Mr and Ms Chinatown Philippines 2020

Watch out for the Grand Coronation night, this October 18 (Sunday). Kapamilya live streaming at 11:00 am & Kapamilya Channel airing at 10:45 pm. Witness the candidates’ journey as they rise as one! 

Candidate #12: Julianne Yap
In this time of uncertainty, we ask you to #RISE with us as we Rebuild our connections, Inspire others, Strengthen the community, and Empower one another R.I.S.E. with us this 2020.

For me, to #Rise is to go beyond my boundaries whilst setting a good example for the people around me. Romanticizing the resilience of the community will not cut it anymore. Yes, we must stay strong and united in this time of need, but we must also rise and take action. As a representative of the Filipino-Chinese community, I want to use my position of privilege to #Rise and help through any means I can. For instance, I used to participate in medical missions with my church; unfortunately, the pandemic struck and the missions could no longer push through. These days, together with my family, we rise to conquer the pandemic by donating to the frontliners and providing face shields to our customers and third party couriers.

Additionally, as I am merely starting my journey in the medical field, I want to be able to help my community by lending my voice to the frontliners. I want to empower doctors and healthcare workers who are dedicating their lives to the hippocratic oath. They are risking their lives each day in battling COVID and other various illnesses yet still continue to weather the storms solely out of their desire to help. However, we must take note that in order for the frontliners to work optimally and efficiently, they must also be adequately rested and compensated. Let us remember that they are more than just their profession. We must acknowledge that they have lives outside of the hospital too. They have families and friends as well who worry about their well-being. We, the people, must rise and empower our frontliners.

Therefore, given that we all work together and rise to the occasion no matter what our profession is, we may all overcome this pandemic and achieve a more inclusive society. I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT CHANGE STARTS WITH YOU, NO MATTER HOW BIG OR SMALL IT MAY BE.

#RISEwithMMCP
#RISEwithJulianne 

Candidate #11: Hillary Uy
In this time of uncertainty, we ask you to #RISE with us as we Rebuild our connections, Inspire others, Strengthen the community, and Empower one another R.I.S.E. with us this 2020.

I’ve been faced with challenging trials in my life. Nonetheless, I still believe I was birthed into the universe for a great reason. These trials weighed heavily on me for years and inevitably put me in a dark place. I’ve been belittled, put-down, and have been told that I was an inconvenience — told that I won’t make it far in life and discouraged by the very role model I should be able to look up to. I have questioned my self-worth from the invalidation that I was subjected to, countless times. My patience and understanding was always taken for granted, and thus, I spiraled down into a pit of indifference and melancholy.

These traumas have been ingrained in my life for years, and it has affected my productivity immensely. This drained me and pulled me into a downward spiral for over 2 years.

I rose when I found my strength within despite, but also due to, adversity and from the love and support of the people who truly believed in me. Suffering is inevitable, but pain is temporary. However, the question here is, "What am I going to do about it? How am I going to transform this into a lesson?" So, I changed my mindset.

I chose to get myself out of the void I was in. I chose to fight and eliminate self-pity. I started taking accountability for all the mistakes I've made and took responsibility for all my failures. I promised myself to get back up each time I fell. And for the first time in a long time, I chose myself. I was determined to find the courage within me to be brave and face these challenges head-on.

I asked myself, "What is my purpose? Why am I here? What am I living for?" It is important for me to ask these questions during trying times because it's how I keep myself grounded amidst challenges. My ambition fuels me to strive for progress. With this, I found my purpose in helping others find their way through my light, which will hopefully spark the light in them as well.

When we rise above adversity in life, we are actively choosing to do something about the problems we face daily. I believe that it's one of the first steps to growth. Rising above challenges is a part of life, and this awareness fuels me to become a better person every day. It's how I know I am alive. It reminds me how amazing and good life can be, and it pushes me to be the best version of myself for me and others. This is how I #RISE.

#RISEwithMMCP
#RISEwithHillary 

Candidate #10: Anie Uson
In this time of uncertainty, we ask you to #RISE with us as we Rebuild our connections, Inspire others, Strengthen the community, and Empower one another R.I.S.E. with us this 2020.

The past few months have been very challenging for all of us. There are really a lot of things going on.

In my case, I work as a Junior Architect, I’m a student preparing Architecture Licensure Examination, and I do small business. Despite everything that is happening, one of the biggest changes I have to adapt is shifting to E- Learning or what we called the Online Classes. It’s a big adjustment not just for us, the students but teachers as well.

As a firm believer that education is the basic foundation of life, I cannot stand the fact that there are a lot of students who are rallying for an education freeze and the reason behind is they lack resources. Access to internet and e-learning gadgets especially for the less fortunate poses a big challenge for them to continue their learning.
So during the lockdown, I thought of a campaign, and named it E-BridgEs which aims to bridge the gap on online Education for the less fortunate students. Now as a Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Philippines 2020 candidate, it gave me the privilege to influence and communicate to people to help me push through the campaign. By doing so, it will help REBUILD a community of Hope and Love in helping the less fortunate children to complete their education. INSPIRE them not to delay their goals amidst the health crisis. STRENGTHEN the community to work hand in hand to push through the campaign. And EMPOWER them through Education and Compassion that we are here for them to BUILD their future. It’s okay to dream big, at the end of the day, what you will regret is a dream not big enough.

#RISEwithMMCP
#RISEwithAnie

Candidate #9: Latisha Tan
In this time of uncertainty, we ask you to #RISE with us as we Rebuild our connections, Inspire others, Strengthen the community, and Empower one another R.I.S.E. with us this 2020.

I used to believe perseverance was the real key to success. The more I work, the more I gain. The more I accomplish, the more fulfilling my days would be. But these times of uncertainties have molded me into the person I have always wanted to be—understanding and seizing what life truly meant. I have realized that life is not about working all day and all night to acquire the possessions we thought would give joy and satisfaction to us. It is not about tiring and enslaving ourselves to work that makes our identity more worthy of praise. These times when deaths have constantly been threatening us has led me to ask a life-changing question, “At the end of the day, would the amount of possessions I have be worthy of death? What in life truly matters?” That is when it hit me. Success is not solely based on perseverance but the motivation of your perceived success. Success is achieved when I no longer long to gain for my own selfish desires but for the impact I make in others’ lives and sharing this joy I now have not based on what this world can give. This is the main reason why I have joined this competition. I want to create a life-changing help and impact that not only satisfies the hunger for physical food but also satisfies the endless yearning of mankind as to what life really meant. I believe that when there is this shift of perspective, help would no longer last just a few days but for a lifetime. This pandemic has scared every single one of us but the source of this agony is not on fear of death alone but also the fear of missing out the value of life. This platform is something I have never expected to have but I know it is given to me not for myself but for others above anything else.

Though uncertainties may come and times may scare me, I find joy and rest in knowing I can be an instrument in helping end not only the physical hunger and despair of others but also the hunger for life. This is what #RISE means to me. It is not about persevering to be above others but to rise up and committing yourself to serving and making an impact in others’ lives.

After all, at the end of the day, there are no bridges that must set each and every one of us apart. This is joy and fulfillment—accomplishing the purpose and design the Creator has for us.

#RISEwithMMCP
#RISEwithLatisha 

Candidate #8: Ezra See
In this time of uncertainty, we ask you to #RISE with us as we Rebuild our connections, Inspire others, Strengthen the community, and Empower one another R.I.S.E. with us this 2020.

This is the story of how I learned to reconnect with myself, amidst the pandemic.

Lost. This was how I felt for the first few months of the lockdown period. Nights were spent with endless thinking and stressing over my future, as I had just resigned from my job the same time this pandemic happened. But it was one tough ride I'm proud of overcoming.

I'm not one who grew up to be business minded or even a bit interested with anything business. I personally wouldn't have thought that by binge watching those trending K-dramas, while lying on my bed all day, lead me to creating my first business venture, which sells Korean/Asian food online. With this, It pushed me to focus on my self more. Balancing talking to suppliers, to my friends, watching TV series, sleeping early, exercising, painting and even learning an instrument. These hard times helped me see who I am and what I want to do in life. I aim to inspire others to do great things through small things.

