BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Meet the Team

  • Headshot of Rudy Antonio

    Rudy Antonio

  • Khristine Cariño

  • Board Member

    Josephine Rose Estrada-Fard

  • Camille Esquivel de la Fé

  • Headshot of Amado Mercado

    Amado Mercado

  • Headshot of Dexter Tarampi

    Dexter Tarampi

  • Sheena Dela Torre

  • b. Asingan Pangasinan, PH currently based in Surrey, BC

    Speaks: Pangasinense, Tagalog, Ilokano, English

    Rudy Antonio is an entrepreneur, community pioneer, and devoted family man with decades of leadership experience within the Filipino community in British Columbia. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Adamson University in 1972.

    As the founder of MERD Antonio Group Ltd., a provincially registered health extranet organization, Rudy has extended his professional expertise into the healthcare sector, providing guidance, advocacy, and community-based support. His work reflects a long-standing commitment to strengthening access to services and uplifting Filipino representation across systems.

    Rudy has played an active role in numerous community organizations. He currently serves as President of the Adamson University Alumni Association – BC Chapter, Board Director of the Filipino Canadian Construction Society, and is a member of the Filipino Seniors Club of BC. He previously served as President of the Filipino Association in BC, where he continues to contribute as a Board Director, and as Vice President of the Pangasinan-Ilocano Civic Association.

    Since arriving in British Columbia, Rudy has been deeply involved in community-building initiatives. In his spare time, he enjoys tending to his garden—especially his ampalaya and chickens—and pursuing his enduring passions for construction and engineering. For decades, he has championed improved healthcare access and stronger Filipino representation in Canada.

  • born in Baguio City, Philippines, currently based in Vancouver, BC

    Speaks: Tagalog, Ilokano, English

    Khristine Cariño works at the intersections of community building, science and technology, culture, and inclusion—defying conventional career paths through multidisciplinary leadership. With a PhD from Tokyo Medical and Dental University and postdoctoral training at University of British Columbia, she bridges dentistry, academia, non-profit leadership, and STEM in Canada with vision and impact.

    Her commitment to community leadership and mentorship earned her recognition with the following awards: Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award (2025), King Charles III Coronation Medal for leadership and community service (2025), Canadian Immigrant Women of Inspiration in STEM (2022), BC Lotto Community Hero (2026), Finalist- Golden Balangay Award for Community Service (2025); Finalist- Tech Girls Canada Immigrant Women in STEMM Journey Award; Finalist, Women in Communications and Technology Mentor of the Year Award.

    As the President of Tech2Step Network Canada and Google Women TechMakers Ambassador, She has built a thriving platform for newcomer professionals, fostering mentorship, peer support, and career development. Cariño made history as the first Filipino president of the Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST), demonstrating her trailblazing spirit and dedication to supporting women in STEM. Her mentoring work through platforms like the Women's Economic Council, Locelle, and Immigrant Networks further highlights her passion for nurturing the next generation of leaders.

    An advocate for digital equity, she founded East Van Kids STEAM to provide free and low-cost science and tech workshops, ensuring children from underrepresented communities have access to early STEM education. Deeply engaged in the Filipino community, she co-founded Alliance Philippines Filipino Language and Cultural Heritage School, and as the former Executive Director of Mabuhay House Society, worked closely with the BC provincial government to advance the Filipino Cultural Centre project.

    Now calling Vancouver home for two decades, Dr. Cariño and her husband Rey are raising their three children to be inclusive global leaders rooted in the values of equity and community service.

  • Angelie is the owner of Tax Angel® Consulting Ltd., a business in bookkeeping and financial services. Outside Mabuhay House, Angelie co-leads a local non-profit fitness group for moms and is actively involved in the fundraising committee for St Mary’s Church in Joyce Collingwood.

  • Josephine Rose Estrada-Fard, known as "JR," is a Civil Engineering graduate from Mapúa University and the CEO of IRAH Trading Corp., where she focuses on delivering innovative products and solutions to clients.

    She has also contributed to the engineering community as a former board member of the MIT CE EnSE Alumni Association. A current board director of Circulo Pampagueno and Filipino Construction Society of the Philippines. 

    As an active member of the National Association of Mapúa Alumni (NAMA) in British Columbia, JR is excited to be involved in the initiative to build a cultural center that aims to unite the Filipino community and create opportunities for cultural exchange. 

    A former finalist in the Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant, JR uses her experiences to support meaningful causes. She is a  dedicated mom of four boys, she balances her career and family life while inspiring young minds in engineering and entrepreneurship. JR's commitment to her community and family drives her efforts in both her professional and personal life.

  • Speaks: Tagalog, English

    Amado Mercado has a rich background in both academia and community service.

    Driven by a passion for community welfare, Amado has been actively involved in volunteer work since 1990. He has been instrumental in mentoring new immigrants through various activities such as seminars, info sessions, and fellowship events.

