KUYA ATE
MENTORSHIP
PROGRAM

EST 2007

Allie Moreno

Hometown: 
Escondido, CA

Education: 
CSUSM, Literature and Writing (Writing Emphasis)
Minor: Ethnic Studies

Affiliations:
KAMP
CSUSM Kamalayan Alliance (Political Chair 09-10)
CSUSM Cross Cultural Center (Peer Educator)
CSUSM Creative Writing Community and Workshop

I'm a single mom/poet activist just doing what I can by helping my community, promoting social justice, and constantly learning from those around me. As an adoptee in a non-Filipino family, I find it really important to connect with my culture because being involved has helped me reconcile the different layers of my identity. 

Amanda Solomon

Hometown: Sacramento, CA
 
Education: BA English Writing, University of San Francisco, Class of 2004
                  MA Literatures in English, UC San Diego, 2007
                  PhD Literatures in English, UC San Diego, expected June 2010
           
I never though I'd ever call So Cal home but after almost six years here, San Diego beaches have won me over. But I will never stop saying "hella" and will never willingly cheer for the Lakers. I love KAMP because it soothes my soul hanging out with awesome Kuyas, Ates and students especially since most of the time, I'm locked in my office writing my dissertation or teaching literature to UCSD bio majors. As much as I complain though, I love to teach and read and write about our history and literature.
 

Random fact:  I have a 3 yr old welsh corgi named "Shorty" who I bring with me when I teach at UCSD. He loves to fall asleep on my students' shoes.

Amor Juanito

Ana Bravo

Hometown: Born in the Philippines, then moved to San Diego (Mira Mesa)
 
Education:  M.A. Counseling, Specialization in College Counseling (USD, 2009)
                   B.A. Psychology & Sociology, Minor in Education Studies (UCLA, 2005)
                   Mira Mesa High School (2000)
                 
Affiliations:  Chi Sigma Iota, Sigma Delta Chapter
                   San Diego City College TRIO Program
                   SDSU Talent Search Program
                   American Counseling Association (ACA)
                   American College Counseling Association (ACCA)
                   UCLA Pipino Transfer Student Partnership Alumni (PTSP)
 
I will forever be a student because I believe in life-long learning.  Even though it has been keeping me really busy , I love grad school!  Because I have been fortunate to be where I am now, I believe that it is my responsibility to give back to my community.  My passion lies in education, counseling, and mentoring--to be a resource for students to attain higher education.  When I am not in school, working, or doing community activities, I love to travel!  I have backpacked through 12 countries in Europe and encourage everyone to try it!  I plan to eventually visit every country in the world.
 
Random fact:  I just learned how to longboard in Hawaii! =D

Annamarie Bautista

Anthony Campo

Brandon Cabaguing

Hometown: Paradise Hills/AlisoViejo

Education:CSUSM C/O '08

Affiliations: CSUSM Kamalayan Alliance (KA)

1,2,3... waterhog

Random Fact: I play ukulele

Carla Pineda

Nicknames: La, Lala

Hometown: Penasquitos until I was 10 y/o. I currently reside in EscO.

Education: Los Penasquitos Elementary / Miller Elementary; Del Dios Middle School; San Pasqual High School (c/o 2004); California State University – San Marcos (go COUGARS!)

Major: Women’s Studies; Ethnic Studies minor
Affiliations: Kamalayan Alliance (KA!)
                  GABRIELA Network (SD chapter)
                  Kuya/Ate Mentorship Program (KAMP)
                  Filipino Collegiate Collaborative (FCC)
                  Creating a Legacy of Asian American Studies (CLAAS)
                  Women’s Studies Student Association (WSSA)

I am currently a 4th year student at CSUSM. I should be graduating this semester (Spring 2008), but since I <3 San Marcos so much I decided to extend my stay a little longer, so I hope to graduate in Spring 2009 along with the hope of attending ANY law school in Fall 2009.

Random Fact: I sold my acoustic guitar in order to pay my rent.

Chris Gatpandan

Nickname: chrisGAT

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Education: B.A. Communication, California State University San Marcos (2011) 
                   A.A. Transfer Studies, San Diego Mesa College (2007) 
                   University City High School (2003)

Major:         Communication

Affiliations: San Pasqual Fire Department 
                                                                  Kuya Ate Mentorship Program

I’m Christian, a student, an active member in my community, and a volunteer firefighter. My career goal is to work as a firefighter/paramedic.

Random Fact:  My inspiration to learn the guitar came from wanting to impress a girl.

