Get to know our dedicated team members. Each brings unique skills and experiences that foster trust and reliability in our mission.
Louie currently works in the Australian Public Sector of the Federal Government. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Sociology as part of a seminary formation with a Catholic religious order. He also earned a Master’s degree in Theology from Ateneo de Davao University in the Philippines, and a Master of Science in Computer Science from Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia. Aside from Project HOPE, he is active in his local parish church as a choir leader and President of the Parish Pastoral Council.
Joel serves as the Quality and Compliance Visa Officer at Adelaide University, where he supports international students and ensures regulatory compliance with visa and immigration policies. He holds a Master of Human Resources Management from the University of South Australia (UniSA) and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Notre Dame (NDU). His expertise spans student policy, compliance, and cross-cultural engagement.
Marie Ann is responsible for managing the organization’s funds, ensuring accurate record-keeping, and making strategic financial decisions to support the organization’s goals.
Since setting foot in Australia in 1996 and returning in 2006, Eileen has become a true jill-of-all-trades. A University of the Philippines Los Baños graduate majoring in Development Journalism, her career since the early ‘90s has spanned academe, government, hospitality, print media, health, sales, and accounting. Currently a Business Services Manager at Pisani Group, she also runs cooking demos for Saladmaster and is preparing to teach young Filipino Australians to appreciate their cultural heritage. She’s passionate about fairness, kindness, and community, and values being part of groups that truly care. Eileen is grateful to have connected with like-minded individuals who share her passion for service, volunteerism, and community engagement.
A psychology graduate with SPED background who found her true calling in medical practice and project management, she has since immersed herself in the world of healthcare operations. Driven by a passion for building efficient, patient-centred systems, she has either owned, managed, or established multiple medical practices—bringing together strategic insight and a deep understanding of people and processes. Affectionately known within the group as the “Mother of Perpetual Help,” for her philanthropic spirit, having supported numerous organisations, families and children through her compassionate efforts. Jhing is a very proud Mum of two kind hearted daughters.
When Atty. Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, former Vice President of the Philippines, ran for President in 2022, she emerged as the most compelling alternative among the ten presidential candidates, distinguished by her sterling credentials, professional background, leadership experience, and proven capability. As the sole female contender, she confidently carried the color pink as her campaign symbol — a bold statement of hope, inclusivity, and change.
Her candidacy inspired a groundswell of support that organically grew from the grassroots to the middle class, galvanized by her consistent record of clean governance, transparency, and genuine public service during her six-year term as Vice President. What began as a seemingly uphill battle soon transformed into a nationwide phenomenon known as the “Pink Movement.” This movement was instantly recognizable through pink shirts, lanyards, ribbons, and stickers, becoming a unifying symbol that rallied Filipinos from all walks of life and every corner of the Philippine archipelago.
Joining her in this historic campaign was former Senator Atty. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan as her running mate. Branded as the “Leni-Kiko Team,” their tandem painted the Philippines pink and posed a formidable challenge to many entrenched traditional politicians. The unprecedented rise of the Pink Movement drew both admiration and backlash; their supporters were soon labeled “Pinklawans” — a pejorative coined by rival political factions and their apologists as part of disinformation and propaganda efforts. Despite such attacks, the movement ignited a collective nationalist awakening, uniting individuals behind the Leni-Kiko tandem in the shared hope for a better, more just, and honest governance in the Philippines.
In Adelaide, South Australia, only a few Filipino families initially dared to publicly support the Leni-Kiko campaign, often wary of the polarizing and confrontational nature of political discourse on social media. Seeking to create a safe and supportive platform for discussion among like-minded Filipinos, Louie Trocio conceived the idea of a Facebook group called South Australian Filoz Engaged for Leni and Kiko (SAFE for Leni-Kiko). Soon after, he was joined by Mario Trinidad, a former cleric of the CICM Congregation. The Facebook group was officially launched on 27 March 2022 — Laetare Sunday (the Fourth Sunday of Lent, also known as Pink Sunday) in the Catholic liturgical calendar, a date rich in symbolic meaning for the movement.
As the days passed, more individuals and families joined the private group, sharing their ideas, exchanging hopes, and building a sense of community anchored in their common aspiration for a reformed and empowered Philippines. Eventually, SAFE for Leni-Kiko became an affiliate organization of 1Sambayan Australia, the overseas chapter of 1Sambayan, a broad political coalition in the Philippines founded by former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio.
On 24 April 2022 (Sunday), 1Sambayan Australia staged a nationwide Leni-Kiko Miting de Avance simultaneously held in key Australian cities – Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, and Adelaide. In Adelaide, the event was spearheaded by SAFE for Leni-Kiko, the local organization that represented the Pink Movement and served as a beacon of hope for South Australian Filipinos longing for meaningful change in the Philippines.
The Adelaide gathering, aptly dubbed “South Australia is Pink” Sunday, drew an impressive turnout of over 200 individuals and families from the Filipino-Australian community. Clad in pink and united in purpose, attendees expressed their unwavering support for the Leni-Kiko tandem, standing in solidarity with millions of Filipinos worldwide who envisioned a future anchored on integrity, transparency, and good governance.
The event not only highlighted the growing influence of the Pink Movement among overseas Filipinos but also reflected the deep sense of patriotism and civic engagement that transcended borders, bringing the spirit of the 2022 Philippine elections to Filipino communities across Australia.
09 May 2022 Elections – Aftermath Heartbreaks and Hopes.
Like millions of Filipinos both in the Philippines and abroad, members of SAFE for Leni-Kiko were deeply disheartened by the outcome of the elections. The result was a heavy blow to many who had poured their time, energy, and hopes into the campaign. A number of members, overwhelmed by frustration and disappointment, chose to withdraw from further involvement.
