Mentors and Judges

Introducing our esteemed mentors and judges for Startup Weekend Cagayan de Oro:


A diverse panel of industry experts and successful entrepreneurs ready to fuel your startup journey with guidance and insights!

Your Mentors:

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Mr. Elroy Uta

Brooky Technology | CEO & Co-Founder | Hustler

An acclaimed visionary who has proven his mettle as a trailblazer in the world of innovation. With an impressive track record of triumphs in both national and international innovative pitching competitions, he stands as a true champion of pushing boundaries. As the CEO & Co-founder of Brooky Technology, he is at the vanguard of reshaping industries through his mastery of cutting-edge Web Design, Interaction Design, and UX Research.


Beyond technology's realm, Mr. Uta's influence extends into the spheres of Property Management and Real Estate, where his distinctive fusion of Project Management finesse and User Experience Design (UED) principles sets new paradigms. His commitment to excellence knows no bounds, evident not only in his professional endeavors but also in his role as Chief Barista, crafting experiences as intricate as his business ventures.

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Mr.John Vincent Fiel

Wela School System | CEO & Co-Founder | Hustler

His interest in the startup industry brought him to establish his game development startup after college together with his brother, which lasted for 2 years. Now, he is the Co-Founder and CEO of Wela School System. Wela is a multi-awarded startup, that won several competitions in PH and abroad, and is one of the Pioneering DOST Funded Startups in the Philippines. Wela is now been running for 6 years and serving 200+ schools nationwide and in other countries abroad.


Also a Co-Founder of Brooky Technologies, a Proptech company that helps Real Estate Developers coordinate and manage transactions between Buyers and their agents with the help of our cloud-based Real Estate Project Management Software with known clients such as Damosaland, Abrown, and many more.

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Ms. Samantha Manales, LPT

Startup Enthusiast | Research Associate | Hipster

Samantha is a licensed teacher dedicated to education and technopreneurship. She currently teaches STEM at Liceo de Cagayan University, inspiring students with entrepreneurial skills.


She also worked as a research associate at CDO b.i.t.e.s, specializing in promotions, marketing, and partnerships, bringing real-world business insights to her teaching. Samantha is your mentor, committed to guiding your growth and achieving your goals, whether you're starting or advancing in your career.

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Engr. John Raymund A. Mocorro

Founder, BENTAMO | Xynyx, IC Design Engineer | Hustler

Engr. John Raymund A. Mocorro, the visionary behind Bentamo: CEO and Founder driving a digital revolution for Filipino small businesses. Through innovative streamlined websites, he empowers entrepreneurs, fuels growth, and makes market impact. Additionally, as a Brand Ambassador and IC Design Layout Engineer, he forges crucial partnerships, bridging technology and collaboration.

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Ms. Keren Happuch A. Lacadin

Focal Person, DICT | Hipster

Keren Happuch Lacadin is a pioneering figure in Bukidnon's online freelancing industry, renowned for her community-building expertise and dedication to countryside development. With a diverse background spanning BPO, NGOs, and technology incubation, she serves as a Master Trainer and Module Author for Go Digital ASEAN Philippines. Keren has trained over 17,000 individuals nationwide during the pandemic, while also leading startup ecosystem development at Upgrade Innolab Inc. and serving as Deputy Focal for the ICT Industry Development Bureau in DICT - Region 10. A valuable mentor for Startup Weekend, she brings extensive experience and innovation to the table.

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Engr. Miriam Bergado

Director, CET, USTP System | Hustler

Engr. Miriam Bergado, the dynamic Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology at USTP-System, brings a burst of excitement to the entrepreneurial world. As a certified trainer for Filipinnovation Entrepreneurship Corps and Open ExO Asia, she's like a turbocharger for innovation. And guess what? She's always cooking up thrilling spin-off applications! Get ready for an electrifying entrepreneurial journey with Miriam!

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Ms. Uma Roa

Founder, Pick-A-Talk | Hustler

Uma Roa is a distinguished figure in the tech and social impact fields. As the founder of Pic-A-Talk, she has successfully secured substantial grants and gained recognition at prestigious events. Uma's tireless commitment to utilizing technology to improve the lives of children with disabilities, along with her advocacy for autism awareness, highlights her influential role as a catalyst for social change. Additionally, her dedication to nurturing and training the next generation of innovators underscores her impact on the entrepreneurial landscape.

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Mr. Jirby Laniton

Curriculum Coordinator, CET- USTP CDO | Hustler

Jirby is a passionate educator, serves as the Coordinator of Curriculum and Training at the Center of Entrepreneurship and Technology, where he's also the Assistant Unit Head of Social Sciences. Jirby serves as one the brilliant minds behind the innovative educational experiences, weaving entrepreneurship and technology into the fabric of learning. With expertise in curriculum development and training program management, he nurtures the next generation of innovators, instilling creativity, resilience, and a hands-on approach. Jirby's a mentor and advocate for budding entrepreneurs, ready to embark on an educational journey filled with limitless possibilities.

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Mr. Mikko Anton Dagoc

COO, BENTAMO | Hacker

Mikko is a co-founder of Bentamo, Cum Laude and Class Valedictorian of Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan for batch 2023. He has a robust background in tech startup development. During his time as an electronics engineering student, he co-founded and nurtured Bentamo, demonstrating remarkable dedication and entrepreneurship. His ability to manage educational pursuits and business is a testament to his passion for innovation and commitment to driving local entrepreneurship in the digital age. Through his contributions to Bentamo, Mikko actively worked in bridging the gap among local MSMEs, servicing the digital needs of several small businesses, and the growing trend of digitalization in today's dynamic business landscape.

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Mr. Lionel Amarado

Founder, Innovuse Solutions, Inc. | Hustler

Lio is the Founder of Innovuze Solutions, Inc., an Information Technology and Web Development company based in Cagayan de Oro City and serving clients from across the globe for over 10 years. Lio has been a coach or mentor for Startup Weekend in CDO ever since and was also a part of Startup Weekend in Bukidnon and in Iligan as well. Lio, along with Innovuze, has been supporting and collaborating with various tech communities in the city and with CDO B.I.T.E.S., the city's tech startup incubator.

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Engr. Jonathan Agbayani

Science Research Specialist, DOST X | Hipster

Engr. Jonathan R. Agbayani, a Cum Laude from Mindanao State University- IIT with a degree in BS in Chemeical Engineering. He is currently affiliated with the Department of Science and Technology – Regional Office 10 as a Senior Science Research Specialist and the Head of the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Unit. He Also serves as the lead focal for the Regional Research, Development, and Innovation Committee (RRDIC-X), a subcommittee of the Regional Development Council - 10. Additionally, he is the consortium coordinator of the Northern Mindanao Consortium for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (NorMinCIIERD). This consortium comprises research stakeholders from Higher Education Institutions, R&D Institutes, Industries, Government, and Non-governmental organizations, all working towards the common goal of advancing technological development in the region.

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our exemplary judges and more mentors will be unveiled soon!

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