Excelsa De Jesus

FACC Young Ambassador (New York) - Excelsa is a young philanthropist, virtuoso performer, model, and beauty queen.  She graduated from the American Musical And Dramatic Academy in Manhattan, NY majoring in Musical Theater. She was awarded by NY PIDC’s “Artist of Exceptional Ability,” as well as PACCAL’s “Entertainer of the Year.” Having done multiple solo concerts in NY, Florida, and the Philippines, Excelsa has shared the stage with famous celebrities such as Kristin Chenoweth in Broadway, Martin Nievera, Lani Misalucha, Pilita Corales, Regine and Ogie Alcacid, Gary Valenciano, Sarah Geronimo, Eric Santos, Morisette Amon, and Jose Marie Chan to name a few. Besides being the Miss Republic of the Philippines International 2018-2020, she has a very compassionate heart and makes annual trips to the Philippines for charity and missionary work. She uses her voice to uplift and inspires those around her to be the driving power of change.

Katrina Manabat​
FACC Young Ambassador For Health Affairs and Programming Events (Ellicott City, Maryland) -  Katrina is currently a sophomore Nursing Major at Stevenson University in Owings Mills and a consistent honor student. She began singing at the age of 4 and taking piano lessons at the age of 7 and has loved performing ever since. At Archbishop Spalding High School, she was a part of many vocal groups, she accompanied other choruses on the piano, and performed in Spalding Musical Theatre productions every year. She won the Accompanist Award at the Festival Music Competition in Virginia Beach, Virginia in 2016; the Maestro Award at the WorldStrides Music Competition in Nashville, Tennessee in 2017; and received the Outstanding Vocalist and Outstanding Musician Awards throughout all four years of high school. At the end of her senior year in 2019, she won the Best Supporting Actress in a Musical Award from the Cappies of Baltimore for her performance as the Drowsy Chaperone in “The Drowsy Chaperone.” At Stevenson University, she won first place at “Stevenson’s Got Talent” and top four competitors in the grand finals of the Baltimore Loves Talent on ABC WMAR 2. Throughout the first few months of quarantine, she was chosen to sing in a handful of virtual singing events and competitions. For the past few years, she has also been performing at many charitable organizations including FACC events. She also loved powerlifting as part of her health and wellness interests. 
 

Avrianna Artus (Wisconsin) 
FACC Young Ambassador
Avrianna Artus is an accomplished young woman with a remarkable journey in pageantry. She first made her mark as the 2018 National Mini Miss for America's Little Miss. In 2019, she was crowned

Miss Wisconsin Princess for National American Miss. In 2020, she became Miss Wisconsin 3rd Grade for Miss Elementary America, and in 2021, she won the title of Miss Wisconsin Jr. Preteen for National American Miss and went on to become the 2021 National American Miss Jr. Preteen. In 2023, she was crowned Miss Wisconsin Preteen for Ideal Miss. Most recently, in 2024, she earned the title of Miss Wisconsin Preteen for USA National Miss. Beyond her impressive pageantry achievements, Avrianna is the founder of Project LOVE (Let Our Voices Empower), a heartfelt initiative aimed at empowering others through positive action and advocacy. She is also an active model, working with notable brands such as AshleyLauren, Kohl's, Belk, and Rooms-to-Go. Currently, she is in the process of breaking into acting. Avrianna is honored to be a part of the Filipino American Cancer Care (F.A.C.C.) organization and is grateful for the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with its officials in their mission to fight against cancer. She is passionate about helping cancer patients, especially those who lack the financial means for treatment. Avrianna understands that providing financial assistance can be a

tremendous help to patients and their families, potentially saving lives and helping with basic needs.

Avrianna dreams of one day becoming Miss Universe, inspired by her idol, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray. Additionally, she aspires to be a fashion designer and an airline captain like her Dad.
 

