Among Your Adversity
Our Staff
Toni Rose San Miguel
Co-Founder and Programs Coordinator
Angelique and I started Ligaya back in 2013 in hopes of being an advocate for children and at-risk populations in our community and abroad. We wanted to ensure that 100% of our efforts and money is being utilized to help their intended recipients and those most in need. We wanted to create our own partnerships with communities and organizations abroad.
Though I may have been born and raised in the United States, my immigrant parents always made their Filipino culture a consistent presence in our house. Whether it was the spoken language calling me down for dinner, the unusual dishes, or the values of community and appreciation that they instilled in me. From them and others, I heard about the oppression and impoverished conditions that are not only present in the US, but also internationally.
I sought to help through fundraising for other non-profits that built wells for African villages, change donations for leukemia patients, and women’s health centers. However, volunteering like teaching at local summer schools and traveling to the impoverished Honduran mountainside communities to set up medical clinics, taught me that it’s simply not enough to raise funds and send it into the unknown. I want to get my hands dirty in the process, creating lasting relationships between myself and those that I help.
Ligaya exists to bring happiness back to peoples lives, to remind them of the divine grace they have been given throughout their trials. We exist to help them find their footing again, find Ligaya.
Angelique Ramos
Co-Founder and Community Outreach Coordinator
As I reflect on why Ligaya came to being, I cannot help but reflect on how I am able to be a positive influence for Christ among my inner circle of family and friends, and thus, I am happy to continue this dream of making a difference in the lives of those that Jesus has given me the privilege to impact.
One of the more significant moments of my life was experiencing Jesus’ love and grace as I was baptized two summers ago. Since then, I have volunteered as part of the Young Adults ministry at my church and am growing closer in my walk with Jesus and have come to an understanding that no matter what mistakes I make (whether in the past or even in the future) that he still loves me unconditionally and sees me as His own. As a result, I love to share how a personal relationship with Jesus could impact my friends and peers, and how His grace is always sufficient.and enough for any adversity they or even I may be currently going through.
With Ligaya I hope to help other kids such as myself around the world by “giving them happiness” by the impact I pray Ligaya will have in their own lives – especially those children that may come from less fortunate situations or are currently going through any sort of adversity and are looking for hope to deal with their circumstance. Lastly, I believe that God has given me a burden to help others realize and experience His love and compassion in their own lives. Just as I have experienced it in my life by knowing that Jesus will never leave nor forsake me during my most trying times, and that everything happens for His goodness and His will for those that trust in Him.