Events Team
Josh Gancena
VP Events
Kumusta y’all! My name is Joshua Gancena but you can just call me Josh lol. I am in my fourth year of nursing at McMaster hopefully to be passing my NCLEX exam this year as well so I can add the letters “RN” to the end of my name :). I am this year’s VP Events on FMSA and within this role I am responsible for creating, planning and executing different events that will happen throughout the school year! I know with the fall semester being online it may be difficult to picture how events are going to run but have trust in your VP Events! I am working hard over the summer to still bring to everyone what FMSA has to offer virtually! When I’m not working on creating events I love to work as a Barista at Starbucks and a PSW at a retirement home! When I’m not working then I love to spend time with myself in my room and binge watch animes, kdramas, kpop stages, random vlogs on youtube and more! I enjoy anything that involves food, music and mindfulness so if you’re into that stuff hit me up on one of my socials! (pls connect with me on linkedin so I look professional)
Kristina Meriel
VP External (FSA)
Hi friends! My name is Kristina Meriel and I am FMSA’s External Director - FSA for this 2020-2021 school year. As External Director - FSA, I act as the main liaison that connects FMSA to other Filipino Student Associations (FSAs) across Canada. Most of my work consists of collaborations with other FSAs to connect other Pinoy students from different post-secondary schools. I am entering my 4th year of Honours Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour (PNB).
If you are ever looking for me on campus I will always be in the Psychology Building lobby doing work or talking to friends (mostly the latter if I’m being honest). I love staying active whether in the form of volleyball or dancing as well as just staying indoors reading books.
I am so excited to see both old and new FMSA pamilya members and I hope to get to know you all whether online or in-person. If you ever have questions about FMSA or McMaster student life in general, message me on one of my social media accounts linked! I would love to answer your questions or just get to know you!
Elaine De Belen
VP External (MSU)
Hello there! My name is Elaine De Belen, and I am in my 4th year at McMaster University in the Honours Human Behaviour program. I was born in the Philippines but have lived in Canada for most of my life, mainly in Mississauga, thus resulting in my mediocre Taglish (Tagalog-English) skills. Joining FMSA in my first year allowed me to learn so much more about my culture, and also meet people that I now happily call my second family. For the school year of 2020-2021, I am one of FMSA’s External Directors, primarily to maintain connections within the McMaster Student Union. In doing so, I will be collaborating with other student associations. As an external director, I hope to reach out to others who share an interest in Filipino culture, as well as ensure that FMSA is involved and represented in the McMaster community. I identify as a lover of horror movies, anime/manga, K-pop, and good food. I’ll confess, I’m not the most athletic person but I do enjoy dancing if that counts for anything! I also like to sing and play the guitar, which I’m aware is very cliche for a Filipino. I love meeting new people, so if you’re looking for a new friend hit me up! Feel free to reach out to my social media handles if you have any questions!`
Kat Cornejo
VP Internal
Hello friends! My name is Kat, I was born in Toronto but was raised in Mississauga and Milton. I’m in my fourth year of a Combined Honours in Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour (PNB), & Communication Studies, simultaneously with a McMaster/ Mohawk Business Studies Certificate. My program do be long tho I know LOL.
I am this year’s Internal Director, and am responsible for all of our small scale FMSA events, mentorship and fundraising.
Some of my interests include eating, fashion, enjoying nature (I.e. hikes, watching the sunset, going to the beach, sitting lakeside etc.) binge watching tv shows, k-dramas, and k-pop videos :3
I look forward to getting to know all of you throughout this year. As a communication major, I am all about keeping up with trends and social media, so feel free to connect with me:
