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
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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.
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Sevket Özdes
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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
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Board Member / Event Organizer
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Oskar Greder
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Delegierter des Auslandschweizerrats (ASR)
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Lorenz Wüthrich
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Vice President / IT / Facebook
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.
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Lanie Potenciano
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Club Accountant / Secretary / Administrator
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Maria Washabaugh
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Ex Officio Swiss Embassy Manila
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Marco Kessler
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Membership Director
I grew up in Siebnen (SZ) and have spent much of my life living
abroad while maintaining a strong connection to my Swiss roots. I
lived on the Isle of Man for 20 years before being transferred for
work to Manila in 2017. My connection to the country dates back even
further, as I have been visiting Manila regularly for work since 2002.
Professionally, I have spent many years with a major maritime service
provider headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, working across diverse
regions and cultures.
Living internationally, I value staying connected to Swiss culture,
language, and traditions, and I appreciate the sense of community
shared among Swiss nationals overseas. Organisations such as the Swiss
Club play an important role in maintaining those connections and
fostering a sense of belonging.
In my free time, I enjoy activities that bring people together. I have
a passion for cooking and mixology and appreciate the social aspect of
creating and sharing good food and drinks. I am also a keen sports
enthusiast, with a particular interest in football, golf, floorball
and ice hockey, where I’m an avid supporter of the SC Rapperswil‑Jona
Lakers.
For me, the Swiss Club represents a place where familiar values,
shared stories, and a sense of home come together – a little piece of
Switzerland, wherever we are in the world.
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Sean de Dios
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Corporate Secretary / Event Organizer
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Jοпas ΟbеrIе
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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.
