Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO)’s Tayo Releases ‘Mag Vax Tayo’ Public Service Announcement Campaign
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LOS ANGELES – The Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO)’s Tayo releases ‘Mag Vax Tayo’ public service announcement campaign.
Produced by The Angeles Company, “Mag Vax Tayo” is a comedic and heartwarming Filipino-American vaccine confidence campaign told through three interconnected stories that showcase family, faith, and flair.
From the stubborn Tito Boy who is shaken by a surreal wake-up call—to a hesitant Tita Flor—who turns her fears into laughter thanks to Nurse Mary—and a dramatic showdown between trendy titas who realize that the ultimate status symbol is good health, these vignettes celebrate the resilience and humor of the community.
“As Filipino American creatives and storytellers, Steve and I knew this message had to speak our community’s language—not just Tagalog, but humor, heart, and shared experience,” said Meriden Angeles, Founder and Co-Owner of The Angeles Company. “‘Mag Vax Tayo’ uses laughter and love in a teleseyre-inspired setting to open hearts, start conversations, and remind us that protecting our health is the most Filipino thing we can do for our families.”
Packed with Filipino laughs, familiar trends, and relatable characters, “Mag Vax Tayo” reminds us that protecting ourselves and our loved ones isn’t just common sense—it’s an act of love, faith, and family pride.
“Mag Vax Tayo” includes a series of three videos which all tackle vaccination.
The “Mag Vax Tayo” cast members selected from an open casting call includes:
RHANDY TORRES as Tito Boy
“Rhandy Torres is a Filipino-American actor born in Manila, Philippines. A graduate in Respiratory Therapy, he later transitioned into acting, appearing in films such as The Year I Did Nothing, Almighty Zeus, Red Light Teachers and The Master Chief, as well as TV shows like The Cleaning Lady and Dhar Mann. He lives in Los Alamitos, California, balancing his work as an actor, respiratory therapist, and devoted father.”
JOANNA BACALSO as Tita Flor
Joanna Bacalso Garel is a Filipina-born actress/model, and creative force whose journey from Hollywood to the world of contemporary fine art embodies both transformation and cultural vision. Known for her memorable performances in films such as Snow Dogs and Bedazzled, as well as appearances on acclaimed television series throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Bacalso helped pave the way for greater Asian representation in mainstream media at a time when such visibility was rare.
RUBY RODRIGUEZ as Nanay Aura
Ruby Rodriguez is a Filipina actress and former TV host, best known as one of the original hosts of the popular noontime show Eat Bulaga! After beginning her career as a preschool teacher, her career took off with the hit series “Okay Ka, Fairy Ko!” She would go on to appear in dozens of Philippines movies and television shows until relocating to Los Angeles in 2021 where she now works at the Philippine Consulate. She continues to act, most recently appearing in the Philippines record setting film “Hello, Love Again” in 2024. Earlier this year, Ruby starred in the Telly award winning public service campaign “Hello Kabayan, Vote Online.”
VALENTINA ZUMA as Tita Lulu
Valentina Zuma, a renowned professional dancer from the Philippines, brings her vibrant artistry to audiences around the world. She gained international recognition in 1984 through Merv Griffin's Hollywood production, Dance Fever. Now based in Los Angeles, she continues to inspire through her creative direction and choreography. As the producer and director of Evening of Choreography, she highlights emerging and established dance talents. Her acclaimed shows have graced the stages of the Hermosa Beach Playhouse and the Stella Adler Theatre in Hollywood.
ARIENNE CALINGO as Nurse Mary
Arienne “Air” Calingo works in marketing at a law school and is also a mixed media artist and writer dedicated to advancing issues impacting the Filipino and Filipino American communities. Her creative works in mixed media, photography, and poetry have been featured in exhibitions at Harvard University, the South Bend Museum of Art, St. Joe County Public Library, Epiphany Center for the Arts, and University of Notre Dame. This is her first acting role, and she is deeply grateful to FYLPRO, TAYO, and the Angeles Company for the opportunity.
REGINA SOLIDUM as Maxine
Regina Solidum is a Filipina actress from Missouri, where she graduated from Stephens College with a BFA in Theatre Arts. She moved to Los Angeles in December of 2020 and began work on Film/TV, short films, commercials, and Theatre for Young Audiences. Regina held the title of Miss Ibajay International from 2018 to 2024.
LYNDON APOSTOL as Vince
Lyndon Apostol is a Los Angeles–based educator, artist, and performance coach specializing in voice, movement, and holistic development. His work bridges arts, athletics, and education, empowering students and professionals to grow with purpose and authenticity. With a background spanning musical theatre, choreography, and media production, Lyndon has trained and mentored hundreds across California. As founder of Invincinal, he leads programs that unite creativity and character, developing artists who thrive on and off stage. His mission is to use artistry as a language for healing, excellence, and community transformation.
ELMOR C. GARLITOS as Priest
Elmor Garlitos first started acting in kindergarten. During his college years he was a member of the TAGUPCI at UP Visayas and Masskara Theatre Ensemble at La Salle College, Bacolod. He was able to improve on his acting skills as a company member of Theatre 68 in Hollywood and has studied under Brian Reise, Margie Haber Studios , Stella Adler Academy of Acting to name a few . Elmor has been credited with supporting roles on Feature Films HOLIDAY BOYFRIEND and TAHANAN. He has also appeared in several short films, national commercials, TV shows and PSA’s. He is married and based out of Los Angeles, CA.
This is the third vaccine public service announcement campaign Tayo has produced.
In 2021, as part of the “We Can Do This” initiative to promote COVID-19 vaccination, Tayo produced bilingual and dance video PSAs.
The 2022 Tayo fellows cohort worked on a series of Tik Tok videos to encourage getting the COVID-19 booster right before school kicked off in the fall.
About Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO)
FILIPINO YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAM (FYLPRO) is a network of high performing, next-generation leaders who advance the Philippines and the Filipino people through their advocacy and expertise in various industries.
We continually expand the pipeline of Filipino young leaders in the diaspora. By connecting them to the motherland, we foster collaborative multinational relationships that create innovations and support the socio-economic progress of the global Filipino community.
For more information: http://www.fylpro.org
About Tayo
Tayo, a project of the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO), is an innovative data hub that empowers Filipinx/a/o communities by collecting data, fostering partnerships, publishing culturally relevant insights, and developing leaders to create an equitable and sustainable future.
For more information, visit tayohelp.com.
About the Angeles Company LLC
Founded by the award-winning duo Meriden and Steve Angeles, The Angeles Company, is a powerhouse production agency built on a shared passion for authentic storytelling and a combined legacy of excellence in film, television, news, and digital media. With over 30 years of collective experience, this pair brings a rare blend of journalistic integrity, cinematic creativity, and technical precision to every project. Together, as The Angeles Company, they recently earned a coveted Telly Award in 2025 for their collaborative work—marking the start of a new chapter in their creative journey.
