Category: Campus

Nonprofit group I am M.A.D. stages grandest convention on volunteerism, mental health

Nonprofit organization and volunteer-powered I am M.A.D. (Making A Difference) has just successfully convened its biggest and grandest physical gathering in the history of its award-winning ‘MAD (Making A Difference) Talks’ event.

Held recently at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza, Makati City, the community convention dubbed as “MAD Talks presents: Sa Ngayon, Padayon. (Kwentuhan. Kantahan. Kabayanihan.)” and themed in collaboration with digital creator and witty shirts brand Linya-Linyaput the spotlight on volunteerism and mental health.

Co-presented by the Rotary Club of Makati Uptown, Rotary District 3830, and H.E.L.P. Pilipinas, the gathering saw some 250 participants consisting of its volunteers and delegates from various organizations and networks, students, youth leaders, educators, and young professionals to mark the World Mental Health Day in October. The event highlighted the spirit of resilience and positivity that come from purpose. ‘Padayon’ is a term used in several Visayan languages which means to move on, to carry on, to move forward or to keep going.

“Your deepest hugot is your most effective advocacy,” said Maco Ravanzo, I am M.A.D.’s co-founder and chief executive volunteer during his “Kwento ng Bawat Boluntir talk.” He added that no matter what anyone is going through, in the spirit of optimism and resilience, there will always be a reason to bounce back and we can all make a difference,” Ravanzo likewise emphasized that managing mental health is very important in making sure that you live a life where you can achieve what you want without being held back. “We can do it, the M.A.D. way, by applying what we do as a volunteer group — Mind your mind, Acknowledge and accept, and Discover to recover,” he stressed in talking about “Managing Mental Health, the I am M.A.D. way.”

The MAD Talks Padayon event started off with an original musical grand opening salvo entitled, “Superherong Walang Kapa” by the performers from Jose Rizal University’s Teatro Rizal, followed by welcome remarks from its co-presenter H.E.L.P. Pilipinas’ founder Dr. Mildred Vitangcol and a message from one of its partners, Unilab Foundation, represented by Dani Valera, Project Specialist for its Youth Forward PH program.

Moreover, amazing theatrical performances from 22 artists of Teatro Rizal enthralled the audience that included their original musical composition titled “Lupa ng Saya,” along with soulful renditions of “Nobela” by Tawag ng Tanghalan four-time defending champion Vanessa Celestial, “Ako Naman Muna” by GMA’s The Clash and Tawag ng Tanghalan alumnus Kyle Pasajol and ensemble. Teatro Rizal’s very own Armando Leo Mansilungan also performed a spoken poetry titled “Hindi Ka Isang Manunulat.”

Volunteering and mental well-being

I am M.A.D co-founder and chairman Christian Marx Rivero brought the audience back to the organization’s humble beginnings as he wholeheartedly shared his volunteering story and the group’s journey through his “Kwento ng I am M.A.D.” segment titled “Molding Myself and Making a Movement.”

Regarded as “Your Ultimate Hugot Event,” the MAD Talks event consists of three parts called “Nagmahal,” “Nasaktan,” and “Nagvolunteer” or Kwentong N3. Participants were touched and inspired by the heartfelt firsthand experiences and stories of volunteer-guest speakers led by peace and development champion and counter-terrorism operator Capt. AJ Ramos Celestial of the Philippine Army who shared his “Kwentong Nagmahal,” about how he conquered anxiety while loving the country. He was especially introduced by his sister Vanessa after the latter’s soulful singing.

Meanwhile, women empowerment advocate and I am M.A.D.’s chief of volunteer operations & partnerships Ruth Butad spoke about “Kwentong Nasaktan,” which narrated her dealing with depression during detachment. The Kwentong N3 concluded with multi-awarded Global Youth Leader and ASEAN Youth Advocates Network founder Mirus Ponon recounting his “Kwentong Nagvolunteer” that examined his transitioning from a teen with low self-esteem to a multi-awarded young individual.

During a health break segment, the audience had fun in the “Sa Ngayon Padayon, Tumindig Ngayon” last man standing game. Three participants received gift certificates from one of the sponsors, Power Mac Center.

