Alumni
Our alumni are a testament to the transformative power of the Montessori education.
From successful entrepreneurs to leaders in various fields, O.B. Montessori graduates continue to influence the communities in which they live toward positive change.
Read their stories and see how their time at OBMC shaped their journeys.
GEORGE I. ROYECA
(GS BATCH 1999)
George Royeca, social entrepreneur and co-founder of Angkas, is a staunch advocate of inclusive mobility and sustainable transport. What motivates him? His sincere desire to make life in the metropolis just a little bit easier for the Filipino commuter, and his respect for the streetsmart Pinoy’s “diskarte” and “abilidad.”
FELIPE JOCANO JR.
(HS BATCH 1977)
He is the son of revered Anthropologist F. Landa Jocano, a man whose contributions to the study of Filipino culture can only be described as “monumental.” Felipe “Bot” Jocano, an Arnis expert and practitioner, has chosen to follow in his father’s footsteps as an anthropologist and teacher at the University of the Philippines. He is a well-respected and recognized Filipino Martial Arts advocate.
DR. IAN S. SORIANO
(GS BATCH 1986)
After his formative years at OBMC, Dr. Soriano studied at the Manila Science High School and the U.P. College of Medicine. After graduation, he flew to the U.S. to train in General Surgery at New York’s Mt. Sinai Hospital and Philadelphia’s Einstein Medical Center. It was at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic where he gained a fellowship in the field of minimally invasive and bariatric surgery.
JOEY AFRICA
(GS BATCH 1988)
His work in the arts is geared toward the youth for their healing and spiritual and mental well-being, as well as his contribution toward humanitarian efforts for the marginalized and less privileged. OBMC honors the vision and perseverance of visual artist Joey Africa and his dedication to creating art that speaks for wholeness and empowerment.
AYESHA MERDEKA ALONTO
(HS BATCH 1990)
She credits OBMC for her education when other schools would not accept her because of her faith and status as a married 18-year-old with two children. As a dynamic educator today, Ayesha’s early awareness of religious and social discrimination fuels her drive to make quality education accessible to Filipino Islamic students.
RACHEL JINGCO ALEJANDRO
(GS BATCH 1990)
Her talent, dedication, body of work, and accolades have made her one of the most dependable names in showbiz. For her valuable contribution to the young Filipinos’ cultural and literary appreciation, Rachel Alejandro is recognized as an artist and co-producer of Larawan, the cinematic adaptation of the Ryan Cayabyab-Rolando Tinio musical of Nick Joaquin’s Portrait of an Artist as Filipino.
DR. MARIA CZARINA ACELAJADO
(GS BATCH 1994)
She was OBMC’s H.S. valedictorian in 1994, the most outstanding biology student while at the Ateneo De Manila, in the top 10 percent of her class at the UP College of Medicine, and earned her post-doctoral fellowship from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Acelajado has published over 40 research papers and peer-reviewed articles, contributing greatly to the study of hypertension.
ATTY. EVECAR CRUZ-FERRER
(HS BATCH 1997)
Years of study prepared Atty. Evecar Cruz-Ferrer for her international law practice. She handled the legal affairs of the Red Cross as its International Humanitarian Law coordinator. She also acted as a consultant for the Commission on Human Rights, the Department of Justice, and the Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).
CHEZKA GONZALES
(GS BATCH 2005)
Filipina pilot Chezka Gonzales is known for producing relevant and empowering viral content. This has led to an additional career as an inspirational speaker and life coach. In a society where social media influencers steer their audiences towards conspicuous consumption, Chezka steers her audience towards a fuller realization of their limitless possibilities.
DR. RJ NAGUIT
(GS BATCH 2008)
His voice, as reflected in his social media posts, is informed and always critical of existing medical and health policies—or the lack and inadequacy thereof. But RJ Naguit is more than just another woke netizen content with airing his views on social media. His advocacies range from the promotion of mental health awareness to the establishment of free health facilities for the marginalized.
