Meet the Heart Behind MAKULAY: The Officers Driving Filipino Creativity in Kuwait (2025)

Every great movement drives passionate people working to manifest a collective dream. At MAKULAY, a Filipino-led creative organization based in Kuwait that supports the arts, celebrates culture, and builds community, the team consists of hard-working, talented officers who exemplify leadership, service, and Filipino pride. 

MAKULAY officers ensure that MAKULAY’s mission of promoting Filipino art is always in motion, whether it’s producing community murals, sharing artistic features, or crafting cultural events. The horsepower behind MAKULAY’s success and resilience is their inextricable dedication to engaging in collective leadership to sustain a thriving, inclusive space for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and creatives in the diaspora. 

We present the Makulay officers, the core team behind this exciting cultural initiative.

Romano O. Roman — President

Romano O. Roman, president and creative leader of MAKULAY, is taking charge as a visionary for the future. Romano has been highly successful as a community builder and artistic collaborator while also considering themselves an advocate. Romano’s leadership style embodies inclusive, advocacy, and empowerment, making him a key influence in creating the organization.

Romano’s role goes beyond managing programs—he sets the tone and vision for MAKULAY: a space for expression, storytelling, and celebrating Filipino identity through art. Under his guidance, MAKULAY has flourished into a well-respected platform in Kuwait and within the global Filipino creative network.

Mr. Fred Balleras — Vice President

Making sure the members of MAKULAY are supported by MAKULAY’s Vice President, Fred Balleras, is crucial. Fred is a deep thinker and a collaborator. He supports the President and has a hand in organizing the organization internally, whether it be planning, logistics, organizing creative events, or serving as the silent engine of MAKULAY.

Fred understands the (very) value of collaboration in a cultural organization. He puts care and intention into every project, big or small. He provides balance, focus, and MAKULAY’s artistic intention.

Ms. Jona Benitez Waked — General Secretary

Every successful organization needs someone who holds and puts everything together, and that person for MAKULAY is Ms. Jona Benitez Waked, General Secretary. Jona’s attention to detail and love of storytelling help capture, communicate, and manage the pulse of the organization’s communications and coordination.

Her role ensures transparency, order, and continuity. With successful communication methods, meeting notes, and organizational records, Jona is able to uphold MAKULAY’s professionalism and continue enhancing the lively community being served. She is the link between plans and action.

Mrs. Beatriz Carvajal — Treasurer

Handling finances in a nonprofit cultural organization is no small feat, but Mrs. Beatriz Carvajal, MAKULAY’s Treasurer, manages it with integrity and precision. Beatriz oversees the budgeting, fundraising, and financial accountability of the organization, ensuring that each peso, dinar, or dollar is used wisely to support artistic projects and community outreach.

Her stewardship reflects MAKULAY’s values of transparency and sustainability. Thanks to her, the organization is able to provide resources, materials, and opportunities to its members and beneficiaries, keeping its creative engine funded and active.

Ms. Gracia Amor — Media and Publishing Officer

Ms. Gracia Amor is the media and publishing officer who oversees MAKULAY’s story and visual identity. From social media to arranged published features, Gracia ensures that the arts and voices of the Filipino content community are recognized, seen, heard, and celebrated in digital/online and print.

She is critical in amplifying MAKULAY’s voice in Kuwait and beyond through visual storytelling, design, and communication. Her work displays our community’s wide variety of talent and helps build relationships among our brothers and sisters, Filipinos in the diaspora.

Mr. Khadz Khadong — Photographer and Videographer

Lastly, Mr. Khadz Khadong is MAKULAY’s fantastic Photographer and Videographer. He captures MAKULAY’s events, projects, and creative stories through his lens; MAKULAY’s vibrancy comes to life. His eye for detail allows the capture of every mural painting, workshop, and community event in images and compelling visuals.

Khadz’s project allows for a record of MAKULAY’s history while publicly recording it to the world. His work promotes the practice of art, which is documented, validated, celebrated, or shared in a visual organization.

Why Officers Matter in a Creative Organization

A strong leadership structure is critical in a culturally driven group like MAKULAY. The officers are the ones who provide the foundation for inspiration to have an impact. They:

• Provide a direction so that the group works toward an agreed-upon mission.
• Manage collaborations with members, artists, and community partners.
• Manage accountability, both concerning funds and ethically.
• Create opportunities for artists to cultivate their talents.
• Provide momentum with managing events, communications, and assets.

Without committed officers, even the most passionate organizations can lose focus. But with leaders like those in MAKULAY, the organization survives and thrives.

MAKULAY is more than a name. It is a movement. Behind the movement are people who share a belief about what the power of art can do for us all—engender joy and facilitate community. The MAKULAY officers are not simply administrators: they are leaders, dreamers, and cultural workers who believe art is for everyone, every time. They aim to ensure that Filipino artistic brilliance shines brightly in Kuwait.

As we continue to celebrate the richness of Filipino culture abroad, we recognize and honor those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make it all happen.

To the MAKULAY officers—thank you for leading with heart, vision, and color.

 

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