Membership Type: Regular
Member Since: 2011
Committee Involvement: none

Jorge comes from the beautiful province of Bohol, Philippines. He earned his Bachelor in Accountancy from Holy Name University in 1998 and became a Certified Public Accountant in 1999. After becoming a Certified Public Accountant, Jorge worked in the banking industry for two years in credit and collection, bookkeeping, and internal audit. Before moving to Canada, he worked in the manufacturing industry for 7 years in internal audit and treasury.

In Canada, Jorge enjoyed working in the not-for-profit sector making a difference in the lives of animals in British Columbia. He also enjoyed doing volunteer work inspired by the Canadian society's spirit of volunteering. With his determination and hard work, Jorge became a Chartered Professional Accountant in 2015.

Jorge loves nature and enjoys taking landscape photos in his free time, during sunrise and sunsets. You can see his beautiful photographs at his website - www.facebook.com/jorge.ligason.photographic.arts.
Every summer Jorge enjoys swimming in English Bay.

Membership Type: Regular
Member Since: 2015
Committee Involvement: none

Julian graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Economics from De La Salle University-Manila in February 2012. He is currently pursuing his CPA, CGA and CFA designations. While in Manila, he worked in Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company after taking the Philippine CPA board exams. In Canada, he has been working in the University of British Columbia in various capacities over the last three years. Currently, he is the Finance Manager of UBC's Peter A. Allard School of Law. He is a big sports fan and follows basketball, tennis, and cycling religiously. He enjoys playing Ultimate Frisbee, going hiking, and watching television.

Membership Type: Regular
Member Since: 2011
Committee Involvement: none

Rowena Altamirano finished her Bachelors degree in Accounting from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. She is a Certified Public Accountant from the Philippines and has been with the accounting profession for more than 10 years. She spent the first 4 years of her career with SGV & Co. (An Ernst and Young member affiliate), then later joined the finance team of Innodata Inc. She eventually joined Accenture Philippines and was with the company for 4 years before she migrated to Canada in December 2010. Currently, she is a CGA PACE level student and works as a Tax Accountant for a multinational semiconductor company in Burnaby. She loves to travel with her husband Enrico and daughter Kate.

Membership Type: Regular
Member Since: 2012
Committee Involvement: none

Shalimar is an audit and accounting professional with over 10 years' experience within diverse industries. She graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Accountancy from the prestigious University of Santo Tomas in Manila. She joined Sycip Gorres Velayo & Co. as an auditor after passing the CPA Board Exams. She moved on to being an Internal Auditor with United Coconut Planter Bank (UCPB). During her stint with UCPB that she decided to pursue the Certified Internal Auditor designation, she successfully passed the exams in 2003. In 2004, she joined San Miguel Corporation (SMC) as an Internal Auditor. Then, she was offered the position of Finance and Administration Head for Luzon operations of the newly set-up Finance Department of its Shipping and Lighterage Corporation, a subsidiary and the official logistics arm of San Miguel group of companies. She stayed with SMC for over 6 years before eventually migrating to Canada in 2011. Currently, she is working as an Accountant with a Richmond-based Canadian aerospace, information services and products company. In addition, she is actively pursuing her CGA designation.

She loves music and arts, and loves spending time with her loving husband and superduper adorable son.
 

Membership Type: Regular
Member Since: 2010
Committee Involvement: Professional Development & Education
 

Julius was born in Manila, Philippines. He immigrated to Canada with his family in 1993, where he completed his secondary and post-secondary studies. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting from the University of British Columbia and has been a CGA since 2009. He currently works in the accounting department of a film production company. His hobbies and interests include art, film, basketball and poker.

Membership Type: Regular
Member Since: 2009
Committee Involvement: Membership & Recruitment

Marilyn finished her Bachelor of Liberal Arts major in Behavioral Science and Bachelor of Commerce major in Accounting from De La Salle University-Manila. She joined SGV & Co. shortly after taking the Philippine CPA board exams. She spent 2 years as an auditor before moving on to join several industries occupying different positions. She spent her first year in Canada as a full cycle Accountant. Later on, with the help of fellow AFCA member Carol Tan, she moved on to work as a tax accountant in public practice. Currently, she is a Senior Accountant for a software company based in Richmond while pursuing her CGA designation. Marilyn loves to cook and enjoys the company of friends and families.

Membership Type: Regular
Member Since: 2011
Committee Involvement: Public Relations & Communications

Shailene is currently the controller of the Diocese of New Westminster - Anglican Church of Canada, a Course Marker at CGA-BC and a Course Marker Trainee at CPA Canada. She is also a charity consultant for religious organizations. She worked for 7 years as accounting manager of Congregation Beth Israel in Vancouver. She also worked at Sycip, Gorres Velayo & Co (Ernst & Young Philippines) for 3 years prior to migrating to Canada in March 2007. She was recognized as "One of the Top 10" graduates in CGA-BC in 2013 and graduated Summa cum Laude (highest honours) in her BS Accountancy Degree from Far Eastern University, Philippines in 2003.

Shailene also serves on the Board of 5 non-profit organizations including Worldwide Missions of Canada. In January 2015, the Fellowship of Christian Assemblies of Canada has given her the title of "Commissioned Missionary" and the Kainos Zoe Evangelical Church Mission ordained her as a pastor. She is the President of SeedCare International Ministries, a Canadian-based charity that provides scholarship grants to deserving students and supports the needs of the pastors in the Philippines. She is also the President of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants - Vancouver Chapter and an Executive Committee member of the Philippine Cultural Pista ng Bayan Society. When she is not working, she loves to travel, go on mission trips across the world, and speak to youth and students. She loves to spend quality time with family, friends and churchmates.