On the keynote talk about “Raising Mental Health Awareness through Storytelling,” the attendees were equally inspired and moved to tears as Happy Hearts Initiative & Introspect PH co-founder and mental health coach Ymari Kristia Pascua, whose story was featured on ABS-CBN’s Maalaala Mo Kaya program, shared her “Kwento ng Padayon” amidst mental health adversities to increase understanding on the matter.

Everyone in the audience ‘made a difference,’ too

On top of volunteerism and mental health awareness talks and performances, the grand convention took a tug at the heart of everyone with a surprise short documentary video on the moving story of the Baluyot family entitled, “Kwentong Padayon ni Candice.” It starred by I am M.A.D.’s very own volunteer creative officer and mental health advocate herself, Candice Baluyot and her mother Catherine, who was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer.

With the help of other I am M.A.D. volunteers, Candice personally hand-brewed and produced the iced coffee tokens which were given to all the participants as part of their ticket purchase. And as announced during the final part of the program, all the proceeds from the iced coffee which amounted to P26,000 will go to the Baluyot family. By just buying a ticket, everyone who took part in the event made a simple yet meaningful contribution.

The short documentary film, in collaboration with Vineyard Films and directed by I am M.A.D.’s multi-awarded independent film enthusiast and one of the event directors and lead organizers, Ram Esteban Estael, also marked the comeback of the nonprofit organization’s CineMAD production.

Prior to the main event, participants experienced some “MADgic” from the talented personalities, namely: Mr. Magic of the Philippines Mac Florendo, card magician Jofer Abata, and mentalist Emmanuel Espiritu. Everyone was greeted with an array of booth exhibits, a grand photo wall, and a specially designed tote bag with a bottle of coffee and other freebies. All participants also took home a gift box full of care kit items containing health supplements and vitamins from one of its partners, Pharex.

The grandest community gathering ended with free mental health coaching and consultations led by the volunteers from Mental Health PH and the National Youth Commission – Mental Health Youth Hub.

As MAD Talks Padayon organizers have activated a digital opinion board, the group is thankful for positive notes from the attendees and will consequently use inputs for succeeding events. If you were able to attend this momentous event and haven’t shared your reactions yet, you may drop your thoughts and comments via bit.ly/MTPadayonWall.

MAD Talks presents: Sa Ngayon, Padayon. was organized and presented by the volunteers of I am M.A.D. (Making A Difference) led by its live event production team — Wino Dela Cruz (director & overall-in-charge of production), Ram Esteban Estael (stage director & production manager), Patricia Esquejo (pre-show director & stage manager), Maco Ravanzo (creative and content director), John Martin Recio (floor director & technical & documentation lead), John Brian Ignacio (lights & sounds supervisor), JR Maltizo (graphics & video playback operator), Jake Villanueva (lead writer and host), Anne Carbon Vale (talent manager), Ena Elaine Lensico and EA Janairo (talent coordinators), Christian Opeña, John Ronver de Leon, and Larae Lemaire (production assistants), and Christian Marx Rivero (event consultant).

The event was hosted by digital content creators and influencers — Grace Co aka Tita G and Jesus Guinto aka Jesse G together with The Js of I am MAD — BigJay Lagang (Big J, also voiceover master), Jake Villanueva (Catriona J), Lorrielyn Ople (J. Lo), and Minette Geñorga (Minette J). MAD Talks Padayon was made possible in cooperation with CID Communication, Creative Adobo, Itemhound, and JRU – Teatro Rizal. This event was likewise supported by the National Youth Commission – Youth Organization Registration Program, Mental Health PH, and the National Youth Volunteers Coalition, along with other volunteer organizations: Magbasa Tayo Movement, The Green Thumbs Up Project, and ASEAN Youth Advocates Network.

The convention was also backed by the following media partners: BusinessWorld, ClickTheCity.com, CSR Insights, DigitalFilipina.com, Inquirer Group of Companies (Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inquirer Super, Inquirer.net, Inquirer Mobile), Mellow947.fm, Metropoler.net, Mindanao Times, Now You Know PH, PageOne Media, SwirlingOverCoffee.com, The Manila Times, The New Channel, WhenInRizal.com, and WhenInManila.com as the primary blog partner.

Additionally, the gathering was made possible by the following sponsors — Pharex Health Corporation, Youth Forward PH of Unilab Foundation, Inc., Power Mac Center, PLDT and SMART, Casio Calculators Philippines, Print & Mount, Meat Outlet, Pan Delight, Pangkat Etniko, Chowking, Lord J (Rogelio Estacio, Jr.), Ruth Butad, Erica Curatcha-Geronimo, We Lift Club, iVolunteer Philippines, CNDC BREWS by Candice, Shelter Now Filipinas, Art of Airepx by JR Maltizo, Office of Barangay Bagong Silang of Mandaluyong City, and Heidi Manabat.

I am M.A.D. relies on the goodwill of people through fundraisers and the power of social media. One can support the organization by donating through bit.ly/bidadonate. For updates, partnerships, and volunteer opportunities, queries may be sent to iammadph@gmail.com. Follow and message I am M.A.D. on Facebook (fb.com/IamMakingADifference), Instagram/Twitter/Tiktok (@iammad_ph), Youtube (bit.ly/IamMADYoutube) and podcast via anchor.fm/iammad or bit.ly/MADTalksSpotify.

November 16, 2022
International Students Expo Now Going on Nationwide at Fil-Global Immigration Services

A nationwide Roadshow featuring opportunities awaiting college students and students who just graduated from Senior Highschool is ongoing around the country as of this writing.

In the Expo, universities and colleges from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the US, and other countries in Europe and North America send their representatives to present and discuss the benefits of studying in their schools, many are also offering full or partial scholarships to qualified students.

There are more than 200 Partner colleges and universities of Fil Global in Canada and Australia alone. The likes of Niagara College with several campuses around Canada, NorthWest University in Vancouver, Arburtus College and Ascenda, British Columbia Institute of Technology, Centennial College in Vancouver, North Island College in Courtenay, British Columbia, North Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton, Ryerson University in Toronto, Canadian College of Technology and Business in Vancouver, are but just the few that are mentioned. In Australia, some of the Fil Global school partners are: Blue Lotus College in Melbourne, School Forms International College of Advanced Education in Darwin, Kapan Business School in Adelaide, Kingston University in Melbourn, Queensford College in Brisbane, Stanley College in Perth, Western Sydney College in Paramatta, S. Wales, and many more.

Major Take aways from Fil Global’s School Partners during the Students’ Expo are valuable information on each of the school’s course offerings, tuition fees, potential scholarships, in campus living facilities, if any, and other relevant matters that may affect an international student’s life within the parameters of their institution.

Fil Global itself, as an Immigration Service agency, has general advice an aspiring student applicant should never take for granted. Some of these are: 1) Avoid errors in your application. All information required must be filled out correctly and completely; 2) Never attempt to submit fake or falsified documents as embassy officers are highly trained in document verification. Serious consequences may ensue If some of your documents are found untrue or saddled with questionable elements; 3) Give enough time in preparing your application. Rushing your submissions may be prone to errors that will be too difficult to correct. This may unnecessarily prolong your application process or may even cause worse consequences; and 4) Prevent delays by submitting required additional or supporting documents ASAP.

At present, the nationwide expo has already been done in Manila, Cabanatuan, Davao, Cavite, Tagaytay, Tagum, Cebu, Bohol, Baguio, Batanggas, Pampangga, Laguna, Naga, Taytay, Cabanatuan, Surigao, and Gen Santos. Many more are coming up: one is happening in Bacolod on October 23, Malolos, Bulacan on Oct 25, Siquijor on Nov 11, Tacloban on Nov 12, Ormoc on Nov 19, Zamboanga on Nov 19, in Boracay on Nov 25, Tacloban Nov 26, Manila on Dec 3, and in other parts of the country on some future dates. Filipino Students interested to study abroad may wish to attend these upcoming events in any of these venues near their homeplaces.

In the last event held in General Santos City on September 25, 2022, more than 250 participants attended, and more than 50’% of this number proceeded to the consultations after the program. It was capped with fun and exciting elements like a Wine and Cheese platter, games and trivia, and raffle draws. The Expo in GenSan was preceded by the Ogie Alcasid and Giselle Sanchez concert the night before with Fil Global as a major sponsor.

This time, only 6 months from March-April this year when travel began to open up again after the pandemic, almost 200 students have already received their visas through Fil-Global Immigration Services and have either left or are about to leave the country to attend their respective college or university in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and other countries.

Fil-Global Immigration Services Corp is the top-of-mind immigration service agency in the Philippines and is the only one with an ISO certification.

November 4, 2022
The Walt Disney Company Joins Destination Imagination in Support of the Next Generation of Diverse Storytellers and Innovators

The Walt Disney Company* is collaborating with global, non-profit organization, Destination Imagination, to expand opportunities in the Asia Pacific region for underrepresented students including young women and girls, to explore future careers as Storytellers and Innovators in Asia’s creative industries.

In a first for the region, Destination Imagination will be rolling out the “Heroic Innovators Challenge”, giving students across Asia Pacific access to online resources in which they can gain foundational skills in Science, Technology and Storytelling.

After completing an online program on Destination Imagination’s STEM Learning Academy, students between the ages of 16 – 24 will be invited to form teams to address a real-world challenge and present their solution using their new-found STEM skills and Creative Storytelling. The Challenge is open to students in high schools and universities across Asia Pacific including Greater China, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Korea.

Disney will work with Destination Imagination to help students gain skills that may aid future careers in media and entertainment. In addition, Disney guest speakers will introduce students to the breadth of careers open to them in Asia’s creative industry.

“At Disney, we know that powerful storytelling plays a huge role in creating unforgettable moments in entertainment. We look forward to supporting greater access to careers in our industries to inspire future storytellers in Asia Pacific,” said Luke Kang, President, The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific.

Shanghai No.8 HS,China,China, Lose to Win, Structural, Challenge, Secondary Level, 185-48464

“The Heroic Innovators Challenge is an exciting initiative which will give students the training and tools needed to take on the creative process — from imagination to innovation – and learn idea generation, collaboration and creative thinking,” said Leroy Xiao, China Affiliate Director, Destination Imagination.

The Heroic Innovators Challenge is supported by Disney Future Storytellers, an initiative which aims to inspire the next generation of Storytellers and Innovators to dream about their future, build their talents and skills, and become who they imagine they can be.

* This collaboration is being coordinated by The Walt Disney Company’s Asia Pacific subsidiary, The Walt Disney Company (Southeast Asia) Pte. Ltd.

October 18, 2022
City of Malabon University’s “Local Economic Enterprise” Contributes to the Progress of the City

It has now innovated into becoming a Local Economic Enterprise (LEE). As LEE, CMU contributes to the income of the city through its various income-generating services.

“This was really something that the management wanted to do to contribute to the city,” said Engr. Sheila Ibay-Villanueva, CMU Vice President for Institutional Development and External Affairs. “Since the university can generate additional income, we are able to create more programs that are tailor fit that will contribute to the needs of the industry and the progress of the community.”

To turn CMU’s vision into reality, a technical team was taken in to conduct feasibility studies on converting the school into a Local Economic Enterprise. The studies yielded positive results, so the CMU team started creating a business plan right away. After that came the presentation of their proposal to both the university and local government stakeholders.

By operating as an LEE, CMU strives to achieve academic freedom, organizational autonomy, and human resource autonomy – all of which will also benefit the students, faculty members, and non-teaching staff.

Revenue generating programs (RGP) such as creating instructional materials for graduates and professionals, conducting certificate programs that are marketed to industries intended for executives, as well as continuing education for professionals — these sustainable programs can support CMU, and allow it to have additional funds.

A Global Future For City of Malabon University Students

There are a lot of significant benefits for the students, according to Engr. Villanueva. “The most significant would be the expansion of the facilities and improvement of the overall learning experience of the students — allowing CMU graduates to become competitive in the jobs market and to be ready with the challenges of the global economy.

Another notable benefit of being an LEE is the improvement of the physical infrastructure and learning materials that are crucial in order to have quality education. Students are also given access to an advanced learning management system, exposing them to the best of online learning.

Since not a lot of public educational institutions go into becoming an LEE, CMU aims to be a pioneer and leader for other schools to emulate and to those who want to follow in its footsteps.

For more information, visitcityofmalabonuniversity.edu.ph.

June 1, 2022