Filipinnovation in Wealth Building celebrates PH National Innovation Day with Filipino Finance Leaders
Filipino and Filipino-American professionals share their journeys and strategies for building wealth during the panel discussion of “Filipinnovation in Wealth Building.” (Photo by Nikka Arenal)
NEW YORK, 24 April 2025 – In commemoration of Philippine National Innovation Day, the Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in New York, in partnership with the International Society of Filipinos in Finance and Accounting (ISFFA) – New York Chapter, hosted a forum on “Filipinnovation in Wealth Building.” Held at the Philippine Center in New York, the event highlighted Filipino creativity, leadership, and innovation in the fields of finance and wealth management. Close to 100 attendees, mostly young Filipino and Filipino-American professionals, joined the forum.
The program opened with a keynote address from Dr. Victor Calanog, Global Co-Head of Research and Strategy for Real Estate at Manulife Investment Management, who shared an overview of wealth-building strategies and macroeconomic insights relevant to young Filipino professionals navigating today’s complex financial environment.
Mr. Victor Calanog delivers his keynote address during the forum on “Filipinnovation in Wealth Building.” (Photo by Nikka Arenal)
Following the keynote, the event transitioned into a panel discussion moderated by Ms. Gemma Padchonga, Associate at Goldman Sachs. Three distinguished Filipino professionals joined the panel and shared their personal journeys and strategies for building wealth, shaped by their cultural heritage and professional experiences.
Ms. Inez Aznar, FSCP®, Financial Planner at Eagle Strategies, LLC, emphasized the accessibility of investment opportunities, particularly for those just starting out with limited capital. Mr. Michael Onghai, Founder of Snowy August Management LLC, discussed how the community can tap into emerging opportunities in technology, including fintech, artificial intelligence, and blockchain. Meanwhile, Mr. Matt Veland, Financial Planner at Prudential Financial, spoke about the challenges faced by first- and second-generation immigrants in establishing financial security. He also shared practical advice on developing foundational financial literacy habits and tailoring financial advisory services to meet the unique needs of the AAPI community.
(L-R) Inez Aznar, Gemma Padchonga, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, Michael Onghai, Matt Veland, Trade Commissioner Benedict Uy, Alyssa Trinidad, Michael Gonzales, and Vice Consul Cathe Aguilar gather for a group photo after an insightful panel discussion. (Photo by Erik Aguilar)
In his remarks, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile highlighted the significance of National Innovation Day, which was celebrated earlier in the week with this year’s theme: “FLIP: Forging Leaders of Innovation in the Philippines.” He emphasized the importance of inspiring the next generation of Filipino leaders, exciting the public about the power of Filipino ingenuity, and celebrating the trailblazing Filipinnovators who are creating opportunities across diverse fields, including finance.
Consul General Senen T. Mangalile delivers his welcome remarks on the remarkable contributions of Filipinos in the field of finance and wealth management. (Photo by Nikka Arenal)
Consul General Mangalile added, “That’s what tonight is all about. We envisioned this event as a space not just for learning, but also for connecting and building community.”
The forum marked another milestone in the Filipinnovation Series, now on its sixth installment, which continues to celebrate Filipino creativity and leadership across industries while inspiring the next generation of innovators. END
