Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

MICHAEL John Balaoing is a firm believer of philanthropy. The word, derived from Ancient Greek meaning "to love people", is the act of donating money, goods, services, time and/or effort to support a socially beneficial cause, with no financial or material reward to the donor. Michael believes in the benevolence of the United States and its people. He believes in the age-old pursuit of love, kindness, compassion and generosity. And, he believes in the Philippines and the Filipino people, and in giving back to the land of his heritage.

Inspired by his Filipino parents, Aida and Johnny, who, like all immigrants, struggled and sacrificed to make a new life here in the US, Michael has a deep appreciation for the good life that America offers. He is aware that millions of Filipinos back home in the Philippines live a miserable life of depravity. And that is why he is passionate about helping make life better, not only for Filipinos, but for needy people in general.

The Senior Vice President of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), which is the philanthropic arm of the entertainment industry, Michael raises funds and generates awareness for various needs. From major movie studios and television networks to key guilds, unions and talent agencies, EIF combines the unique creative assets of the US-based entertainment community to promote health, education, the environment, and the arts, and children, youth and families. As a foundation executive for more than a decade, Michael advises the "haves" on how to help the "have-nots". Fortune 100 corporations, select high net-worth individuals, and celebrated artists in TV, film, and music depend on Michael’s insights on how to maximize impact with integrity through philanthropy.

Born in Manila, Philippines, Balaoing was raised in Los Angeles. He earned a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Princeton University and graduated from UCLA School of Law. While in UCLA, he became a board member of the Public Interest Law Foundation, editor-in-chief of the Asian Pacific American Law Journal, editor of the UCLA Law Review, and a member of the Law School Admissions Committee.

Upon becoming a public interest attorney, Michael served the city, county and state government including the Family Violence Division of the LA City Attorney’s Office, the LA County Children’s Planning Council and the California Senate. He has twenty years of nonprofit experience, serving on over a dozen boards in the public sector locally and globally, including nonprofits, foundations and government agencies.

Balaoing spent over five years at The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF), one of the nation’s largest private health foundations with an endowment of $1 billion. As Program Director at TCWF, he managed the Violence Prevention Initiative (VPI), a ten-year, $70 million collaborative of nine foundations focused on preventing violence against youth in California through public education, policy advocacy, research and leadership development.