About
The heart of San Diego’s FilAm Community.
Established in 2023. Our goal is to elevate Filipino-American owned business in San Diego.
Our Buy Filipino Network hosts a quarterly business mixer that aims to support members and provide value in growing their business. We have a members only Facebook Group, Buy Filipino Family.
Buy Filipino Ladies hosts quarterly events primarily focused on self-care, wellness and uplifting each other. Our Facebook Group is Buy Filipino Ladies. Follow us in instagram, @buyfilipinoladies
Melanie Azcuna | Founder & Publisher
First generation Filipino-American. Currently is Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager III at Mission Federal Credit Union. Melanie has almost two decades of banking and financial industry experience. She held various positions and left as Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager III at Wells Fargo Bank (2005-2018) and US BANK (2018-2022), Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager III. Prior to that she was Project Manager to the largest courier service company in Tokyo, catering specifically to Filipinos living in Japan, Techno Hi Co. Ltd.
Melanie is also founder and owner of The House of Plants which was established in 2018, a company that strives to bring awareness to climate change and provides houseplant installation, rental and care services to commercial clients, primarily restaurants and bars in San Diego.
She earned her degree in Bachelor of Science in Accountancy in Mindanao State University Iligan Institute of Technology, Philippines with the highest co-curricular distinction of Institute Leadership Award.
Melanie has served as Board of Director for I Love a Clean San Diego between 2016-2018 and Fulfilling Destiny non-profit between 2018-2019. She is currently a member of the National City Chamber of Commerce, Silayan Filipinas and United Pilipino International (UPI).
In 2025, Melanie received the Inclusion Advocate Award at Mission Fed's Annual Celebration of Employees where she is the founding president of its Asian Pacific Islander Employee Resource Group.
ig @melanieazcuna
Elizabeth Domingo | Official Photographer
Second generation Filipino-American, is our official photographer. She mainly shoots our NEGOSYANTE Cover Photos. Liz started photography during pandemic time and specializes in portraits. By day she works at Navy Southwest Region Child and Youth Program. Liz and Serina originally met at Serina's old storefront for The House of Plants in Bonita through their common interest in houseplants and has developed their friendship and mentorship organically over the years.
ig @sundaybehindthelens
Verna Cortez | Official Hair & Make Up Artist
Second generation Filipino-American, owner of Noelani's Artistry is our official hair and make up artist for all our NEGOSYANTE Feature. Liz knows Verna for over a decade now and constantly worked together in projects. Verna is a licensed esthetician. Noelani’s Artistry in Chula Vista offers full service beauty treatments from lashes to brows, make up and facials.
ig @noelanis.artistry.esthetics
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