Daniel Malicsi

 Nicknames: Danny Boy


Hometown: San Diego, CA


Education: Miramar College


Major: Automotive Technology

Affiliations: KAMP, Anakbayan SD, FAVE SD, San Diego Zulus.

I'm just a pretty easy going dude man. I just like to go out maybe to the movies or just kick it with the homies. I'm a movie buff i like to play video games i love longboarding. I'm really down with anything that is a positive cause. I'm all for the unity of Filipinos/Filipinas and also the human race in general. I'm also a HUGE hip-hop head i believe hip-hop is a part of who I am. Last but deffinatly not least I am a HUGE family person my family is my identity my family keeps me grounded as a person and there is no one or nothing i am more passionate about than my family.

 

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." 
— Martin Luther King Jr.
 


Random Fact: I love the show "Jon and Kate Plus 8" I don't know man i just can't help it it's just a great program....hahaha!

Erwin Mendoza


Nicknames: Win/Edot/Erwindot

Hometown: San Diego Always, but got love for the Bay.

Education: Mira Mesa High School C/O 05, SFSU (3 semesters), SDSU (Current) attempting B.S. in TV, Film, New Media Critical Studies

Affiliations: SFSU Pilipino American Collegiate Endeavor (PACE), Anakbayan San Diego, SDSU AB Samahan, R/D Apparel.

Hobbies: Watching/Reading Naruto, talking about music, philosophy, writing, being lazy.

Been involved with KAMP since May '08. I'm its first intern, and didn't start teaching til Fall 08 @ MCHS & MMHS. I try to be there as much as humanly possible for the youth. Though I have a hectic schedule within my life, my motivation to stick around are the youth and to be a Kuya to them, to the best of my ability.

Random Fact: I cannot be served lobsters with their heads still attached, cuz they look like spiders.

Eufrosina Gates

Eugene Gambol

Nicknames: Jhing-Jhing

Hometown: Sacramento, CA

Affiliations: Anakbayan SD, FANHS SD, Just Us Kollective, KAMP

Student-Teacher for Life, Activist: advocate for social justice, Poet: eloquent voice of truth, Visual Artist: interpretation of existence through a brush stroke, Traveler: experiencing the realities of culture, Son and brother: blood line to my roots, and a Friend: person to the world.

At San Francisco State University, I earned my M.A. in Asian American Studies. I taught about Filipino and Filipino American history and culture to students at Balboa High School in San Francisco as a student-teacher in Pinay/Pinoy Educational Project. I was also an active member of the League of Filipino Students, SFSU.

I am currently a doctorate student in Ethnic Studies at the University of California, San Diego. In my research, I am comparing National Democratic organizations in the United States against human rights violations in the Philippines from 1972 to the present. This research would articulate the discourses of social change in a transnational movement in the Philippines and United States broadening the understanding of a more fluid cultural identity in the development of the Filipino American community and Philippine nation-state.

Francis Rochino

Nicknames: Francisco

Hometown: SD

Education: Mira Mesa High School c/o 2008, some college

Affiliations: KAMP & AB Samahan

Blurb: 18 years old, and loves music!

Random Fact: I can ride a unicycle

Hulya Poyrazoglu

Ivan Penetrante

Nicknames: Ban, Bonny Boy

Hometown: San Diego/Chula Vista

Education: Eastlake High, Southwestern College, UCLA

Major: History, English minor
Affiliations: Anakbayan (San Diego chapter), Filipino/Filipina Americans for Veterans Equity (FAVE), UCLA Pilipino Transfer Student Partnership,

I am a 2nd Generation Filipino in the US.  Born in Great Lakes Illinois.  My parents are from Nabua,Camarines Sur, Bicol Region of the Philippines.  My father was in the navy so I lived in Yokosuka, Japan and Oahu, Hawaii.  I have mainly lived in San Diego/Chula Vista for most of my life.

I received my undergraduate degree from UCLA.  I studied History and decided to minor in English because I liked reading and I writing poetry.  I soon found out that close readings and theorectical analysis was what they really taught.  While I was there I was involved in the Filipino community on campus, mainly with Pilipino Transfer Student Partnership. 

Currently I am Guest Teacher/Substitute and Community Organizer.  I enjoy writing poetry, reading, watching films (mainstream, indie, and foreign), and listening to music (hip hop, indie, all kinds). 

My aims: Conscientization personally and collectively.