Let's empower each other to stay connected with friends, make a self care routine, do what we love and more. We are able to take care of others, when we take care of ourselves first. My advocacy is promoting overall self care, so that we can RISE together.

#RISEwithMMCP
#RISEwithEzra 

Candidate #7: Kate Tan Pian
In this time of uncertainty, we ask you to #RISE with us as we Rebuild our connections, Inspire others, Strengthen the community, and Empower one another R.I.S.E. with us this 2020.

I started my 2020 with high hopes of starting my dream career in the field of hospitality in USA. I flew to the states during the very first week of January, a good start of the year I guess. But my dreams were shattered when the company that hired me, forced us to fly back home for our own safety due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The hassle and stress of probably having the biggest setback of my life affects me and my family emotionally. But as a person who naturally rise up to the challenges, I made sure that this setback is an opportunity for a big comeback. I dedicate my time learning new skills in the kitchen, renewing myself spiritually by joining a virtual life group and ultimately joining a movement, the Mister and Miss Chinatown 2020. This pandemic has taught me two things; never dwell in failures and embrace every opportunity arising.

#RISEwithMMCP
#RISEwithKate 

Candidate #6: Maxine Kong
In this time of uncertainty, we ask you to #RISE with us as we Rebuild our connections, Inspire others, Strengthen the community, and Empower one another R.I.S.E. with us this 2020.

This year has been a huge turning point for all of us, who would have thought all our plans would be in the limits of our homes. During this new normal, I have stepped out of my comfort zone to open new doors, new opportunities, and ways to #RISE. I had a vision of how I wanted my 2020 to start; but due to uncertainties, the last few months of 2019 led me to feel like my dreams were over. This year I decided to turn away from all of that and try new things and never would I expect I’d land a chance to take my shot in Mr. and Ms. Chinatown. With this I hope to inspire others, even if all your doors and current dreams shut off against you, there will always be a new one that opens. Most times its even be better than you’ll ever expect.

I encourage others, especially my fellow Chinoy community to #RISE through bouncing back better, bolder, and with a new perspective while still holding our traditions. In order to rise, one must take the risk. To jump into unknown waters and also come out of your comfort zone. Never forget the roots of your past as a new flame burns brightly within.

#RISEwithMMCP
#RISEwithMaxine 

Candidate #5: Kat Ibasco
In this time of uncertainty, we ask you to #RISE with us as we Rebuild our connections, Inspire others, Strengthen the community, and Empower one another R.I.S.E. with us this 2020.

The pandemic has shown us that we can only be as great as the world allows us to be. Despite all our planning and all our hard work, sometimes we won’t always get our way.
Along with many other artists and live entertainment workers, the pandemic drastically affected my work and being. I was no longer able to return to the Broadway costume shop I had called my home last summer, and I had to witness my entire theatrical family find themselves in unemployment and indefinite uncertainty. The emotional strain accompanying such turmoil cannot be avoided. I won’t deny that I was emotionally exhausted. I cried and I grieved. I was confused and idle. But I realized that this is a time like no other, and it’s okay to not be okay. I channeled my frustrations into fine-tuning my creative energy and discovering new skills that would help me grow as a versatile and productive artist. I readied myself to help rebuild the arts, reconnected with a few friends, and even discovered a new hobby.
We will never look back at this year like we did any other. Instead, we will remember how we adapted, empowered and created anew.

#RISEwithMMCP
#RISEwithKat 

Candidate #4: Jea Go
In this time of uncertainty, we ask you to #RISE with us as we Rebuild our connections, Inspire others, Strengthen the community, and Empower one another R.I.S.E. with us this 2020.

This year, the world has faced a lot of drastic changes and major difficulties - from the Taal Volcano eruption to the more recent unfortunate events like the COVID-19 pandemic and Oregon wildfires.
When the government implemented ECQ this March, our lives have been put on pause. This is especially hard on the less fortunate and the medical, security, and service industry front liners because they are constantly exposed to the virus. Many are struggling financially and emotionally - having a hard time putting food on their tables while some have even lost their loved ones to the pandemic.

Seeing the news and realizing the gravity of the pandemic, I reflected that I had to be sensitive of their situation. While in quarantine, I sought to help through my own small ways. As a family, we constantly participated in fundraising initiatives organized by different institutions. Practicing proper safety measures can count as a responsible behavior, I always try to remind myself and everyone around me to be aware and follow guidelines provided to the public.

I believe #RISE calls us to be informed and show empathy towards others. We should support one another and manage adversity with tenacity together. Being patient can go a long way in these times and can definitely shine even the slightest bit of light on anyone.

#RISEwithMMCP
#RISEwithJea 

Candidate #3: Alexi Enriquez
In this time of uncertainty, we ask you to #RISE with us as we Rebuild our connections, Inspire others, Strengthen the community, and Empower one another R.I.S.E. with us this 2020.

The times are changing. Adapting to these changes are crucial to our survival, both physically and mentally. During this current pandemic, our ability to RISE is put to the test. Stereotypes will arise and weak foundations may be crushed, so we are called to go back to the core and rebuild these areas with each other. Seeking inspiration and in turn inspiring others keeps me moving and fuels my purpose of creating positive change, not only within myself but along with my community. In turn, this drive strengthens the community, which is especially important given existing restrictions in terms of interaction.

Most importantly, we must empower each other and remind each other that we are all capable of change, even in our own little ways. Having the right mindset allowed me to capitalize on the situation to progressively discover myself, and build my impact in society. I am currently part of a team, called We Champion, that campaigns COVID-19 education and promoted engagement of the Filipino community, all through its various initiatives. This also encouraged me to be part of something bigger, and take part of the Mr. and Ms. Chinatown movement. Not only is this a learning opportunity, but an avenue for change.

Despite the challenges and stigmas faced by my race, I, along with my fellow candidates, are able to rise though, with, and for each other. By being embodiments of this advocacy, together, we can create more impact in rebuilding connections, inspiring others, strengthening the community, and empowering one another. Everyone matters and is part in this fight against COVID, and it is through lifting each other that we get to truly win this fight. We must hang onto our lifelines—may it be family, religion, and etc. We are in this together, and having a sense of community is the key to rising from the challenges brought about these extraordinary times.

#RISEwithMMCP
#RISEwithAlexi 

Candidate #2: Cassandra Chan
In this time of uncertainty, we ask you to #RISE with us as we Rebuild our connections, Inspire others, Strengthen the community, and Empower one another R.I.S.E. with us this 2020.

A lot of us have been affected mentally by the pandemic. I am one of those who experienced overwhelming anxiety about the state of our world. The first thing I’ve done to #RISE over my anxiety was to accept the fact that the effects of the pandemic will be part of our lives for a long time. Instead of worrying about all the things that can go wrong, I began trying to find ways to adjust to the new normal. My work had a minor setback since we had the pressure of transferring 100% of our classes online in only short matter of time. Thankfully our school was able to manage and we began the re-opening of our dance school during the middle of the year. I feel grateful for my situation because unlike most, I still have the opportunity to teach during this pandemic. Seeing my students and being able to teach them despite the distance has made me develop a strong sense of gratitude. Ever since, the main thing that has helped keep my anxiety at bay was a mind that l was filled with gratitude instead of worry. I admit that before it was easier to wallow in sadness than be grateful for whatever it is I already had. But ever since I made the change, gratitude and the company of others has made me #RISE over my anxiety once and for all. Looking back, I like to think of my #RISE experience as something that consists of positive change that comes from small and deliberate action. It came to me not on my accord but from the action to seek the help and company of others. Although it took awhile for me overcome my lowest point of the year, it was through the everyday changes and the support I had from my loved ones that helped me overcome this hardship and #RISE up.

#RISEwithMMCP
#RISEwithCassandra 

Candidate #1 : Camille Buenaventura
In this time of uncertainty, we ask you to #RISE with us as we Rebuild our connections, Inspire others, Strengthen the community, and Empower one another R.I.S.E. with us this 2020.

It is a childhood dream of mine to join a pageant. Now at 26, I’m finally here. Why now?

For several years, at the last minute, I would always make up excuses as to why I couldn’t join — I have a day job, I have a lot of commitments, I don’t have time. But the real story is, I’ve always felt like I wasn’t good enough. I wasn’t beautiful enough. I wasn’t smart enough. I was scared I wouldn’t make it.

But one day, I thought, why would I wait to be perfect? Why would I wait to be a better version of myself? Suddenly, it hit me — my biggest competition is myself. So I stepped out of my comfort zone, started to work on getting over my insecurities, and learned to consciously enjoy who I am at the present.

I aim to inspire others to do the same. Step over your walls, break out of your shell, power through the difficulties, and rise from the ashes like a phoenix. Because how can you make the world a better place if you don’t love yourself first?

#RISEwithMMCP
#RISEwithCamille 

Candidate #12: Justin Yap
In this time of uncertainty, we ask you to #RISE with us as we Rebuild our connections, Inspire others, Strengthen the community, and Empower one another R.I.S.E. with us this 2020.

Living in a mid-sized Visayan city like Tacloban, to a Filipino – Chinese like me, is always a test of adaptation to the realities of the world you have to live in. You are caught in the maelstrom of your Chinese identity and at the same time, you strive to fit in to an adaptive culture which your grandparents and parents have learned to love.

As in any typical family the world over, we all experience the roller coaster. But early on in my life, my parents have always inculcated in me and my siblings the coping mechanisms to be able to survive in the rat race of this world. First, they taught us good citizenship and to be at peace with our fellowmen; and more importantly, they taught us how to be resilient and empowered when faced with difficulties. For these I thank their foresight.

At a young age, I witnessed how our business was burned down by a fire that left our family financially strapped and emotionally drained. In 2013, my mother was diagnosed with cancer. In November the same year, the world’s strongest typhoon to have made a landfall in history, Typhoon Yolanda, devastated my beloved city. Words are not enough to describe the horror I felt to see on television images of our home half submerged in the waters of the storm surge, and hearing the stories of people, my fellow Taclobanons, who have lost loved ones and their homes and properties. And this year, just before the coronavirus lockdown, our beloved Amah, the matriarch of our family passed away.

Today, as I stand before you representing my city in the prestigious MR. CHINATOWN competition, I would like to convey openly my sincere appreciation and gratitude first to my family who have taught me how to rise up from tragedies and failures, giving me the opportunity to learn, to explore and discover possibilities in order for me to achieve my personal goals. Second, let me also thank the people who believe in my capabilities and my mission as an ambassador of goodwill to the rest of the Philippines, China and the world. Let my voice be heard by this generation and the next, that no matter how difficult life may be, there is always a hundred and one reason to smile and be thankful about; for it wakes up the Phoenix bird in you so that you will rise up from the ashes and be reborn.

#RISEwithMMCP
#RISEwithJustin 

Candidate #11: Kevin Ty
In this time of uncertainty, we ask you to #RISE with us as we Rebuild our connections, Inspire others, Strengthen the community, and Empower one another R.I.S.E. with us this 2020.

Like most people, I was caught off guard by the pandemic that hit us this year. It never crossed my mind that a virus could shut down the entire world, and this made me realize that life’s biggest troubles are often things that are completely unexpected. Despite this pandemic, life goes on and it will continue to have its ups and downs. With that, I want to inspire others to be resilient. Problems will continue to pile up, but it's up to us to rise above them all. I used the time in quarantine to focus on the things that I could control. I trained hard. I learned basic skills that I overlooked before like biking and cooking homemade meals. I caught up with my high school batchmates and worked with them to hold PPE donation drives for frontliners. However, the thing I'm most proud of is that I took advantage of technology to create a platform on social media to promote both physical and financial wellness, expanding my reach to Filipinos outside the Metro. Digitalization is one of the most crucial aspects in helping the world adapt to the "new normal,” and I would like to empower others to take advantage of digital tools. All the necessary information to make ourselves better are right at our fingertips; we just need to work together, stay focused, and grab every opportunity that comes our way.

#RISEwithMMCP
#RISEwithKevin 

Candidate #10: Abiather Tsai
In this time of uncertainty, we ask you to #RISE with us as we Rebuild our connections, Inspire others, Strengthen the community, and Empower one another R.I.S.E. with us this 2020.

Looking back, I had high hopes for 2020 as it represents my Zodiac animal, year of the rat. Little did I know that we will end up hiding like them. Left to hiding and only going out for food. This basically summarizes our transformation.
With all the masks closing our nose and mouth, the need for our voices to be heard and the initiative to support others start with SELF-IMPROVEMENT. Working in the fitness industry as a coach, the impact brought by the pandemic has greatly affected us. Gyms, sports centers, clinics, and others are all closed, thus we’re grabbing this opportunity to improve ourselves by taking up seminars, exploring online coaching, and keeping ourselves fit.
To give 2020 a word: Change
Change of Plans
Change of lifestyle
Change as we care more about each other
The things that we cherish the most are the same things that we usually walk right by. Take this time to bond with your family, catch up with friends, develop your hobbies, and practice healthy habits. Rid yourself of the things that hinder improvement, and the burdens that weigh you down. It’s up to us if we want to change for the better.

#RISEwithMMCP
#RISEwithAbs 

Candidate #9: Don Tang
In this time of uncertainty, we ask you to #RISE with us as we Rebuild our connections, Inspire others, Strengthen the community, and Empower one another R.I.S.E. with us this 2020.

If there’s one thing that this year has taught me, it’s that tomorrow is not a guarantee. The pandemic has thrown a wrench in everyone’s lives, put the world at high risk, and forced businesses to close shop.
Personally, I didn’t only have to put my life plans on hold; I also had to be let go from my job for reasons bigger than myself. While the hardships and challenges took their toll on me for a while, I made a decision to roll with the punches and explore new opportunities as they arise.

With everything that has happened, I’ve come to realize that all the closed doors and detours ultimately led me to this moment. It’s one I didn’t see coming, but it compelled me to push my boundaries further and make the most out of every situation.

#RISEwithMMCP
#RISEwithDon 

Candidate #8: Johann Sy
In this time of uncertainty, we ask you to #RISE with us as we Rebuild our connections, Inspire others, Strengthen the community, and Empower one another R.I.S.E. with us this 2020.

When I joined De La Salle University as a freshman, I was so proud, and doubly more so when I was admitted to the double degree program for Accounting and Financial Economics. Adjusting to college was tough but I was getting good grades which made me cocky. So when I failed the qualifying exam for Accounting, not just once but twice, my world fell apart. I began to question everything around me, and I was afraid to face my parents and my friends.

I expected anger, disappointment, sadness, even shame from them. What they all gave me was encouragement and they restored my faith that all things happen for a reason. I remember crying to myself, not because I was still feeling down from failing, but for the INSPIRATION they all gave me, STRENGTHENING my inner man.

I came away from that experience EMPOWERED to REBUILD my future. I cannot let a degree program, or in this a double degree one, define me. We can be whoever we want to be if we are not afraid of hard work, of failure, and always remembering to pray.

I let go and let God, and in His wisdom, he placed me in Economics where I found a passion for sustainable programs that can help the marginalized sectors in the Philippines. I am energized by the possibilities of giving not just hand-outs, but hand ups. Checkbook philanthropy is great but providing the poor with systematic opportunities to RISE from their economic station will be more sustainable and successful in the long-run.

This pandemic has given all of us such an opportunity. We can keep looking at what we lost, or look instead for what we can gain and recover for others. With like-minded friends, we set out to launch a start-up and we are looking forward to enriching ourselves, not with money but with lessons and experiences.

We can make plans, but in His faithfulness, I praise the Lord that He directs our paths.

#RISEwithMMCP
#RISEwithJohann 

Candidate #7: Georwin Ng
In this time of uncertainty, we ask you to #RISE with us as we Rebuild our connections, Inspire others, Strengthen the community, and Empower one another R.I.S.E. with us this 2020.

This year, thousands of people may have lost their jobs or suffered tremendous amounts of financial distress in their business. Personally, I was fortunate enough to land a secure job early in the year. However, my journey wasn’t easy to reach to this point in my life. Moving to Melbourne at the age of 17, I decided to be financially independent. This involved a lot of stress and anxiety, experiencing homelessness for a few months, scrubbing kitchens to washing cars at petrol stations just to make ends meet. A lot of sacrifices were made but the end was worth it!

During this pandemic, I empathise with thousands of Filipinos out there who are working hard in their jobs or business just for food and shelter. We, as Filipinos are also known for their resourcefulness during this time having multiple “side hustles” just to generate income. This self-initiative is something we as a community should support, hence the tag-line “Support Local”. I would like to challenge everyone during this time, to help encourage small businesses to keep going during this time of difficulty by engaging with the products or services. Even if this is a simple like or share on their page can go a long way.
By joining this year’s MMCP, I would like to challenge everyone to Support Local and create a platform where home-based restaurants are able to promote and sell their products (and yes I do love food).

#RISEwithMMCP
#RISEwithGeorwin 

Candidate #6: Jerrick Luy
In this time of uncertainty, we ask you to #RISE with us as we Rebuild our connections, Inspire others, Strengthen the community, and Empower one another R.I.S.E. with us this 2020.

As someone who smiles often and enjoys a good laugh with friends and family, I may not look like it but there was a point in my life where I was at my lowest. Fortunately at that time I was able to persevere and move forward, of course with the help of people around me, people who genuinely cared for me and supported me when I couldn’t even support myself.

Now I aspire to be that support for others, to be a foundation that helps individuals rise up to the occasion especially today where covid 19 is disrupting our day to day lives with huge impacts. This is the perfect opportunity for me to use my platform to help our fellow kababayans who are struggling just to make ends meet and i can only imagine the hardships that they are going through which we all know, affects an individual both physically and mentally. I know I'll be able to help, because I know far too well the feeling of being trapped in darkness, of feeling that you are alone, and all you really need is a glimmer of light to show you the way, and I can be that light for others. To help guide them and to let them know that there is and always will be a better tomorrow.

#RISEwithMMCP
#RISEwithJerrick 

Candidate #5: Jiro Go
In this time of uncertainty, we ask you to #RISE with us as we Rebuild our connections, Inspire others, Strengthen the community, and Empower one another R.I.S.E. with us this 2020.

Just like everyone else who was hopeful for the new decade, 2020 was supposed to be an exciting year for me. Fresh from graduate school in London, I decided to take a chance by moving to Norway to pursue the life I thought was in store for me. But just like everyone else, I had no idea about the brewing storm that is the Covid 19 pandemic. My plans of starting my career in Norway were drastically changed as I had to move back home to the Philippines with my family just in time before the lockdowns were set in place. Especially during the beginning of this pandemic, I struggled with all the sudden and unanticipated changes we were facing, as a citizen of this country, as a member of my family and as a hopeful individual. But being the person that I am, hungry for personal growth and learning despite the situation, I tried my best to rise above and make the most out of it. With my entrepreneurial spirit, I built a brand of Nordic-inspired interior decorations in the Philippines all while holding down my full-time job as private markets analyst.

I count myself lucky to have a family to come home to and ride this pandemic through together but I know this isn’t the case for all. I acknowledge that I come from a position of privilege and this is largely the reason why I was able to achieve what I have, despite the current situation. I believe acknowledging this privilege is the first step I have to take in order to help those who aren’t in the same position as I am in. My story may not be the best or most inspiring, but I hope to use what privilege I have to create a movement rooted in the same growth mindset I have in order to help rebuild, inspire, strengthen, and empower others as well

#RISEwithMMCP
#RISEwithJiro 

Candidate #4: Eric Cua
In this time of uncertainty, we ask you to #RISE with us as we Rebuild our connections, Inspire others, Strengthen the community, and Empower one another R.I.S.E. with us this 2020.

