“Volunteers are not paid not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.”
— Sherry Anderson
HAPI’s pride lies in its volunteers and members who tirelessly devote their effort and time to keep the humanist spirit alive. The leadership skills of the HAPI officers set the bar for a system that maintains mutual trust among the organization’s internal and external affairs.
Let’s meet these officers:
We are Humanist Alliance Philippines, International (HAPI), a not-for-profit community made up of progressive humanists from across the world, all of us united by common goals for the greater good of humanity.
© 2024 HAPI Humanists. All Rights Reserved.
Michael Sherman, AICP is a professional city planner from the United States and practices his trade primarily in the State of Florida. Mike is a graduate of the Florida State University with a BSc in geography and economics with a minor in urban and regional planning.
Mike has been volunteering with HAPI since 2017, first as the International Liaison Officer in 2017 and was appointed HAPI Chair in 2018. Mike is a city planner by choice, part time farmer, historic preservation advocate, humanitarian, and HAPI Chair. Mike is also Trustee for Fairfax Manor in the mountains of West Virginia.
The manor house was built in 1818 by John Fairfax and includes a 500 acre working farm in Kingwood WV. Fairfax, a Colonel in the Continental Army was Geo. Washington’s Aide-to-Camp, manager of Washington’s farm at Mount Vernon and first Sheriff of Preston County, Virginia (now WV).
Marissa Torres Langseth, a.k.a. “Ms. M”, first founded the Philippine Atheist and Agnostics Society (PATAS, stands for “equality” in Tagalog) on February 14, 2011. Eventually, she took her attention from PATAS in December 2013 and founded Humanist Alliance Philippines, International (HAPI) so as to create a newer and better avenue to spread humanism.
She earned her degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing in Cebu, Philippines, then worked in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for four years. She traveled to the USA in 1990, working three jobs in the early years of her stay in New York City.
She also returned to school for a Master’s degree in Nursing and a Certificate in Adult Nurse Practitioner. She has been a USA citizen since 1995, and happily married since 1996.
Christian currently holds the position of Solutions Lead Engineer at the Metro Manila branch of Cambridge University Press in the Philippines. Throughout his career, he has ventured into various realms of Engineering, serving roles such as an Anti-Malware Engineer, Technical Support Agent, and Test Automation Engineer. Christian’s extensive experience is a testament to his dedication to work.
Christian is a fur parent, owning different animals that keep him company and sane, he is also a collector of books and board games!
Junelie Anthony Velonta is a Dumagueteño aspiring to be a writer and scientist. In 2015, he graduated from Philippine Science High School—Central Visayas Campus and is now pursuing a Physics degree in Silliman University.
He was a fellow for the 1st Cebu Writers’ Workshop, the 60th Silliman University National Writers Workshop, and the 2022 DLSU Young Screenwriters’ Workshop. Although a STEM major, he likes to daydream about and explore the use of local languages in both poetry and fiction.
Atty. Junald S. Dionaldo, an accomplished attorney and educator in Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines, has practiced law since 2009, specializing in criminal, civil, family, labor, and administrative law. He founded Dionaldo & Dionaldo Law Offices and teaches part-time at prestigious institutions like the Angeles University Foundation and Holy Angel University, focusing on subjects like Obligations and Contracts and Labor Laws. Additionally, Junald holds a Juris Doctor from the University of San Carlos and is active in professional organizations such as the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (Pampanga Chapter) and Angeles City Lawyers League (ACLL). He is fluent in English, Filipino, Kapampangan, and Visayan, and has basic Swedish skills.
Rayd Espeja is a pioneer member and currently the deputy head of Humanist Alliance Philippines, International – Bacolod Chapter and a member of the Board of Trustees.
He was part of the LGBTQIA+ Network who helped lobby the Anti Discrimination Ordinance of Bacolod City back in 2013. Together with his fellow LGBT rights advocates and colleagues, they were able to spearhead the first Pride March in Bacolod City back in 2012.
Mac is currently a Sr. Recruitment Manager at ResultsCX who leads a team of recruiters and coordinators to deliver high-quality hiring solutions for various clients across different industries. With over 10 years of experience in talent acquisition and team leadership, he have developed a strong expertise in designing and implementing effective recruitment strategies, managing end-to-end hiring processes, and overseeing talent sourcing, screening, and assessment activities.
He also served as an administrator of the Atheist Republic Metro Manila Consulate in the past, which gave him the opportunity to immerse and understand the secular community in the Philippines. Furthermore, he founded the Philippine Pastafarian Church last 2020 to battle the crippling threat of religious homogeneity through a legislation that was proposed by religious bigots in the congress.
Charles is currently a 2nd-year college student at Bicol University taking up the course Bachelor of Science in Social Work and has been a member of HAPI Sorsogon since 2021. He is a make-up enthusiast and aspiring drag queen who hopes to someday illuminate the world with his fierceness, boldness, and love for humanity!
Mary Jane “Mutya” Valenzuela is the current Chief Finance Officer of HAPI, a championing humanism since 2013, and one of the founding members of HAPI. Mutya is a certified cat lover as she has adopted several cats in the past years, she is also a Deadpool fan at heart.
Steven Cross, a.k.a. “Sean Ethan” is a passionate advocate for reason, compassion, and the human experience. As a staunch secular humanist, Steven’s commitment to secular humanism manifested in various initiatives aimed at promoting awareness of equality, and humanity. Sean joined Humanist Alliance Philippines, International as a volunteer in 2019 and is also a part of a support group for the LGBTQA+ community.
Steven’s philosophy as a secular humanist centers on the idea that reason, science, and compassion can guide ethical decision-making and contribute to the betterment of society. He believes in the importance of fostering a world where individuals can live meaningful lives guided by humanist principles.
As a secular humanist, his impact on promoting reason, human dignity, and social justice reverberates through the communities he has touched. His life as a secular humanist is a testament to the transformative power of reason, empathy, and ethical living.
“As a humanist and member of HAPI, this is what I do and my advocacy. I help because I know how it feels to be helpless but most importantly, I strongly believe and would like to bring back the humanity in all of us. I’m not expecting anything in return. I just want to help in the best way I can.” – Steven Cross.
Shane Haro is the Editor-in-Chief and the HAPI Scholars Chief. He is a writer, educator, and voice actor who has devoted his talents to upholding humanism in the Philippines and beyond. In his free time, he blasts a lot of Lana del Rey.
Glemir Sordilla is currently the Associate Editor of HAPI Scholars. She has been a part of HAPI for six years. She graduated from a State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She focuses on writing about news relevant to HAPI events and also Feature Articles that impact our world and our daily lives. She wants to be a role model to future generations and to embody what humanism truly is. She likes listening to music and reading books about mystery and crime.
Irine Dipano is a 2nd-year college student, taking Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. Currently the Social Media manager and HAPI Bulacan member. Passionate about creating a better, more equal future for kids, with a strong belief in the power of human kindness.
Shawn Evans “Sev” Quiming is currently the Web Manager and the youngest among the HAPI Scholars. As a STEM Engineering Senior High School student, he has developed a deep interest in the environment and Biology, leading him to pursue a degree in Biology when he’s in college. He believes that humanism is crucial for the younger generation, as it fosters a perspective that emphasizes ethics and empathy.
In his free time, he loves listening to music while playing his favorite digital entertainment game.
Angelica “AJ” Zalameda is a 3rd year Nursing student and a gal who aims to restore faith in humanity without the influence of supernatural beings, only with reason. Her goal is to show what humanism is to curious minds and free them from the shackles of religious dogma. She believes that religious beliefs don’t have to be connected to your kind actions and good deeds. She wants to help the future become better and show others a better perspective.