Jael Francisco

Hometown: Mira Mesa, CA

Education: Mira Mesa High C/O 03’ 

                   Miramar College A.A. Transfer Studies (2007)

                   Cal State San Marcos B.S. Marketing (2010)

Major: Business Marketing

Affiliations:  (KA) Kamalayan Alliance CSUSM, (KAMP)Kuya Ate Mentorship Program SD, (COBA) College of Business Administration CSUSM 

I’m a simple guy, born and raised in San Diego. Grew up in Mira Mesa my whole life.  I keep a strong emphasis for education and community involvement, as it has helped shape who I am today. As a kuya for KAMP, I hope to mentor students through social awareness issues and education. 

Random Fact:  played Men’s volleyball all 4 years in high school, helped win CIF 02’ championship!

Janee Javierto

Nicknames: Behng

Hometown: Mira Mesa [San Diego]

Education:   Mira Mesa High School c/o 2006

                    SD Miramar/Mesa/City Colleges

Major:         Architecture

Affiliations:  Kuya Ate Mentorship Program
                    Filipino American Student Association of Miramar College
                    Filipino Collegiate Collaborative
                    Anakbayan SD
                    UCSD Kaibigang Pilipino
                    Mira Mesa High School Orchestra // Alumni Ensemble
                    Filipina/o Americans for Veterans' Equity
                    American Institute of Architects

I'm pretty driven and committed to the community. I love my adings! I used to dance with PASACAT, a Philippine performing arts company, and I hope to return soon. I play the violin and piano and am currently learning to play the guitar. My favorite composer is Yiruma<3 I'm very much addicted to Korean/Japanese dramas and all of that sappy good stuff. I recommend "1 Litre of Tears" to anyone and everyone. I'm also a big RPGamer-- favorites include Final Fantasy VII, X, & XII, Kingdom Hearts I & II, and the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. But I also like the more light-hearted games like We <3 Katamari, Bomberman, and Pokemon :] I can also solve a Rubik's Cube.


Random Fact: I suffer from isolated sleep paralysis on a regular basis.

Jerry Torne

Jerry Torne was an active member of UCSD’s Kaibigang Pilipino, (KP).  While at UCSD, he was appointed to the KP officer position of Community Liaison Officer, a position that was created for him.  He was later elected as Vice-Chair External.  In his super senior year, he was elected Southern California Pilipino American Student Association, (SCPASA) chairperson and co-Director of UCSD’s Pacific Asian Council, (PAN.)  Prior to transferring to UCSD, Jerry attended Southwestern Community College.  At Southwestern, Jerry was Co-chair of Pagkakaisa and the chairperson for the Student Judicial Review Board.

Jerry received his bachelor’s degree in BioPsychology with an emphasis in Cognitive Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology.  Professionally Jerry works as a Clinical Research Associate, (CRA) for a clinical research organization.  As a CRA, Jerry has worked at several prestigious institutions such as USC, the Mayo Clinic, Harvard, UC San Francisco, and University of Alberta at Edmonton.  Jerry’s research career has focused on the clinical evaluation of therapies to treat central nervous system diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and Insomnia.  Jerry has also served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.

Currently Jerry volunteers his time with a few community groups that are focused on mentoring and educating Pilipin@ youth.

Random Fact:  Jerry has had formal dance training but still can't keep an 8 count.

Jonathan Valdez

Hometown:  Mira Mesa - San Diego, CA

Nicknames: Jon, Johnny, John Nathan

Education:San Diego State University 5th Year Senior
Major: Asian Studies

Affiliations:  AB Samahan, Asian Pacific Student Alliance, Cross Cultural Center, FAVE SD 

Born and bred San Diegan.  Grew up in Mira Mesa all my life.  Yes, Asian Studies is a major.  Ask me about restaurants.  I work at Mt. Carmel High School as an AVID tutor.

Random Fact:  I read Tarot Cards.

Joseph Ramirez

Nicknames: JoJo

Hometown: Currently Mira Mesa, been in SD majority of my life, but my home is always BangsaMoro & BangsaIgorot

Education: UCSD, Earl Warren College, 5th yr

Major: Ethnic Studies (main concentration on indigenous issues)

Affiliations: Katutubo Alliance of Lumads, Igorots, Moros, & Aetas (KALIMA)
                   Suara BangsaMoro
                   Cordillera People's Alliance (CPA)
                                                                Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas (KAMP)
                                                                UCSD Kamalayan Kollective
                                                                UCSD Kaibigang Pilipino
                                                                UCSD Kabayanihan
                                                                Pakaraguian Kulintang Ensemble
                                                                Institute of Native Arts - Igorots
                                                                UCSD Campus Community Centers
                                                                UCSD Student Affirmative Action Committee (SAAC)
                                                                UCSD Student Promoted Access Center for Education & Service (SPACES)

Random Fact: My favorite animals are corals and jellyfish.

