Excelsa De Jesus

FACC Young Ambassador (New York) - Excelsa is a young philanthropist, virtuoso performer, model, and beauty queen.  She graduated from the American Musical And Dramatic Academy in Manhattan, NY majoring in Musical Theater. She was awarded by NY PIDC’s “Artist of Exceptional Ability,” as well as PACCAL’s “Entertainer of the Year.” Having done multiple solo concerts in NY, Florida, and the Philippines, Excelsa has shared the stage with famous celebrities such as Kristin Chenoweth in Broadway, Martin Nievera, Lani Misalucha, Pilita Corales, Regine and Ogie Alcacid, Gary Valenciano, Sarah Geronimo, Eric Santos, Morisette Amon, and Jose Marie Chan to name a few. Besides being the Miss Republic of the Philippines International 2018-2020, she has a very compassionate heart and makes annual trips to the Philippines for charity and missionary work. She uses her voice to uplift and inspires those around her to be the driving power of change.

Katrina Manabat​
FACC Young Ambassador For Health Affairs and Programming Events (Ellicott City, Maryland) -  Katrina is currently a sophomore Nursing Major at Stevenson University in Owings Mills and a consistent honor student. She began singing at the age of 4 and taking piano lessons at the age of 7 and has loved performing ever since. At Archbishop Spalding High School, she was a part of many vocal groups, she accompanied other choruses on the piano, and performed in Spalding Musical Theatre productions every year. She won the Accompanist Award at the Festival Music Competition in Virginia Beach, Virginia in 2016; the Maestro Award at the WorldStrides Music Competition in Nashville, Tennessee in 2017; and received the Outstanding Vocalist and Outstanding Musician Awards throughout all four years of high school. At the end of her senior year in 2019, she won the Best Supporting Actress in a Musical Award from the Cappies of Baltimore for her performance as the Drowsy Chaperone in “The Drowsy Chaperone.” At Stevenson University, she won first place at “Stevenson’s Got Talent” and top four competitors in the grand finals of the Baltimore Loves Talent on ABC WMAR 2. Throughout the first few months of quarantine, she was chosen to sing in a handful of virtual singing events and competitions. For the past few years, she has also been performing at many charitable organizations including FACC events. She also loved powerlifting as part of her health and wellness interests. 
 

Avrianna Artus (Wisconsin) 
FACC Young Ambassador
Avrianna Artus is an accomplished young woman with a remarkable journey in pageantry. She first made her mark as the 2018 National Mini Miss for America's Little Miss. In 2019, she was crowned

Miss Wisconsin Princess for National American Miss. In 2020, she became Miss Wisconsin 3rd Grade for Miss Elementary America, and in 2021, she won the title of Miss Wisconsin Jr. Preteen for National American Miss and went on to become the 2021 National American Miss Jr. Preteen. In 2023, she was crowned Miss Wisconsin Preteen for Ideal Miss. Most recently, in 2024, she earned the title of Miss Wisconsin Preteen for USA National Miss. Beyond her impressive pageantry achievements, Avrianna is the founder of Project LOVE (Let Our Voices Empower), a heartfelt initiative aimed at empowering others through positive action and advocacy. She is also an active model, working with notable brands such as AshleyLauren, Kohl's, Belk, and Rooms-to-Go. Currently, she is in the process of breaking into acting. Avrianna is honored to be a part of the Filipino American Cancer Care (F.A.C.C.) organization and is grateful for the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with its officials in their mission to fight against cancer. She is passionate about helping cancer patients, especially those who lack the financial means for treatment. Avrianna understands that providing financial assistance can be a

tremendous help to patients and their families, potentially saving lives and helping with basic needs.

Avrianna dreams of one day becoming Miss Universe, inspired by her idol, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray. Additionally, she aspires to be a fashion designer and an airline captain like her Dad.
 

Heather Alexia Santos (Washington State)
FACC Young Ambassador 
A double degree graduate from the University of Washington, was president of the Women in Science and Engineering Club, and active member of the Associaton of Filipino-American Engineers of Washington. She utilizes her degrees and experience to encourage young girls to pursue a higher education and career in STEM as a mentor for the youth in collaboration with a local non-profit, The Circle WA, with her project “Math and Makeup”. She values education deeply and hopes that every child has the opportunity to receive a quality education. She is a preschool teacher and together with her co-teachers and students she ran a book drive to gather books, supplies, and rain boots to send to the underprivileged children in the Philippines. Heather is Miss World America Continental and Miss Earth Baby Brand Ambassador. As Miss Earth Baby Brand Ambassador she worked alongside the Filipina owned business owners to promote early childhood literacy for the “Preface Project” where over $115,000 was raised to foster equality through education. Currently, she’s the newly appointed Miss Philippines Washington State 2024. Cancer taught her not to complain about the little things. Cancer brings drastic changes to everyday life and it’s hard to witness a loved one endure this. She dedicates her participation in the Filipino American Cancer Care to her aunt, a Breast Cancer Survivor. Through this involvement, she hopes to extend support and compassion to those facing this difficult challenge.
 

Lorenzo Bustamante 

FACC Young Ambassador For Community and Programming Events (Leesburg, VA)- Lorenzo is from Ashburn, Virginia. He has a passion for theatre and has starred in several theatrical productions in Northern VA for the past 5 years. He is a Junior at Briarwood High School and is currently an active member and participant of the School's Chorus and Theatre program. He is proud of his Filipino heritage and is very excited to be part of FACC’s mission to help people with cancer

 

Ryan Marc Ferrer Subigca (Iloilo City, Philippines)

FACC Young Ambassador - Ryan  is 22 years old and third year college student of West Visayas State University.  He is a  Student leader, and a Volunteer. As a young ambassador of Filipino American Cancer Care,  Ryan believes that he is called to make a difference in the lives of others by using his voice to influence and promote awareness about this serious disease. According to him, those who are suffering and fighting cancer should know that at the end of the day, the triumph will ultimately be found in Christ. No one is alone in this battle.  He said that cancer is a grave illness that has a wide range of effects on people's lives. It has numerous therapeutic alternatives, but the problem is that most individuals are ignorant of them and do not conduct frequent examinations.
 

Melissa Tizon (Seattle, Washington)
FACC Ambassador

Melissa Tizon is a Filipino-American and the wife of late Pulitzer Prize winner Alex Tizon, author of My Family’s Slave and Big Little Man. Currently going through her second breast cancer journey, Melissa is inspired by her mother and other survivors who have shown her how to navigate a cancer diagnosis with positivity, grace and gratitude. She is also committed to giving back by supporting other Filipinos facing cancer through Filipino American Cancer Care. A former journalist, she serves as the vice president of national communication for Providence, a not-for-profit health system serving the Western United States. She is the mother of two daughters and lives in Seattle, Washington.
 

Dave Valeriano (Maryland)
FACC AMBASSADOR

DAVE VALERIANO is a singer/theater actor, host and fashion model.  He was crowned as MR. DC 2023 held at the MGM Hotel and Casino. The first Filipino to win the crown. He made his debut at a fashion model at the New York Fashion Week. He is also a World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) 7x Gold, silver and bronze medalist and participated at the Manhattan International music competition. He released his debut  solo album in 2010 entitled KEEP IT MOVING. One of Dave’s single was featured in one of the episode of the CBS’s series THE SEAL TEAM. His latest filipino language single has now reached over 100k stream counts and made it to the TOP 50 VIRAL PHILIPPINES on spotify. 

Dave’s thoughts on Cancer:

“Our technologies has evolved and continuously improving when it comes to treating and detecting cancer. We have more resources now than before. However, not everyone has access to it. My hope is that soon, every cancer patient won’t have to worry about not get the treatment due to financial hardship. But for now, we as a citizen should lend our hands and help as much as we could.”
 

Maribel Bondoc
Herndon, VA- FACC Ambassador.  Maribel is 56-years-old who was born and raised in Manila, Philippines. She completed her Bachelor of Science and majored in Economics in Saint Paul’s College of Manila. She immigrated to the United States 35 years ago and now resides in Herndon, VA. She has 2 children, and both happily married and a grandmother of 2 wonderful little boys. She loves to dance and hula hooping. Dog mama to 2 adorable little dogs (little guy Rossi and Mama Mia). 

