OUR CORE TEAM
VIDA ALARAS
Managing Partner
Vida D. Alaras has been a research professional for more than twenty (20) years. She started her career in Sociology in the academe: as an Instructor in BA Sociology department of the University of the Philippines, Diliman for five (5) years and a social researcher on deviance, women and children.
Since 2007 she has been specializing in Qualitative Market Research as she found friendship between sociology and market research. She has been actively designing methodological and analytical frameworks for multi-method research to deeply understand consumers as people having their multiple life worlds and contexts. Her consultancy work with various regional and local clients across different industries has honed her perspectives for more strategic research designs and business recommendations.
Prior to setting up her own research agency, Aquila Market Research and Consulting Co., she was a full time Research Director in a boutique market research agency and then became an Independent Senior Qualitative Research Consultant.
RHEA L. LASCANO
Managing Partner
Rhea L. Lascano is market research professional and strategist with more than twenty (20) years experience. Her experience in market research spans varied areas – Retail Audit, Customized / Quantitative and Qualitative. She had been both a provider of research results and as a user of consumer insights, having had relevant work exposure in both research agencies and client side.
Before being involved in Aquila, she did freelance consulting work as a Senior Qualitative Research Consultant. Her clients included research agencies and companies. Her earlier career had been for the majority, in marketing and product management in the construction industry. She also had experience in the financial sector as an analyst for a stock market firm and bank. Her entrepreneurial outlook coupled with her strong research background has developed her skills in providing sharper yet grounded business recommendations.
She also owns and operates RLS Therapeutic Learning Center, a therapy center for special kids – an advocacy as a support to parents who have special child/ren like herself.
Nina Bendo
Research Executive
B.A. Psychology, Cum Laude
De La Salle University
Nina is a dedicated Research Executive at Aquila Market Research and Consulting Co.,
where she first joined the company as an intern in 2024. With a strong academic
foundation in Psychology and certifications in research and human resources, Nina
brings a well-rounded perspective to market research.
Beyond her role at Aquila, Nina has over four years of diverse professional experience,
cultivated while balancing her academic pursuits. This experience, spanning human
resources, education, and freelance content creation, has developed a versatile skill
set in data analysis, consumer engagement, teaching, administrative support and
qualitative research. Her ability to manage multiple commitments has strengthened her time management, adaptability, and problem-solving skills, making her a resourceful and
results-driven professional ideal for market research.
Outside of work, Nina finds joy in dance—both as a student and instructor—seeing it as a form of self-expression, enjoys reading thriller novels and neuropsychology
research on memory and trauma, and appreciates period films.
Kristel Mangarin
Research Executive
Bachelor of Science in Management Engineering,
Ateneo de Manila University
Kristel Mangarin joined Aquila Market Research and Consulting Co. in 2025 as a Research Executive. Having trained in Management Engineering at Ateneo de Manila University, Kristel approaches market research with a data-driven yet people-centered perspective, combining rigor in analysis with genuine curiosity about human behavior.
Since 2017, Kristel has built a broad range of professional and volunteer experiences in
facilitation, teaching, organizational development, and consumer insights. These
opportunities allowed her to strengthen her skills in translating data into meaningful
insights, approaching problems with structured creativity and engaging effectively with diverse stakeholders. The combination of academic training and practical exposure has shaped her into a detail-oriented, adaptable, and empathetic professional, qualities that position her well for uncovering the “why” behind consumer behavior and transforming insights into actionable strategies for brands and organizations.
Outside of work, Kristel enjoys reading, fangirling, and playing games which are pursuits that keep her curious, imaginative, and connected to the stories and communities that inspire her. Meanwhile, her commitment to community involvement continues to shape her empathy and curiosity about people’s everyday experiences.
