In its ongoing commitment to championing the important role of volunteering in mental health, particularly among youth, I am MAD (Making A Difference) Volunteers Inc. recently came together for its “MAD Talks Padayon” event at the Auditorium of the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Centennial.
I am MAD has once again partnered with Teatro Rizal, the official performing arts organization of JRU, to host its “Ultimate Hugot Event.” The event provided a platform for its advocates to share their personal experiences, amplifying conversations about mental health and volunteering, framed under the theme “Nagmahal, Nasaktan, Nagvolunteer, to Padayon.”
Attracting a crowd of around 300 attendees, including delegates and representatives from various school organisations, youth leaders and young professionals, all coming together to support World Mental Health Day in October.
Before the main program, participants experienced the magic of mentalist Emmanuel Espiritu. After the Teatro Rizal opening performance of their original composition “Hala Padayon”, Miss Trans Global 2020 Mela Habijan delivered her heartfelt welcome speech, emphasizing the importance of persevering at our own pace in the journey of life.
Meanwhile, Ariane Rose Maghanoy of the Philippine National Voluntary Service Coordination Agency (PNVSCA), presented the benefits of volunteering as well as a range of volunteer programs and opportunities. This was followed by a compelling message regarding the current state of mental health in the Philippines by Nikki Lizarondo, Deputy Communications Manager at #MentalHealthPH.
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The story of volunteerism began with the speech of Christian Marx Rivero "Kwento ng I’m MAD," in which he recounted the organization’s humble origins. Emmanuel Mirus Ponon, global youth leader, shared his story of “Nagmahal”. Conversely, the creative head, Lyman Hansel Gerona, recounted his deeply moving journey of finding himself through pain in the “Nasaktan” segment, while the main organizer of BiDA para sa Dumagat, Mayo Ceazar Mendoza, revisited his “Nagvolunteer” quest to discover his true north.
Before the start of each sharing session, Teatro Rizal treated the audience to a series of performances, including the special skit, spoken word poetry with an ensemble, and a fascinating digital art story. The forum continued with Youth Mental Health Coach Ymari Kristia Pascua emphasizing the importance of open dialogues about mental health issues and the role of a strong support system.
To conclude these inspiring narrative segments, Ravanzo presented his speech on “Kwento ng Bawat Volunteer” which resulted in a heartwarming surprise for MAD Talks Padayon Project Leader, Edwin Basa.
MAD Talks Padayon was hosted by Mister Grand Philippines 2023 contestant Jesus Guinto aka Jesse G and I’m MAD’s lead writer and resident podcaster Jake Villanueva along with Minette Geñorga, Kaye Maguddayao and Jonald Fabia.
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The event was made possible with the help of its partners including CID Communication, #MentalHealthPH, National Voluntary Service Coordinating Agency of the Philippines, and New York Youth Organization Registration Program (YORP) , as well as its sponsors CEMEX, Creative Adobo, Ginhawa Red-G, Motivo. Philippines, Photo x Media, Power Mac Center, Print & Mount and RiteMed. Likewise, The Manila Times was one of the media partners of this event.
The organizers of MAD Talks Padayon have set up a digital opinion board. If you had the chance to participate in this remarkable gathering, visit bit.ly/MTPadayonWall to write your comments. For updates, partnerships and volunteer opportunities, follow and message I’m MAD on Facebook (fb.com/IamMakingADifference) or send an email to iammadph@gmail.com.
*Written in collaboration with Jake A. Villanueva, Lhenie Perez Labutap and Wino Dela Cruz.
About I’m MAD (Making A Difference) Volunteers, Inc.
I’m MAD (make a difference) is a national, volunteer-powered, non-profit organization that aims to mobilize Filipino citizens, especially the youth, to help our younger generation discover their dreams and passions, adopt a more values and, eventually, make a significant contribution to the nation. -building.
I am MAD believes that even through our smallest positive habits and simple acts of volunteerism, we can contribute to the betterment of our society.
The organization has twice been recognized as one of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) winner in 2015 for its main program Camp MAD (in the Culture and arts, peace and human development category); and national finalist in 2018 for his MAD Talks Events (in the Culture, Arts and Heritage category).
For more information visit: fb.com/IamMakingADifference | instagram.com/iammad_ph | twitter.com/iammad_ph | youtube.com/@iammadvolunteers | Anchor.fm/iammad | bit.ly/MADTalksSpotify | tiktok.com/@iammad_ph | E-mail: iammadph@gmail.com