    He served as the Vice President of the Multicultural Helping House Society (MHHS) and played a pivotal role as the project manager for the extension of the MHHS building. Amado studied at UST College of Architecture and is a founding president and adviser of the Filipino Canadian Construction Society of BC.

    Currently, he holds an advisory position for the Circulo Pampangueno group,and is a member of various organizations such as the CanFil Golf Club, Richmond Bayanihan, Knights of Columbus, One Phil Co-op, and the UST Alumni Association.

    Professionally, Amado is a Construction Consultant at Mag Construction Corp, specializing in project management, sales, marketing, estimating, and design.

    Recognized for exemplary contributions, Amado is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Canada 150th 2018 Volunteer Awardee, the Maharlika Award for Community Service, the Bamboo Network Canadian Government Volunteer Work Award, the Knights of Columbus Membership Award, and the King Charles III of Canada Emblem Award for Volunteerism.

  • Speaks: Tagalog, Ilokano, English

    Dexter Tarampi, retired Professional Engineer, brings extensive expertise in Engineering, Asset Management, and Project/Program Management. He previously worked at BC Hydro as (position). He holds the position of current director and former President of the National Association of Mapua Alumni in B.C. (NAMABC), receiving recognition from his alma mater as one of “The Outstanding Mapuan” (TOM) in 2006 for outstanding contributions to the engineering community.

    Dexter served as a former director of the Multicultural Helping House Society, where he spearheaded the society’s coaching and mentoring program for new immigrants. Passionate about leveraging his skills, Dexter is dedicated to establishing and expanding our cultural and community center. Firmly believing that this center will strengthen bonds within the Filipino-Canadian community, Dexter has a proven track record of effectively engaging stakeholders and implementing public relations activities to enhance positive visibility and relationships.

  • b. City of Iloilo City, Philippines, currently based in North Vancouver, BC

    Speaks: Tagalog, Visayan, English and little Spanish

    Sheena Dela Torre, an aspiring HR leader, proven adaptive leadership, and a champion of community, joins Mabuhay House Society’s board with passion and proven impact. Her expertise in operations, banking, finance, fintech, employee engagement, and ethical leadership stems from her Executive Master in Business Administration and Post-Baccalaureate in Human Resource  Management studies at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU). She shaped student success as Student Senator, VP of the Kwantlen Human Resources Association (KHRA), & CPHR BC & Yukon Student Ambassador, driving key committees like SCAPP, SGNC, & hiring panels. She founded the KPU Pinoy Club, led orientations across campuses, mentored at Melville School Business, served as Vice-Chair at Secondary School PAC, & co-directed the 2025 Pinoy Festival to uplift Filipino culture. With a heart for inclusion, Sheena brings inspiring energy to drive success for Mabuhay House Society forward.

  • b. Vancouver, BC; currently based in Vancouver, BC

    Speaks: Tagalog, English

    Camille Esquivel de la Fé (she, siya) is an architectural designer, planner, facilitator, and artist. She holds a Master of Architecture and Master of Science in Urban Planning from Columbia University. Camille is passionate about designing thoughtful and accessible spaces for marginalized communities through inclusive and collaborative processes that move at the speed of trust. She brings 10 years of experience working in New York and Toronto with past clients such as the Whitney Museum for American Art, Queens Museum, San Diego Museum of Art, Yale University, MIT, WashU, the Els for Autism Foundation and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).

Volunteer Committees

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  • The Council of Leaders brings together a select group of experienced and respected Pinoy leaders dedicated to guiding the Mabuhay House Society's vision. This council provides strategic oversight, mentorship, and expert insights to ensure that all organizational activities align with the Society's mission and long-term goals. Members of the Council play a vital role in shaping key decisions, upholding the values of inclusivity, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.

  • The Human Resource and Legal Committee oversees the staffing, HR management, and legal responsibilities of the Mabuhay House Society. This committee ensures the organization is both a supportive workplace and in full compliance with legal and ethical standards. Members help recruit and support a dedicated team, foster a positive organizational culture, and provide necessary legal guidance, helping the Society maintain a safe, fair, and professional environment.

  • The Technical Development Committee leads in the planning and development of the Provincial Filipino Cultural Centre, advocating for resources, organizing projects, and engaging stakeholders. Focused on bringing the vision of a vibrant cultural hub to life, this committee coordinates lobbying efforts, architectural planning, and resource organization, all to build a physical space that honors and promotes Filipino culture within the broader community.

  • The Finance and Business Development Committee manages the Society's financial health and growth, ensuring the sustainability and expansion of Mabuhay House initiatives. Through careful budgeting, grant applications, fundraising, and operational support, this committee keeps the organization financially stable and strategically poised to undertake ambitious projects and serve the Filipino community effectively.

  • Item descriptionThe Engagement Committee is the heart of Mabuhay House Society’s community outreach and communication. This committee leads efforts to foster meaningful connections within the community, organize impactful events, and manage marketing and public relations. By raising awareness and encouraging active participation, the Engagement Committee amplifies the Society's mission and brings Filipino culture to the forefront of community life.