On Manhattan’s Upper East Side, two brothers in scouting are reshaping what an Eagle Scout project can look like. Lucas and Leonardo G. del Rosario have brought indigenous culture and literature from the Pacific Islands into a neighborhood where Filipino and Asian Pacific stories are rarely taught, seen or celebrated.  Lucas, a freshman at American University on a Presidential Merit Scholarship, and Leonardo, a junior at The Browning School, completed their projects in the winter and spring. Together, their work reached hundreds of people inside and outside the scouting community, inspiring youth to explore their own heritage and showing how leadership in scouting can change a neighborhood’s understanding of history and identity.

Lucas’ project centers on indigenous Maranao culture, music and Catholic faith while Leonardo’s project elevates Asian Pacific writers and student voices through a citywide magazine, scholarship and symposium. Both grew from deeply personal questions: Where do I come from, and who gets to tell that story? He worked with Kinding Sindaw and discovered stories he had never heard of, traditions that existed long before Spanish colonization, and he began to understand how more than 300 years of Spanish rule shaped religion, language and culture across the archipelago. He designed an educational and fundraising event that introduced indigenous Maranao culture and Filipino American history to the Upper East Side.

Leonardo, meanwhile, turned to writing and public conversation. The KAPWA Project shone a light on Asian Pacific identity through literature, discussion and scholarship. His Eagle project became a three-part initiative. The first part was a scholarship for a high school writer. The second was an annual magazine featuring student literary work. The third was a live symposium that would bring students, educators, parents, and community members together to discuss Asian Pacific identity and storytelling. The KAPWA Project became an annual event. Scouts from Troop 662 provided essential support. Youth volunteers managed check-in, food, set-up, seating, and clean-up afterward. Through their Eagle Service Projects, Lucas and Leonardo del Rosario have helped make the Upper East Side a place where Indigenous culture and Asian Pacific literature from across the Pacific Islands can be seen, heard, and carried forward by the next generation.

Marivi Soliven, Author

Soliven has authored 17 books, including The Mango Bride which won the grand prize at the 2011 Palanca Awards. Her recent book, Suddenly Stateside: Postscript, contains a “sharp, funny and deeply felt chronicle of immigration, identity, and reinvention. From surviving Martial Law to navigating the INS, from learning the dark arts of American housekeeping in Berkeley to the indignities of public restrooms, flashers, driving tests, and a pet rat named Janet, Soliven captures the bewilderment, humor and wonder of building a life an ocean away from home.”

Her personal essay, Pandemic Bread, about interpreting end-of-life calls during the COVID pandemic has been turned into a short documentary and has screened in 11 film festivals. Apart from writing, Soliven helps fellow immigrants manage their medical, legal and financial issues in her day job as a phone interpreter.

Her latest novel, Taxi Dancer, came out this week and is available on Amazon.

Jeremy Arambulo, Illustrator and Cartoonist

Arambulo is a Los Angeles-based cartoonist. He was nominated for a 2012 Emmy Award for his cartooning on HBO Documentaries' Superheroes, storyboarded music videos for Matt & Kim and Noel Gallagher, and created a graphic novel for Kaiju Big Battel in addition to various minicomics. He also plays Andy Go in Derek Kirk Kim's web series Mythomania. He wrote and illustrated an original 238-page graphic novel inspired by the 1964 duel between Bruce Lee and Wong Jack Man.

Born in Queens and raised in Long Island, Arambulo studied graphic design at Boston University. After graduation, he landed a job as Art Production Assistant at Blue Sky Studios working on Ice Age. He continued as a painter at The Danbury Mint, created storyboards for music videos, designed The Sleeping’s albums, Believe What We Tell You and Questions and Answers, and drew comic art for Styx Taxi, Siglo: Passion, and Lifemeter. He works as a part-time graphic designer for a major audiobook company while drawing his ongoing mini comic series, Let’s Do This.

Dev Heyrana, Artist

Heyrana’s artwork honors her journey as a Filipino American artist, mother and advocate for community connection. Words were often hard to express, and art became her refuge at a young age. It has been her comfort, voice, healing and joy. She paints in her Oakland studio and lives in the Bay Area with her family. Raising and watching her two girls grow as they also find their voices while celebrating who they are, have been a source of strength in her art. 

Her vibrant and evocative works that celebrate the beauty and diversity of the human experience are deeply rooted in her personal journey and commitment to social justice. Her pieces often explore themes of identity, resilience and community, drawing inspiration from her Filipino heritage and experiences as a woman of color. Through her art, Dev aims to create a space for dialogue and reflection, encouraging viewers to engage with the world around them in a more empathetic and inclusive way.

