Meet KUBO-OP's Team!

Our Mission: KUBO Organizing Project aims to inspire the Filipinx residents in Southern California through intergenerational programming, civic engagement, and promote equity based opportunities based on our 2 Core Pillars; cultural enrichment and community assessment & health equity. Our advisory team is an incredible group of FIlipinx cultural practitioners, industry professionals, and thought leaders, who guide us for stategic planning and overall direction of our mission.

KUBO OP Staff

Jazlynn Pastor - Project Director (she/they)

Hi, I'm Jazlynn! I'm a cultural worker, performing artist, and social emotional arts practitioner dedicated to serving the kammunity through storytelling. I have spent the past decade sharing dance and culture around the world through organizations like Parangal Dance Company, Kularts Inc., Agos (formerly known as the American Center of Philippine Arts), and Project Home Art. I currently serve Los Angeles, Orange County, and the San Francisco Bay Area by coordinating Philippine/Philippine American cultural programs through the Filipino Cultural School and now - KUBO Organizing Project!

In addition to my kammunity work, I also co-own WAVE Studio Space and run pinaypages LLC to offer opportunities for people to incorporate creativity and wellness into their everyday lives. I am grateful to be the upcoming Project Director and look forward to connecting with you all.

KUBO OP Advisory Council

Neil Belen

Neil Belen aka OMNEI.FM is Fil Am interdisciplinary artist, multi-instrumentalist, sound meditation facilitator, and record producer born and raised in Long Beach, California. With over a decade of experience in the realm of sound and frequency, his background in FM live broadcast, recording engineering, & theatre productions has led to worldwide travels and universal transmissions sharing the meditative essence of music.

Alongside his brothers and fellow sonic specialists Nativity and G1, Neil co-founded Dank Radio - a Black and Filipino family owned record label, radio show, and LA based network rooted in FilAm Arts & AAPI community service. Amplifying underground scenes and budding artists since 2005, he is now also producing OPM cinematic folk fusion records with Awit Award winning Palaweña artist anthropologist singer songwriter Jaycen Cruz. In between studio projects, OMNEI.FM can be experienced via sound ceremonies, wellness workshops, and pilgrimages across the Philippine archipelago, Machu Picchu, and beyond."

Harold Dela Cruz (he/ him/ siya)

Harold Dela Cruz is a community organizer by day and a hip hop practitioner by night from the Westside of Long Beach, CA. He received a bachelor of arts degree in Urban Studies and Planning from the University of California, San Diego where he discovered a passion for fighting for justice in the world. He has a wide-range of artistic experience from teaching dance to low-income seniors and homeless youth, to directing Ascension Hip Hop Dance Team from 2013-2015, to DJing for various non-profits throughout California over the past few years. He has trained as a community organizing fellow with Tramutola to pass the soda tax in San Francisco in 2016 and continued his organizing career training low-income parents to build political power and fight for an equitable education for their children in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Harold has been involved with the Long Beach Filipino Festival, the Long Beach Parol Lantern Festival, and is the Vice Chair of the board of directors for Public Health Advocates. He now continues to serve his community in Long Beach as the Filipino, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Health Equity Coordinator for the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services.

Tomas Delos Reyes

Tomas Delos Reyes is a cultural entrepreneur who is most recognized for his 25 years of experience in the Bar and Spirits industry and as an event producer, known for creating immersive experiences that blend art, culture, and nightlife. Starting as a craft bartender in 2003 during the cocktail renaissance of New York City he later consulted and produced events for top brands before opening a critically acclaimed Filipino restaurant, Jeepney in 2012. He then worked with Moet Hennessy as an expert for their spirits portfolio while focusing on partnerships, education and mentorship within the trade. In 2020 he returned to California to manage the West Coast for Don Papa Rum, a rum from the Philippines which gave him the opportunity to collaborate with members of the Filipino American community supporting key cultural events and initiatives. In 2022 he founded the Long Beach Bartenders Guild, a non-profit organization dedicated to uplifting the hospitality industry of Long Beach, CA through education, mentorship and events. In addition to his hospitality career, he is a Multimedia Artist and DJ who is actively shaping culture and branding with his unique vision and style.

