
When I first heard about the ASEAN-China-India Youth Leadership Summit (ACIYLS) 2024, I could hardly believe it. A trip to Singapore? Me? Someone who grew up with only the rough pavements of Tondo as the familiar ground beneath my feet? The thought was unimaginable. Just a few years ago, I was scavenging for food, trying to survive on streets I never thought I’d escape. Yet, here I was, preparing to represent the Philippines in an international competition. The road to this moment was long, shaped by the support of Ateneo’s Office of Admission and Aid (OAA) and the Ateneo Alumni Scholars Association (AASA), whose generosity made this journey possible by ultimately taking a chance on someone like me. Their belief in me gave me a sense of belonging that I never had before, and that sense of community became my strength as I took that first step into a foreign land.
Arriving in Singapore was a surreal experience. As soon as I set foot on its pristine streets, everything felt like a dream. The city, so different from the one I once knew, felt alive with possibility and innovation. But amid the excitement, I couldn’t shake the overwhelming feeling that this moment was a product of everything that had come before it. It wasn’t just about a competition; it was about everything I had overcame to get here. Every step, every challenge had brought me closer to this opportunity. I had always thought the only land that would ever be familiar to me was the unforgiving concrete of Tondo, but Singapore’s sleek skyline made me realize that even the most unlikely journeys can lead to the unimaginable.


The summit was a whirlwind of workshops, discussions, and the chance to meet 180 extraordinary young leaders from 12 countries. We were tasked with developing solutions to some of the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges, and while my teammates and I had never met before, our shared sense of purpose brought us together quickly. We spent our nights working on proposals and learning how to harness new AI tools, but what I remember most is how quickly we bonded. We were from different cultures, different backgrounds, yet we all shared a vision for a sustainable future. For the first time, I saw how meaningful collaboration could be, how ideas could flourish when different minds come together.

Pitch day arrived, and the nerves were real. Standing before a panel of distinguished judges felt like one of the most pivotal moments of my life. When our team made it to the Grand Finals (Top 10) with an application that helps you limit your electricity expenses and check inefficiencies from your appliances, I was overwhelmed with pride, not just for myself, but for all those who had believed in me. It was an achievement I couldn’t have imagined in my wildest dreams and it was only possible because of the unwavering support from OAA, AASA, and my Ateneo family.
Looking back on the experience, I realize it wasn’t just about winning or pitching ideas; it was about the journey. It was about proving that no matter where you come from, no matter how impossible it seems, you can reach for something bigger. This experience is a testament to the power of education, community, and the belief that change is possible, no matter your starting point. To all those who supported me, to OAA and AASA, and to everyone who made this journey possible—thank you. This victory isn’t just mine; it’s ours.
