Youth Congress: Game Changers

I had the honor of speaking to thousands of students at the 2019 FPPFI Youth Congress held at the Jesse Robredo Coliseum in Naga, Camarines Sur where I shared my story of how I tried to do the right thing by obeying my parents, studying and working hard, to have dreams and pursue their passions with wisdom and to never let anybody take their dreams away from them. To have a grateful heart and to always honor God in everything they do.

An old friend of mine Francis Padua Papica, a successful lawyer in the US and a native of Bicol has been inviting me for years to speak at his Youth Congress, but somehow there were always schedule conflicts. It is a good thing I was available to go this year. What Francis has been doing for years is truly admirable, the fact that he gives back to the province he grew up in by helping give them an education to equip them to be the best version of themselves is something everyone should take notice and emulate.

I hope in my own little way I was able to help inspire a student out there who may have thoughts of giving up and to let them know that God is not done with them yet. That this is only the beginning of a wonderful adventure to their future.

To be included in a roster of Game Changers such as Vice President Leni Robredo, Senators Sonny Angara and JV Ejercito, Athletes Vince Hizon and Jed Diamante, TV Host and Anchor Patricia Bermudez Hizon, Actor Anjo Damiles, Queen Maker and Entrepreneur Jonas Gaffud, Miss Universe Vitenam H’Hen Nie and Miss Universe 2010 4^thRunner Up and Motivational Speaker Venus Raj to name a few is truly humbling.

Speaking at the 2019 FPPFI Youth Congress in Naga, Camarines Sur

What an awesome experience it was to share my story to the youth!

Atty. Francis Padua Papica
Photo by Zalrian Zuñiga Sayat

Thousands of students gathered at the Jesse Robredo Coliseum
for the 2019 FPPFI Youth Congress
Photo by Zalrian Zuñiga Sayat

Clockwise: Venus Raj, Sonny Angara, H’Hen Nie, Patricia & Vince Hizon, Vice President Leni Robredo, Jonas Gaffud, JV Ejercito, Jed Diamante, Anjo Damiles
Photos by Zalrian Zuñiga Sayat

What an honor to be amongst Game Changers of their generation.

Back Row: Jed Diamante, Francis Papica, Your Author, Anjo Damiles, Florin Pilo Hilbay
Front Row: Vince and Patricia Hizon, Venus Raj, H’Hen Nie, Jonas Gaffud

I wish I had more time to sit down and have a conversation with the students, but I know it will happen again one day. Who knows I may get invited again next year.