Janice Jimenez

Executive Director

Janice Jimenez is popularly known as South Bay's "Go-To" girl for community resources. She is a registered nurse for 19 years that metamorphosed into a multi-awarded entrepreneur in the real estate business. Being a broker, she is your best choice on matters regarding Home Buying, Selling, Home Loans, Refinancing, Life Insurance, Annuities /Retirement, and Healthcare. She has been serving the Carson - Torrance / LongBeach area for over 18 years. A member in good standing of the Southbay Association of Realtors, California Association of Realtors, and National Association of Realtors, Janice, just like other immigrants, aims to help them make their dream of homeownership become a reality.

Her real estate career started when her family had an untoward real estate transaction experience that prompted her to make sure many other buyers do not go through the same ordeal. She was then blessed with a great mentorship at Century 21 Amber Realty, where she was always the Top Producer, earning her the Emerald Award, and ultimately, the coveted Diamond Award. Shortly after, she opened Regal Brokerage when she obtained her broker-officer license. Regal Brokerage was awarded on December 2005, the “Key” to the City of Carson by Mayor Jim Dear. Lately, she has been working with both active and retired Military personnel with homeownership and VA loan programs. Regal Realtors employs independent agents all over Los Angeles as well as Northern California. What started as Regal Brokerage grew to Regal Inc., which expanded its services to include Home Loans, Property anagement, Construction, Financial (Retirement Planning) Services, Life and Health Insurance specializing in Medicare Solutions and supplemental insurance for Small Businesses. In 2019, Regal Real Estate and Financial Services opened its doors in the State of Nevada.

On another facet, aside from being the President of the FilAm Chamber of Commerce Southbay Los Angeles Area Board for the 2nd term, she is also the VP Finance/Corporate Treasurer for the Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce. She also works for the benefit of the Victims of Domestic Violence and the Homeless with her own charity known as The Santa Clawss Drive every Christmas. It is now a registered 501c3 organization known as The White DOVE Foundation. Add to that, she is also involved in supporting the advocacies of the National Asian American Coalition and National Diversity Coalition.

As of today, the FACC-SLAA has grown and became a pioneer of many innovative events despite the current pandemic. The Chamber evolved with the times, and through acquisition of grants, FACC-SLAA was able to utilize the social media platform and, now, brought the Chamber services to the local television to help Spotlight local member businesses. She has been awarded with a 2016 Woman of Worth Award, a Best in Financial Services recognition from the 2017 Spotlight Awards, and a Nomination for 2018 Women of the Year from the office of Assemblyman Mike Gipson. In 2019, she received an award for Best in Real Estate Services, and was named among 2019 List of Who’s Who Strathmore Worldwide as well 2020 Best of Carson Business, and 2020 Woman of the Year of the 64th District.

Dr. Maria Aluning

Being a good listener and having a servant’s heart are some of my best qualities. Other qualities include putting others before myself, giving second chances, persevering to reach my goals. My happy place is any time I am with my family, and I love to Dance.

I am Dr. Maria Cecilia Aluning, my friends and family call me Maricel. I am from a small barrio in Bicol, called Maangas, Presentacion, Camarines Sur. My husband, Godofredo Aluning, and I have 3 kids; Jacqueline, 23, Jillian, 21, & Gody, 18. I graduated high school at St. Paul Academy in Goa, Camarines Sur in 1980 at the age of 14. After graduation, my family and I moved to Las Vegas Nevada. While I was living there, I continued my education and worked as a waitress. In 1986, I went back to the Philippines to study dentistry at Centro Escolar University. In May 1992, I graduated from dental school and soon after returned to Las Vegas, Nevada.

I then moved to Southern California to work for my Uncle, Dr. Billy Torres, as a dental assistant while I was taking my board exams. In 1998, I finally received my dental license. A couple years later, my Uncle retired and he sold me his practice. I changed the name of the practice to Carson Dental Care and have been serving the city of Carson since September 2000.

As a dentist, I love boosting my patients’ confidence by giving them their perfect smile. I do this by relieving the pain they may have, their concerns about their teeth, and giving them the best options to enhance their smile. I do all facets of dentistry, including general dentistry, orthodontics (traditional braces and Invisalign), implants, and sleep apnea. At Carson Dental Care, we are known for prioritizing our patients and making them feel at ease whenever they come for their dental visits. I always remind my team to give excellent customer service to our patients. We try to exceed our patient expectations with any services we provide and my work is always guaranteed. Patient’s will feel not just our warmth, but that we are a healthcare professionals that take that job seriously.

As technology advances, my knowledge in the field of dentistry advances as well. I am always attending seminars and conferences to learn more about dentistry and how I can improve my techniques and use advanced technology that enhances patient experience. We will continue learning and looking for new ways to improve ourselves as a team and my practice.

In 2014, I was given an award for “Top Dentist in LA” by Leading Physicians of the World. In 2015, I was inducted as Pinnacle Professional Members and received an award and was recognized as The Outstanding Pilipino in Los Angeles. In 2017, my practice was given an Excellence in Business & Community service award by the FACC-SLAA.

We strive for excellence in everything we do. We are not entitled to anything, but by God’s grace, we are thankful for it all.

Katherine Bercasio

KATHERINE F. BERCASIO, is a multi-awarded art director and graphic designer based in Los Angeles. She successfully penetrated the US market, helping change the landscape of the graphic design industry.

Katherine or Irene, as friends call her, has amassed a wide client base from different genres and industries. Irene art directs for Technomancer.Biz and MyOwnEva (Executive Virtual Assistants).

She also supplies her creative juices to American Geriatric, 1Heart Caregiving Services, LAJobsUSA.com, and Singapore's GetCraft Content Powerhouse. Irene is now serving her 3rd term as Board Member of the Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce-South Bay Los Angeles Area. Simultaneously, she is a founding Board Member of the Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce-Hollywood (FACCHollywood) as Vice President for Branding and Marketing.

Prior to migrating to the US, Katherine’s graphic design works left an indelible imprint across the globe. She art directed the Philippine editions of Cosmopolitan and Maxim magazines, had a two-year stint as Art Director for MediaCorp in Singapore where she handled international magazine titles like EGM (Electronic Gaming Monthly) and filled the visual communication materials and requirements of Singapore’s Tourism Department.

Back home, Katherine was a hall-of-fame college instructor for Multi-Media Arts in De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, one of the premier private colleges in the Philippines. In her six years with the College, she nurtured her passion for teaching, authored graphic design textbooks and pioneered course-wares for the department.

Irene's day job as designer at Pera Tile keeps her occupied. When she can exhale, she writes poetry, short stories, and essays on life, on anything and everything at wordsbyirene.com.

Diane "Didi" Caneda

Diane Caneda is a multi faceted passionate experienced wellness and fitness coach, entrepreneur, philanthropist and beauty queen.

She is the reigning Miss Asia USA 2019-2021.

She decided to follow a career opportunity to pursue her passion for Fitness and Dance. She graduated with her Bachelors in Nursing at University of Cebu.

She’s inspired to make a difference in people’s lives. She currently owns Vertex Fitness LLC, providing wellness programs for seniors, corporate and school districts.

She’s also part of the No Isolation Movement for Highschool kids preventing having Depression. She used her passion for Fitness to lead and raise Funds and Awareness in Various Charities such as American Cancer Society And National Prevention for Suicidal.

She is also currently involved in the two Domestic Violent charities, the Lighthouse Foundation for the Hispanic Americangroup and the Sabil Foundation for the Arabic Muslim American group. She donates her time in the rehabilitation of victims and their outreach programs.

She’s all about bridging a holistic approach to everyone especially in health, healthcare and business.

Mutch Carino

Mutch Carino is the founder and producer of Maxx Promos - a Special Event Production Company that specializes in organizing, producing, promoting and marketing high-visibility events, from concept to completion.

Named three times among the 75 Most Influential Filipinos in America, Mutch Carino is a President Emeritus of the U.P. Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles. He has a successful track record and experience in producing some of the biggest Filipino American events and spectacles in America.

Mutch is the founder and producer of several annual events -- The Outstanding Pilipinos or TOP Awards, Woman of Worth or WOW Awards, Spotlight Awards, and the weekly TV show SPOTLIGHT TV that aired on KSCI-TV, now soon to stream via Amazon Fire TV, Roku TV, Apple TV, as well as on any iOS and Android mobile devices.

Mutch also holds the distinction of being the only Filipino producer in the United States who has organized and produced Filipino festivals at four (4) major U.S. theme parks - the Paskong Pilipino sa Universal Studios Hollywood, which was televised live via satellite and watched by an audience of over a million people in the United States and the Philippines; Fiesta Filipiniana sa Knotts Berry Farm, which drew over 57,000 people, the 5th largest attendance in the 90-year history of the oldest theme park in the world; Filam Funfest at Six Flags Magic Mountain and the Funfest at Raging Waters.

Prior to his U.S. migration in 1983, he honed his expertise in event management at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) handling United Nations Conferences, the World Tourism Congress, presidential receptions, international conventions and trade shows, concerts, and various entertainment events.

Aside from being the Executive Producer of Mr. Universe 1980 for its worldwide telecast on CBS-America, Mutch was involved in the production management of the Philippine concert tours of Paul Anka, Angela Bofill, Lani Hall, Bob James, Linda Carter, Seawind, among others. In the U.S., he produced the first concert tours of Martin and Pops, Gary V, Nora Aunor, Nonoy Zuniga, Joey Albert, and more.

