PH CONSULATE IN SAN FRANCISCO JOINS 2025 PHILDEV THRIVE GALA CELEBRATING FILIPINO INNOVATION
Diosdado Banatao (seated) and Maria Banatao (second from left), founders of PhilDev, with officials from the Philippine Consulate : Vice Consul Hannah Eloisse V. Go, Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, and Vice Consul Glaiza M. Quarteros, with another guest (L-R) (San Francisco PCG photo)
San Jose, California – The Philippine Consulate in San Francisco attended the 2025 PhilDev Thrive Gala and Awards, held on September 27, 2025, at Signia by Hilton, San Jose. The annual event marked the 15th anniversary of the Philippine Development Foundation (PhilDev), a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering Filipinos through education, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Representing the Philippine Consulate at the celebration were Consul Rowena R. Pangilinan-Daquipil, Vice Consul Hannah Eloisse V. Go, Vice Consul Glaiza M. Quarteros, and Political Assistant Lalaine T. Bacha.
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Cris B. Liban, PhilDev Chair, delivered a heartfelt welcome, and paid tribute to PhilDev’s founder, Diosdado “Dado” Banatao, reflecting on PhilDev’s humble beginnings and its notable achievements over the past 15 years. He also acknowledged the dedication and support of individuals and partners who helped shape the organization’s mission.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to five outstanding Filipino leaders whose work exemplifies innovation, community upliftment, and global excellence:
- Manny Maceda, Chairman of Bain & Company – Dado Banatao Legacy Award
- Dr. Gigi Carunungan, Co-founder of Synapse School and Imagination Lab School – Education Award
- Dr. Lieza Danan, CEO of LiVeritas Biosciences – Innovation Award
- Aldo Carrascoso, CEO of Vivum AI – Entrepreneurship Award
- Ruby Ibarra, rapper, spoken word artist and director – Spark Award
Dado Banatao Legacy Awardee Manny Maceda delivers his speech. (San Francisco PCG photo)
In his keynote, Mr. Maceda emphasized that success is rooted in mindset and values, particularly values of kapwa, bayanihan, and pasasalamat – deeply held Filipino principles of shared identity, community collaboration, and gratitude.
Mrs. Maria Banatao, wife of PhilDev founder Dado Banatao, also delivered remarks, highlighting PhilDev’s impact to date, including support for over 300 scholars, 100 innovations, and 200 startups.
The awards ceremony was followed by a live auction, with proceeds benefitting PhilDev’s educational, entrepreneurial, and community-building programs in the Philippines and the United States. Guests were also treated to live musical performances by Spark Awardee Ruby Ibarra and David Unlayo, a Nashville-based Filipino-American country-pop artist.
The Philippine Consulate General commends PhilDev for its enduring commitment to empowering Filipinos through innovation, education, and inclusive development, and congratulates this year’s honorees for their remarkable achievements. END
(L-R) SPARK Awardee Rubi Ibarra and Innovation Awardee Dr. Lieza Danan (San Francisco PCG photo)
(L-R) Education Awardee Dr. Gigi Carunungan and Entrepreneurship Awardee Aldo Carrascoso (San Francisco PCG photo)
(L-R) Vice Consul Glaiza M. Quarteros, Consul Rowena R. Pangilinan-Daquipil, Education Awardee Dr. Gigi Carunungan, and Vice Consul Hannah Eloisse V. Go (SFPCG Photo)