Heather Alexia Santos (Washington State)
FACC Young Ambassador 
A double degree graduate from the University of Washington, was president of the Women in Science and Engineering Club, and active member of the Associaton of Filipino-American Engineers of Washington. She utilizes her degrees and experience to encourage young girls to pursue a higher education and career in STEM as a mentor for the youth in collaboration with a local non-profit, The Circle WA, with her project “Math and Makeup”. She values education deeply and hopes that every child has the opportunity to receive a quality education. She is a preschool teacher and together with her co-teachers and students she ran a book drive to gather books, supplies, and rain boots to send to the underprivileged children in the Philippines. Heather is Miss World America Continental and Miss Earth Baby Brand Ambassador. As Miss Earth Baby Brand Ambassador she worked alongside the Filipina owned business owners to promote early childhood literacy for the “Preface Project” where over $115,000 was raised to foster equality through education. Currently, she’s the newly appointed Miss Philippines Washington State 2024. Cancer taught her not to complain about the little things. Cancer brings drastic changes to everyday life and it’s hard to witness a loved one endure this. She dedicates her participation in the Filipino American Cancer Care to her aunt, a Breast Cancer Survivor. Through this involvement, she hopes to extend support and compassion to those facing this difficult challenge.
 

Ryan Marc Ferrer Subigca (Iloilo City, Philippines)

FACC Ambassador 

Ryan is a proud alumnus of West Visayas State University and a committed student leader and volunteer. As a Young Ambassador of Filipino American Cancer Care, he believes that he is called to make a difference in the lives of others by using his voice to influence and promote awareness about this serious disease.  He said that cancer is a grave illness that has a wide range of effects on people's lives. It has numerous therapeutic alternatives, but the problem is that most individuals are ignorant of them and do not conduct frequent examinations. Driven by faith and compassion, Ryan reminds those battling cancer that they are not alone. He believes that beyond the challenges of the illness, there is hope—and that true triumph is ultimately found in Christ.
 

Melissa Tizon (Seattle, Washington)
FACC Ambassador

Melissa Tizon is a Filipino-American and the wife of late Pulitzer Prize winner Alex Tizon, author of My Family’s Slave and Big Little Man. Currently going through her second breast cancer journey, Melissa is inspired by her mother and other survivors who have shown her how to navigate a cancer diagnosis with positivity, grace and gratitude. She is also committed to giving back by supporting other Filipinos facing cancer through Filipino American Cancer Care. A former journalist, she serves as the vice president of national communication for Providence, a not-for-profit health system serving the Western United States. She is the mother of two daughters and lives in Seattle, Washington.
 

Dave Valeriano (Maryland)
FACC AMBASSADOR

DAVE VALERIANO is a singer/theater actor, host and fashion model.  He was crowned as MR. DC 2023 held at the MGM Hotel and Casino. The first Filipino to win the crown. He made his debut at a fashion model at the New York Fashion Week. He is also a World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) 7x Gold, silver and bronze medalist and participated at the Manhattan International music competition. He released his debut  solo album in 2010 entitled KEEP IT MOVING. One of Dave’s single was featured in one of the episode of the CBS’s series THE SEAL TEAM. His latest filipino language single has now reached over 100k stream counts and made it to the TOP 50 VIRAL PHILIPPINES on spotify. 

Dave’s thoughts on Cancer:

“Our technologies has evolved and continuously improving when it comes to treating and detecting cancer. We have more resources now than before. However, not everyone has access to it. My hope is that soon, every cancer patient won’t have to worry about not get the treatment due to financial hardship. But for now, we as a citizen should lend our hands and help as much as we could.”
 

Belinda P. Thomas (New Jersey) 
FACC Ambassador

Belinda Thomas, a 46-year-old Certified Medication Tech from New Jersey, proudly represents the LGBTQ community. By day, she excels as a Staffing Coordinator at Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living in Toms River, NJ, and by night, she graces the ramps of NYC as a part-time model. Originating from the stunning City of Puerto Princesa in the Province of Palawan, Belinda earned her Bachelor of Arts Major in Mass Communication from Palawan State University in 1998. Her passion for community service shines through her tenure as PALMEA President, leading medical and dental missions in remote barangays of Puerto Princesa City.

 

In her leisure, Belinda indulges her love for travel and photography, capturing the beauty of iconic landmarks in NYC and throughout NJ. Her dream is to explore the United States. With 27 states already visited, Belinda's adventure is a testament to her adventurous spirit.

The impact of cancer hit close to home for Belinda when a dear friend was diagnosed. Through this experience, she learned the importance of cherishing each moment in the face of adversity. Believing in the power of support and compassion, Belinda advocates for a life filled with forgiveness and appreciation for the present.
 

Carl Andrada (Los Angeles, California) 
FACC Ambassador

Carl Andrada is the man behind “Carmelo Designs.”  He started as a costume designer/Stylist  for an all male Filipino acapella group  the Prime Note Ensemble. He learned how to make patterns and sew through YouTube videos and  textbooks, eventually he studied Fashion Design at the The Los Angeles Trade Technical College to honed his skills.