Abigail Castillo

Abigail’s fitness journey began at age 40 when she began experiencing symptoms of hypertension, evidence of borderline diabetes and abnormal lab results. Instead of taking meds, Abby trusted her intuition and chose another avenue. She joined a fitness challenge and was successful so she decided to change other areas of her life, everything was just a matter of balance.

She then discovered KANGOO JUMPS REBOUND BOOTS which became her cardio fix. That started her advocacy for health and fitness. She is now a Kangoo Jump Instructor for almost 3 years and owns her own studio MovEssentials in Carson

Katherine Iniba

Katherine “Kat” Iniba is a television journalist with over 10 years of hosting, reporting, producing experience. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications – TV/Film from California State University, Fullerton, she aspires to provide an outlet for people to share their story in hopes of encouraging, inspiring and uplifting others.

Kat was a first-time board member for FACC-SLAA in 2020 and hopes to provide support to the Filipino community and assist in promoting their businesses through various platforms. She shoots and produces commercials and video content for individuals and small businesses. In addition, Kat is currently operating as the Traffic Manager for KSCI-TV, LA18 where her responsibilities include the trafficking of programs and commercials at the television station.

Kat, (along with the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce South Bay Los Angeles Area, Regal Inc and Maxx Promos) is one of the co-producers of the newly launched Filipino American TV show Spotlight TV which airs 5:30pm – 6:30pm on KSCI-TV, LA18 as well as live on FB and YT.

Kat’s television show “Halo Halo with Kat Iniba” debuted on May 5, 2008 in Southern California, airing on KSCI-TV, LA18 and in 2013 expanded coverage to Hawai’i, airing on KIKU-TV. It was the first must-carry free tv show catered to the Asian Pacific American community. In addition to spotlighting successful APAs in the entertainment industry, the program also serves as a platform for highlighting APAs in the fields of business, fashion, food and lifestyle.

Kat is a classically trained pianist and former piano teacher who enjoys playing and performing during her free time. You can find more info on her youtube channel - halohalowithkatiniba and various social media sites @katiniba or at www.katiniba.co

Angela Quinsay

Chef Angel Quinsay's Hollywood experience has been extensive and the stories she can tell are numerous even though she prefers to keep her more famous clients' activities both secret and safe.

Born to a Medical and Military family, Chef Quinsay broke the mold as her talents began to shine through at an early age. Her expert skills have not gone unnoticed as her culinary degrees have proved especially fruitful; however, it is Chef Quinsay's pioneering and audacious personality that consistently produce special, unique, and distinctly tasty dishes unmatched by her peers.

After attending various culinary schools in different parts of the world that include the United States, France, and Philippines, Chef Quinsay began her American career as a sous chef at a Hilton Hotel, Los Angeles.

From there, Chef Quinsay served as sous chef at two, posh and exclusive private Country clubs where she was able to hone her skills and create menus and specialties that made her popular amongst the many high profile guests.

Her abilities and talents elevated her to an Interim Executive chef and executive sous chef at the renown MAGIC CASTLE in Hollywood, California. Her work introduced her to numerous famous, high profile clients, many of whom sought her out for other professional and culinary opportunities.

Too many to mention, Chef Quinsay lent her culinary expertise with a plethora of celebrities. Her most memorable experiences include Katy perry for 20 people and Anthony bourdain, who is, to this day, her culinary hero and role model. Chef Quinsay fondly remembers cooking for Reese Witherspoon, Mel B, Jack Black, Cate Blanchette and many more.

Chef Quinsay's other memorable Hollywood experiences includes leading parties that serve as many as 1200 people with 10 cooks and 30 servers under her watch. Chef Quinsay also owns her own restaurant here in Southern California and now has her very own private fine dining catering company.

Chef Quinsay elevated her status as "the chef to go to" as she became the culinary service director and advisor for a number of high end restaurants in Southern California.

When asked why she became a chef, Chef Quinsay resolves it to an artistic talent. She notes, "Food is an art form. I can be creative with recipes, menus etc."

Chef Quinsay's passion for food and people also shines through, "I love serving food. I love talking to people, I love how everyone can relate when talking about food. So food for me is the universal language. Food lets you travel on my personal experiences. The feeling of making people happy when they tasted the dish made by chefs is absolutely amazing, amazing feeling! Kitchen is our playground, our office, our home.

Moises "Jun" Aglipay

He loves serving his community, including his own Kababayan on every parts of the State of California. Loves to contribute resources when needed, an adviser in cultural dancing, and above all loves his Family (Wife Sharleen and two darlings Sharron and Adrian). By day he is a Legislative Field Representative for a State Assembly.

