Emeritus Founders

A retired airline industry professional, Ed Cansino was born in Manila in 1953 and spent his childhood in the “City of Smiles”, Bacolod City in Negros Province. Ed got his education at La Salle College and after completing his studies went to work with several companies including KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Mead Johnson Philippines in various capacities in the Sales and Marketing departments.

For his marketing efforts at Mead Johnson, he was awarded as the Top Pediatric Executive in the country for 1975. He was also the youngest Account Executive for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines during his tenure with the company.
Reaching a dead-end in his marketing career, feeling restless, and itching for adventure, Ed secured a fellowship grant in 1980 from the University of Ohio to pursue a masteral program in International Affairs. Unfortunately, due to the brutal Siberian winters of Ohio, he failed to complete his studies and retreated to the sunny and sultry climes of So. California. He has never regretted that decision ever since.

Back in Los Angeles, Ed worked with two legacy carriers, Continental and United Airlines as well as travel outfitters, Thomas Cook and American Express for the next thirty years and retired in June of 2017.

Currently, Ed is First Secretary of the Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce Tri-County for Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino. He is also the Vice-President for Government Affairs and a founding Board of Director of the Coalition of Fil-Am Chambers of Commerce of Southern California (COFACC).

In his retirement, Ed finds great pleasure indulging in his passion as a Cloth and Fiber Artist, training and assisting Filipino artisans market their weaves for the international market.

Abraham L. Lim established his law practice in 2003 with a primary focus on Immigration and Nationality Law. He graduated from Western State University College of Law while he clerked at the Legal Aid Society. Fluent in Tagalog, he toiled on behalf of Filipino immigrants in front of the Department of Homeland Security and further represented their interests as a prominent member of the community since then. Atty. Lim is also currently Chair of the Los Angeles-Makati Sister City, Inc. under the Sister Cities of Los Angeles department of the Office of the Mayor of Los Angeles.

Mr. Don Orozco is a seasoned professional of the banking industry with over 20 of experience spanning both the Philippines and the United States. Upon graduating from the Philippine School of Business Administration with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1984, he immediately began his career in banking at the Philippine Commercial International Bank in Manila, for which he worked for over 12 years, eventually earning the title of Marketing Relationship Manager. He moved on from PCI Bank to become a Branch Manager of the RCBC Savings Bank in Manila. Prior to immigrating to the US, Don held the position as the Administrative Assistant to the Chairman at the Export Industry Bank in Manila.

Upon immigrating to the US, Don held several positions including the continuation of his bank career at Wells Fargo Bank as a Business Champion and Personal Banker. He shifted into a career in sales in 2014 becoming a Sales Cluster Head for Santa Clara and San Mateo County at PLDT. After a year in that position, Don took on the role of Pre-Planning Advisor (Licensed Life Insurance Agent) at Dignity Memorial, a position that he still occupies today.
Outside of his professional activities, Don has been very active in his community work. He is a former BOD and PRO of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Silicon Valley. He has also served as the PRO for the Filipino Community Center of Santa Clara County. Don has also served on the Board of Directors for the Milpitas Gateway Silicon Valley Lion’s Club and Avenue One Community. He was also a member of the Global Filipino Network and the Bayanihan FilAm Foundation, Inc.

In these roles in the community, Don has had the distinction of leading a delegation of Nurses from the PNA-NorCal to a medical mission in Tacloban, Philippines. He also brought Sheriff Laurie Smith of Santa Clara County to meet with PNP Chief Marquez. He also recruited several FilAm organization to join the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco.

Don’s hobbies and other interest include serving as the US News Correspondent for the Philippine TV Station Net 25, reporting the news and events involving Filipino American Community in the Bay Area. Don is also a Contributing Writer/Ads Specialist for FilAm Star and the Philippine News newspaper. His also works as the TV Ancho for the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Silicon Valley Network, where he interviews and features newsmakers and business owners of the Bay Area. Don is also a licensed Notary Public for the State of California.

William Peetoom, RCFE is a committed community building leader, advocate and zentrepreneur. Experience includes private, nonprofit and public sectors in technology and healthcare with a specialized MarComm with a strong interest towards Asian Pacific Islander(API) socio-economic development and elder-adult, care policy and reform.

Community involvement includes but is not limited to the support for civil rights and liberties for the Asian Pacific Islander(API) and Aging Adult communities. Currently a certified California State licensed RCFE Administrator, Care & Compliance and is a certified San Diego County Long Term Elder-Care Ombudsman with the County of San Diego Aging & Independence Services and Senior Care policy and reform endorsed City Commissioner for San Diego County Mayoral Senior Affairs.

Previous career paths within digital communication led him to be a pioneer with an Internet online production of live streaming Internet news talk radio, simulcast to AM talk radio. Having a passion for technology, small business growth and development led him to the develop The Kaizen Group(TKG) which harnesses technology, social media and networking connectivity between local, regional and a global business networks. As a resource internationally; The Kaizen Group(TKG) is a collective of management for new business development for product/service distribution and influence with IT digital marketing services, and medical tourism and retirement abroad.

Dedicated civil volunteer; service and community involvement includes being an active member and current presiding President Elect & CEO of the FilAmChamber of Commerce of San Diego County(FACCSD), Co-Founding Board of Director for the Coalition of Filipino-American Chambers of Commerce(COFACC), and Board Member of the Federation of Filipino-American Chambers of Commerce(FPACC) and Co-Founder of the Integrative Medicine Discussion Group(IMDG) for the advancement and development of Integrative Medicine into mainstream healthcare.

Bio coming soon!