In 2015 he joined and won  the Metropolitan Fashion Week costume design competition which opens a lot of attention from international pageant community.  He then created national costumes and evening gowns for Miss Earth Suriname, 2017 Miss Universe Zambia, 2018 Miss Grand International Zambia (Top 10 Best National costume),  2019 Miss International Zambia, 2019 Miss Earth Zambia, 2019 Miss Globe USA , Miss Universe Mauritius as well as local pageants such as Miss Filipina International, Miss Asia USA and Miss Philippines USA.

Aside from that, Carl is known in the Filipino community for his Philippine inspired costumes using different types of  Philippine fabric  as well as eco friendly  materials  indigenous from the Philippines.  Recently, he presented a 15 pc. collection made from MUSA fabric- a handwoven fabric made from banana fiber by the People Deprived of Liberty of the DAvao del Norte Provincial Jail 

Currently, Carl is the creative director/designer for Miss International Zambia and Miss Universe Mauritius. Carl’s mother passed away from liver cancer and he knows exactly how it feels to lose someone because of this horrendous disease.  Carl is motivated to help and support FACC in the fight against cancer❤️

Zed Rey R. Villaceran (Vienna, VA) 

Young Ambassador 

Zed Rhey R. Villaceran is 17 years old and was blessed with the opportunity to pursue his studies in the United States. Currently, he is a junior at George C. Marshall High School and a proud member of the Mock Trial Club. His journey as a student has taken him from the Philippines to the U.S., allowing him to grow as an athlete, servant leader, and individual.

During his earlier years and high school experience in the Philippines, he had the privilege of representing his school as a member of the Badminton Varsity Team. He also trained under the Manguiat Badminton Training Center (MBTC), where he continued to develop as an athlete. 

He proudly represented both his school and the organization in various tournaments, including the Precision Tournament in Antipolo City. While sports taught him discipline and perseverance, he also explored acting, which strengthened his confidence and adaptability. In 2018, he won the Ilonggo Acting Competition in the Grade School category at St. John’s Institute, Bacolod City. Aside from being a competitive athlete and artist, he strives to be a servant leader. He attended numerous team-building activities and leadership training programs that helped him become a more responsible and committed student leader. In Grade 10, he served as the Student Council Treasurer at Don Bosco Technical College in the Philippines. These experiences instilled in him the values of humility, service, and responsibility. He takes pride in being a servant leader who puts others first and leads by example. Witnessing how illness, particularly cancer, affects lives has deepened his understanding of service and empathy. Cancer is a thief that takes away comfort, peace, and often life itself. It brings pain, fear, and despair feelings no one should ever have to endure.  Regardless of background, age, past, or faith, no one deserves the torment of cancer. It is something that must be taken seriously.  Cancer does not choose its victims. It affects children, parents, friends, and even strangers. Behind every diagnosis is a person with dreams, aspirations, a family, and a deep desire to live. It shatters routines, breaks hearts, and changes lives in an instant. Yet in the midst of pain, there remains unyielding hope, genuine love, and the determination to see another tomorrow. He firmly believes that everyone innocent or guilty, young or old deserves a chance to fight, to heal, and to live another day. Life is an invaluable gift, and every battle against cancer is not just about medicine; it is about preserving dignity, choosing hope, and believing in the possibility of tomorrow.  Throughout his journey, he will continue to use his skills and strengths to serve those in need. We are given gifts so that we may help others. He believes that the strength given to him carries a duty to support and uplift the weak.

He is grateful to FACC for granting him the opportunity to contribute to this noble cause and to serve with compassion and purpose.

Kyle and kyleen Neis of the "D NEIS SIBLINGS" (Millersville, Maryland) 
Young Music Ambassador 

KYLE NEIS and KYLEEN NEIS of the D NEIS SIBLINGS are talented brother-and-sister pair from the Filipino-American-Canadian community brings not only a wealth of musical talent but also a deep passion for making a difference.

Kyle and Kyleen Neis are multi-instrumentalists and performers, known for their skills in various instruments and their ability to bring energy and emotion to every performance. They have earned impressive awards, including The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award (USA) and the Golden “Tambuli” Awards for Youth Music Entertainment (Canada). They were also 2nd place winners in the Korean-American Got Talent 2022 competition.

Kyle, who started playing the trumpet in high school, has represented Manitoba, Canada, in international music festivals. He’s also known for his unique talent of playing multiple instruments, having placed 4th in the KUMU Magpasikat competition, performing on the cello, saxophone, and piano all in one performance.

