PhilDev Announces 2025 THRIVE Gala & Awards Honorees, Celebrates 15 Years of Impact for Filipinos in STEM

Palo Alto, CA, September 2025 — The Philippine Development Foundation (PhilDev) proudly announces the awardees of the 2025 THRIVE Gala & Awards, a milestone event marking PhilDev’s 15th anniversary. Taking place on September 27, 2025, at the Signia by Hilton in San Jose, the Gala honors outstanding leaders, builders and changemakers whose work aligns with PhilDev’s mission to help Filipinos to thrive in STEM through education, innovation and entrepreneurship. This year’s honorees are: 

Education Award: Dr. Gigi Carunungan, a visionary educational leader and co-founder of Synapse School and Imagination School in Silicon Valley, is recognized for her groundbreaking STEAM curricula and human-centered approaches to learning. 

Innovation Award: Dr. Lieza Danan, Co-Founder & CEO of LiVeritas Biosciences, is redefining regulated science with Agentic AI, delivering trusted, FDA-grade analytics in days, not months. Her work, shaped by 20+ years in biopharma and her own cancer journey, is accelerating cures and protecting lives. 

Entrepreneurship Award: Aldo Carrascoso, Co-Founder & CEO of Vivum.AI, honored for pioneering biologically inspired AI systems while previously co-founding groundbreaking companies in healthcare, finance, and media. 

SPARK Award: Ruby Ibarra, rapper, spoken word artist, scientist, and co-founder of Pinays Rising, recognized for using her music and platform to inspire new generations and amplify Filipino voices worldwide. 

The Dado Banatao Legacy Award: Manny Maceda, Chairman of Bain & Company, where he previously served as Worldwide Managing Partner and CEO from 2018 to 2024. During his tenure, Bain doubled in size, expanded its digital and technology capabilities, and earned the #1 spot on Glassdoor’s lists of Best Places to Work and Best Led Companies. With over 35 years at Bain, Manny has guided global CEOs on enterprise-wide transformations and continues to serve on several corporate and nonprofit boards, including Stryker, Ayala Corporation, The Bridgespan Group, and The Asian American Foundation.

“As we celebrate 15 years, these honorees represent the very heart of PhilDev’s mission, Filipinos who not only excel in their fields but also create ripple effects of opportunity, impact, and inspiration,” said Maria Banatao, PhilDev Trustee and Gala Co-Chair. “Their achievements remind us of the boundless potential of our community when talent and purpose come together.” Christina Oriel, PhilDev Trustee and this year’s Awards Chair, added: “These awardees embody what it means to thrive as innovators, educators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. By uplifting their stories, we hope to spark more Filipinos to dream big, lead boldly, and shape a better future.” PhilDev Executive Director, Olivia de Jesus, promised an unforgettable evening for guests of the 2025 THRIVE Gala & Awards, “We will also feature vibrant live performances by Ruby Ibarra and David Unlayao, a special heritage menu crafted by Executive Chef, Joe Derla, and the affair will be hosted by NBC Bay Area’s Ginger Conejero.” Proceeds will fund initiatives such as the Philippine Science and Engineering Scholarship (PSES), mentorship programs for MULAT & SHE++, the newly launched PhilDev-Banatao Fil-Am Scholarship Program, and Be the Bridge community gatherings. For tickets, sponsorships, and more information, please visit www.phildev.org/events/phildev-thrive-gala-and-awards-2025. About PhilDev PhilDev is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that aims to empower the next generation of Filipinos through the pillars of education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Our vision is to see Filipinos thrive and make a positive impact as leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs, anywhere in the world. Founded by Silicon Valley legend Diosdado “Dado” Banatao, PhilDev is more than an organization. We are shaping the future — one mind, one idea, one success story at a time. www.phildev.org