Administrative Barangay

DR. RODERICK DAUS-MAGBUAL 
Executive Director

Dr. Roderick Raña Daus-Magbual is a Bay Area transplant via Riverside and Long Beach, CA. He received his BA in Liberal Studies from UC Riverside in 2000, his MA in Asian American Studies at San Francisco State University (SFSU) in 2004, and his Education Doctorate at the University of San Francisco (USF) in the Organization and Leadership (O&L) Program with a minor in the International Multicultural Education (IME) Program. Rod has served as a teacher, coordinator, and as the current Executive Director for the Pin@y Educational Partnerships (PEP).

He has had experience with various youth, student, and community organizations throughout California such as: the Asian Pacific Student Programs (APSP) at UC Riverside; Summer Program for Empowerment & Leadership (SPEL) sponsored by Search to Involve Pilipino Americans in Los Angeles; Festival of Filipino Arts & Culture (FPAC); Upward Bound Program (North) at Cal State Fullerton (CSUF); the Japanese Community Youth Council (JCYC); and the Asian Youth Prevention Services at the Filipino Community Center (FCC) in San Francisco, CA.

In addition, Rod has taught education and Ethnic Studies courses at USF, UC Davis, Sonoma State University, City College of San Francisco (CCSF), SFSU, and at Skyline College where he teaches as an Ethnic Studies professor.

Rod is also involved in local politics in Daly City, CA. He served on the Library Board of Trustees, the Daly City Planning Commission, and was elected to City Council in 2018 and was re-elected in 2022. He served as Vice Mayor in 2021 and Mayor in 2022. He currently serves as current Vice Mayor.

​He also enjoys playing, reading, cooking, and raising his daughter and son, Amianan and Razón, with his wife Arlene. Rod truly believes that understanding the history of your people, comes with the responsibility to act. He’s motivated by love and the pursuit for peace and social justice.

DR. ARLENE DAUS-MAGBUAL
Organizational Director

Dr. Arlene Daus-Magbual is the Founding Director for Asian American and Pacific Islander Student Services, Assistant Professor in Asian American Studies at San Francisco State University and the Director of Leadership Development for Pin@y Educational Partnerships. She is a community engaged mother scholar and her experiences include community-based organizing with youth and students, non-profit leadership development and higher education administration. Her research focuses on Ethnic Studies, Race, Anti- Asian Violence, Critical Leadership Praxis, Critical Pedagogy, Critical Race Parenting and Barangay Pedagogy. She received her bachelor’s degree in political science from UC Riverside, masters in Asian American Studies and doctorate in Educational Leadership from San Francisco State University. 

VERMA ZAPANTA
Assistant Director

Verma Soria Zapanta is a mental health educator, holistic wellness practitioner, and proud #friscokid. Before delving into mental health and holistic wellness work, Verma was a high school Ethnic Studies History teacher in SFUSD, LAUSD, and taught/mentored graduate students in teacher education programs at UCLA and St. Mary’s College. Verma serves as one of the Program Coordinators at the Filipino Mental Health Initiative of San Francisco (FMHI-SF) and is the co-creator of the "Buong Loob: Filipinx Student Wellness Internship" and "Filipinx Student Wellbeing Conference: Youth Contingency Internship" programs.

ROSARIO S. MACAHILAS
Organizational Coordinator

Rosario S. Macahilas (she/siya) is a creative and introspective Pinay on Ramaytush Ohlone Land (San Francisco/Daly City, CA). This is her second year as PEP's Administrative/Organizational Coordinator and prior to that, she was a teacher and coordinator with PEP at Longfellow Elementary. In and out of the PEP space, Rosario is figuring out ways to share and build her creativity while still being involved with the community. On her other time, you can find Rosario supporting the arts, trying new food and drink places, or at a farmers market.

Site Coordinators

ALEX ARRIOLA
James Denman Middle School

Alex just graduated from SF State with a major in Psychology and a minor in Asian American Studies! He is a teacher at Denman and an after school teacher at JFK Elementary School. Alex is super easy to talk to, especially if you're into the things he's into like baseball, anime, TV shows, movies, etc.

ALLEN BUSTOS
Longfellow Elementary School

Allen is local to the Bay Area and on a journey of self discovery. He navigates spaces as a student teacher, artist, organizer, and activist. He finds meaning in life through service to the community and self expression. He immerses himself in nature, martial arts (Muay Thai), music (lyricist), and holistic healing. On his academic journey he has achieved associate degrees in Business Administration and Interdisciplinary Studies. Currently in his senior year at San Francisco State University as a Health Education major, he plans to apply for graduate school in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences where he hopes to enter the workforce as a Speech Pathologist working in underserved public school systems and eventually private practice. "Teaching with PEP has made my journey as a student that much relevant and meaningful."