BIO

• Philippine Independence Day Foundation Vice President
• Filipino Community of Carson External Vice President
• Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Southbay Los Angeles Area Former Vice President of Membership
• Filipino Cultural School Community Advisor (FCS)
• Sampaguita Youth Dance Troupe Dancer (Alumni)
• Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (Former Logistic Director, Logistic Manager, Performer)
• Pilipino Cultural Night Alumni for Cal State University of Long Beach
• Original Committee Member of the Long Beach Filipino Festival
• Long Beach Bacolod Association Board of Director
• Parol Lantern Festival Committee Organizer
• Carson ToastMasters
• Carson Kiwanis
• FALEO (Filipino American Law Enforcement Organization)
• Los Angeles County Filipino-American Employees Association (LACFAEA)
• Former CONFAA Member

Sweeney Montinola

Professional:
Sweeney Mae Montinola is a multi-award-winning Marketing Director for SouthBay Pavilion, a regional shopping center located in Carson CA, with a broad range of experience in event production, business, and digital marketing. Her expertise includes creative marketing solutions, community relations, branding, analytics, and social media marketing.

Sweeney Mae Montinola has won several industry awards for the following community events held at SouthBay Pavilion:

• The annual month-long Filipino American History Month Celebration
• “Mallmentum” campaign that started as a five-week demo of Zumba fitness in 2011 to fight obesity in the Carson community. It has now grown to an additional 4 other complimentary fitness activities at SouthBay Pavilion.
• “Cool Kids Campaign” that was rolled out to four (4) other shopping centers owned by Vintage Real Estate promoting literacy (Cool Kids Read), financial literacy (Cool Kids Save), health & wellness (Cool Kids Move), and philanthropy (Cool Kids Give).

Sweeney Mae Montinola has previously been employed by Macy’s as an assistant buyer and Expedia, Inc, as merchandising associate.

Background and Education:
Sweeney Mae Montinola was born and raised in the Philippines. She migrated to the United States in 1999 and has always been an achiever in school. She was one of the first recipients of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Achiever Scholarship in Washington State and also received multiple awards from high school to college. In high school, she served leadership positions including dance captain and ASB secretary. In college, she was one of the mentors for the Asian American Pacific Islander Student Center, an Ambassador for the College of Business, and a co-founder of her own campus club, Eclectic Dance group.

She received her bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Washington State University.

Community Service:
Active within the community, Sweeney Mae served as:

• VP of Marketing and Communications for the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce in the South Bay and Los Angeles Area.
• Board member of the L.A. South Chamber of Commerce.
• Board Member of the Carson Station Sheriff Support Foundation.
• City of Carson Public Relations Commission.
• Guest lecturer and speaker at various organizations including CSUDH, local Chambers of Commerce, Non-Profit Partnership of Long Beach.
• President of the Carson Gardena Dominguez Rotary Club (2017-2018).
• Past VP of Communications for the Women's Business Council of Long Beach (2016-2917).
• Board Member of the Gardena Carson YMCA (2015-2016).

Entrepreneurship:
Sweeney Montinola is an Amazon best-selling co-author of Unscripted, a collaborative book written by women. She is also the founder of the Thinkers and Doers tribe, an exclusive brunch gathering for like-minded, professional and entrepreneurial women. She has managed and owned her own event planning company called Events in the City that started in Seattle, WA in 2006 and relocated to Los Angeles, CA in 2009 and now running a part-time marketing agency, MAE DAY MARKETING.

Rose Pasquel

Rose V. Pasquel is an Agency Development Manager at COLONIAL LIFE & ACCIDENT INSURANCE CO since 2012. Colonial is the largest Benefits Enrollment Company in the USA. They specialize in Supplemental Insurance Benefits and is Sister Company to UNUM a leader in Benefits Solutions.

Rose empowers Business Owners of every size to attract, retain and support loyal hard working Employees which is the backbone of America. Colonial helps millions of people gain affordable access through the workplace with Voluntary Benefits at no cost to the Employer. Benefits that can help protect their families, finances and future. Rose can save them costly health insurance and protects their income if ever they get sick, injured or pass away.

Rose has a Real Estate Broker License since, and had a long Career in Real Estate Residential Sales and Mortgage Lending, since 1996. She currently is a Broker Associate at REGAL REALTORS & FINANCIAL SERVICES.

She is a Volunteer for many good Causes and very active in her Community. She is a proud Member of LeTip International (South Bay Chapter) as well as Chamber of Commerce for Torrance, Redondo Beach and San Pedro.

Her hobbies include sharing her passion for dance as a Certified Zumba Instructor since 2010. Many of her original Zumba Students she refers them as “Zumba Divas” were her business Clients and personal friends. They know her as “Zumba Rose” on the dancefloor.

Rose has been a South Bay Resident since the 80’s. Her most proud accomplishment is raising 2 daughters, Dr. Danielle Pasquel PhD and Raquelle Pasquel. She has a high energy 3 year old Grandson, Coda James that she adores and enjoys visiting in NYC often.