Roots & Routes Mixer Brings Filipino American Physical Therapists Together at APTA CSM 2026
by Future Foundation Global
Anaheim, California — February 12, 2026
Filipino American physical therapists from across the United States gathered for an evening of connection, culture, and professional camaraderie at Roots & Routes: Where Filipino Heritage Shapes Our PT Journey, a mixer hosted by Future Foundation Global (FFG) during the first day of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) 2026.
Held at Stone Groove Stillhouse Distillery in Anaheim, the event welcomed 77 registered attendees, bringing together early-career clinicians, internationally educated physical therapists, and established leaders across practice, research, academia, and professional service.
The event was hosted by Future Foundation Global in cooperation with the Academy of Filipino American Physical Therapists (AFAPT) and made possible through the sponsorship of Ensign Affiliates.
Building Community Across Generations
The primary goal of the mixer was to foster community and strengthen connections among Filipino American physical therapists while celebrating shared cultural heritage and professional identity.
The event also served as an introduction for many attendees to the work of Future Foundation Global, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mentorship, leadership development, and advancing Filipino representation within the physical therapy profession.
For many participants, the evening provided a rare opportunity to meet fellow Filipino physical therapists across generations—creating space for networking, mentorship conversations, and shared experiences within the profession.
Messages of Leadership and Legacy
The program featured remarks from several leaders in the Filipino American physical therapy community.
Eleazar Tayag, PT, DPT, President of Future Foundation Global, opened the evening with welcoming remarks emphasizing the importance of community building and leadership development.
Former FFG President Ben Aguila, PT, DPT shared the history and evolution of the organization, reflecting on its beginnings and its continued growth in supporting Filipino physical therapists.
Rodiel Kirby Baloy, PT, DPT, founder of the Academy of Filipino American Physical Therapists (AFAPT), spoke about the significance of professional solidarity and the continued efforts to create platforms that elevate Filipino voices within the profession.
Inspirational messages were also delivered by Rolando Lazaro, PT, DPT, PhD and Myles Quiben, PT, DPT, PhD, FAPTA, recognized as the first Filipino female Fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association, who encouraged attendees to actively participate in shaping the profession.
The evening concluded with reflections from Maria Consie Aguila, PT, DPT, former FFG President, who emphasized mentorship, leadership participation, and the responsibility of the current generation to create pathways for those who follow.
The program was emceed by Johann dela Paz, PT, DPT, and Maria Consie Aguila, who guided attendees through the evening’s activities and conversations.
Celebrating Filipino Culture
Beyond networking and professional dialogue, the mixer intentionally incorporated elements of Filipino culture to create a welcoming and familiar atmosphere.
Guests enjoyed lumpia, a beloved Filipino dish, while the evening’s background music featured curated selections from Original Pilipino Music (OPM).
Several interactive games brought energy and laughter to the gathering, including rock-paper-scissors, Dance That Tune, and Kwarta o Kahon, a popular game inspired by a well-known Philippine television variety show from the 1990s. Participants competed for prizes while celebrating shared cultural memories.
These activities reflected the spirit of Filipino hospitality and joy, reinforcing the event’s theme of honoring heritage while building professional connections.
Inspiring Engagement in the Profession
Attendees expressed enthusiasm about meeting fellow Filipino physical therapists and finding a sense of community within the national conference setting.
Many participants shared that the evening left them feeling inspired—not only to connect with one another but also to become more actively engaged within the profession.
A recurring message throughout the evening was the importance of stepping forward into leadership and participation rather than waiting for opportunities to be offered.
The gathering underscored the idea that Filipino physical therapists are not only present within the profession but are increasingly contributing as leaders, mentors, educators, and innovators.
Looking Ahead
As the first mixer of its kind hosted by Future Foundation Global at APTA CSM, Roots & Routes represents an important step in strengthening connections among Filipino American physical therapists.
The organization hopes to continue building platforms that encourage mentorship, leadership development, and professional collaboration in future conferences and initiatives.
Photos and video highlights from the event will be available on the Future Foundation Global website, where a dedicated page will showcase additional media and stories from APTA CSM 2026.
Filipino American physical therapists at Roots and Routes mixer during APTA CSM 2026