Joshua Rubic

Nicknames: Kuya Joosh

Hometown: San Diego

Education:  Rancho Bernardo High School c/o 2008

                   Palomar and Grossmont Colleges

Major:         Music & Performing Arts

Affiliations: Kuya Ate Mentorship Program

                   Rancho Bernardo Mabuhay Club 2004-2008; President 2007-2008

                   F.O.R.C.E. 2004-2008; Co-President 2006-2008

                   Rancho Bernardo Madrigals Choir Ensemble 2006-2008; President 2007-2008

                   Kalusugan Helper


Random Fact: I am a one man duet singer.

Lily Prijoles

In between vandalizing driveways with washable chalk and winning the Mira Mesa HopScotching championship 2004, LILY PRIJOLES, has been working on her Masters in 'Community Representing' for over 10 years, in the University of Life. She has also graduated from Academy of Art college in San Francisco, studying filmmaking and Puzzle Fighter, and where she joined PAPA (pinoy and pinay artists) and where she GREW UP. Lily is a proud former volunteer of the prestigious BINDLESTIFF STUDIOS, where her internationally-renowned group 8th WONDER was formed, turning her into a Performance poet and an actual performer of BINDLESTIFF STUDIOS. She later joined a band of gypsy/renegade filmmakers pushing a movie called THE DEBUT. After traveling to and living in 5+ cities in 1 year, Lily settled back into the Shugashack, Daly City, joining the occasional rally against the war, against GMA, etc. until some of her Debut pals started a production company, Kid Heroes prod./Xylophone films, turning her into a proud "utos-utos" girl/production worker. Currently, Lily finds herself back in her hometown of MiraMesa, SanDiego, "serving the people" combo meals at Cristy's and starting a ruckus with KAMP, Kuya Ate Mentorship Program. Lily is settling down with her future, and promises "New things are always Brewin'!"

Marc Angeles

Nicknames: Mak-Mak, 1990

Hometown: San Diego

Education: Mira Mesa High School, Some college

Affiliations: KAMP

Blurb: Its the return of the Mak

Random fact: I played table tennis for 6 weeks!

Marc Pescadera

Hometown: San Diego, Mira Mesa

Education: Mira Mesa High School c/o 2000, Diploma; Miramar College, A.A. in Transfer Studies; California State University, Northridge, B.A. in Asian American Studies

Affiliations: KAMP, FASA Miramar, CSUN FASA Alumni

Some of my hobbies and interest include: Playing Starcraft, watching Enterouge on HBO, reading books for my own leisure, going to filipino community events, going to open mics, taking my dog (that is cuter than your dog) to the dog park, longboarding, happy hour, political news, anything dealing with the SD Padres and Chargers, and watching soccer. I work at Barnes & Noble in Mira Mesa. Don't bother asking me for a hookup unless you are really really really really cool. And besides, only my manager's can give discounts.

Random Fact: I lived in a deaf fraternity house in college.

Martino Reyes

Nicknames:Martino, Ino, Tino, Marty

Hometown: Quezon City-Manila, Philippines

Education: Mira Mesa High School c/o 2005. Some college (the rest is pending..haha)

Affiliations: Worked with Mira Mesa Collaborative (MMC) for a few years, and Philippine American Youth Organization (PAYO) south/north for about 1 & 1/2 years. KAMP

Blurb: Can someone please invent, DIET or LITE carne asada fries?! like... SERIOUSLY?!

Random Fact: My birthmark looks like a lowercase 'y'

Oliver Deguzman

Patricia Guevarra

If you ever see Patricia "Trish" Guevarra, she's probably out in the community busy organizing and working towards social justice.

She's involved in so many different organizations it's hard to keep up with sometimes.  Somedays, you'll meet her with the rest of the Ates and Kuyas from the Kuya Ate Mentorship Program (KAMP) teaching Filipina/o American identity and experience in the high schools. You might even catch her on stage at a KAMP open mic telling you what's on her mind.  Other days, you'll see her organizing and educating about the need to end sex trafficking of Filipino women and children and at the same time empowering herself and other Pinays. But then, you might even find her as a FAVE (Filipina/o Americans for Veterans Equity) co-coordinator kicking it with some of our Filipino World War II Veterans in San Diego who are still fighting for their equity after 60+ years. Even though she's out in the SD community, she really needs to be focusing on her Master's Thesis in Sociological Practice as California State University San Marcos if she's planning on graduating by Spring 09. You add all that together plus the love she's got for Kamalayan and her family and you've got a recipe for a Trish Guevarra.