EZRA ACAYAN
(HS BATCH 2010)
A two-time World Press Photo awardee and a Pulitzer Prize finalist, multi-awarded photojournalist Ezra Acayan has shown us truths about our times. His photos on politics, climate change, and social injustice give voice to the voiceless. He continues to work for some of the most prestigious news agencies in the world: Reuters, Getty Images, Agence France-Presse, and the European Press Photo Agency.
SARA FRANCESCA SOLIVEN-DE GUZMAN
(HS BATCH 1987)
As the President of Operation Brotherhood Montessori Center, Sara Soliven-De Guzman is the keeper of a sacred trust: the bright future of the students under her charge and the development of the “New Teacher.” Under her leadership, she has expanded the advocacies of Operation Brotherhood Community Foundation (OBCF) by grounding them in Dr. Montessori’s ultimate goal of creating a better society through peace education.
MARIA ROSARIO VICTORIA R. PACHECO
(HS BATCH 1975)
As the Executive Chef, Chief Operating Officer, and Managing Partner of five restaurants under the 1771 brand and the Flatiron Restaurant at the BGC, European-educated Chef Vicky makes everything under her watch run like clockwork while keeping her patrons and stakeholders happy (and well-fed).
KARA MAGSANOC-ALIKPALA
(HS BATCH 1977)
A compelling documentary informs, persuades, inspires, and affects change. This belief has earned Kara an Emmy nomination as a documentary filmmaker, broadcast journalist, and impact producer. As a cancer survivor and advocate, she co-founded the ICanServe Foundation and is a member of the Cancer Coalition Philippines, the organization instrumental in the passage of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act 2019 in the Philippines.
DINO E. JALANDONI
(GS BATCH 1978)
The world of advertising is a richer place with Dino Jalandoni in it. A deft storyteller, Dino is a multi-awarded creative leader recognized regionally and internationally for his “high standards of creativity” in his work and his ability to “offer clients communications that ‘change human behavior.’”
VINCENT RAFAEL A. JOCSON, MD, MHA, FPCP, FPSN
(HS BATCH 1981)
Dr. Jocson is the Renal and Metabolic Division Chief at the Philippine Heart Center and Head of the Hemodialysis Unit at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center. He is also a classically trained pianist and music composer who has worked with singer-composer Rannie Raymundo, Dingdong Avanzado, Louie Heredia, and others.
ANDRE ALLAN B. ALVAREZ
(GS BATCH 1982)
He may not be a household name like some of his VJs, but Andre Allan Alvarez remains a powerful influencer in local music. He is the Founder and Creator of MYX Philippines, the number-one music channel in the country. During his stint as TV Channel head, he was responsible for its programming and digital pursuits.
NOEL C. ZARATE JR.
(GS BATCH 1983)
A FAMAS award-winning composer, Noel Zarate translated his love for the sport, all sport, into a career. He is now one of the country’s most recognizable sportscasters. To add to his impressive list of accomplishments, Noel has pioneered the sports broadcasting workshop in the Philippines for more than two decades—his way of “giving back to the industry that enhanced his career.”
CHRISTINE “TIN-TIN” P. BERSOLA-BABAO
(GS BATCH 1984)
Christine Bersola-Babao is more than just a TV personality. She is also a children’s book author with three titles published to date, the producer and president of CBB Productions, and what she calls a “mompreneur” with CBB Foods. Mother to two wonderful children, Antonia and Nio, she is married to the love of her life, broadcast journalist Julius Babao.
RICO RENE G. BLANCO
(GS BATCH 1984)
Striking out on his own in 2008 with the solo album, “Your Universe,” Rico has won Vocalist of the Year at the 2008 NU Rock Awards, OPM Solo Artist of the Year from RX93.1, and Best New Artist at the 2009 MYX Music Awards.
MICHAEL H. DEAKIN
(GS BATCH 1985)
After spending a decade in hospitality management, Michael Deakin found his true calling—saving lives. As President and CEO of Lifeline, the company has been living up to its “mission and vision of providing reliable and efficient emergency medical response services to those in need” for more than 30 years, saving over 500,000 lives.
MA. LEA CARMEN I. SALONGA
(GS Batch 1988)
It seems almost ironic that Lea Salonga started her career with the album, “Small Voice,” when it was her powerful vocal instrument that catapulted her to worldwide fame as Kim in the Broadway musical, Miss Saigon. Today, Lea is a multi-awarded actress and singer whose popularity and influence remain strong over a solid career of 45 years.
MA. TERESA “TESA” D. ARCILLA
(HS BATCH 1998)
In a constantly changing world, it’s up to people like veteran foreign correspondent and global news presenter Tesa Arcilla to ensure people get the big picture through her reportage of world affairs, politics, and business. She has worked for major news networks including the CBC, NBC News, MSNBC, BBC World, Al Jazeera English, and CNN International.
GRACE CECILIA L. ANDUIZA
(HS BATCH 1990)
After working in the hotel and hospitality industry, Grace found her true calling in Philippine telecom giant, Globe. She has been with them since 2004. With her extensive experience in the Telco industry, she has helped SMEs transform their businesses digitally and put them on the road to progress.
GERARD I. SALONGA
(HS BATCH 1990)
Gerard writes, arranges, composes, and conducts. He has worked with international orchestras as a conductor. With four Aliw Awards for Best Musical Director, he has also won two Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards for his work in West Side Story and Sweeney Todd. He received the highest national award for civilians from the Philippine President as one of The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) in 2011.
RICO VINCENT M. ROMANO, MD
(HS BATCH 1992)
Aside from being a practicing physician within the area, Dr. Romano performs several roles within the Skagit Regional Health System. This includes being Chief of Medicine at Skagit Regional Health and Chair of Primary Care in Sedro Woolley.
PAULO FRANCESCO C. ZARATE
(HS BATCH 1992)
The award-winning and in-demand music producer is the co-program head for Music Business Management at the Meridian International College (MINT). Here, he imparts his knowledge about the music business to emerging practitioners.
GINGER ALLEN LIMSON-AVENTAJADO
(HS BATCH 1994)
Having worked in the money market for more than 20 years, Ginger Aventajado can probably tell you a thing or two about the ins-and-outs of the money market.
ANTONIO “ANTON” S. LAQUINDANUM
(HS BATCH 1994)
The world of international finance may be a mystery to the layman, but Anton Laquindanum has long been an expert in the field. As a senior banking executive, he is recognized for leading and mentoring diverse teams here and abroad.
SHIELA MARIE C. VALDERRAMA-MARTINEZ
(HS BATCH 1994)
Shiela Valderrama’s performance as Kapitana Mary Jane in the Filipino hit musical RAK of Aegis has earned her a best actress nomination from the 2016 Gawad Awards. As a seasoned theater actress and singer with over 30 productions under her belt both here and abroad, Shiela is an entertainer extraordinaire.
ANA KARYLLE P. TATLONGHARI-YUZON
(GS BATCH 1994)
Karylle’s singing career began in 2001 with the album “Time to Shine.” The title proved self-fulfilling as the album earned her wins from the Awit Awards, Aliw Awards, and MTV Philippines. She is also a multi-talented actress, producer, and TV host.
MARIANNE JOY “HAPPY” V. ANDRADA
(GS BATCH 1999)
Her designs display a groundbreaking style imbued with her playful aesthetic. A world-class designer, Happy’s clothes have graced the runways in London, Milan, Rome, Paris, Miami, Toronto, Seoul, and Tokyo. She was awarded International Emerging Designer at the Miami Fashion Week, Inspiring Young Entrepreneur from Go Negosyo, and Artist of the Year at the International Fashion Art Biennale in Seoul, Korea.
LUIS MIGUEL B. ARCANGEL
(HS BATCH 1999)
There’s nothing quite like seeing your creation take flight. From a lean 5-person startup, Luis Miguel Arcangel has steered independent ad agency Montgomery Fitch + Associates into a transcontinental operation across four continents.
FRANCIS PAULO B. PAULINO
(HS BATCH 2000)
Paulo Paulino is a professional lighting designer schooled in London. He founded his company, Lighting Entertainment Designs, Inc., through which he has lit the stages for local and international concert artists like Sarah Geronimo, Regine Velasquez, Lady Gaga, Ne-Yo, and many more.
CARIZA “AIZA” Y. SEGUERRA
(HS BATCH 2000)
Her beginnings go back to 1987 in the noontime show, Eat Bulaga. However, it was in 2001 that Aiza Seguerra found her true power as a performer with the release of her single, Pagdating ng Panahon. An accomplished artist and staunch civil rights advocate, Aiza was appointed Chairperson of the National Youth Commission in 2016 by President Duterte.
ENGR. HAROLD WAYNE R. CRUZ
(HS BATCH 2001)
As a successful engineer, you could say that Harold Cruz has a passion for fuel. His professional career has been dedicated to building petrochemical and manufacturing facilities, roads and bridges, and hydropower.
SHARA MAYFLOR A. JACINTO
(HS BATCH 2002)
In her own way, Shara served as an ambassador of the Philippines to the world, sharing the Filipino brand of hospitality as part of Hilton Worldwide. Today, she works as Senior Manager and Marketing Leader at American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT).
CARLA ANGELINE R. ABELLANA
(HS BATCH 2004)
This young actress, recording artist, model, and host has successfully moved from under the shadow of her showbiz father and grandmother. She has made a name for herself in the industry she was born into. She is a passionate animal welfare advocate and successful YouTuber.
MICHAEL “MIKO” L. ASPIRAS
(HS BATCH 2004)
Chef Miko Aspiras is, without a doubt, a master of his craft. An accomplished pastry chef, he has had several awards and citations, including being in Forbes Magazine’s 3rd annual “30 Under 30 Asia” in 2018. He was the first Southeast Asian-Filipino to be featured in the international publication of “Haute Patisserie,” So Good magazine.
AI M. DELA CRUZ
(HS BATCH 2007)
As an anchor for @ANC Alerts, Ai Dela Cruz attracted a younger, millennial audience by delivering the news in a more relatable fashion. She also worked as a VJ for MYX Philippines, hosting its daily talk show featuring local and international artists, and served as a Courtside Reporter for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
JAYVIE MARIE G. AGOJO
(HS BATCH 2004)
Jayvie Agojo made her mark at 16 as the youngest member of the National Golf Association of the Philippines. She was also ranked as the No.1 junior women’s player in the country. She won silver at the 2005 SEA Games, and took the trophies home at the 7th Singha-Sat Thai LPGA Championship in 2013 and the ICTSI Riviera Ladies Classic in 2014.
VALENICE G. BALACE
(HS BATCH 2005)
A creator, entrepreneur, and innovator, she has made a mark in global technology by founding tech startups Peekawoo and Hong Kong-based Honesty Worldwide Ltd. She was the lone Filipina recognized by Forbes Magazine in its first “30 Under 30 Asia” in 2016 and made it back to the list in 2017 as one of its All-Star Alumni.
MAICO "PACMAN" GREG T. BUNCIO †
(HS BATCH 2006)
A motocross prodigy at the age of three, Maico Buncio rose up the ranks of the local motocross and road racing scene. A legend on the racetrack who, at the height of his career, was named Philippine Superbike National Champion four times and Golden Wheel Awards Driver of the Year twice.
ELGIMAINE LOUISE M. BARROSO, DDM
(HS BATCH 2008)
Dr. Elgimaine Barroso’s talent and ethic serve her well as she balances her clinic work at the Barroso Dental Clinic with her hospital dentistry work at the UP-PGH Externship Program. After being awarded Best in Endodontics from the U.P. College of Dentistry during graduation, she then placed 4th in the 2015 Board Exams.
ERIKA NICOLE L. CHUA, MD
(HS BATCH 2006)
After graduating magna cum laude in B.S. Sports Science from the University of Sto. Tomas and earning the highest academic citation, The Rector’s Academic Excellence Award, Erika Chua relentlessly pursued her medical degree finishing cum laude in 2014. She is now an orthopedic surgeon.
LYNAIRA ANN Y. PINEDA
(HS BATCH 2008)
A consistent academic performer , Aira Pineda holds double cum laude bachelor’s degrees in Accountancy and Economics from De La Salle University, as well as placing fifth in the CPA licensure exams. Today, she is an experienced Growth and Strategy Officer and Director of Corporate Finance with over a decade of industry experience. She is actively involved with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).