Kyleen, at just 12 years old, is a former Little Ms. Winnipeg and has a stellar academic record, consistently achieving straight A’s. She’s a talented performer who has portrayed iconic roles like Maleficent in Descendants Jr., Romeo in Newsies Jr., and Sandy in SpongeBob, among others. She will soon take the stage as Sharpay in High School Musical Jr. and Lucy in 13 The Musical in 2025. Kyleen is also part of Batch 1 of Amped - Star Magic for Kids by ABS-CBN Canada.

Both siblings have been featured on TFC - The Filipino Channel, Wish USA Channel 107.5, and CKJS radio in Canada, sharing their music and story with the world. They will soon release their first single, “Walk The Talk,” composed by Annabelle Regalado-Borja of Talent Musikademy Australia, available on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and more.

D Neis siblings have also seen firsthand how cancer has impacted their family, which has fueled their commitment to supporting the fight against the disease.

Arrow Bolus-Peralta (Baltimore, Maryland) 
F.A.C.C. Music Ambassador 

ARROW BOLUS-PERALTA from Baltimore, Maryland wears many hats, one of them is a nurse.  Her nursing journey has brought her through various disciplines that eventually led her to Medicine Oncology.  

She is part of the pioneering nursing team that cared for Johns Hopkins Bayview’s first COVID patients.  This group of eclectic health care professionals now  comprise the Richard Bennett Medicine Oncology Unit.  

“Each patient and family that arrive have overwhelming hope against hope when admitted to our unit.  In our patients’ most vulnerable moments, there are sparks of courage and grace, while facing devastating news.”

Arrow began singing since  childhood, in her church choir, school musicals, and during long distance drives with her husband.  Coping with the loss of her mother, Arrow turned to singing as a way to put joy back into her heart.

Jeselle Fabria (Houston, Texas) 
Ambassador 

Jeselle Fabria from Houston, Texas is an accomplished model and advocate who embodies grace, intelligence, and purpose. A Dean's List honor student and NSLS Honor Society inductee, Jeselle seamlessly balances academic excellence with her passion for modeling and community service.

Jeselle's impressive pageant achievements include  2024 Miss Richmond, Texas,  Top Semi-Finalist on the 2025 NAM Miss Texas, 4th Runner-Up NAM Texas 2024 and recipient of the prestigious iAm International Camille Schrier STEM Award. Her diverse interests span astronomy, English literature, and digital art, reflecting her multifaceted personality and creative spirit.

As a dedicated advocate, Jeselle has walked in charity fashion shows, notably for Filipino American Cancer Care's "Fashion For Compassion" event, demonstrating her commitment to meaningful causes. Her modeling aspirations include featured in magazine photoshoots and commercial print campaigns for popular brands.

What sets Jeselle apart is her mission to celebrate self-expression and confidence through fashion. She passionately inspires young girls who dream of modeling to embrace their uniqueness, showing that self-expression is a strength rather than something to hide.

 

Zoe Ann Zang (Alexandria, Virgina) 
Ambassador

Zoe Ann Zang lives in Alexandria, Virginia and goes to St. Louis Catholic School. Even though Zoe is only 13 years old, she already stands tall at 5 feet 7 inches! She  comes from a multicultural background, her mother is Filipina, and her father is German which gives her a rich blend of traditions and values.

Zoe is a curious and kind-hearted girl who loves reading books, especially stories that spark her imagination and help her learn new things. Her favorite subjects in school are Science and Literature because she enjoys understanding how the world works and exploring the beauty of language and storytelling. When she’s not in school, Zoe loves hanging out with her friends, spending quality time with her big sister, and playing with her very first dog, a lovable pup named Ramen Noodle. 

One of Zoe’s proudest moments so far has been walking the runway at 2025 New York Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week in Italy, under the guidance of Fashion Designer Simoun Andres, a dream come true for someone who hopes to one day become a successful fashion model and actress. 

Zoe was especially touched by the bravery of a girl at her school who survived cancer. Her  strength left a lasting impact on her. Zoe believes that kindness, no matter how small, can make a big difference and through her role, she hopes to share love, hope, and support with others who need it most.  

Zoe may be young, but she already understands the power of compassion. Through her role as  Filipino American Cancer Care’s Young Ambassador and model, she’s excited to use her voice, heart, and spirit to help make a difference in the fight against cancer.