As the Filipino diaspora in the UK rapidly expands its influence from essential services into business, politics, and the arts, the need for a space to connect and collaborate has never been greater. Enter Sandigan 2026, a unique event that brings together Filipino community leaders and advocates, designed to turn collective potential into tangible action.
Hosted by Tinig UK to mark its 6th anniversary, the landmark summit anchors on the Tagalog word for “pillar” or “stronghold.” The core of this year’s event features highly anticipated, intergenerational panel discussions and specialised workshops designed for community builders.
The event will open with a welcome address from the Philippine Ambassador to the UK, Teodoro “Teddy” Locsin Jr and conclude with remarks from Dr. Cristina Juan, head of Philippine Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).
Whether you want to explore trauma-informed leadership, master the basics of fundraising, or hear directly from trailblazing Filipino British leaders breaking barriers across industries, Sandigan 2026 offers access to the minds shaping the future of our community in Britain.
Sandigan 2026 is taking place on Saturday, 10 October 2026 from 10:00 am until 4 pm at The Abbey Centre in London.
Here is a closer look at what to expect at the summit:
A multigenerational panel discussion
Louie Horne BEM is a leading Filipino British nurse, a strategic healthcare leader and an advocate for equality, diversity and inclusion. She is the first international nurse to be appointed as the National Nursing Officer for Unison, the UK’s largest union, where she champions supportive workplaces for nursing staff nationwide. Louie was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) by King Charles III in 2023.
Christopher “Chris” Reyes is a second-generation Filipino British creative and a leading force behind the contemporary Filipino British arts movement. A multifaceted director and performing artist, Chris has dedicated his career to storytelling through dance, music, film, and grassroots community building. Founder of Artist of Tomorrow and Maharlika UK, Chris champions Filipino and Black creatives in the UK.
Christie Brown is an entrepreneur, community leader, and former media personality. As owner and director of Etcheteras, an importer and wholesale distributor of Filipino products to the UK, and director of Barrio Fiesta Scotland, she has dedicated herself to promoting Filipino culture, supporting the community, and building successful enterprises.
A former journalist turned nurse, Raymond Padilla is an outstanding Filipino civic and healthcare leader. He is the chair of the Filipino Association Gloucestershire and a ward manager at Worcestershire Royal Hospital. He was a former councillor at the Gloucester City Council, the first Filipino councilor elected in the Southwest region of England.
Workshops tailored for community builders
This is your opportunity to listen to Oliver Soriano, the first Filipino appointed to an executive chief nurse role within the NHS and learn about leadership. The summit is moving beyond standard networking by offering highly practical, expert-led workshops and advisory sessions. These interactive tracks are designed to equip local leaders with the tools they need to run their organisations and support their local communities effectively.
From Belonging to Leadership: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Supporting Our Filipino Communities
As the Executive Chief Nurse Officer at Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust , Oliver is the first Filipino appointed to an executive chief nurse role within the NHS. With extensive experience in crisis mental health and a strong leadership portfolio, he advocates for trauma-informed leadership to help people, teams, and communities thrive.
How to Raise Funds: Challenges and Good Practices
A seasoned nonprofit leader, Rosario Guimba-Stewart is the director of London Catalyst, a grant-making charity that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged Londoners. She has extensive experience in organisational strategy, fundraising and business development.
Intentional Capacity: From Burnout to Community Care
Join Kanlungan Migrant Centre’s Chi Sandford and Norwyn Crame in an interactive wellbeing workshop asking the question: How can community care reduce your workload? Chi is Kanlungan’s mental health officer while Norwyn is the charity’s community engagement officer.
How to Apply for The National Lottery Funding
Gigi Yacoub and Jaymie-Lee Tapsell, funding officers of The National Lottery Fund (TNLF), will be sharing how you can apply for funding with the largest community funder in the UK. is the largest community funder in the UK. TNLF supports local grassroots groups, charities and projects that tackle poverty, build stronger relationships, and help communities thrive.
Be part of shaping the legacy: Secure your spot today
Connect with others, learn from the experts and share your views on themes that matter to the communith. Whether you run a local community group, lead a regional charity, or are an emerging leader looking to make a difference, your voice and presence are vital to this conversation.
Spaces are strictly limited — book today.
The event is co-presented by Carecom, the community-first financial platform built for migrants who want stability, connection, and support for their lives abroad. Sandigan is supported by Tsourous Ferrer Financial Limited, Ayala Land International, Remitly, Kanlungan Migrant Centre, T Cribb and Sons Funeral Directors, G Cash, Spoon and Rice, Mango and Marmalade Stories, Tarsier Gin, Lawyery, Love Viva Cakes, Jan Bakes, Ilaw Limited, D’Cocina, Kasa and Kin, Rise Research and Atomy.
