Mabuhay! Welcome to our new site. Enjoy your stay & cheers to the change we bring.
Once upon a time...
What is a Balanghai?
Centuries ago, the Balanghai was an impressive seafaring vessel that traversed the Philippine archipelago with ease. This 15-meter long plank boat had a square sail and up to 20 men rowing together in unison to heroic songs & chants. With its remarkable speed of 12-15 knots per hour before wind sailing, it could outrun any Galleon! Modern Filipinos still celebrate this ancient nautical marvel as part of their maritime heritage today.
What makes the Balanghai so important?
With its various regional names, the Balanghai was more than just an old ship - it embodied our basic social and political structure before colonizers arrived. The Datu acted as a leader based on their wisdom and bravery, but when America took over in 1898 this system of leadership changed to 'barrio', beginning a period where Filipino identity dissolved under foreign rule. Luckily by 1974 things had shifted again; Presidential Decree No 557 renewed pride for our nation with the reintroduction of the term Barangay into communities all across the country!
Our Balanghai is a beacon of unity, connecting our nation with every corner and culture of Southeast Asia. It stands as an enduring reminder that our maritime heritage binds us together - beyond islands, borders and languages.
For ages, the Balanghai boat was shrouded in mystery and only seen as a symbol. Despite its true value remaining an enigma to many Filipinos, there is still hope for it to become real - a living truth that can be experienced by all. Through bringing this ancient icon into reality from its shadowy figurative state, we will draw upon our culture's deep-rooted history and craft something tangible out of legend.
Pictured: Subic Sailing
Our Servant Leaders
Ritchie Esguerra
Richard V. Mercado
Ritchie Esguerra
President & CEO
Servant Leader, Navy Veteran
San Diego, CA
U.S. Navy veteran, having served for over 20 years, after retirement dedicated time to community service. Volunteer to a variety of organizations, helping to raise money for local charities for the benefit of those in need.
"I believe that it is our responsibility to help those in need, & I am committed to doing what I can to make a difference."
Dennis M. Galero
Richard V. Mercado
Ritchie Esguerra
Chief Financial Officer
Finance & Fundraising
Buena Park, CA
Mechanical engineer who has dedicated time to leadership roles in community clubs, charities & making a difference in the world. Former roles include: BBY2K20 Chairperson, PSME President, Grand Knight K of C, ATNA Chair, & BCSC President.
“I believe in the power of collaboration & working together to achieve a common goal.”
Josette Corro
Richard V. Mercado
Richard V. Mercado
Chief Operations Officer
Governance & Programming
Los Angeles, CA
Experienced nonprofit sector professional, with 30+ years of experience. Managed a variety of nonprofits, ranging from small grassroots organizations to large, multi-million-dollar organizations.
“My giving heart has taught me that no matter how small the act, it can still make a big difference to someone in need.”
Richard V. Mercado
Richard V. Mercado
Richard V. Mercado
Chairman of the Board
Leadership & Fundraising
Washington, DC
Aon senior insurance executive with 30+ years of experience in property-casualty & fine art insurance for major cultural institutions, museums & non-profit organizations in the U.S. Former BBY2K20 Chair.
"We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give."
— Winston Churchill
Board of Directors
Andy Uriarte Doria
Freddie Reambonanza
Freddie Reambonanza
Special Events
Glendale, CA
"Helping someone in need today can inspire them to help others tomorrow. Pay it forward & start a chain of kindness."
Freddie Reambonanza
Freddie Reambonanza
Freddie Reambonanza
Special Events
Cerritos, CA
"Giving forward is a way to spread love & kindness & make a positive difference in the world."
Lemzar Manginsay
Freddie Reambonanza
Lemzar Manginsay
Cultural Preservation
Chicago, IL
"Generosity is a way to show love & gratitude to the world. It can make a big difference in someone’s life."
