and leadership work. That experience shaped me into the entrepreneur and mentor I am today.

4. Music plays a huge role in my life—I intentionally weave it into everything I do, from creating cozy, nostalgic playlists at the spa to curating the energy of Bunso Club events or workouts. I believe music becomes the soundtrack of our lives—it’s the universal language that helps us feel, connect, and heal.

5. I'm originally from Winnipeg, I’ve been calling Toronto home since 2014.

BIO:

Loriebelle Nestor is the dedicated heart behind HAIRLOVE Studio, a vibrant salon built on culture, community, and self-love. A respected Hair Expert with over a decade of national TV experience—featured on The Marilyn Denis Show and The Good Stuff with Mary Berg—Loriebelle is known for her bright energy & spirit, artistic talent, and commitment to her craft and community.

Born into a large, close-knit Filipino family in Winnipeg, she took a leap of faith in 2006, moving to Toronto to pursue her dreams in fashion, television, and entrepreneurship. Staying true to her roots, she remains actively involved in Filipino-Canadian organizations such as Kapisanan, Rise Tribe, and Pinay Tayo. She gracefully balances the roles of mother, wife, sister and entrepreneur, showing that success doesn’t come without sacrifice, heart, and hard work.

FUN FACTS:

1. Just got back from Berlin as I was chosen to take part in first ever International Hair Festival.

2. Most recently worked on Toronto’s first ever Louis Vuitton Fashion Show.

3. Currently on the Good Stuff with Mary Berg airing May 13, Was On Air Hair Expert for 13 years on the Marilyn Denis Show.

4. Hairlove Studio will be celebrating our 10 years of Business.

5. Hairlove is the main Hair Sponsor for both MLSE Toronto Raptors and Toronto Argonauts Dance Teams.

BIO:

Angelica Candido is a multidisciplinary artist and poet whose work explores healing, identity, and connection. After navigating personal loss, she created Interconnectedness, a book of art and poetry that bridges emotion and transformation. She shares her journey through community workshops, live painting, and open mic events that invite others to reflect and express themselves. Rooted in lived experience, her creative practice empowers the next generation to embrace vulnerability and discover beauty through art.

FUN FACTS:

1. Getting taught by an artist from Istanbul, Turkey

2. Solo travelled to Philippines and got a tattoo from Whang Od

3. Rescued a cat from the forest

4. Went parasailing in Boracay, Philippines

5. Self-published a book

BIO:

I'm Kathleen! You can also call me Kath. I'm a community worker, an academic in training and a musician from Vancouver. You may know me as the co-founder of Sliced Mango Collective. As a bunso (youngest child) in my 20's to two Filipino immigrants, my work leans into the curiosity of what it means to be Filipinx/a/o in the global diaspora. Currently, this looks like doing research on how adult children of immigrants in Canada learn Philippine languages. As an advocate for Filipino language and culture programs, I hope to empower those who want to connect to their heritage and learn amongst peers and community.

FUN FACTS:

1. I was born and raised in K'emk'emláy (Vancouver) but have been living in Tkaronto for the past 1.5 years.

2. My parents grew up together in the same hometown and they speak a language called Oasnon. This inspires the research I'm currently pursuing in grad school.

3. I started singing and performing locally in Vancouver at age 4; music greatly informs my work and research to this day.

4. I once travelled to the Philippines for school, not for family. In undergrad, I did a 2-week artist residency to make computer music with Music and Dance students at UP Diliman. It just so happened that the dance instructor was my second cousin

5. One of my resolutions this year is to come back to my love for skating. I loved Toronto's outdoor rinks this winter and I brought my in-line rollerblades for the warmer months

BIO:

Growing up I thought the most I'd ever be able to do is work for someone else. I grew up being told to just be a good employee, be happy to be getting paid, to not cause trouble & complain too much, to be content with whatever I got. Everything I've done with apothegeri has felt like a full circle, the accomplishments & collaborations, I know my younger self would be so proud of the person I am today.

FUN FACTS:

1. I used to sing in a lot of Filipino competitions growing up (many on Bathurst & Wilson lol).

2. The highlight of my career is when titas come up to me to tell me that the candles remind them of home.

3. Another highlight was making custom candles for the Raptors 905

4. Making candles for the Pacita Abad exhibit & being invited to talk about the craft & about apg

5. Being able to give back to local communities & being a small part of many weddings, birthdays, baptisms, celebrations of life & also just bringing light (literally) to people’s homes.

BIO:

Gelaine Santiago is an award-winning entrepreneur working at the intersection of business, social justice, and cultural identity. She's on a mission to build more ecosystems – not empires – and supports visionary founders who want to do business differently.

Gelaine is the co-founder and CEO of Cambio & Co. Filipino Jewelry and Sinta & Co. Filipino Weddings – two brands that create sustainable livelihoods for artisans in the Philippines. Her work has been featured in publications like Forbes, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Huffington Post, CBC and more. In 2019, she was recognized with the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award.

FUN FACTS:

1. I've changed career paths multiple times - from studying animal biology/veterinary sciences in undergrad to pharmaceuticals, corporate HR, then freelancing, marketing consulting, and now running my own business in sustainable fashion & retail.

2. I travel to the Philippines regularly for work and get to meet Filipino entrepreneurs, designers, and traditional artisans across the country

3. I speak fluent French, pretty good Spanish and am relearning Tagalog

4. I love to bake and decorate cakes in my spare time

5. I really love cats

BIO:

Patricia Rastrullo is a Toronto-based Canadian Filipino filmmaker/tv producer. She is a member of the trailblazing Dark Wolf Pictures production company and is most proud of her role as Supervising Producer on Dark Wolf Pictures' first feature film, Welcome (2024). Patricia has most recently worked on Yes, Chef (2025) on NBC, Top Chef US Season 22 (2024) on Bravo, Big Brother Canada Season 12 (2024) on Global and Top Chef Canada Season 11 (2024) on Food Network Canada. She is excited to continue creating exceptional and riveting television and films in the industry.

FUN FACTS:

1. I am a two time cancer survivor

2. I am a twin

3. I have a Health Sciences Degree.

4. I didn't go to film school

5. During Covid, I changed careers and pursued my dream career in film and tv.

BIO:

Laura was born and raised in Canada and pursued a career in Interior Design in Toronto. Her unique perspective on diversity is influenced by her Filipino and Scottish heritage, which has shaped her worldview from an early age. Currently, Laura is the Studio Director at Elastic Architects, a collective formed by a team of multi-disciplinary and talented creatives, fostering an environment filled with vibrant ideas and collaborative energy. With over 20 years of experience in the design field, Laura has received numerous accolades, specializing in luxury hospitality design. Her work in this industry provides her with a profound sense of purpose, as she designs environments that encourage meaningful experiences. Additionally, her profession has allowed her to travel extensively around the globe, working on construction sites for major developers and hotel operators to help bring creative visions to life. When she’s not traveling the world designing resorts & hotels, you can find her at the flower shops, or running across streets to hug other people’s dogs.

FUN FACTS:

1. Absolute Loves: Design & Architecture, Traveling, Food, Ikebana, Dogs.

2. I attended Elementary school in the Philippines

BIO:

Rachelle Cruz is a senior communications advisor with experience in client-relationship management, and problem-solving complex communications strategies. She is also a published Christian author.

The Golden Heart Locket: Fire and Prophecy is the first instalment of her modern fantasy series. Before entering the publishing industry, she is known for her career as a TV host/reporter and producer under the flagship network of ABS-CBN. She contributed to various programs from MYX Global to TFC's Balitang America.

As part of her community initiatives, she is the National Ambassador for the Golden Balangay Awards, now in its 8th year and is a board director for the Golden Balangay Foundation, spearheading the first Filipino-Canadian National Scholarship Program.

FUN FACTS:

1. I travelled to Japan and held a private green tea ceremony in Kyoto; hiked the mountains of Yukon and white water rafted down glacial waters; visited galleries in Italy and searched for the best churros all over Spain!

2. What I do to manage stress? I workout - Pilates, weights, etc. I also centre myself by praying and in stillness.

3. Currently working on writing my second book and producing a podcast.

4. Specialties: Project Management and Coordination, Strategic Communications, Marketing, Media, Digital Strategy, Stakeholder relations, client management.

BIO:

I am a Canadian-born child of immigrant parents. I was rebellious and in trouble for sneaking out and having fun all the time. I've lived on my own since I was sixteen years old, and wasn't able to finish high school due to my personal circumstances. I still fought hard for jobs I wasn't always qualified for but learned and grew with each new opportunity, eventually opening my first business at 27 years old while pregnant with my first child. Things have definitely not been perfect, and there were a lot of personal and professional losses along the way, but I know that everything one dreams of is possible with hard work, a strong network, curiosity and tenacity - even if it doesn't quite look like you imagined it. Stay open! Keep asking!

FUN FACTS:

1. I like travelling for concerts

2. I have two poodles

3. I speak French fluently

4. I worked four distinct but different roles at work throughout the last year, all in companies I started.

BIO:

As a young Filipina born in the Philippines and raised in Canada from age 12, I’ve learned to be resilient while finding my place in a new country. With discipline and drive, I earned my B.Comm and became one of the youngest Associate Brand Managers at Canadian Tire, all while actively pursuing my passion for the performing arts as a signed actor. Each day is a choice to take up space. Even in moments of self-doubt, I learned the importance of saying “yes” to myself. May this journey inspire others to advocate for themselves too, even when their voice shakes. Courageously own your voice.

FUN FACTS:

I am also a Toronto-based actor/singer

BIO:

I was a professional choreographer/dancer for over 15 years. Had the chance to travel and teach dance across the world. Eventually decided to pivot careers and got licensed as a financial broker and Real estate agent. I genuinely enjoy providing financial literacy and helping individuals create a game plan for their future as I never had that throughout my journey in dance. Aiding individuals in the arts industry hold a special place for me.

FUN FACTS:

I used to travel to teach dance, love menudo, love basketball, teach finance topics, bad at accents

BIO:

I’ve lived a lot of lives to just write about one... One quote that always inspired me was:

"Timelines are just guidelines with a deadline. Take out the deadline and your guidelines will always be endless"

FUN FACTS:

I like sneakers, cars and basketball just like any other filipino but I have also worked with and for a lot of the brands including: Nike, Audi, Jordan, Toronto Raptors, Honda, NBA all star and more.

BIO:

There's a notion that as you grow into your career that you have to drop all of your hobbies (especially the creative ones) in favour of their job or pursuing avenues where money is the paramount goal.

You are so much more than your career and the only person stopping you from pursing that spontaneous passion or flexing those creative muscles is you. You don't have to stay in one lane regarding tech. Buy the turntable and learn how to DJ. Join that hip hop dance class that you wanted to try out because you watched America's Best Dance Crew too much as a kid. You might be pretty bad at it at first and you might not make money but don't let yourself be a cog in the corporate machine.

FUN FACTS:

1. I've been shooting concerts and covering for around five years.

2. I've shot an arm wrestling documentary.

3. I have a tier list for the best fried chicken sandwiches in the city.

4. I love suspiciously specific Spotify playlists.

5. I love weightlifting and going to the gym.

BIO:

I am a recent graduate of OCAD University’s advertising program and I’ve been working commercially and creatively as a wardrobe stylist and brand strategist for the past 5 years. Prior to doing creative work/ school I was pursuing a double degree in medicine and business at Western University. Honouring my passion and affinity to creative work led me to a super rewarding lifestyle that feels meaningful. My openness to learn more, collaborate and support people around me is the foundation of my practice.

