Misson Statement
USC Troy Philippines is a student-led organization that seeks to
provide its members with an open space that fosters personal growth, self-discovery,
and cultural celebration.
USC Troy Philippines is a student-led organization that seeks to
provide its members with an open space that fosters personal growth, self-discovery,
and cultural celebration.
ELECTED BOARD
Richelle Caday
President
President
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"When I came to USC, the first thing I did was look for the Pilipino club. I was so excited when I finally found the table with the Pilipino flag at the involvement fair, little did I know that Troy Philippines would be at the forefront of my entire college experience while playing such a crucial role in who I am today. Troy Phi is more than just a social/cultural org — it’s a community/support system where I’ve been able to grow as a person, explore who I am and what it means to be Pilipinx, create meaningful experiences, form lifelong friendships, and ultimately find a home. I’ve gone through so much from being involved since my freshman year that as cheesy as it sounds, I don’t have one specific favorite memory because every TP memory is my favorite. From the weekly general meetings to the outings, tailgates, kickbacks, Friendship Games, retreats, PACNs, icebreakers, and banquets, I always love getting to connect and have a good time with the people in this org. Everything we do really is for the culture and for the love, and that’s something special I’ll forever hold near and dear to my heart."
Fun Fact! I was born 3 months early - basically fate for me to be a Capricorn like my mom and little brother! |
Rafaelle Azarraga
External Vice President
External Vice President
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“I joined [Troy Phi] Fall semester of my Freshman Year when my cousins who had already been attending college had told me that I should join the Filipino org at my university, both of them having been very involved in their Filipino orgs at their respective universities. I joined in the middle of the semester having forgotten about the org, and did not really bond with anyone at first. However, after attending more and more events and being actively engaged with fun and enthusiastic people like Raven Castro and the then-president, Joseph Lascon. I came back the next semester participating more and more with the club and making it my home getting to know many of the members in my batch and beyond. As a board member, Fall 2019 was quite crazy organizing events for the club for the first time, but I found it very enlightening and was happy to bring joy to others.”
Fun Fact! I can bench 315! |
Regina San Andres
Internal Vice President
Internal Vice President
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"Troy Phi has been my favorite part about being at USC, and it's the reason why I'm always so excited to come back. I joined this organization to hopefully find a couple friends during my freshman year when I came from Chicago, but instead, I have found both a family and a home in all the people I have met. Not only have I learned to grow closer to my culture and identity, but I have become more confident and trusting of myself as a leader and advocate for the Filipino community. I am so excited to be IVP this year and hopefully contribute to others the passion, love, and friendships that have been given to me. My favorite memories with Troy Phi have definitely been coordinating and dancing to Jota Manileña with my kuya and also when I got paired with my ading (who is our current Programming Director!!<3) I love my KAA family and the entire TP family with my whole heart."
Fun Fact! Umm... I can wiggle my nose! |
Elianna Bautista
Programming Director
Programming Director
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"I joined TP because I wanted to immerse myself more into the Filipino culture in college and be around more of my kababayan. Little did I know that I would meet some of my bestest friends and that TP would be one of the driving forces for how amazing my freshman year at USC was. My favorite memory would have to be the first KAA party during first semester where the ~v i b e s~ were immaculate. I wish I could relive that night again."
