Birdie is a business innovation consultant and UX researcher with years of experience in brand management, accounts management, entrepreneurship, systems thinking, and game design. As Curiosity’s general manager, he oversees the collaborative flow between team members and project stakeholders, and recommends strategies that empower clients to move forward with knowledge and confidence. Building relationships that connect Curiosity to a global network, Birdie has opened doors to research initiatives that put dialogue, involvement, and empathy at the center. He regularly advocates for a deeper understanding of the human experience in the creation of transformative products and services. A frequent speaker, lecturer, and workshop facilitator, Birdie champions for creative solutions to audiences in the academic, corporate, and development worlds.
Kristine is a strategic business consultant and design research specialist with over 20 years of local and regional experience in business consulting, project management, qualitative and quantitative research, CRM, and data analytics gained from engagements with consumer and service companies, government agencies, and NGOs. As Curiosity’s executive research director, Kristine develops locally relevant analytical frames and determines rigorous data gathering techniques to solve a design challenge. As a mentor for Curiosity’s researchers, she guides the team in drawing out meaningful insight from stories of real people, and creating engaging narratives for stakeholders that inspire worthwhile design opportunities. She ensures that each encounter with Curiosity translates to a rewarding and delightful engagement for both project champions and research participants.
Pamela is a design anthropologist with work at the intersection of disaster management, humanitarinism, climate adaptation, women's advocacy, and community health. She earned her doctorate in Architecture and Design from RMIT University in Melbourne, where she has served as lecturer and course coordinator for the Master in Disaster, Design and Development program. Pamela is presently a Professorial Lecturer at the University of the Philippines College of Architecture, a fellow of The Equity Initiative for leadership in social and health equity by the Rockefeller Foundation, and a Global Fellow of the Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies at Brown University. Her efforts in participatory disaster management earned recognition in the 2021 Women's International Leadership Awards by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Australian Government.
Diego is a transdisciplinary artist, designer, and researcher who investigates how artscience/sciart practices can help people reimagine their relationship with themselves, others, and the environment. Building on his background in computer science, contemporary dance, and human-computer interaction (HCI) design, his work ranges from exploring how digital technologies are changing the way we move and perceive human movement, to co-creating art installations that build symbiotic relationships between plants, computers, and people. Apart from Curiosity, Diego co-founded SEADS, an international network of artists, scientists, engineers, and activists who reimagine and reshape the future through critical inquiry and hands-on experimentation. He is presently Associate Professor and Dean for the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies at the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), and Deputy Director for Research for the UP Intelligent Systems Center.
Shaira is a qualitative research specialist with expertise in user behavior and consumer insights. As a design researcher, she immerses herself in domains such as education, healthcare, financial services, telecommunications, and consumer goods by facilitating engagements and delivering actionable, culturally informed insights. She strives to help create inclusive and socially responsible products, experiences, and services that enrich communities and people's lives. Shaira holds a degree in Communication Research and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Psychology at the University of the Philippines, focusing on the intersections of social psychology and Sikolohiyang Pilipino.
Earl is a versatile researcher engaged in business and development fields, with experiences in public policy, project management, financial analysis, monitoring and evaluation, and strategic consulting. As Business Development Executive, he currently supports Curiosity’s strategy and innovation services through research design, client management, and lead generation efforts. Earl’s diverse engagements across both private and public sectors reflect his commitment to data rigor and analytical excellence in addressing systemic socio-economic challenges, and enabling collaborations that enhance communities’ quality of life. He holds a double degree in Management Engineering and Development Studies from Ateneo de Manila University.
Larian supports Curiosity’s administrative requirements and day-to-day operations. Her work involves assisting the team in project coordination and logistics, such as managing suppliers, recruitment, and providing technical support. Her background in musical theater, among others, has influenced her keen interest in learning about, observing, and understanding people’s behaviors and lived experiences. Working with Curiosity has given Larian a better appreciation of the communication skills and strategic thinking relevant to well-executed research work. She finds it especially rewarding to participate in projects that promote sustainability and social responsibility.
Renz is an experienced qualitative research specialist with a background in market research, consumer behavior, and social psychology. With over seven years of expertise in user experience (UX), consumer, and social research, he has successfully led a wide range of studies across various areas such as finance, healthcare, e-commerce, political strategy, government policy, and telecommunications. Renz’s passion as a researcher lies in having meaningful conversations with people from diverse backgrounds—all in the hopes of learning from their stories and discovering impactful insights that can guide individuals and organizations toward actionable outcomes.
Zam is a trained psychologist and empathic researcher with research experience in diverse fields and industries such as FMCG, healthcare, insurance, and education. She strives to put users at the forefront of research by surfacing their needs through storytelling, and weaving these into valuable insights and strategic solutions that inform clients’ design and development processes. Zam’s interests include examining health-related behaviors and promoting equitable access to quality health, especially mental health care.