Nica, 20 years old, is currently a 2nd year college student taking up the course in Bachelor of Technology & Livelihood Education, Major in Information and Communication Technology. She has been a member of HAPI Sorsogon since 2021, and also a Social Media Manager. Her purpose is to serve and show compassion, and develop the will to help others.
Diosa Marie M. Aguila-Aguirre is an environmental consultant from Batangas. She is also an educator, teaching technopreneurship, environmental engineering, and research methods, among others, for 8 years and counting. She’s an advocate for sustainability and climate change.
Dandan is a business support analyst, who currently resides in Cebu. He co-produces and co-hosts “godless longganisa” coined as “The meatiest Filipino podcast”. He is an advocate of LGBTQ rights, skepticism AND critical thinking, and freedom from religion.
HAPI values reason and critical thinking. We believe thru science education; we can learn the best method and frame of mind for acquiring these skills. Having science with us as our tool, we can better understand the world, solve problems and develop beneficial technologies, and thus enhance human well-being.
If you have strong advocacy for science, we would like to invite you to be its ambassador. Kindly send us a copy of your CV and email it to steven.anthony.cross@gmail.com to volunteer.
HAPI understands that we are an important part of nature, and thru the process of unguided evolutionary change, we humans belong to the diverse and endless forms of the kingdom of Animalia. We believe that we should strive for mutually beneficial co-existence with our evolutionary cousins, and thus we value the conservation and protection of other animal species and their habitat.
If you have strong advocacy for animals, we would like to invite you to be its ambassador. Kindly send us a copy of your CV and email it to steven.anthony.cross@gmail.com to volunteer.
HAPI PUSO Ambassador represents our value and goals for the betterment of one’s wellbeing. We believe that we should be educated about our mental and physical health; learning how to deal with different range of emotions and changes in our mind and body, and maintain it up to good health.
If you are knowledgeable about our mind and body, and have strong advocacy for it, we would like to invite you to be its ambassador. Kindly send us a copy of your CV and email it to steven.anthony.cross@gmail.com to volunteer.
Susan Santos serves as the lead convenor of the HAPI Bulacan Chapter, where she dedicates her time as a volunteer barangay health worker, actively contributing to her community’s welfare. Her involvement with HAPI showcases her strong leadership qualities, exemplifying her commitment to making a positive impact through volunteerism.
Van is a licensed high school teacher by profession. He is managing his own business located at Subic, Zambales. He is currently the lead convenor of HAPI – Zambales Chapter (2021-present) and part of HAPI – Pride since 2022.
Janice Buenaventura was born and grew up in Bicol, Sorsogon. In 2006, she moved to Manila and pursued her career in arts, photography, and filmmaking. In 2018, She was the lead convenor of HAPI-Metro Manila and led the Clean Drive in LPPCHEA as her first HAPI project.
From 2019 to 2020, She moved back to her hometown Sorsogon to give back to the community. She led a HAPI relief goods drive helping families that were hit by typhoons Rolly and Quinta. She also leads a book donation drive as HAPI Educational program in the participation of Brigada Eskwela.
Early in 2021, She concluded a HAPI Youth camp as her first project as HAPI Sorsogon Lead Convenor and established the first HAPI chapter in the Bicol Region.
Liberty “Jhing” Dedicatoria is the HAPI Alabang Chapter’s Lead Convener. A caregiver with a lot of volunteer experience. She is responsible for the majority of HAPI-Alabang Chapter projects. She joined HAPI with the hopes of spreading the support and joy she had experienced there, making an effort to reach others and persuade them to take similar action.
A Typhoon Sendong survivor who turned into a volunteer since 2012 up to the present and is now a HAPI-Cagayan de Oro Lead Convenor. He left behind his academics for almost 10 years but did not hesitate to continue his studies. He is now a college graduate with a degree of BSBA-Finance Management Major in Phinma – Cagayan de Oro College.
Ann believes that we need to spread humanism in our community, as well as evaluate the needs of the people in order to provide the knowledge and information they need. She strongly believes that helping each other is also the best way to survive in today’s society.