Fun Fact! I love Vienna sausage. <3 |
Eileen Potter
Treasurer
Treasurer
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"Upon entering my Freshman Year, I knew I wanted to join a Filipino club on campus. At the Involvement Fair my first semester, I went looking for a club like this and stumbled upon Troy Phi. I wanted to find a community that shares a similar cultural background as I do. Troy Phi has profoundly impacted who I am as a person by providing me with so many opportunities to grow. By serving as an intern and entering my second year as Treasurer, I have grown from a shy freshman to a confident leader. I have learned how to lead a group of people, voice my opinions without fear, and have created a stronger connection with my Filipino culture. My favorite memory with Troy Phi is definitely participating in PACN. I have been able to act in the skit and even coordinate Modern. The camaraderie and spirit during the weeks leading up to the show are some of my favorite memories from my time at USC. "
Fun Fact! I am a certified scuba diver! |
APPOINTED BOARD
Ant Manliguez
Community and Culture Chair
Community and Culture Chair
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"Joining Troy Phi was almost instinctive—the organization offers a bright, welcoming, and nurturing community with diverse programming fit for everyone. Additionally, in the last place I resided in (Southeast Texas) I was one of only two Asian students in a class of 420. Troy Phi provides me a sense of normalcy and belonging that I never experienced in high school. Troy Philippines has had a tremendous impact on my life socially, professionally, and personally. It has provided me with role models that give me motivation to work towards my aspirations, it has given me friends that treat me like family, and the organization has overall allowed me to live a more fulfilling life in college. With Troy Phi being a rather big and busy organization, my favorite memories have really been when I get to bond in smaller groups. Particularly, one of my favorite memories is taking an excursion with all the other freshmen in the club to Jollibee after a general meeting. However, my absolute favorite memory of Troy Phi has to be Fall Retreat! Spending an entire weekend with 30 other students from the organization… all under one roof in San Diego… I had the time of my life to say the least. "
Fun Fact! Although I consider Australia to be my home, I have lived in four countries in four different continents! |
Gabbie Santos
Community and Culture Chair
Community and Culture Chair
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"Troy Phi is family to me, my chosen family. Having grown up in the Philippines and eventually immigrating to a neighborhood that is predominantly Filipino in Los Angeles, I surprisingly have never felt the same level of solidarity until I came to TP. The overwhelming sense of community I found at TP is what pushed me through freshman year and is something I continue to look forward to treasure throughout my undergraduate career. When I first joined TP, I didn’t expect it to shape my college career trajectory in the way that it did. Some of my closest friends are people I met through this club and my career aspirations are continuously shaped by the message and activism that TP stands for. Being part of Board this year is a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community that has given me so much. My favorite Troy Phi memory is when I got picked up during KAA reveals! I’m so grateful to have formed such a strong connection with my ate and fam line. The Kuya, Ate, Ading, Program is one of the many things Troy Phi offers to connect members and foster a sense of family and belonging. #LXQ"
Fun Fact! I’m double jointed lol. 🥴 |
Griffin McIntyre
Social Chair
Social Chair
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"Growing up away from my Filipino relatives, I was never really exposed to the kind of culture and lifestyle that my mom always talked about. I felt like coming to USC, and Troy Phi especially, was my chance to experience a culture that I longed to feel connected to and find people who felt the same. Friendship Games, an intercollegiate field day of sorts between SoCal Filipino clubs was one of my favorite memories, seeing so many clubs come together to play games and have friendly competition (along with playing with my clubmates to win!)."
Fun Fact! I've watched 150+ days worth of anime. |
Bobby Voong
Social Chair
Social Chair
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"I still remember the time when Richelle and all the other TP officers tried recruiting me the first semester of my Freshman year in the Involvement Fair. I didn’t join then, but I did join in the spring semester. It’s never too late to join TP. You also don’t have to identify as Filipino. I am Chinese-Vietnamese, and TP has welcomed me with open arms and has given me a place to call home. What do I love most about TP? It’s definitely the people, the culture, and the parties. We love to have fun. We are genuine, wholesome, and accepting. We are always down to hang out, chill, drink cold beverages, and just talk. We welcome everyone! Joining TP has definitely been one of the best decisions in my life. I have learned so much about a whole different culture. I have grown so much as an individual. I have been able to open up and I am still learning how to do so. It’s always the little things that make the most difference. The smiles, the laughters, and the cheers - all of the joy that TP brings to me - I really can’t explain it in words. If ykykyk? For the love and the culture ~."
Fun Fact! I love food so much! Especially boba, Hotpot, Korean BBQ, and sushi! I also love hiking! I’m always down to meeting new people! I love social interactions: I literally cannot live without them. 😋😋😋 |
Courtney Musmann
PACN Director
PACN Director
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"Initially, I joined Troy Phi to explore more of my roots and Filipino culture, but I ended up staying for the family and community I was able to find. Growing up mixed, I always felt that since I was only half, I didn't really deserve to truly identify as any of my cultures growing up. But being in Troy Phi changed that. <3 I loved celebrating PAHM and attending PACN practices last year (rip PACN 2020 </3), but my absolute favorite memory was being paired with my ate for KAA and eventually picking up my two adings! <3 Joining board was one of the best decisions I made, and I've already grown so much in developing my leadership skills and reaching my full potential. I'm so excited to (hopefully) put on an amazing cultural night with my co-directors Dom and Megan that showcases all of our member's beautiful talents!"
Fun Fact! I would happily sell my soul to see Frank Ocean live. |
Dominic Bautista
PACN Director
PACN Director
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"I joined TP because I wanted to find a community of people like me in such a different environment and get more involved in the Filipino community. I stayed because I made relationships with so many great people and they really helped keep me sane during hard times. One of my favorite TP memories has probably been tailgates. Its early and everyone is usually dead at the start, but it gets fun real fast! Just checking in with people you haven't seen and having a good time, sometimes going to the game or just vibing and eating after, its always fun!"