Dylan Rodriguez, Professor

Rodriguez is a teacher, scholar, organizer and collaborator who has been with the University of California Riverside since 2001. He is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Black Studies as well as the Department of Media and Cultural Studies. He was Chair of the Department of Ethnic Studies from 2009-2016, Chair of the UCR Academic Senate from 2026-2020, Co-Director of the UCR Center for Ideas and Society since 2021 where he created the Decolonizing Humanism programming stream which features scholars, artists and intellectuals based in revolutionary, anti-colonial, and liberationist movements all over the world. He was elected President of the American Studies Association by his peers in 2020, the same year in which he was named to the inaugural class of Freedom Scholars, a national award program that intends to “recognize the role Freedom Scholars play in cultivating and nurturing movements for justice and freedom.”

Rodriguez recently received the prestigious Outstanding Scholar Activist Award of the International Studies Association (ISA) in Columbus, Ohio. Invited to give a short speech by Zoom, he focused on how his father, Gadoy Rodriguez, was a secret agent, whose role could not be publicly revealed until after he passed away in 2023, but whose contribution to bringing down the Marcos Sr. dictatorship was unparalleled. According to Walden Bello, his father smuggled out documents, sneaking past security, and other means, all at great risk of losing his job at the World Bank (where the bulk of economic assistance to Marcos expedited), going to jail, and being expelled from the U.S. if discovered. His father was key in getting some 6,000 pages of confidential bank documents covering practically all World Bank projects in the Philippines. This heist lasted over three years.

Vince Bagoyo, Publisher

Bagoyo is the President of V. Bagoyo Development Group, LLC. He is also the co-Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Maui Fil/Am Voice Newspaper, an outlet for community news, cultural events and issues affecting Filipinos across the region. Starting as a Project Specialist with Maui County Immigrant Services, Bagoyo became Director of Maui County Department of Water Supply (1984-1990) and of Maui County Department of Housing and Human Concern (1982-1984). Bagoyo and the Two-Thirds World Network (TTWN), a non-profit Christian organization based in Maui regularly go to various parts of the Philippines to conduct medical, dental, livelihood training and evangelism ministry missions.

Cherisse H. Cleofe, Judge

Governor Newsom recently appointed Cleofe of Orange County as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. She has worked as a Partner at Kiesel Law LLP where her focus was on mass tort litigation, consumer class actions, catastrophic personal injury and other complex litigation in federal and state courts. She received a B.S. in Management Science from UCSD and earned her J.D. from University of San Francisco.

Cleofe has been a member of the LACBA Litigation Section Executive Committee since 2016, currently serving as Vice Chair of that Section. She also formerly served on the LACBA Barristers Executive Committee. Cleofe has been a member of the Board of Directors for the Philippine American Bar Association (PABA) since 2015 and was PABA President in 2020. In addition, she has been a member of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association Public Appointments & Judicial Endorsements Committee since 2019. Cleofe also completed two terms on the Board of Governors for USF School of Law. She is a member of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA), American Association for Justice (AAJ), Federal Bar Association (FBA), Association of Business Trial Lawyers – Los Angeles (ABTL), and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA).

Dana Pastula, Chef and Restaurant Owner

Bringing her food and beverage experience from working in hotel restaurant management at Hyatt Hotels, Manele Bay Resort and the Wailea Four Seasons Resort, Pastula opened the first Cafe O'Lei in Makawao, Maui in 1997.  It all started as a five-table outdoor cafe serving sandwiches, salads, coffee and tea in Maui's Upcountry.  Husband Mike joined her, leaving his job as executive chef at the Outrigger Resort in Wailea to focus on expanding their business.  The Cafe O'Lei brand quickly evolved into one of Maui's favorite and most trusted for quality restaurants and caterers on the island. Two daughters and their husbands are also involved in the business. Together, the family operates Café O’Lei at the Plantation, Café O’Lei Kihei and Café O’Lei Catering. In 2020, The Maui Chamber of Commerce gave Michael and Dana Pastula the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dave Llavanes, Jr., President, The Fil-Am Press Club of New York

Llavanes, based in New York for the past six years, is the News and Public Affairs Correspondent for GMA Network, one of the leading media companies in the Philippines. He completed a NYU Film and TV Industry Essentials Certificate and attended other training programs where his competencies in multimedia journalism, videography and online content creation were enhanced. In 2004, he received the Outstanding Television Journalist of the Philippines award. The Fil-Am Press Club of New York elected Llavanes as president for the 2026-2028 term. He is also the founder of The Filipino Reporters. In 2025, Llavanes was one of seven journalists recognized and awarded a Certificates of Merit by Triveni Times, a media network serving South Asia and immigrant communities, and another from New York State Assembly in recognition of his significant contributions to promoting community unity through journalism.

John Francis Saavedra, Teacher

Saavedra, an English educator based in Glendale, Arizona, was recognized as “Teacher of the Year” within the Legacy Traditional Schools system, which operates more than 20 campuses statewide. “It felt like I was representing every Filipino educator and every immigrant who has had to prove themselves.” Saavedra, who emigrated to the United States at a young age and later completed his education in Guam, has been teaching for 18 years. Today, he specializes in secondary English, focusing on reading and writing, and is known for initiatives that emphasize student voice and confidence-building, including TED-style student talks.

“Representation matters,” he said. “For many students, I may be the first Filipino teacher they’ve encountered. I want them to see that success has many faces, many accents, and many stories.” He integrates Filipino values such as paggalang (respect), malasakit (compassion), tatag (resilience), and bayanihan (community spirit) into his teaching, shaping both classroom culture and student relationships, values he believes create an environment where students feel seen and supported, especially those navigating their own identities or challenges.Saavedra is pursuing a doctorate in Adult Education and hopes to mentor future educators at the university level.

Life has a way of leading us down unexpected paths. Sometimes the road is smooth, but often it is filled with detours, uncertainties, and challenges that test our courage and faith. Our family's story is one of those journeys -- starting over, embracing change, and believing that every sacrifice has a purpose. 

Like many Filipino families, we left our homeland carrying dreams bigger than ourselves. We came to the United States with hopes of creating a brighter future for our children, a willingness to work hard, and a deep belief that education, perseverance, and faith could help us overcome any obstacle.

We brought with us not only our professional experiences and academic achievements, but also the values deeply rooted in Filipino culture: resilience, humility, family, and an unwavering determination to keep going no matter how difficult the journey became.

Before moving to the United States, Rei had already established a successful and respected career as an architect. A graduate of Mapúa Institute of Technology, he worked with some of the Philippines' most distinguished architectural firms, including LV Locsin and Lor Calma. Through years of dedication, he developed expertise in architectural design, project management and creating spaces that balance beauty with functionality.

His professional journey eventually took him beyond the Philippines to Papua New Guinea, where he worked as a Senior Architect. There, he managed complex projects, collaborated with diverse teams and gained valuable international experience. Yet, despite his accomplishments, what always impressed me most was not his portfolio or his professional achievements. It was his passion.

For Rei, architecture has never been simply about constructing buildings. It is about creating spaces where people can live, learn, grow, and connect. He believes that thoughtful design can improve lives, strengthen communities, and leave a lasting positive impact on future generations. That passion has remained constant throughout every chapter of our lives.

My own professional path followed a different direction but was guided by the same desire to serve others. I graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a degree in Education majoring in Library Science and began my career as a legal researcher. While I enjoyed the work, I discovered that my greatest fulfillment came from helping people learn and grow.

This realization inspired me to pursue further studies in Special Education. Education has always been close to my heart because I have witnessed how knowledge can transform lives. I have seen how a caring teacher can inspire confidence, how learning can create opportunities, and how education can open doors for individuals regardless of their circumstances.

A Great Adventure

In 2016, our family embarked on one of the greatest adventures of our lives when we moved to the United States.

Like many immigrants, we arrived with excitement and hope, but also with uncertainty. We quickly realized that beginning a new life in a different country would require more than professional experience or academic credentials. It would require patience, adaptability, courage, and humility.

I arrived in Virginia as an exchange teacher and began working as a Media Specialist serving students from kindergarten through fifth grade. Every day brought new experiences and new lessons. I was learning a different educational system, adapting to a new culture, and navigating unfamiliar expectations. Although exciting, the transition was not always easy.

There were moments when I missed home deeply, the familiar sounds of family gatherings, the warmth of Filipino hospitality and the comfort of being surrounded by people who shared the same culture and traditions. Yet each challenge helped me grow stronger and more confident.

While I was adjusting to my new role, Rei faced an even greater professional challenge.

Despite years of experience as an architect, he could not immediately continue the profession he had spent so many years building. Like countless immigrants before him, he found himself standing at the starting line once again. 

It was a humbling experience.

Starting Over

Instead of working in architecture, he accepted a job at a convenience store while learning how to navigate a new professional system. The transition was not easy. There were moments of frustration and uncertainty. Imagine dedicating years of your life to mastering a profession and then having to begin again in a completely different environment.

Yet through it all, Rei never allowed pride to stand in the way of progress. He understood that every step forward, no matter how small, was still progress. Those years taught our family one of life's most valuable lessons: sometimes starting over is not a sign of failure. Sometimes it is simply the first chapter of a new adventure.

In 2017, another major turning point arrived. Together with our young son, we packed our belongings and embarked on a cross-country journey from Virginia to Arizona. At the time, I was two months pregnant. Looking back, it feels almost unbelievable.

We drove across vast highways, through changing landscapes, mountains, deserts, and unfamiliar towns. Every mile carried a mixture of excitement, nervousness, and hope. We did not know exactly what awaited us in Arizona, but we trusted that God was leading us where we needed to be.

For many Filipinos, family adventures often involve long road trips, unexpected challenges and plenty of stories along the way. Our journey across America became one of those unforgettable family memories, a chapter filled with uncertainty but also tremendous hope.

I had accepted a position as a Special Education Self-Contained Teacher at Dishchii'bikoh Community School in Arizona. The opportunity allowed me to continue doing meaningful work while serving students whose resilience and determination inspired me every day.

As our family adjusted to life in Arizona, Rei remained focused on his dream. Instead of giving up on architecture, he embraced lifelong learning once again. He earned a degree in Interior Design in the United States, obtained his Arizona Career and Technical Education License, and later became a LEED Green Associate. Every certification represented countless hours of study, sacrifice, and persistence.

There were no shortcuts.

Moving Forward

There were late nights, difficult exams, financial considerations, and moments when the journey felt longer than expected. Yet he continued moving forward.

Watching him persevere reminded me that success is rarely a straight path. More often, it resembles a winding road filled with unexpected turns that teach us lessons we never anticipated learning.

At the same time, I continued pursuing my own educational goals. After earning my U.S. teaching credentials, I sought further opportunities for growth and recently completed a Master’s degree in Psychology, with the scholarship provided by Dishchii’bikoh School.

This achievement represented much more than another diploma.

It reflected years of balancing work, family responsibilities, motherhood, and academic pursuits. My studies deepened my understanding of human behavior, learning, and personal growth while strengthening my commitment to supporting students, families, and communities.

Across the world, I believe that countless people are navigating their own journeys of transformation. Some move to new countries. Others change careers, return to school, raise families while pursuing dreams, or face challenges that force them to begin again.

What unites us is not where we come from or what profession we choose.

What connects us is our shared desire to build meaningful lives despite obstacles and uncertainties. For our family, success has never been measured solely by titles, promotions, degrees, or achievements.

Success means having the courage to keep going when things become difficult. Success means supporting one another through every season of life. Success means remaining committed to growth, learning, and service. Most importantly, success means staying true to our values regardless of where life takes us.

Today, those experiences have led us to establish Brick and Modern Design LLC. More than a business, it represents the culmination of years of perseverance, sacrifice, and continuous learning. It reflects Rei's enduring passion for architecture and design while embodying the principles that have guided our family throughout our journey: hard work, creativity, integrity, service, and lifelong learning.

When people see where we are today, they see the business, the credentials, the accomplishments, and the progress. What they may not see are the years of adjustment, uncertainty, sacrifice, and perseverance behind those achievements.

The Meaning of Success

They may not see the architect working in a convenience store while rebuilding his career.

They may not see the teacher adapting to a new country while pursuing advanced education.

They may not see the long road trip across America, the sleepless nights, the difficult decisions, and the countless moments when faith carried us through uncertainty. Yet those unseen moments are what truly shaped us. They are the foundation upon which everything else was built.

If there is one message, I hope others can take from our story, it is this:

Do not be afraid to start over.

Starting over can be uncomfortable. It can challenge your confidence and test your patience. There will be moments when the destination feels far away and the progress seems slow.

Life has a way of leading us down unexpected paths. Sometimes the road is smooth, but often it is filled with detours, uncertainties, and challenges that test our courage and faith.

But every new beginning carries the possibility of growth, opportunity, and unexpected blessings.

Sometimes the path you never planned becomes the journey that transforms your life.

Our story is still being written. Like many Filipino families around the world, we continue to dream, learn, adapt, and move forward together. We remain grateful for every opportunity, every challenge, and every lesson that has helped shape who we are today.

The road has not always been smooth, but it has been meaningful. And as we continue this adventure, we carry with us the same values that guided us from the beginning: faith in God, love for family, dedication to learning, and the belief that with perseverance and courage, every new chapter can become a beautiful part of the story.

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Novie Luz Beramo-Minguez is a full-time Special Education Teacher at Dishchii'bikoh Community School and a seasonal Research Fellow at Northern Arizona University. She is also a Co-Founder and Director of Brick and Modern Design LLC, where she combines her expertise in special education with an inclusive, human-centered approach to spatial planning and learning environment design.

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