ERYCA ANTONIO
​James Denman Middle School

Eryca is a second year PEP teacher (and now coordinator) with Denman Middle School. They graduated from U.C. Davis with a BA in Asian American Studies & BA in International Relations. She is excited to return to school for her MA in Asian American Studies at SF State. Eryca loves spending time by the ocean, reading, and eating fruit.

EVANGELICA S. ONG
​Phillip and Sala Burton High School

Bio to be updated

JEWEL YEE
Longfellow Elementary School

Jewel (s/her) is a a first-generation Pinay who prides herself in community involvement and self-enrichment. Originally born in the Philippines and raised in San Diego, Jewel moved up to the Bay Area in order to pursue higher education and to explore about herself and her culture. Outside of PEP, she is a recent graduate from the University of San Francisco. She graduated with a degree in Communications (BA) with a minor in Philippine Studies, Advertising, and Public Relations.

JOHNMARK "JJ" BAUTISTA
Skyline College

JJ Bautista is a recent graduate student in Asian American Studies from SFSU. JJ has worked for non-profits, education, and the arts in the last few years. He is excited about what's to come for his journey in PEP and future endeavors.

JUICE CANALES
​Balboa High School

Juice is San Francisco born and raised. They graduated with their BA in Race and Resistance at SF State and is know pursing their MA in Asian American studies. This is their 3rd year in PEP and they can't wait to SLAY another year!

KIANA STAR SIGNEY
Longfellow Elementary School

Kiana Star Signey (she/her) is a recent graduate from University of San Francisco for Advertising focus in Design and Yuchengco Philippine Studies Program certified. This has been Kiana’s first year being in PEP, from being Longfellow’s 4th/5th teacher to now Kindergarten/1st teacher AND coordinator. Kiana's passion for civic engagement and creativity is focused on producing content in hopes to cultivate change and advocate for all women of color through improving her way of storytelling by engaging with the community & the exposure to new ideas and perspectives.

MICHAEL SAGUM
Balboa High School

4th year Asian American Studies Major, Comic Book Studies Minor, at San Francisco State University. Michael hopes to bring fun and creativity in education and learning.

SAM NG
Phillip and Sala Burton High School

Sam (she/her) says "Hellllloooooo!" Sam was born and raised in The City aka San Francisco. She is a 4th year transfer student from UCLA to SFSU and an Asian American studies major and Education minor. Outside of PEP Sam is an esthetician of 3.5 almost 4 years. She is also the resident Disney adult who will share that Disney magic! Sam is excited for this upcoming year! HERE WE GOOOOO!

Teachers

ABIGAIL PUGH
Longfellow Elementary School

Abigail (Abby) Pugh is new PEP teacher this year, teaching at Longfellow Elementary! She grew up on Ohlone, Muwekma, and Ramaytush land (San Francisco), and recently graduated from Scripps College in Claremont, CA with a dual degree in Politics and Asian American Studies. They love knitting, soccer, boba, takis, and the Oakland A's. she/they <3

ALYSA MAI ORILLAZA
James Denman Middle School

Alysa Mai is a second generation Pinay born and raised in the Bay Area. She is an aspiring author, empowered educator, and lifelong lover for the community. In all she does, she moves with courage and humanity in order to make love visible.

BRIANNA CARIÑO
Balboa High School

Bri (she/her/siya) is a second generation Filipina originally from Tracy, and has found a home in the Bay Area since 2019. ଘ(✿˵•́ ᴗ •̀˵)

As a first-year PEP teacher, she is excited to be part of a community that not only imparts knowledge but also instills a love for learning. Bri recently graduated from SFSU with a B.A. in Psychology and minor in Asian American Studies! She hopes to bring enthusiasm and joy into educational spaces. Her goal is to inspire students not only academically but also to become well-rounded individuals ready to tackle the challenges of the future.

Beyond the classroom, Bri loves traveling with family & friends, going to the gym, making Spotify playlists (always open to song recs!), and learning Philippine folk dances. She is incredibly excited for this year, and can't wait to lead with love ♡

CALEB PASCUAL
​Phillip and Sala Burton High School

Caleb Pascual is a second year grad student at SF State in the Asian American Studies MA Program. This is his third year as a PEP teacher, and it has been a great experience. Caleb enjoys being part of PEP not only because of the experience of teaching Filipino American Studies, but also because through teaching, we are able to impact students by promoting a sense of community and belonging in the classroom by allowing them to familiarize themselves with their own experiences and how it contributes to their background and identity. Caleb strives to educate students about historic moments/facts/topics in Filipino American studies so as for students to become familiar with the history of their ethnic group and lead them to strongly embrace their identity as Filipino Americans. Coming from predominantly white suburban San Diego, he was changed through Ethnic Studies as it allowed him to learn about himself, be part of a community with many fellow Asian Americans and help him become proud of my background as an Asian/Filipino American, which is another impact he strive to make upon the students I teach. When not in the PEP space, Caleb enjoys Thai food, Burgers, Boba and has strong interests in his hobbies of Boxing, Muay Thai and riding my Electric Scooter around SF. Best Advice I can give to any student in any kind of challenge is to "Don't Stop Believin' & Hold on to that Feelin'- (Journey, 1981).

CAROLYN CHAU
Longfellow Elementary School

Carolyn Le Chau (She/Her) is a first generation Vietnamese American originally from Santa Barbara, CA; but calls San Francisco home!

She is currently a senior at SF State majoring in Biology and Race, Ethnicity & Health; minoring in Asian American Studies and Political Science. As a new PEP teacher she is excited to learn from the youth & community, transform what knowledge and learning look like as well as empower these future leaders!

​Outside of school Carolyn loves to learn about anything & everything, read, travel, rock climb, K-pop & exploring.

CAT ESCOLTA
Longfellow Elementary School

Cat is a proud daughter (she/her) of Filipino immigrants and she's breaking generational curses. Cat was born and raised in Salinas, CA but moved to The Bay when she graduated high school. She is working towards a B.A. in History and minor in Race & Resistance. Cat is striving to become an Ethnic Studies professor so she can share the narratives of BIPOC and offer an open heart to all students. Cat is a fan of avatar the last air bender, bratz, kuromi, horror films, and straight vibing.

ERNEST OLIVAR
Balboa High School

Ernest is a 1.5 generation Pinoy from Southern California who taught at Burton High School last year and is coming back to teach at Balboa High School. He is a first year graduate student in Asian American Studies at San Francisco State University. On his free time, Ernest loves going to the movies, attending live shows, and running half marathons (full marathon very soon!!!).

EUREKA SORIANO
​Longfellow Elementary School

Eureka says what's up :) She is excited to be part of PEP & can't wait for everything she will learn throughout her journey. A little bit about Eureka: she is a Pisces sun, Leo rising, and Scorpio moon. She was born in San Francisco, but a month or two after she was born her family moved back to the Philippines for 3-4 years. She has lived in Daly City since they've come back & now is a transfer student at SFSU who is majoring in Sociology and Race & Resistance.

ELFIE BENAVIDES
James Denman Middle School

Elfie is an SF Bay Area native with a passion for youth work! Coming from a mixed background of Filipina and Salvadoran, she embraces and takes pride in both of her cultures. Her goal is to support young people in navigating thoughts and discussion around identity and race. Her dream is to become a school psychologist and currently is working towards that at SF State. She feels closer to ancestors when she cooks and dances! Other things that bring her joy is spending time with her lovely doggo, chillin with her fams, hiking and traveling!

FAITH PALILEO
Phillip and Sala Burton High School

Faith teaches as an Ethnic Studies high school teacher for PEP in SFUSD. She is a Filipina who was born and raised in SF. Faith is also a Balboa High School Alum and a first-generation college student who is studying Ethnic Studies and Sociology.

JANREY JAVIER
Phillip and Sala Burton High School

Janrey is a bicoastal, first-generation student, cis-het male, Filipino, Asian American, and child of immigrants. He was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and is committed to inspiring the best out of students through leadership development, community engagement, and Ethnic Studies. He's motivated to de-stigmatize mental health and promote therapy, self-care, and wellness by being vulnerably reflective and always wearing his heart on his sleeve.

JAZMINE FINULIAR
Longfellow Elementary School

Jazmine (she/they) is a first-time PEP teacher at Longfellow Elementary School. They were born and raised in Milpitas, California as a second-generation Filipino-American, with both Pangasinan and Tagalog roots respectively. They are currently a second year at SF State, majoring in Child & Adolescent Development with a focus in Community, Health, & Social Services, and is also taking up a minor in Special Education. In their free time, they enjoy reading, baking, traveling and art. Their hopes are to connect Filipino-American youth to the many aspects of their rich culture in order to provide them the resources to transform their community altogether.

JEANELLE DAUS
Balboa High School

Moving from Long Beach to the Bay, Jeanelle Daus (she/her) is a second year graduate student in Asian American Studies at SF State. Outside of school, she loves cheffin' it up in the kitchen, finding new foodie spots, being your festie bestie, and gaming with friends. She's excited to learn and grow with the PEP family <3

JONATHAN SCOTT
Balboa High School

Jonathan (he/him) is a first-time PEP teacher at Balboa High School. He is in his third year of college currently attending SFSU in pursuit of a Bachelor’s in History with the intent of following with an M.A. In his journey through college, Jonathan has found a love for supporting the communities he finds himself in. With career goals of becoming an educator, he hopes to carry Ethnic Studies into all spaces of education. Aside from career goals, he also has a goal of making people smile+laugh and helping to create space for individuals and groups to feel comfortable and empowered to be their true selves.

KEVYN LORENZANA
Skyline College

Kevyn has been a PEP teacher since 2019 and continues serving PEP at his alma mater, Skyline College, with Dr. Rod, JJ Bautista, and the Kababayan Learning Community! He also teaches Ethnic Studies at San Francisco State University. While not teaching, he organizes in Daly City and San Francisco with the Filipino Community and with solidarity partnerships! His hobbies are DJing, Barbering, and enjoying the outdoors!

LUAN SCRIVNER
Phillip and Sala Burton High School

Luan (he/him) is currently a third year at SFSU pursuing a double major in Asian American Studies and Comparative World Literature. With a childhood rooted in storytelling, Luan loves stories for the ways in which they imagine, reshape and redefine. He hopes to create and nurture spaces where people can develop deeper relationships by sharing their stories. Day to day, Luan likes going on walks, discovering new music, and enjoying good meals with friends.

MARYL MALLORCA
James Denman Middle School

Maryl is a cat mom, solo business/ brand creator & mental health advocate for wellness~

She joined PEP to further her experiences working with youth community building after receiving bachelors degrees in both sociology + human development in adolescence. She is a third generation Pinay from Union City, graduate of James Logan High School, with one of her first Ethnic Studies classes under Ivan Santos (a PEP alumnus!)

Outside of these backgrounds, her passion project includes handcrafting suncatchers that project natural light like glitter to promote joy in homes. Maryl just wants folks to feel safe to be seen for who they are and want to be & aims to achieve this vision through her brand creation and community engagement presence <3

MELCHOR BONGATO
Longfellow Elementary School

Melchor likes to travel, work out, eat, and spend quality time with friends and family. Melchor was born and raised in the Bay Area! He got his undergraduate degree at SFSU in Asian American Studies with double minors in Race and Resistance Studies and Queer Ethnic Studies in the Spring of 2021. Melchor is currently a graduate student earning his Master of Arts degree in Asian American Studies prospectively in the Spring of 2024! This would technically be his 3rd year in PEP. In the future, he would love to work closely with the Asian American community! ​

MILO VITUG
Balboa High School

Milo (they/them) is a first-time PEP teacher at Balboa High School. They are a second-generation Pinay, born and raised in the Bay Area, and are pursuing a BA in Public Health, with a minor in Race and Resistance Studies. Milo's goal is to create a learning environment that was not directly available for them growing up-- one that is inclusive, accepting, and encouraging of diversity and embraces ethnic studies.

Their hobbies include creating art, live music, and gardening!

PEARL LLAGA
Phillip and Sala Burton High School

Pearl is a first-time teacher at Burton High School. She graduated from SFSU with a BS in Visual Communication Design. Pearl moved from the Philippines to the Bay Area at age 12. She loves sharing her experiences navigating and understanding the complexities of American culture as an immigrant and as a woman of color. She also loves dogs, art, binge watching tv shows, & Filipino food.

SOPH DIAZ-MUCA
Phillip and Sala Burton High School

Soph joined PEP in the Spring of 2020. After 3 years building community with Denman Middle School, they are beginning their 4th year of PEP at Burton High School. They have previously represented PEP at the Filipino American National Historical Society Conference in 2022 and the Filipinx Student Wellness Conference in 2022 and 2023.

TIMOTHY BAUTISTA
Balboa High School

Tim is a current teacher at Balboa High School. As a first generation immigrant from the Philippines, Tim's goal in the classroom is to give students a stronger understanding of community as they strengthen their skills to become leaders. When out of the classroom, Tim likes to hang out with his cat and find new places to eat with his partner.

TROY KONDO
James Denman Middle School

Troy is a graduate student in Asian American Studies and a 5th generation Japanese American who grew up in Union City and lived in both Oakland and San Francisco. Troy has his B.A. in History and minor in Asian American Studies from San Francisco State University. A lover of carbonated and caffeinated drinks, good food, coffee and excessively long walks. He loves to watch sports, especially the Warriors, the Arsenal, and the Niners, and play basketball as well.