Her father passed away from lung cancer 40 years ago in the Philippines.  Maribel is honored to have been selected to be the Health and Wellness Ambassador for FACC. She loves to dance and perform hula and Tahitian dance to different non-profit organizations. She works for Nacha for over 19 years. Nacha governs the thriving ACH Network, the payment system that drives safe, smart, and fast Direct Deposits and Direct Payments with the capability to reach all U.S. bank and credit union accounts. When nonprofits include electronic bank transfers as a payment method, it benefits your donors, your organization, and your mission. This trusted, secure payment method also is a great option for nonprofits to increase their donations and encourage ongoing electronic giving. Using electronic bank transfers, donors give to your organization directly from their checking or savings account, rather than using a check, cash or card. Maribel was a caregiver to James Saunders who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood plasma cancer, in 2021. Being a caregiver to someone diagnosed with cancer can be quite the juggling act. A cancer diagnosis often comes without warning and without regard for the demands of your time. It can be frustrating to try to fit in all the demands and expectations of what you want to, should, and need to do. As you try to support and help the person you love, you must also think about your own needs. Remember: It is not selfish to think about yourself. You can only do so much. There is only one of you and you can’t always do everything by yourself. Accepting limitations does not mean you are letting your loved one down. “As a caregiver, I require breaks, preferably without being criticized by others.”
 

Belinda P. Thomas (New Jersey) 
FACC Ambassador

Belinda Thomas, a 46-year-old Certified Medication Tech from New Jersey, proudly represents the LGBTQ community. By day, she excels as a Staffing Coordinator at Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living in Toms River, NJ, and by night, she graces the ramps of NYC as a part-time model. Originating from the stunning City of Puerto Princesa in the Province of Palawan, Belinda earned her Bachelor of Arts Major in Mass Communication from Palawan State University in 1998. Her passion for community service shines through her tenure as PALMEA President, leading medical and dental missions in remote barangays of Puerto Princesa City.

 

In her leisure, Belinda indulges her love for travel and photography, capturing the beauty of iconic landmarks in NYC and throughout NJ. Her dream is to explore the United States. With 27 states already visited, Belinda's adventure is a testament to her adventurous spirit.

The impact of cancer hit close to home for Belinda when a dear friend was diagnosed. Through this experience, she learned the importance of cherishing each moment in the face of adversity. Believing in the power of support and compassion, Belinda advocates for a life filled with forgiveness and appreciation for the present.
 

Carl Andrada (Los Angeles, California) 
FACC Ambassador

Carl Andrada is the man behind “Carmelo Designs.”  He started as a costume designer/Stylist  for an all male Filipino acapella group  the Prime Note Ensemble. He learned how to make patterns and sew through YouTube videos and  textbooks, eventually he studied Fashion Design at the The Los Angeles Trade Technical College to honed his skills.

In 2015 he joined and won  the Metropolitan Fashion Week costume design competition which opens a lot of attention from international pageant community.  He then created national costumes and evening gowns for Miss Earth Suriname, 2017 Miss Universe Zambia, 2018 Miss Grand International Zambia (Top 10 Best National costume),  2019 Miss International Zambia, 2019 Miss Earth Zambia, 2019 Miss Globe USA , Miss Universe Mauritius as well as local pageants such as Miss Filipina International, Miss Asia USA and Miss Philippines USA.

Aside from that, Carl is known in the Filipino community for his Philippine inspired costumes using different types of  Philippine fabric  as well as eco friendly  materials  indigenous from the Philippines.  Recently, he presented a 15 pc. collection made from MUSA fabric- a handwoven fabric made from banana fiber by the People Deprived of Liberty of the DAvao del Norte Provincial Jail 

Currently, Carl is the creative director/designer for Miss International Zambia and Miss Universe Mauritius. Carl’s mother passed away from liver cancer and he knows exactly how it feels to lose someone because of this horrendous disease.  Carl is motivated to help and support FACC in the fight against cancer❤️