Even some of the core organizers requested time and space to step back from any immediate follow-up activities. Yet, despite the prevailing sense of heartbreak, the remaining leaders of the group made the difficult but meaningful decision to reconvene—this time not for political mobilization, but to honour the collective journey they had shared. They gathered to pay tribute to the tireless efforts of each volunteer, to celebrate the bonds of friendship and solidarity forged throughout the campaign, and to acknowledge the community that had come together in pursuit of a shared dream for a better Philippines.
A thanksgiving Mass was offered at the Filipino Chaplaincy, followed by a simple yet heartfelt program at the parish hall, where members reflected on their journey, expressed gratitude for one another, and reaffirmed their commitment to continue fostering hope and unity, regardless of the election’s outcome.
During the heartfelt event “Pasasalamat para sa Inspirasyon at Radikal na Pagmamahal” held on May 21, 2022, at the Mater Christi Parish Hall, a significant step was taken to sustain the spirit of volunteerism and advocacy. In the spirit of gratitude and solidarity, a group of dedicated individuals came together to form the Ad Hoc Committee tasked with laying the foundation and structure of the Angat Buhay Support Group.
The core group members identified to spearhead this initiative include Louie Trocio, Mario Trinidad, Arnold and Divina Callado, Gerry Mendoza, Larry Aguilar, Marie Anne San Gabriel, and Fr. Harold Camonias. They were later joined by other passionate community advocates: Atty. Fatima Reyes-Dela Verde, Eileen Cardona, Buddy Junio, Joel Espartero, Jhing Thomas, Alice Gastl, and Imelda Galmesa.
In the succeeding follow-up meetings, the group began laying the groundwork for a more structured and sustainable initiative. Several committees were established, including one tasked with drafting the organization’s Constitution and By-Laws (CBL), alongside preparations for legal accreditation as a formal entity. Recognising the importance of aligning with the broader movement, Louie Trocio was designated to initiate communication with Angat Buhay – Philippines, exploring the possibility of establishing an accredited support group based in Australia.
On 01 July 2022, the same day that Angat Buhay was officially launched by former Vice President Leni Robredo, a letter was promptly sent to the national office, seeking clarification and guidance on the process of affiliation and partnership.
It was during these foundational discussions that the group collectively affirmed its commitment to continue supporting the transformative initiatives of Leni Robredo. With the launch of Angat Buhay, we found a platform that resonated deeply with our values and aspirations. We embraced the call “to harness the passion and dedication” that had defined our campaign journey, and to channel that energy into sustained grassroots engagement and meaningful community work.
What began as a moment of political awakening has evolved into a mission of service. Amidst shared frustrations and lingering pain from past challenges, we chose to rise—recasting our hopes into concrete action. An interim set of officers was also formed to lead and guide the group through this important transition period, ensuring continuity, structure, and a shared sense of purpose as we moved forward with our commitment to nation-building.
The first Ad Hoc meeting marked a significant milestone in the formalisation of our collective efforts. During the meeting, a presentation was delivered outlining the background and evolution of the group—from its humble beginnings as a loose political support network for the Leni-Kiko tandem during the 2022 national elections, to its current trajectory toward becoming an organised, mission-driven community under the Angat Buhay banner.
The group was introduced to the Angat Buhay/Angat Pinas NGO through an organisational overview, highlighting its core purpose and four advocacy pillars, which serve as channels of support for underserved communities in the Philippines:
These pillars provide a clear and strategic direction through which our group can extend support from abroad, acting as a bridge between willing donors and Filipino beneficiaries. As emphasized in the discussion, Angat Buhay/Angat Pinas serves as a facilitating organisation, enabling connections that transcend geographic boundaries.
To ensure effective leadership and a smooth transition toward formalisation, the group appointed its first interim officers:
In line with the development of the organisation’s governance structure, a Constitutional Committee was formed to oversee the drafting of the Constitution and By-Laws (CBL). The committee is composed of Louie Trocio, Joel and Jane Espartero, Divina Callado, and Jhing Thomas. The committee held its first meeting via Zoom on 5 August 2023, and an initial working draft was prepared by Mario Trinidad to serve as a reference document.
This inaugural meeting laid the groundwork for what promises to be a purpose-driven organisation—rooted in solidarity, guided by values, and committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of fellow Filipinos.
Mater Christi Parish Hall, Grange Road, Seaton, 5023 South Australia
The official launch of Project HOPE (Humanitarian Outreach for People Empowerment), Inc took place at the Mater Christi Parish Hall in Seaton, South Australia symbolising the beginning of a shared commitment to support vulnerable communities in the Philippines. The event brought together advocates and volunteers driven by the belief that meaningful change begins with collective action, compassion, and purpose.
During the launch, the founding officers were formally introduced:
However, shortly after the launch, changes in leadership became necessary. Due to health reasons, Mario Trinidad stepped down as President, and the role was assumed by Louie Trocio, who was serving as Vice President at the time. In turn, Joel Espartero accepted the additional responsibility of Vice President, while continuing in his roles as Secretary and Public Officer.
This seamless transition reflects the team’s adaptability and unwavering dedication to the mission of Project HOPE. As the organisation moves forward, its leadership remains anchored in service, guided by values of integrity, solidarity, and hope for a better future—one empowered community at a time.
A significant milestone in its journey, Project HOPE (Humanitarian Outreach for People Empowerment) has been officially granted its Certificate of Incorporation by the South Australia Associations Incorporation Act 1985. This formal recognition marks the organisation’s transition into a legally registered entity, strengthening its capacity to operate, collaborate, and serve with greater impact—both within Australia and in its humanitarian efforts for communities in the Philippines.
The purposes of the Association are:
