Filipino Tech Professionals of YYC

10/21/2026

🎉 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐅𝐓𝐏-𝐘𝐘𝐂 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫-𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧! 🎉

Another year of learning, building, connecting, and growing together deserves a celebration! 🥳

Our FTP-YYC Year-End Celebration is happening on November 21, 2026!

📅 Mark your calendars and save the date. More details are coming soon, so stay tuned!

Let’s wrap up the year with good vibes, great food, and our amazing Filipino Tech Professionals of Calgary (FTP-YYC) community. 🤝

𝘒𝘪𝘵𝘢-𝘬𝘪𝘵𝘴/See you, everyone! 💙

10/19/2026

𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐝𝐨: 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞 & 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐈

🏗️ 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲: 𝗕𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗢𝗦

Jeff Martin Jr Abayon showcased Boreal BuildOS, an integrated software platform built to help small and mid-sized Canadian contractors manage their operations more efficiently. By connecting tender management, estimating, project changes, progress billing, and invoicing into one continuous workflow, Boreal BuildOS aims to make enterprise management in the construction industry more accessible to smaller businesses.

🔐 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘁: 𝗖𝘆𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗜

Krysthel Calapardo, Euniz Brown & Theresa Lagonoy explored how AI is changing the cybersecurity landscape and what that means for businesses and professionals.

1️⃣ AI needs accountability. Organizations must consider responsibility for AI-generated outputs and establish proper governance.

2️⃣ Secure adoption matters. The goal isn’t to prohibit AI, but to use it responsibly within company security frameworks and compliance requirements.

3️⃣ Threats are evolving. AI gives attackers and defenders new capabilities, making threats faster and attack techniques more sophisticated. Defenders can maintain an advantage by understanding their systems and architecture.

4️⃣ Human skills still matter. Critical thinking, adaptability, and communication remain essential in a rapidly evolving industry.

5️⃣ Find your edge. Certifications can help you stand out in a competitive job market, but developing practical skills and differentiating yourself matters too.

🔥 One thing was clear: this is an exciting time to be in cybersecurity! As AI continues to evolve, staying curious, adaptable, and informed has never been more important.

🙌 Thank you to our speakers, moderator, volunteers and attendees who contributed questions, shared perspectives, and made the conversation engaging.

Let’s keep learning, building, and growing together. See you at our next 𝘚𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘚𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘥𝘰/Social Saturday! 🇵🇭💙

10/15/2026

💫 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐝𝐨: 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐈 💫

We’re welcoming back three familiar faces for another timely conversation on how AI is reshaping cybersecurity. With AI rapidly transforming the tech industry and raising new concerns around security vulnerabilities and AI alignment, it’s time to revisit the conversation and hear what’s changed!

🎙️ 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹

🎤 Krysthel Calapardo | Moderator
Krysthel is an Information Security Officer Team Lead with the Government of Alberta and serves as VP of the Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) Western Canada Affiliate. With 18 years of experience across diverse industries and countries, she brings a wealth of knowledge in IT security, service operations, and cybersecurity strategy.

🔐 Euniz B. | Founder and CISO, AxE IT Consulting
With over 18 years of experience, Euniz specializes in cybersecurity, strategic IT initiatives, cybersecurity training, business continuity, and disaster recovery. She also serves as Chapter Information Security Officer for the Project Management Institute, Southern Alberta Chapter.

🛡️ Theresa Lagonoy, ITIL4, ISO, CISSP, MS | Cybersecurity GRC Advisor, BACKSTOP - IT
Theresa brings over 11 years of experience in cybersecurity governance, risk management, IT audits, and compliance across critical infrastructure, financial services, and IT consulting. Her expertise includes security controls, risk assessments, and industry frameworks that help organizations navigate complex cybersecurity challenges.

📅 Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
📍 Platform Innovation Centre, Calgary
🚨 Register here (limited spots available): https://luma.com/isbc8kvg

Whether you’re a cybersecurity professional, tech enthusiast, student, or simply curious about AI, this conversation is for you. Come learn, ask questions, and connect with our community! 🇵🇭💙

10/13/2026

✨ 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐉𝐞𝐟𝐟 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐝𝐨: 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞 & 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐈 ✨

🎤 Jeff Martin Jr Abayon is a Calgary-based software engineer, SaaS developer, and entrepreneur focused on bringing innovative technology to Canada’s construction industry. With experience in full-stack development, system architecture, and enterprise applications, he independently built Boreal BuildOS from the frontend and backend to database architecture, testing, and deployment.

🏗️ Discover Boreal BuildOS: The Operating System for Canadian Contractors!
Boreal BuildOS is an integrated software platform designed to help small and mid-sized commercial specialty contractors manage operations more efficiently and protect their profit margins.

Come see Jeff showcase his project and discover how technology can solve real-world industry challenges at our upcoming Samahan Sabado: Project Showcase & Cybersecurity in the Age of AI! 🚀

📅 Saturday, October 17, 2026
⏰ 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM (Doors open 1:15 PM)
📍 Platform Innovation Centre, East Annex
407 9 Ave SE, Calgary

🚨 Register by Thursday, October 15!
👉 https://luma.com/isbc8kvg

Come learn, connect, and support fellow Filipino tech builders! 🇵🇭💙

10/12/2026

𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐝𝐨: 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞 & 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐈

AI is changing the world. But are we ready for the risks that come with it?

Join Filipino Tech Professionals of Calgary (FTP-YYC) for October's Samahan Sabado (𝘚𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘢𝘺) where we celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month!

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲?

💡 Project Showcase: Discover Boreal BuildOS, presented by Jeff Martin Jr Abayon, and learn about the ideas behind the project.

🔐 Fireside Chat: Has AI changed cybersecurity? Join industry professionals for a conversation about how AI is reshaping cybersecurity, emerging threats, protecting digital assets, and building a career in the field.

🤝 Community Connections: Meet fellow Filipino tech professionals, students, career shifters, and curious minds. Share ideas, learn from others, and grow your network in a welcoming community!

📅 Saturday, October 17, 2026
⏰ 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM (𝘋𝘰𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯 1:15 𝘗𝘔)
📍 Platform Innovation Centre, East Annex
407 9 Ave SE, Calgary

🚨 Register by Thursday, October 15!
👉 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁: https://luma.com/isbc8kvg

Don’t wait until the last minute. Register now and join the conversation!

Whether you’re already working in tech, studying, exploring cybersecurity, or simply curious about AI, there’s a place for you in our community. Come learn something new, meet great people, and be part of the conversation shaping our digital future.

𝘒𝘪𝘵𝘢-𝘬𝘪𝘵𝘴/See you! 💙

Join us for Samahan Sabado, the monthly gathering of Filipino Tech Professionals of Calgary (FTP-YYC)! This month's meetup will feature a Project Showcase and…

10/09/2026

💫 BIDA NG BIYERNES (Friday Feature) 💫

Meet Jason Sanchez, a Calgary-based software engineering manager at Helcim who swapped a pre-dentistry path for computer science over a decade ago. Today, he channels his passion for servant leadership and problem-solving into building high-performing teams and exploring the fast-moving world of AI. When he isn't helping shape the next generation of tech leaders, you'll likely find him connecting with the local community over a comforting bowl of his childhood favorite, sinigang.

See his full interview below!

=======================================

Full Name: Jason Sanchez

Current Role/Title: Software Engineering Manager

Company or Organization: Helcim

LinkedIn Profile or Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j4ysanchez/

Primary area(s) of expertise within Tech: Software Development, Leadership

How long have you been working in the tech industry? 10+ years

What initially sparked your interest in tech, and what significant steps or experiences led you to where you are in your career today?

Ironically, I was supposed to enter university in Pre-Dentistry but ended up switching to Computer Science at the last minute. It was nothing like what I expected, but I enjoyed the challenge and thrill of problem solving and code. During university, I worked in the support center of a hospitality tech company that fortunately gave me a software developer job during my studies that continued after I had graduated.

After a number of years as a developer in industry, there was a significant movement towards Agile delivery. While implementing agile practices with my teams, I fully adopted the values of servant leadership. For the past 13 years, I’ve continued to develop my own leadership style dedicated to building healthy generative culture and high performing teams. My motivation is to influence the next generation of leaders by demonstrating the importance of empathy, continuous learning, alignment, and collaboration.

What are you currently working on or are most excited about in your current role and/or projects?