Macky is a qualitative research specialist with a background in market research and clinical psychology. With over seven years of experience in the field, he has led a variety of research projects across different categories such as FMCG, health and pharmaceuticals, finance, political strategy, and government policy. As a researcher, Macky strives to use an empathic approach by unearthing consumer narratives and translating these findings into meaningful insights that guide organizations towards outcomes that benefit both them and their users.
Equa is an anthropologist who has collaborated with Curiosity on multiple research projects, among which include unearthing knowledge and insights that support innovation initiatives for low-cost clinics, sari-sari stores, and childcare services. She has also undertaken research, writing, project evaluation consultancies, and participated in development work for the government, academia, and development sector. Having worked full-time for two non-government organizations supporting indigenous peoples, scientists, and various marginalized sectors, Equa has taken on the roles of project coordinator, community manager, trainer, and advocate. As a mentor, she also regularly teaches, trains, and facilitates workshops.
Kariema is a researcher with extensive experience in policy research and development, having rendered her assistance to several government institutions including the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Health (DOH), and Department of Science and Technology (DOST). No stranger to secretariat and policy development activities, Kariema considers an understanding of political economies integral in the pursuit of policy reforms. She holds a degree in anthropology and is currently completing a postgraduate degree in public administration from the University of the Philippines.
Inah is a primary school teacher with comprehensive research experience in education technology, design thinking, and marine conservation. With a focus on student engagement and classroom management, she explores innovative ways to enhance the learning experience for her students. Inah’s expertise in facilitating for children and teens allows her to gather valuable insights from young minds. She is deeply committed to sustainable practices and promotes environmental awareness among her students and colleagues. Additionally, her interest in children’s books fosters a love for reading and learning inside and outside the classroom.
Tessa is a professor of developmental and clinical psychology with extensive research experience and interest. She is actively involved in projects focusing on adolescents’ and teachers’ digital engagements, digital literacy, and safe spaces in learning through digital environments. Her research encompasses such themes as forgiveness and well-being, development throughout the lifespan, social cognition, gender, and neuroscience education. Currently, Tessa leads a research project on exploring warmth and competence as components of social cognition among students about their teachers. She presently serves as Vice President for Research, Extension, and Quality Assurance of the Philippine Normal University.
Den has been a researcher since 2001 and a translator for Cebuano, Mandaya, Tagalog, Hiligaynon, and English languages. Hailing from the Mindanaoan tribe of Manobo-Mandaya, she is a regular consultant on the Mindanaoan way of life for social and political researches. Her tenure in the industry has enabled her to connect well with different age groups from adolescents to teens, and her ability to speak different Filipino languages fluently enable her to make respondents feel at ease and express their thoughts freely and spontaneously.
Pao is a UX and Product Lead with over 10 years of experience overseeing product direction, with special focus on marrying end-user UX with business needs. She began her career in market research before shifting to tech and UX research, and has since managed multiple teams and timelines for delivery of products as well as ad-hoc features, for both start-ups and big business.
Lody is a community organizer and social development worker among farmers, fisherfolk, urban poor, indigenous peoples, women, PWDs and other groups. Having traveled all over the Philippines and within Asia, Lody has done extensive work with development NGOs, bilateral and multilateral institutions, government, and the academe. She also serves as an independent consultant on various topics, such as: Gender and Development (GAD), program and project design, social development, management, and evaluation, project proposal writing, organization development, technical reporting, and community social enterprise development. She is presently a senior lecturer at the University of the Philippines’ College of Social Work and Community Development.
Niva is a marine biologist by training, an environment and development management specialist by practice, and a social and human rights advocate by vocation. Her research work is focused on environment, climate change, livelihood and development, and human rights. She has conducted extensive research on topics such as gender-responsive climate actions, community-based coastal resource management, networks of key marine protected areas in the Philippines, and initiatives for enhancing water service access for and by the poor. From 2018-2019, she served as the chief investigator in the conduct of the National Inquiry on Climate Change by the Commission on Human Rights, for whom she has also previously conducted research on human rights violations experienced by Martial Law survivors.
Annabelle holds an array of experiences in program management, qualitative research, and teaching gained from her over 10 years of working in various organizations such as Helen Keller International, the World Health Organization, the National Book Development Board, and the Social Development Research Center. She teaches part-time at De La Salle University, handling graduate courses in Gender and Development, Special Topics on the Philippine Health System, Environmental Ethics, and Foundations of Social Development, to name a few. Her interests include medical anthropology, anthropology of the body, anthropology of space and place, local and indigenous knowledge, and migration and health policies. Annabelle completed a graduate degree in Development Studies at the International Institute of Social Studies, majoring in Social Policy for Development.
Nota is a researcher who obtained her graduate degree in anthropology from Ateneo de Manila University. Her main interests include qualitative research methods, food, heritage, and human-animal interactions. She lectures at Ateneo de Manila University and is currently taking her doctoral degree in anthropology with the University of the Philippines Diliman.
