Our Team

 

The Swiss Club Philippines is led by a dedicated group of volunteers who share a deep passion for Swiss culture, community, and camaraderie. Together, we organize events, foster connections among members, and strengthen the bond between Switzerland and the Philippines. Get to know the people behind the Club who make it all possible.

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  • Wilma Kleger​​​​

  • President / Newsletter / Event Organizer

I had been living in Hong Kong for over 30 years and got to know the Philippines through my husband, who was here on business every month. I fell in love with these islands, and so we decided to retire in Manila. We love it here!

I have many hobbies, cooking, baking, handicraft, (I am a handicraft and art teacher by profession) painting, pottery making, glass fusing and many more. I am giving cooking classes for my friends and have a food blog with recipes from around the world. I think I am at the best place to go on with them and learn more tricks, as the Filipinos are very creative.

I joined the Swiss Club Board 2024 as event organizer, and now I am the second female president after Maria Brumann;
I know I have big shoes to fill.

  • Sevket Özdes

  • Treasurer

After traveling around the world for two years, I found a new calling in the serene and vibrant waters of the Philippines. Leaving behind a decade-long career as a CPA with PwC in Switzerland, I embraced my passion for scuba diving and embarked on a new adventure as a scuba diving instructor.

My journey began in Boracay, a picturesque island known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. It was here that I met my wife and in 2014 I decided to move to Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines.

Alongside diving, I also found joy in playing golf, a sport that allowed me to unwind and appreciate the beauty of nature on land. The combination of these activities provided a perfect balance of excitement and relaxation, fueling my passion for travel and discovery.

In 2016, I joined the Swiss Club in the Philippines and quickly became aware of its various activities and events. My involvement deepened when I joined the board as treasurer in 2018, and I actively served as the club’s president from 2018 to 2024, strengthening the ties between our communities and fostering a greater understanding of Swiss culture and heritage. During this time, I also had the honor of representing the Philippines as a Delegate for the Swiss Abroad from 2021 to 2025.

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  • Markus Helber​

  • Board Member / Event Organizer
Welcome to our Swiss Club
Since 1995, I have been traveling back and forth to the
Philippines with my Filipino family to bond with my two adopted Phil children.
After a long world wide business career, I am now retired and reside in the Phil-paradise Boracay Island as well as in Manila.

  • Oskar Greder​​

  • Delegierter des Auslandschweizerrats (ASR)
I first visited the Philippines in 2017 and fell in love with the country and its stunning natural beauty. I’ve lived here since 2022 and joined the Swiss Club in 2025. When the position for delegate for the Philippines in the ASR became vacant, I applied and was elected. I’m delighted to be your delegate for the 2025-2029 legislative period. I’m committed to supporting the Swiss in the Philippines and will do my best. Since 2017, I’ve also founded and led the Facebook group “swiss expats philippines.”

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  • Lorenz Wüthrich

  • Vice President / IT / Facebook
Lorenz Wuetrich, Lorenz has a passion for teaching

and he taught students in Switzerland in high school subjects such as accounting, economics, and IT. Lorenz spent some years in Australia where he became a holistic therapist based on training of the human mind, body, and spirit. Since his move to the Philippines he has been teaching the German language. His interests include healthy living and sports. Most recently he has discovered a new passion for brewing beers and distilling brandies.

  • Lanie Potenciano​​​​

  • Club Accountant / Secretary / Administrator
I have been working for Swiss Club since May 1997, initially as accountant. My role expanded to include secretariat in 2006.
 
I have over 30 years of experience in audit, accounting and taxation in various industries. After obtaining my CPA license, I joined a big four
accounting firm.
 
My husband, who I have met in a mountaineering club where I was a member of, and myself are both animal lovers. Our love for animals brings us to why we have 4 dogs in our yard and a cat in the house.
 
Decades ago, I took lessons in photography which is still a hobby of mine because through the lens the world looks different.

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  • Sean de Dios​​​​

  • Membership Director / Corporate Secretary / Event Organizer
As a long-time member of the Swiss Club, I’ve always been passionate about building connections and creating memorable experiences for our community. I currently serve to help strengthen our network of members and ensuring smooth coordination across our events and operations.
 
My background is in business development and hospitality, and I enjoy bringing that experience to the Club, from organizing gatherings that bring people together to improving how we engage with our members. Beyond the Club, I’m a small business owner and a proud husband and father who believes that genuine relationships and shared experiences are at the heart of every thriving community.

  • Jοпas ΟbеrIе

  • Ex Officio / Website and IT

Hello po! I live in Muntinlupa and have made the Philippines my home since 2021. Before that, I lived in the cantons of Aargau and Basel-Stadt in Switzerland.

I am married to a Filipina, and we have a son together.

I am a member of the Swiss Club Philippines since 2022. As a member of the Swiss Club Philippines, I look forward to contributing to our community and connecting with fellow Swiss nationals and friends of Switzerland here.

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  • Maria Washabaugh​​​​

  • Ex Officio Swiss Embassy Manila
Born and raised in Ticino, my passion for discovering new countries and cultures led me to join the Swiss Foreign Service in 1989, where I began my career as a consular officer. Since then, I have served in postings across Europe, Africa, Central America and Asia, and have deeply enjoyed every assignment and the diversity each environment offered. I am now continuing this journey in the Philippines, looking forward to meeting new people, engaging with a rich and dynamic culture, and — as a welcome bonus — having the opportunity to pursue one of my favorite pastimes: scuba diving.

Interested in our Club?

Become a member
The Swiss Club Philippines is led by a dedicated group of volunteers who share a deep passion for Swiss culture, community, and camaraderie. Together, we organize events, foster connections among members, and strengthen the bond between Switzerland and the Philippines. Get to know the people behind the Club who make it all possible.