We’re in the midst of an incredible technical revolution with AI. Technology is so accessible that it’s easy to prototype an idea in minutes. Previously, translating an idea into working software needed the time and skill of someone who knew how to program.

My hypothesis is that traditional roles will start to blend and the businesses and individuals that succeed will know how to identify valuable problems to solve and quickly iterate to a solution. Technical product managers and business analysts that can prototype. Product-minded developers who know how to build and maintain resilient solutions.

AI not only accelerates the way we operate, but it can drastically accelerate the way we learn and innovate. This is what excites me the most.

What is one piece of advice you would give to other Filipino professionals looking to enter or grow in the tech industry in Calgary or elsewhere?

Never stop learning. Everything you do to grow and reach outside your comfort zone is an investment in your future self. Especially when utilizing AI, never delegate your critical thinking. Your problem solving and domain understanding is something that will be invaluable in your career. Demonstrate this both online in a portfolio and LinkedIn, or better yet, in-person events in Calgary for broad visibility.

What is a non-tech skill that you think is surprisingly valuable in the tech industry?

This is applicable to all industries, and just as important in tech. Relationship building and networking. Calgary’s tech community is still relatively small. I’ve run into many other people I’ve worked with in the past and have had unexpected opportunities presented from those relationships. Do your best work while establishing strong relationships with your team members and you’ll be remembered in the future.

What is your favourite Filipino food or snack from your childhood?

This question was so easy. Sinigang for sure!

09/28/2026

🍂 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐛𝐚𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐠𝐨: 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐇𝐢𝐤𝐞 & 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐩 🍂

What an eventful way to enjoy one of the last weekends of fall!

It seems like the entire province of Alberta had the same idea as us, sneaking in one more hike before winter to experience larch season. With packed parking lots and unexpected snow from the day before, our original plans had to change.

The trail was definitely more challenging than expected, but the spirit of the group stayed strong! 💪

The picnic at Wedge Pond also had to be moved to Kananaskis Village after parking filled up and picnic spots were taken. But that didn’t stop everyone from enjoying good food, great conversations, and even better company. 💙

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, especially the warriors who braved the slippery conditions to make it to the top of Ptarmigan Cirque! 🏔️

It was wonderful seeing both familiar faces and new ones come out and enjoy the beautiful fall scenery together with Filipino Tech Professionals of Calgary (FTP-YYC).

We hope everyone had a great time, made some new connections, and went home with plenty of memories!

Until our next 𝘚𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘚𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘥𝘰 (Social Saturday) / 𝘓𝘢𝘬𝘣𝘢𝘺 𝘓𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘨𝘰 (Sunday Stroll)!

𝘒𝘪𝘵𝘢-𝘬𝘪𝘵𝘴 / See you! 👋

09/22/2026

Registration is now OPEN for our next hike! Please check out your e-mail or the community groups (Facebook, Linkedin, and Discord) for additional details and information on how to register. This hike is open to friends and family of our community members!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

09/15/2026

Members of the Filipino Tech Professionals of YYC team recently had the opportunity to attend a town hall organized by the Fiesta Filipino team, featuring Minister Rechie Valdez (Rechie Valdez).

It was an inspiring and impactful session where entrepreneur members of our community raised thoughtful questions about support for tech startups, gaining clarity on resources to help guide their next steps. Beyond tech, our team gained valuable insights listening to fellow Filipino small business owners share their experiences, challenges, and the specific avenues of support they need to thrive.

A huge thank you to the FIESTA FILIPINO OFFICIAL team for inviting us to be part of such a meaningful conversation. Stronger together! 🇵🇭🇨🇦

09/14/2026

Last week, our Filipino Tech Professionals of YYC team had the privilege of providing full social media coverage for all 4 days of Calgary’s largest Filipino cultural event - FIESTA FILIPINO OFFICIAL.

A massive THANK YOU to our amazing volunteers who donated their time, energy, and creative talents to capture the magic on the ground. This success wouldn’t have been possible without your hard work! 📸✨

Huge thanks as well to the Fiesta Filipino team (Paolo Oliveros and Vangie Caoile) for trusting us with this opportunity to celebrate and showcase our vibrant community together.

Until next year! 🇵🇭❤️