Theme: Spaces

We each have our own spaces. We stand in a physical space by living in this world, but more importantly, we exist because we matter.

We hold things dear and are held dear by other people. We give value and are valued. We believe and are believed in. Such is our space.

Our spaces are filled with everything we hold true, and by what we see and what we learn from how we interact with the world around us. We are our spaces, and our spaces are us.

At present, our society is plagued with divisive circumstances that have allowed people to keep to their spaces, to alienate their views from the rest of the world, to take as much space for themselves. As such, people, in an effort to take more for themselves, limit other people's spaces. They use words. They use stereotypes. They discriminate. Such creates smaller and smaller spaces for the weak.

But the truth is, there is more than enough space for everyone if we will share our own spaces with one another. We can learn from one another.

This year, TEDxXavierSchool celebrates spaces — creating worlds, rupturing from enclosures, and sharing what we are to one another.

MPH
64 Xavier Street, Greenhills West
San Juan City
ALL, National Capital Region, 1500
Philippines

Enrico Dee

Restauranteur

More than having a charismatic personality, Enrico Dee is a brilliant businessman who has proven his capability in the field by establishing some of the most prestigious restaurants around the world here in the Philippines. Beginning his first venture with Chin's Express, he later brought Todd English Food Hall and Tim Ho Wan to the country, among others, which garnered him nothing short of warm feedback and overwhelming success. He emphasizes the importance of the localization of different-cultured restaurants in the Philippines, and the search for balance between two such cultures. Finding inspiration during his frequent travels abroad, he is driven to do business when he encounters interesting restaurants and unique dining experiences, and this essentially makes him one of the most effective restaurateurs in the country.

Gabby Malvar

Documentarist

We all strive to combine distinction in our field with a genuine passion for both individual human lives and the world we live in. Gabby Malvar exemplifies the pursuit of this juncture through his storytelling. He is the Domestic Editor-at-Large of Travelife Magazine and a scriptwriter, cinematographer, and director whose works have been featured by National Geographic, such as the documentary "Islands Insider.” One of his advocacies is to change national and global perception of Mindanao. He believes that there is so much more to the region than what public stereotypes might suggest, and is particularly concerned with how natural spaces interact with human spaces. Underlying all of this is a genuine passion for what he does and a clear set of beliefs that inform his creative trajectory. In Gabby's case, this isn't just a cliche; he left his corporate job to pursue what he loves. This is something that not everyone can say they've done.

Karen Davila

Broadcaster

Karen Davila has been one of the greatest prides and driving forces of the Philippine journalism industry in recent years. From anchoring in prominent newscast programs like Bandila, to hosting the eponymous interview program "Headstart with Karen Davila," to choosing to take the role of a national whistleblower in programs like "XXX: Exklusibong, Explosibong, Exposé," "Y Speak," and "Barangay Dos", Karen is not only a cultural icon but also a key force in the fight against misinformation and false news. Her list of interviewees ranging from influential politicians like former senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos and Sen. Paolo "Bam" Aquino to cultural icons Bo Sanchez and Alma Moreno only serve as proof of how Karen is dedicated to tackling only the most pressing and relevant issues in society. The numerous awards that have been given to her by internationally recognized organizations like the New York Festival cement both her commitment and skill towards the craft of journalism.

Marika Constantino

Art Curator

With a love for the past and a vision for the future, Marika B. Constantino is a visual artist and curator. She is the Executive Director of 98B COLLABoratory, an artist-run initiative that promotes collaboration, experimentation, accessibility and a sense of community within the contemporary art practice since 2012. She is a graduate of the UP College of Architecture and then pursued a second degree in the UP College of Fine Arts majoring in Art History. Through 98B’s efforts, they are able to consolidate Escolta’s vivacious community towards one that is more creative and participative. She is also the acting curator for the First United Building Community Museum where visitors can immerse in the vibrant history of Escolta through the life of the building’s patriarch. However, aside from her work as a visual artist, writer, researcher and the director of 98B, Marika also enjoys the company of individuals from the enthusiastic community.

Miko Aspiras

Pastrychef

Long past his days as a kitchen aid for an aunt who loved to bake, this St. Benilde graduate with a reputation for unique baking combinations has nowhere to go but up. In 2014, Michael “Miko” Aspiras was recognized as EsquirePH’s Chef of The Year. In 2015, he served as head pastry chef for the highly popular Magnum Café during its 15-month run in SM Aura. In 2016, he represented the Philippines in Madrid Fusion Manila, a prestigious international gastronomy event. More recently, he has been at the forefront of some of the most talked-about dessert places in the metro like Le Petit Soufflé, Scouts Honor, and Workshop. Although operating under a variety of culinary influences, a common element that binds his restaurants is the kind of food that is constantly pushed to be playful and inventive. The end result is his well-deserved reputation as one of the most exciting and astounding young talents working today.

Richard Heydarian

Political Analyst

Richard Heydarian is an academic, international affairs columnist, media pundit in the Philippines and, most recently, the author of "Asia's New Battlefield: US, China, and the Struggle for Western Pacific." (Zed, London) He is the 2016 Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awardee for his contributions to social sciences. He has taught, as a political science professor, at De La Salle University and Ateneo De Manila University, and is currently resident analyst at ABS-CBN News Channel & columnist for the Manila Bulletin. He is a regular contributor to the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington DC, and has written for or/and interviews by Aljazeera, BBC, Bloomberg, CNN, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, The Economist, among other leading global publications. He has been described as one of Asia's "most prolific..political analysts", and has advised presidential cabinet membe

Stephanie Yap

Antarctic Expedition Volunteer

While the honor of being a member of the prestigious 2041 International Antarctic Expedition is quite an achievement in itself, 27 year-old youth leader and climate change advocate Stephanie Yap distinguishes herself as the Philippines' first and only representative in the expedition headed by the polar explorer and environmentalist Robert Swan. Her belief “in the power of diversity, disruption, and innovation” to command responsible action in business and in one’s lifestyle has inspired her to continually choose the role of active participant in the protection of the environment by promoting her advocacy and sharing her encounter with the mysteries and revelations in Antarctica, the Earth’s last wilderness.