As an advocate of a sustainable community, I believe that the benefit of the #RISE movement is having a wider platform and tapping different channels. Being born and raised in a Fil-Chi community, I realized that hard work alone is not enough. Everyone must be given opportunities so we can truly become someone we’re hoping to be. We can do more if we make opportunities equally available for everyone.

My goal is to influence the Fil-Chi youth through social media and continuously establish the idea of a sustainable community to my students, as an educator. Generating employment is the best way for me to fulfill my advocacy, so as an entrepreneur, opening opportunities to all is part of my list. An opportunity where discrimination of any kind has no place, may be it age, gender and culture.
Therefore, when it’s the youth’s turn to lead their generation, we will see a community where poverty could not foster and no one will be left below

#RISEwithMMCP
#RISEwithEric 

Candidate #3: Beef Co
In this time of uncertainty, we ask you to #RISE with us as we Rebuild our connections, Inspire others, Strengthen the community, and Empower one another R.I.S.E. with us this 2020.

“In this sea of negativity, what we need is a boat of positivity.”
2020 has proved enough to be a very challenging year for everyone. There are growing problems everyday both economically and mentally but it was the latter where Beef was greatly affected. For him, his work and passion were both in the fitness industry but it became clear that there was a need for it to pause as events got cancelled, gyms closed down, and social gatherings were highly discouraged. As time flew by, he just grew more and more frustrated.

These frustrations allowed him to divert his supposed goals this year for coming up with something much bigger than what he envisioned. What started as short voluntary online workout sessions, Beef managed to create a growing online fitness community that aims to make an impact in both the mental and physical state of individuals. Turning strangers into friends online through fitness, it was more than just staying fit as it was mainly set out to target the social aspect of people during this pandemic where social distancing is greatly implemented.
It will always be up to us on how we deal with obstacles like this during the pandemic. There will always be that option to do something to overcome them or let them just be. For Beef, every obstacle is just an opportunity for us to #RISE above turning them into our greatest victories together.

#RISEwithMMCP
#RISEwithBeef 

Candidate #2: Carlo Carcido
In this time of uncertainty, we ask you to #RISE with us as we Rebuild our connections, Inspire others, Strengthen the community, and Empower one another R.I.S.E. with us this 2020.

I always believe that progress can be achieved once prejudice and biases are removed from an individual and mutual respect is promoted in our society. As the eldest sibling in the family, my father always brings me along to various campaigns and projects in serving and providing for the marginalized people which ignited my passion for leadership and service.

With that being said, it is where my view on cultural diversity was broadened by immersing myself in the interaction of people from different racial backgrounds. This also taught me that I am not an individual self, but a crucial member of a community that needs to give back.

With this, I am determined and all more preparedto rebuild with what has been lost, inspire people to constantly strive to achieve their dreams, strengthen one other in these trying times, and empower ourselves to rise altogether.

#RISEwithMMCP
#RISEwithCarlo 

Candidate #1: Herc Ang
In this time of uncertainty, we ask you to #RISE with us as we Rebuild our connections, Inspire others, Strengthen the community, and Empower one another R.I.S.E. with us this 2020.

Despite all these challenges we all have faced, the trials, failures, disappointments, and disasters; I still managed to see the beauty behind all these. I've learned to be positive because I know in that way, I could inspire other people to be optimistic, as I do. Due to this pandemic, a lot of people, including me, have had a hard time dealing with mental health issues. However, I thought of ways that will eliminate my negativities. I started to think of different ways to earn money, I did some physical fitness exercises, I had more time in taking care of my body and health, and I believe in that way, I also get to inspire other people around me to do the same.

To add up, I never get tired of performing and joining singing competitions because for me winning is not always the end point of every competition but the lessons you get from it and the experience itself. I believe that these experiences have molded my personality that also might make a big difference in somebody else's lives.

With this, my goal is to inspire and empower people to see the good in every situation, it is not being naive, it is believing that there will always be wonderful things that will happen, we just got to wait for it or make a way for it, together we will rise up.

#RISEwithMMCP
#RISEwithHerc 

 #RiseWithChinoyTV #RiseWithMMCP