Fun Fact! I've only owned Nintendo consoles my whole life. |
Megan Gladden
PACN Director
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"I joined Troy Phi because I wanted to connect to Filipino culture. I wasn't able to learn much about Filipino culture through my parents, my grandparents had already passed away, and of course the American education system, teaches you little to none. The most I was able to learn was through my friends and their families, and I fell in love with the values, the customs, the clothes, and of course the food. So in college I decided to learn about Filipino culture on my own and it led me to Troy Phi, and I am so grateful for what TP has given me. Through TP, and PACN Director specifically, I have been able to learn about the history of the Philippines and its different regions. I feel as though I can understand my family a little bit more by connecting with our culture that is so rarely talked about. Growing up with four parents of mixed ethnicities, I often felt like I didn't have a culture I belonged to, but I no longer feel that way. My favorite memory is when we had a weeb a night at Raf's place; we watched "Your Name" and ate snacks together."
Fun Fact! I'm right-handed, but I like to eat with my left hand. |
Johannah Suegay
Director of Media
Director of Media
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"I joined Troy Phi to still feel close to my family and culture despite being thousands of miles away from home. Whether it is by eating Filipino food, telling Filipino jokes, watching Tagalog movies, or sharing stories about our families and shared experiences, anywhere can feel like home. This was exactly how my experience was with Troy Phi! Just through meeting a couple of people during my first meetings, I knew that this was a space where I will create incredible memories and feel comfortable and supported. The idea of finding community in a large university where I did not know anyone seemed daunting as a freshman. However, with the support system I quickly found in Troy Phi, this transition was easier and less overwhelming. My favorite memories during the past two years in the club are getting picked up by my Ate and picking up my two Adings! The KAA Program is so special and valuable in making Troy Phi feel like a family. My family line, LXQ, is a group of some of the most talented, funniest, and kindhearted people I know!"
Fun Fact! A jeepney ran over my foot when I was a little kid living in the Philippines and I didn't feel it. |
Angie Canonizado
Director of Media
Director of Media
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"I grew up in Texas, so I wasn't immersed in a lot of Filipino culture. Coming to USC, I didn't really expect for that to change, but Troy Phi quickly became one of the aspects that really shaped my freshman year. I have become more in touch with my culture, and have met some of my favorite people at USC through TP. My favorite memory with Troy Phi has been KAA reveals, where I got picked up by my ate Trisha! She and my family had been so welcoming and supportive, and I just feel so connected to the other members in the club because of our KAA program."
Fun Fact! I watched a movie every single day from March through July of this year. |
Jaden Mullin
Director of Outreach
Director of Outreach
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"My first experience with Troy Phi started in high school with the TPOP mentorship program. The atmosphere and community there was close to what I had at home, and thus made me feel welcome. Being in Troy Phi has made me more appreciative of my culture and has made me an all around more outgoing person. My favorite memory with Troy Phi was my time planning a club wide Friendsgiving as an intern. It truly felt like a family getting together to eat and play games, and just make memories."
Fun Fact! I generally dislike white sauces. |
Charles Ocampo
Director of Development
Director of Development
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"Going into college, I joined Troy Phi to make Filipino friends on campus. Instead, I found my second Filipino family! For the first few months I was at USC, I had difficulty transitioning, and upon joining TP, I really found my footing within the large college campus. I felt like I finally belonged at USC, and the meetings every Thursday night became what I was most excited for. Being able to explore my Filipino culture, along with the best friends I made through the club has been such a highlight for my USC experience. My favorite memory with Troy Phi has been the Fall retreat. It gave me a chance to talk to people in the club who I wouldn’t normally approach, and it really solidified that Troy Phi is a family to me."
Fun Fact: I never ate a burger until college at one of the tailgates. |
Michelle Ramos
Secretary
Secretary
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"Since I didn't grow up around many Filipinos, I always knew I wanted to join a Filipino club in college—and I'm so glad I did! Troy Phi provided me with the fun, loving community I hoped to find at USC. Not only has getting involved in this club taught me more about our culture, it also has given me the support to help seamlessly adjust to college life. I’m so happy to have met and gotten closer to such great people through being a part of Troy Phi. Despite the circumstances of this school year, I’m definitely looking forward to the friendships and memories we can all make in TP!"
Fun Fact! I was a DoorDash driver this summer lol. |