PHILIPPINE CONSULATE ATTENDS DREAM BIGGER’S EVENT “BRIDGING FILIPINO FOUNDERS & FUNDERS” IN CELEBRATION OF FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH
Regina Manzana-Sawhney (left), moderator for the Filipino Funders Panel, poses questions to panelists Kendra Viloria of Kapwa Capital (center) and Eric Valle of Foundry1 (right). (San Francisco PCG photo)
STANFORD, CA – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco represented by Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, Trade Commissioner Anne Marie Kristine Umali, and Economic Assistant Danica Vismonte attended “Bridging Filipino Founders & Funders: From Brain Drain to Brain Gain” on 03 October 2025 at the Stanford Graduate Community Center, Stanford University.
Organized by Dream Bigger, in partnership with PhilDev Foundation and the Filipino American Community at Stanford (FACS), the event was part of the celebration for Filipino American History Month and aimed to connect Filipino American entrepreneurs with funders, innovators, and thought leaders across industries.
The event began with welcome remarks from Christeen and Joe Green, Founders of Dream Bigger; Olivia De Jesus, Executive Director of PhilDev Foundation; and Curie Sevilla, Co-Chair of FACS.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Elisa Nguyen, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer for Inpatient at Stanford Health Care. Dr. Nguyen honored the resilience and contributions of Filipino nurses in the U.S. healthcare system, drawing meaningful connections between their stories and the perseverance required in the startup and technology sectors.
A Funders Panel, moderated by Regina Manzana-Sawhney, featured Kendra Viloria of Kapwa Capital and Eric Valle of Foundry1. The panelists discussed their experiences in venture capital and emphasized the importance of building trust and long-term relationships with Filipino American founders. Mr. Valle underscored the responsibility of managing others’ investments and the value of developing a strong track record to inspire confidence among funders.
The event concluded with a Founders Showcase, where four Filipino American startups—Upcyclers, Curie, AIphrising, and Omtse Ventures—pitched their ventures live to an engaged audience. Attendees had the opportunity to vote online for their favorite startup, with Upcyclers emerging as the winner of the pitch competition.
The Philippine Consulate General commends Dream Bigger, PhilDev Foundation, and FACS for organizing a meaningful platform that empowers Filipino American innovators and entrepreneurs, fosters community collaboration, and celebrates the growing impact of the Fil-Am community in the fields of technology, healthcare, and venture capital. END
Dr. Elisa Nguyen, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer for Inpatient at Stanford Health Care, delivered the keynote address, honoring the resilience and invaluable contributions of Filipino nurses in the U.S. healthcare system. (San Francisco PCG photo)
Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil (center) poses with Curie Sevilla (left) and Lanelle Neumann (right), officers of the Filipino American Community of Stanford, co-presenter of the event “Bridging Filipino Founders & Funders: From Brain Drain to Brain Gain” on 03 October 2025 at the Stanford Graduate Community Center, Stanford University. (San Francisco PCG photo)