Anne Esperanzate (she/her/siya)

Anne Esperanzate is a first-generation Filipino immigrant born in Rome, Italy, who moved to California at the age of 12. Overcoming hardships, she found purpose in energy healing and community work. As a Reiki Master, Sound Healer, Spiritual Life Coach, and Child Life Specialist she supports underrepresented communities by breaking limiting beliefs and realigning with their highest purpose. She amplifies Filipinx identities through her roles at Kubo Long Beach and Kubo Organizing-Project. Anne is launching Healing Roots Initiative, a humanitarian relief aid organization focusing on holistic support for post-disaster survivors. Through her personal and professional journey, Anne dreams of leaving a legacy that honors the rich tapestry of diverse roots, weaving together a world where every individual feels seen, valued, and connected in a harmonious embrace of humanity.

Jason Lacsamana (he/him/siya)

Jason Lacsamana is the Director of the St. Joseph Community Partnership Fund, a strategic grantmaking foundation with investments across the Western United States. In this role, Jason designs, implements, and supervises innovative initiatives that will positively impact health, with the ultimate aim of equity and justice in communities. With 25+ years in both the nonprofit and philanthropic fields, Jason has been dedicated to efforts that build community power, allowing organizations, neighborhoods, and diverse partnerships to become more stable, self-sustaining, and better advocates. A graduate of UCLA with a Master's in Public Health, Jason has been recognized as Health Educator of the Year by the Society of Public Health Educators and was recipient of the CAHRO Civil Rights Leadership Award. Currently serving on the Boards of Prevention Institute and Charitable Ventures, he recently completed terms as Chairperson of Orange County Grantmakers and as the Chair of the Advisory Board of PBS SoCal/KCET. Above all, Jason treasures his family time - enjoying great culinary delights and travel adventures together. Away from home, you’re sure to spot him at a 90s R&B concert or LA Galaxy soccer match.

Therese Miu (she /her/ siya)

Therese Miu is an expert community builder, leadership coach, and is a recognized expert on leadership and social entrepreneurship dedicated to activating individuals and organizations to lead change in the world.

She has powerful combination of wellness, organizational development, marketing, event, and non-profit expertise as a result of over 15 years of passionate commitment to building brands and helping corporations and organizations maximize their potential. As the Founder of @firedashmedia for 9 years her passion is supporting women in their personal and professional development. Therese has a 15+ year track record as a mentor, coach, speaker and facilitator promoting diversity, equity, + inclusion; community engagement; and the leadership of women. When not working with individual coaching clients or facilitating a retreat, she can be found working with corporations as a speaker, workshop facilitator, or leading a customized leadership development program. She understand the demands of work, life, and health. Grounded in the philosophy that small changes make big differences, She is the Founder of @risingfilipinas --her overall vision is to create lasting opportunities for women and diverse leaders to emerge across various ecosystems and to help build legacies with significant impact that lasts for generations. She is a parent to three adventurous, curious humans and partner to her better half. To feed her creativity she travels, explores food markets, dances in the kitchen, cooks, and (most importantly) eats.

Dianne Que (she/her/siya)

Dianne Que is a Design Operations Director in the tech industry, with professional roots in non-profit arts and creative agencies. She studied Political Science and Ethnic Studies at UC San Diego and has an MBA in Design Strategy from California College of the Arts. She has been involved in the Filipinx community for over 20 years across the Bay Area, San Diego, Los Angeles, and the Philippines as a cultural organizer, and more recently a publisher of the Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook and Tagalog Activities for Kids: My Family and Home. She also makes up one half of ginataan gang, a Pinay duo dedicated to gardening and growing in Long Beach, CA.

Harmonie T. Tangonan

Harmonie is a purpose-driven media producer with a focus on storytelling, particularly amplifying the voices and experiences of the Filipino diaspora. As a video editor for the Pilipinx in Wellness podcast, she works to highlight the intersection of culture, identity, and wellness in the Filipino community. She also proudly serves on the Advisory Council for KUBO Organizing Project, promoting cultural enrichment and building meaningful connections. Harmonie actively supports organizations, such as the Filipino Migrant Center, that work to empower marginalized communities. She is deeply committed to preserving Filipino history, ensuring that stories of heritage are celebrated and passed on to future generations.

In her free time, she explores the ever-growing world of vegan cuisine, always on the lookout for the best plant-based options at local restaurants. She also enjoys self-care and meditation, finding balance and mindfulness in her daily life. Additionally, she trains in Filipino Martial Arts with Pamana Kali, honoring tradition while connecting with her ancestral roots.

Item added to your cart