Volunteer group I am MAD – Making A Difference conducts the last forum of its MAD Talks Padayon series featuring Ron Canimo, Sky Quizon, and its volunteers at the SM Megamall, Cinema 6, on October 19.
This year’s forum highlights the beautiful connection between volunteerism and mental health, and the stories of love, grief, and moving forward, in celebration of World Mental Health Month this October.
Special guest Ron Canimo, a modern Filipino poet, of Mga Tala at Tula, an online literary page and community, shared his personal story and read one of his poems, “911”, from his book, “sa buwan kita natagpuan” to hundreds of attendees present. Fans had a chance to meet him and get their books signed at the venue.
Filipino actor and PBB former housemate Sky Quizon also shared his personal story of living with multiple mental health disorders, stating that these helped him become the person he is now; strong, resilient, and still alive through it all.
I am MAD co-founder and volunteer chairman Christian Marx Rivero shared the beginnings and journey of I am MAD throughout the years. From their humble beginnings, they have reached many youth and areas nationwide and still counting.
For “Kwentong Nagmahal” entry, MAD volunteer Jao Jundam testified how he shared a unique and special love with her late best friend and soulmate, Bea. His story is a representation that grief cannot be overcome; one learns to live with it while moving forward.
MAD volunteer Jake Villanueva reminisced his memories with his late mother and grandmother for the “Kwentong Nasaktan” entry, reminding everyone to cherish their loved ones and tell them “I love you” before it’s too late.
For “Kwentong Nag-volunteer” entry, MAD volunteer Kaye Chia boldly shared her journey on how she’s living a second life now. Her story is proof that dreams can be achieved in unexpected places and seasons of life.
MAD volunteer and mental health advocate Ymari Kristia Pascua, whose life story was adapted in ABS-CBN’s Maalala Mo Kaya in 2019, also shared her “Kwento ng Padayon” story and discussed how people can take care of their mental health by valuing four things namely self-awareness, self-compassion, self-care, and self-love.
I am MAD co-founder Maco Ravanzo also discussed how to manage mental health the I am Mad way: 1) Mind your mind, 2) Acknowledge and accept, and 3) Discover to recover, emphasizing the beauty of growth and mental health care.
OPM singers Kyle Ralvin Pasajol and OC-J, along with the Impossibros, also entertained everyone through their performances.
Before the forum ended, Maco, together with the MAD volunteers, unveiled their new merchandise, the “Sa Ngayon, Padayon!” journal which will be available for pre-order soon.
I am MAD Talks Padayon is a series of talks held annually to inspire and empower youth, highlight the beautiful stories of growth in all walks of life, and build a community of resilient Filipinos who keep on going no matter what, just like the word “padayon” which means “to continue” or “to move forward.”
As the MAD Talks Padayon came to an end, I am MAD is planning more activities and huge events in the future that will serve a greater purpose for all Filipinos.