FUN FACTS:

1. I’m the eldest sister and eldest girl cousin in my family (out of 30 cousins!)

2. This past summer I produced my first short film, helped organize a music festival/ convention and styled my first celebrity athlete all in one month!

3. I’ve had natural grey hairs since I was a kid.

4. I’ve been styling music video for the past few years

5. My favourite place to travel has been my ancestral home town San Fabian, Pangasinan

BIO:

Amira de Vera is the founder of Project Four Public Relations, a boutique agency specializing in entertainment and lifestyle publicity. She began her PR career in 2009 and quickly rose through the ranks, working on major film productions and with top Canadian talent. With over a decade of experience, Amira has secured high-profile media placements including magazine covers, talk show appearances, and red carpet interviews for her clients. Known for her out-of-the-box thinking and deep understanding of the digital landscape, she helps elevate her clients’ brands and build lasting visibility in a competitive industry.

BIO:

I am a proud Filipina, purpose-driven artist and humanitarian fueled by the power of advocacy and community collaboration. I strive to inspire and create space for Filipinx to flourish within the creative industry through dedicated action. As I choose to lead my life with empathy and grace, my purpose is to empower all kinds of people around me to live within their truth, so they may gain the freedom to live a life with more joy and fulfillment.

FUN FACTS:

1. I’ve been dancing for most of my life – it’s been both a creative outlet and a form of healing. I've trained in LA, New York, London, Vancouver and Toronto of course! I now teach heels classes and love helping people feel confident in their bodies.

2. I did an artist residency in the Philippines at the start of the year – it was a beautiful opportunity to reconnect with my roots, collaborate with other creatives, and explore new ideas through movement and storytelling.

3. I once produced a short dance film inspired by nature and my Filipino heritage – combining movement, culture, and visuals is one of my proudest creative highlights.

4. I enjoy business management, which led me to work in the menswear fashion industry – blending creativity with leadership and structure.

5. I’m passionate about wellness and self-development – I’m always learning about mindset, the nervous system, and embodiment.

BIO:

Eric Tigley is a Toronto-based teacher and artist driven by the power of ideas. Raised in Jane and Finch, a neighborhood not typically recognized for its cultural vibrancy, he found inspiration in the bold fonts of variety store magazine racks and the rhythms of newcomer families at the local community center. This environment ignited his passion for creativity and storytelling. Tigley’s work has been featured in Ricepaper Magazine, the University of Toronto Art Centre, and The Royal Ontario Museum.

At the heart of Tigley’s work is the preservation and exploration of culture. Motivated by the lack of Filipinx representation in publishing, he contributed to the University of Toronto Press anthology, Filipinos in Canada: Disturbing Invisibility, and later founded YETI Arts, his boutique publishing company. Through YETI Arts, he has produced influential works such as Hoy! A Philippine Islands Activity Book and 365 Dazed: 2020 From a Youth Perspective.

Deeply committed to community building, Tigley has earned recognition in MARTK’D art battles and collaborated with brands like KFC, NBA Canada, Adidas, and K-SWISS. His partnerships have extended internationally, with projects for SIPA in Los Angeles and Project Barkada/NYCFilipinos in New York.

At the core of it all, Tigley lives by his personal mantra, "ERCTigz"—short for "Everybody's Really Creative, Tigz!"—a reminder that every voice deserves to be heard.

FUN FACTS:

1. I've had my art literally stolen in front of me (and behind me) in SF to only to have it be justified by the thief/thieves.

2. I teach at one of the largest Catholic Elementary schools in Canada and it’s over 90% Pilipino.

3. I love hamburgers but lost the Holy Chuck Challenge the first year it opened and am on its Wall of Shame.

4. I will paint live for food/drink.. especially overseas.

BIO:

Homeless in 2005 to having meetings on yachts in 2025 in Cannes. The only thing that changed was how aware I became of self and my self worth.

FUN FACTS:

1. Hobbies/Interests: Travel, Sports, Music, Movies, Family.

2. Highlight of my career would be premiering my film TOPAKK at Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland and the birth of my children.