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 Linya-Linya witty shirts brand, put the spotlight on volunteerism and mental health. ‘Padayon’ is a term used in several Visayan languages which means to move on or to keep going.
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 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.
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 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 about how he conquered anxiety while loving the country.
Meanwhile, women empowerment advocate and I am M.A.D.’s chief of volunteer operations & partnerships Ruth Butad narrated her dealing with depression during detachment while multi-awarded Global Youth Leader and ASEAN Youth Advocates Network founder Mirus Ponon recounting his transitioning from a teen with low self-esteem to a multi-awarded young individual.
On the keynote talk about “Raising Mental Health Awareness through Storytelling,” the attendees were moved to tears as Happy Hearts Initiative & Introspect PH co-founder and mental health coach Ymari Kristia Pascua, shared her “Kwento ng Padayon” amidst mental health adversities to increase understanding on the matter.
Moreover, the convention took a tug at the heart of everyone with a surprise short documentary video on the moving story of the Baluyot family with “Kwentong Padayon ni Candice” starring I am M.A.D.’s very own volunteer creative officer and mental health advocate herself, Candice Baluyot and mother Catherine, who was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer.
The short documentary film, in collaboration with Vineyard Films and directed by multi-awarded independent film enthusiast and one of the event directors, Ram Esteban Estael, also marked the comeback of the nonprofit organization’s CineMAD production.
The grandest community gathering ended with free mental health coaching and consultations led by volunteers from Mental Health PH and the National Youth Commission – Mental Health Youth Hub.
Support the organization by donating through bit.ly/bidadonate. For updates, partnerships, and volunteer opportunities, send queries to iammadph@gmail.com. Follow and message I am M.A.D. on Facebook (fb.com/IamMakingADifference).
