Chalk has revealed the winners of Bright Young Manila 2019—five young Filipino game changers who have perfectly captured what it’s like to lead a life filled with burning passion at a young age through their different advocacies.
Here are the five trailblazers who emerged as this year’s #BrightestInMNL:
1. Roi Avena, De La Salle College of Saint Benilde
Usually reserved, 22-year-old Roi’s refuge has always been art, but joining the competition has helped him realize his potential to still do more. He wants to inspire others to embrace their gift in the arts, despite how others may perceive it. “Art is always relevant. Dapat makita nila ‘yung essence, to take in the emotion na dala nito. If it can help me, sure akong marami rin itong matutulungan,” Roi explained.
2. Eunice Evangelista, UP Manila
Even though she’s already accomplished as a speech pathologist and a gymnast coach, Eunice says that her participation in BYM has egged her on to further speak out about her advocacies to help change the world. She continues this realization through reaching out to the less privileged youth with special needs.
3. Laurence Santiano, UP Diliman
Laurence set out to prove the gamer naysayers wrong, and he succeeded. The 22-year-old maintains that gaming is not a waste of time, but rather a passion that goes beyond what happens on-screen. “We hold special connections to the game characters that touch our hearts and in our own ways. They change us for the better,” he said.
4. Mary Maximo, UP Manila
One would think that introducing Mary as the SK Federation president of Taguig City is already enough, but no, her dedication for public service goes way beyond that flashy title. She knows how crucial her role is, but she also knows that she is only one in a generation that could be so much more powerful given the right support system. “I want to let people know how important it is to empower the youth, as they are the future of our country,” she said.
5. Sean Dandasan, UP Diliman
A staunch advocate of the acceptance of non-traditional families, Sean wants to reach out to people who feel like they don’t belong because they came from broken homes. And regardless of the youth’s contrasting opinions on various issues, he upholds that “we are all one big family here.”
Since its launch in 2006, Chalk Bright Young Manila has become the sought-after campus idol search when it comes to finding young individuals with a passion for fashion and lifestyle and an inspiring advocacy.
Be inspired by this year’s #BrightestInMNL by shining a light on other people! For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram