Championing Filipino Values Across Borders - The Salangsang Family

Luzern, Switzerland — October 16, 2025 - In the heart of Luzern, where the lake meets the grandeur of the Alps, a Filipino family carries forward the luminous spirit of Dr. José Rizal. The Salangsang family — Yenz Santos Salangsang, Michelle Ngo Salangsang, and their son Jaden Jens Ngo Salangsang — embody the ideals of service, and heritage, proving that Rizal’s vision lives on in the global Filipino diaspora.

They are achievers in their professional fields and torchbearers of patriotism and bayanihan, showing that Filipino pride transcends borders and generations.


For Yenz Santos Salangsang, leadership was a calling shaped by a life lived across cultures. Born in Germany and educated in Manila with a Bachelor of Computer Science from Philippine Christian University, Yenz built a successful IT career spanning Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines before finally making Switzerland his family’s home.

Today, he serves as Chapter Commander of the Knights of Rizal – Luzern Chapter, leading with vision, humility, and a deep sense of purpose. The Order of the Knights of Rizal (KOR), chartered under Republic Act No. 646, stands as the only official civic and patriotic order dedicated to perpetuating Rizal’s teachings of honor, service, and love of country.

Under Yenz’s stewardship, the Luzern Chapter has grown into a hub of Filipino pride, hosting cultural programs, mentorship efforts, and heritage workshops that nurture both identity and community.

“Rizal taught us that love of country knows no borders,” Yenz reflects. “True patriotism shines in the way we serve, uplift others, and live with integrity wherever destiny takes us.”

For him, knowledge and virtue must go hand in hand. “Education gives us power,” he explains, “but wisdom directs that power toward service and moral purpose.”

Michelle Ngo Salangsang, Yenz Santos Salangsang, and their son Jaden Jens Ngo Salangsang pose with Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland Bernard Faustino M. Dy

Walking alongside Yenz is Michelle Ngo Salangsang, a Manileña whose journey led her from a degree in Mass Communication (Journalism) to a career in Switzerland’s world-renowned luxury watch industry. Known for her poise and dedication, Michelle is also a proud member of Las Damas de Rizal Switzerland, the women’s auxiliary of KOR.

The mission of Las Damas de Rizal is to uphold Rizal’s ideals by empowering women as agents of compassion and leadership. Michelle’s life embodies that mission.

At work, she is admired for her precision, artistry, and authenticity. In her community, she is a compassionate force — initiating projects like “Blessings Boxes”, which sends care packages of food and essentials to underprivileged communities in Pampanga. With the support of Swiss sponsors and her fellow Rizalistas, Michelle’s initiative keeps alive the Filipino spirit of bayanihan, bridging thousands of miles with generosity and care.

She has also reached out to women survivors in Siargao, extending solidarity and hope to those rebuilding their lives after hardship. Her vision is to make Blessings Boxes a yearly tradition of service, ensuring that the circle of kindness continues to widen.

“We may live far from the Philippines,” Michelle shares, “but our hearts must always find ways to give back. That is how we remain connected — through compassion.”

At the center of this family’s legacy is their young son, Jaden Jens Ngo Salangsang. Growing up in a home where heritage and values are cherished, Jaden reflects the strength of two worlds — grounded in his Filipino roots while confidently engaging in Swiss society.

His upbringing is a testament to his parents’ vision: to ensure that Rizal’s legacy is not just remembered but lived anew. Through education, humility, and empathy, Jaden represents the promise of a new generation of Rizalistas — global in reach, but deeply Filipino at heart.

Living the Rizalist Legacy

The Salangsang family’s journey — from Germany to the Philippines, across Asia, and now Switzerland — is a story of resilience, leadership, and love of country. It is also a reminder that Rizal’s ideals are not confined to history books. They are alive in families who choose to live with courage, wisdom, and compassion.

For Yenz, Michelle, and Jaden, being Rizalistas is not simply about belonging to an organization. It is about carrying forward a way of life — one rooted in integrity, fueled by learning, and devoted to service.

heart of Luzern, the Salangsang family reminds the world that the Filipino spirit — guided by Rizal’s light — will always find ways to serve, inspire, and connect.

Michelle Ngo Salangsang, Noubikko Ulanday, Yenz Santos Salangsang, and their son Jaden Jens Ngo Salangsang during their visit to Prague, Czech Republic