Theme: Life Refracted

Through our event, we aim to shed light on a question more introspective in nature, “why do I live?”. This differs from passion, or “what do I live for“, in the sense that the latter implies the choice of an individual has an immediate bearing on society — that the answer has to relate to another human — whereas the former is more abstract, and asks for an answer that nobody else has to understand. With the theme “Life Refracted”, we are now able to ask how each person sees themselves, void of the pressure of another's opinion; there is no right or wrong answer, as long as the idea bears significance to the individual.

However, the introspective nature of this year’s theme is not limited to an individual’s own mindset. When two differing personalities converge, the evolution of one’s knowledge can be collaborative. Converging ideas allow both lines of thought to complement each other, and the difference in one’s perception of living can instigate others to view life in a whole new perspective. In the end, all our ideas, no matter how different or contradicting, stem from the essence of being human.

We feel that this theme is something that we must bring to light this year, as it is something crucial that humanity has forgotten. In an era where racism and class discrimination is deemed prevalent, we hope to inspire change through our curated lineup of speakers, each with different ideas and reasons for why they live, each from different backgrounds and cultures, each seemingly different from each other. In doing so, we may remind everybody — from speakers, to event participants, to online viewers — that all of us in this world are linked together as one humanity.

Xavier School San Juan
64 Xavier St, Greenhills West
San Juan City, National Capital Region, 1500
Philippines

Aletta Yñiguez

Marine Biologist

Aletta Yñiguez is a marine biologist whose unexpected career revolves around her desire to improve the state of the oceans and, subsequently, the marine resources of the Philippines. Through her research about red tide — a marine condition that significantly affects our fisheries — she's able to benefit the country's economy, thus, inspiring us to do the same.

Coeli San Luis

OPM Artist

Coeli is a budding OPM artist of and for the community — her lyrical works and swooning harmonies driven by her advocacy for mental health and the well-being of our youth is representing a different aspect of the Philippine culture. Her works allow you to sing songs whose melodies encompass your feelings — ones that you’ll be reminded of.

Ken Laput

Professional Dance Coach

As one of the most talented dancers of the country, Ken never fails to astound with his fluid and precise movements. Being the coach of numerous award-winning dance troupes, including Xavier School's very own Dance X, he continues to write his own story—one that will inspire you to write your own.

Patrick Bugayong

Doctor/Techpreneur

Patrick Bugayong is a doctor and businessman who conceptualized AIDE — an app designed to pair capable medical practitioners with the appropriate patient — significantly improving the quality of our health institutions through technology. Thus, he’s able to ensure the well-being of the community — a passion bound to inspire you as well.

Sofia Paderes

Spoken Word Artist

Sofia Paderes is a spoken word artist whose talent goes beyond the words of her poetry, touching the heart of every listener — her honesty and grace evident in the way she wanders between the truths of everyday life, unafraid to share them with the world. Through this, she is able to weave together our collective experiences — inclusive of yours.

Treb Monteras II

Film Director

Treb Monteras II is a filmmaker whose first work, Respeto, received critical acclaim both locally and internationally as it served as an avenue to observe true Filipino society at work; inspiring the youth with his themes of survival and persistence. Through this work, he continues his story both on and off-screen — one inclusive of our collective Filipino experiences.