Maria Rose Quero
Freddie Reambonanza
Lemzar Manginsay
Finance
New York, NY
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Mahatma Gandhi
Marie Emilie L. Sanchez
Marie Emilie L. Sanchez
Marie Emilie L. Sanchez
Fundraising
Cerritos, CA
“It is not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving“. — Mother Teresa
Marilyn Arensman
Marie Emilie L. Sanchez
Marie Emilie L. Sanchez
Fundraising
Chicago, IL
“It takes courage to be kind.“ — Maya Angelou
Mary Jane Aquino
Marie Emilie L. Sanchez
Teddy Reambonanza
Fundraising
Las Vegas, NV
"A good head & a good heart are always a formidable combination." — Nelson Mandela
Teddy Reambonanza
Marie Emilie L. Sanchez
Teddy Reambonanza
Special Events
Cerritos, CA
"Giving back means having the privilege to make a positive impact in the lives of others."
Ramon Gabriel Plaza Rosales
Ramon Gabriel Plaza Rosales
Ramon Gabriel Plaza Rosales
Cultural Preservation
La Puente, CA
"The impact of giving is showing gratitude for the blessings we receive & being humble enough to share with others."
Wilbert Solon Perez
Ramon Gabriel Plaza Rosales
Ramon Gabriel Plaza Rosales
Safeguard Nature
Buena Park, CA
"Giving back is an act of kindness that has ripple effect & can bring joy & positivity to many people."
Van Montilla
Ramon Gabriel Plaza Rosales
Van Montilla
Safeguard Nature
Winter Haven, FL
“The best thing to do with the best things in life is to give them away.” — Dorothy Day
Edmundo Calo
Ramon Gabriel Plaza Rosales
Van Montilla
Legal
Butuan, Mindanao
“The time is always right to do what is right.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
Balanghai Auxiliary Leaders
Maria Alilei Alize Espino-Galero
Maria Alilei Alize Espino-Galero
Maria Alilei Alize Espino-Galero
Auxiliary Chairwoman
Buena Park, CA
Anne Perez
Maria Alilei Alize Espino-Galero
Maria Alilei Alize Espino-Galero
Buena Park, CA
Glenda Reambonanza
Maria Alilei Alize Espino-Galero
Joan Famador Reambonanza
Cerritos, CA
Joan Famador Reambonanza
Maria Alilei Alize Espino-Galero
Joan Famador Reambonanza
Cerritos, CA
Mina Montilla-Ladlad
Sheena Xan Reambonanza
Sheena Xan Reambonanza
Los Angeles, CA
Sheena Xan Reambonanza
Sheena Xan Reambonanza
Sheena Xan Reambonanza
Cerritos, CA
Balanghai Auxiliary Members
Amelia A. Villa
Carlito Troy Corro
Amelia A. Villa
Butuan, Mindanao
Agnes Adormio
Carlito Troy Corro
Amelia A. Villa
Butuan, Mindanao
Carlito Troy Corro
Carlito Troy Corro
Carlito Troy Corro
Los Angeles, CA
Eric Reambonanza
Carlito Troy Corro
Carlito Troy Corro
Cerritos, CA
Jan Camille Corro
Leilani Nonan Florendo
Jan Camille Corro
Creative Strategist
Eagle Rock, CA
Jerry Aquino
Leilani Nonan Florendo
Jan Camille Corro
Las Vegas, NV
Jim Ong
Leilani Nonan Florendo
Leilani Nonan Florendo
Torrance, CA
Leilani Nonan Florendo
Leilani Nonan Florendo
Leilani Nonan Florendo
Los Angeles, CA
Manolita Cubillas
Mel Blanco Esguerra
Manolita Cubillas
Buena Park, CA
Maximino Arriola
Mel Blanco Esguerra
Manolita Cubillas
Butuan, Mindanao
Mel Blanco Esguerra
Mel Blanco Esguerra
Mel Blanco Esguerra
San Diego, CA
Neria Oberio
Mel Blanco Esguerra
Mel Blanco Esguerra
Chicago, IL
Our Partners