Paul Valen

Hometown: Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mira Mesa resident.
Education: Jesuit High School - New Orleans, LA
Loyola Marymount University - Los Angeles, CA
San Diego State University - San Diego, CA

Affiliations: KAMP, Anakbayan SD, JustUs Kollective, FAVE SD, Labrats, Breakbeat Bad Boys, DinJas, Crossfit Compass Point

I'm just a dood entertained by the simplest things. When I'm not doing community work, I enjoy punching mountains and kicking trees in my spare time.


Random Fact: I've never changed a dirty diaper.

Rafael Miranda

Nicknames: Swift Wizard Rawfiki, Extra Medium, Raf, Raffy

Hometown: San Diego, CA (Mira Mesa)

Education: Mira Mesa High School c/o 2005; San Diego Miramar College

Major: Kinesiology, Emphasis in Athletic Training 

Affiliations: San Diego Zulu Nation, Mira Mesa Dance/Drill Team ('02 - '03), Future Shock San Diego ('02 - '05), Culture Shock San Diego ('05 - '06), SWIFT WIZARDS CREW ('01 - present)


I was supposed to try-out for the JV basketball team instead of the dance team, but when my cousin (who was one of the captains at the time) suggested I try-out because she knew I breaked, I said "why not", then BOOM I made the cut and probably had one of my best years in high school because of dance team.  Never did I think I'd be a dancer, always thought I'd be an athlete in high school, funny how things play out huh? www.myspace.com/raffiti

Random Fact: I was born two weeks late (i found that to be quite random..haha)

Raeizon Valero

Nicknames: Raeizon

Hometown: Mira Mesa

Education: High School, some college, attending community college.

Affiliations: Oliver's band

Blurb: I like music and dogs. I like the way sand feels between my toes.

Random Fact: I have 4 vowels in my name.

Raymond Ferrer

Nicknames: Ray / Just Ray

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Education: Mira Mesa High School c/o 2005; Currently working on B.A. in Literature & Writing with an Emphasis In Writing at Cal State University San Marcos.

Affiliations: KAMP, Kamalayan Alliance, iLLest Individuals

I feel wrong saying “I believe in educating and/or facilitating youth,”mainly because I still feel like a “youth” myself. Instead I’ll say that I believe in organizing the community and promoting social awareness. I love hip-hop and spoken word. I am an aspiring writer/poet and enjoy creating visual/written art in my free time. I have a deep appreciation and respect for artists as well as people who do positive things in the community. I’m always down for open-mics and Hip-Hop shows.

Random Fact: I have freckles which is weird because I don’t know too many brown folks that have freckles to the extent that I do.

Rhonalyn Santos

Nicknames: Rhona, Swaggalyn

Hometown: San Diego

Education: Working on BA in Human Development minor in psyc at Cal State San Marcos

Affiliations: Kamalayan Alliance, FCC

Blurb: Work 6am!

Random fact: Registered for first half-marathon; Carlsbad in January 2010

Rose Sipin

Tina Barlolong

Nicknames: Tina / Tinabee

I'm a San Diego native by way of Rancho Penasquitos. I graduated from Mt. Carmel High School, attended San Diego Miramar College/Palomar College/Mesa College and transferred to CSU San Marcos where I obtained my Bachelors in Human Development (Counseling) and minored in Spanish (2004). Currently, I'm employed at San Diego Miramar College in the Veterans Affairs office as the certifying official. I've been involved with the Pin@y community since 2002, starting with FASA (Filipino American Student Association) Miramar College and FANHS (Filipino American National Historical Society) San Diego. I met PAYO (Philippine American Youth Organization) at a FANHS conference in St. Louis, Missouri (2004). I've always been an advocate for our youth-the importance of education, understanding our history, culture, and leadership. KAMP (Kuya Ate Mentorship Program) was established in 2006- and this project is a Kollaborative brought to you BY the community FOR the community. Something that started as a casual conversation with one person has turned into an ongoing conversation with 20 plus involved folks and doing our thing in four high schools! I'm super excited to watch what happens next! Don't you wanna see what happens too?!? Something you should know about me: I strive to be a catalyst for CHANGE.