Fil-Focus is the collaboration of three Filipino-Americans residing in San Diego, California. Our intent is to provide a new-media forum for discussion of topics relevant to our community, not just locally, but throughout the United States. Who knows where this project will lead, since much will be up to our listening audience. So please, don’t hesitate to contact us by providing comments to our episodes, or completing the form below with suggestions on possible future topics. Thank you!

Mr. Ray Ricario

Ray Ricario was born in Bremerton, Washington. Son of Josue and Segundina Ricario, respectively from Putiao, Sorsogon and Daraga, Albay, in the Bicol region of the Philippines. As a “U.S. Navy Brat” Ray grew up all over the world, having spent time in the New England, Italy, Virginia, Philippines and California. Over the last 15 years, Ray has been involved in a number of Filipino-based organizations in Southern California. He recently co-founded BicolRelief.org, a non-profit 501 (c) 3 Disaster Relief Organization. Professionally, Ray has over 19 years of leadership and experience in building and managing institutional organizations and startup companies. Mr. Ricario is a founding senior partner of R3 Partners, a boutique technology consulting company and Global Reach Solutions, LLC. Mr. Ricario also founded Club Internet Inc. in 1996, a start-up Internet solutions company based in San Diego, California. He is a trained specialist in Total Quality Management and Strategic Planning. He is also a Commander in the Navy Reserves and is currently the Commanding Officer of Naval Region Hawaii, Regional Operations Center. He has a BS degree in Biology from the University of California at San Diego and an MBA in Financial Management from National University. Ray recently graduated from the U.S. Naval War College. He is married to the former Lorelei Ricario and they have three children, Matthew, 15, Christopher, 10 and Mia, 3. They reside in Chula Vista, California.

Mr. Arnold Marquez

Following more than a decade in defense contracting and information technology, Arnold’s career in nonprofit administration began 10 years ago. Deviating from his studies in mathematical sciences at Stanford, he served as Managing Director at Asian American Repertory Theater (AART) for five years. At AART he was responsible for securing and operating the company’s own first and only bricks-and-mortar venue, MMPAC. While still at AART he helped found San Diego Asian Film Festival (SDAFF), where he co-wrote the festival’s first San Diego Commission for Arts & Culture Festivals & Celebrations Grant and later served as Director of Programs for four years. At Keeping The Culture Arts Foundation, Arnold served as Artistic Director, producing and presenting Filipino American performing and visual arts events, earning KGTV’s 10Leadership Award with his colleagues. He has worked in organizational development, communications, and fundraising capacities for the Family Violence & Sexual Assault Institute and Walden Family Services; and his social service interests led to executive producing SILENT SACRIFICES: VOICES OF THE FILIPINO AMERICAN FAMILY, a video distributed by the Center for Asian American Media (formerly NAATA). Arnold recently supported formation of the Filipino American Caucus of San Diego County, a nonpartisan Political Action Committee; became a member of the board at Common Ground Theatre, San Diego’s leading African American theater; and has joined the House of the Philippines, supporting the board there in marketing and public relations. His proudest accomplishments are his daughters: Alexis is a graduate of Barnard College working in Manhattan, and Schuyler graduates from High Tech High this year and will attend Mount Holyoke College in the fall.

Mr. A lden S alcedo

A lden S alcedo was born in Nabua, Camarines Sur, Bicol, Philippines and grew up primarily in California and Hawaii. His father, E rnesto A. S alcedo, a career Navy man, encouraged him to pursue a career as a Naval Officer. He received a Presidential Appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and was commissioned as a Supply Corps Officer upon graduation with a Bachelor of Science degree. Mr. S alcedo completed 20 years active duty commissioned service, retiring at the rank of Commander. He currently serves as Adjunct Faculty for the San Diego campuses of the University of Phoenix and Argosy University, where he specializes in business and management. He is the recipient of numerous military and civic awards, and is active with several local civic and business organizations. His advanced degrees include a Master of Science (MS) in Logistics, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA).