Pilipino Renaissance in NYC

Im looking forward to being in New York City early next month to speak at the upcoming Pilipino American Unity for Progress (UniPro) Summit on June 2, 2012 at NYU.

The UniPro Summit is described as a “multinational forum for Pilipino young adults, students and youth,” where the goal is to reach out to the multinational Pilipino community in order to create a safe space and open forum to discuss regional issues and facilitate cultural workshops.

This year, the theme of the Summit is the “Pilipino Renaissance”, defined as:

1. The awakening of the individual Pilipino’s earnest passions and aspirations.
2. The creation of a community that nurtures the individual Pilipino’s passions and aspirations.
3. The flourishing of the global Pilipino community, marked by the significant representation and success of Pilipinos, determined by the realization of our own potential.

I was asked by the organizers to provide my own definition of the Pilipino Renaissance in advance of the Summit. This is what I came up with:

- The marking of a new era where the talents, creativity and tenacity of the Pilipino people, along with our arts, culture and history, are truly recognized and celebrated worldwide;

- The re-imagining of the Pilipino people having the capacity to greatly contribute to the global community of changemakers, entrepreneurs, creative problems solvers, makers, doers and professional healthcare workers, in the firm belief that a better world is possible.

In my presentation, Im hoping to further elaborate on these two points mentioned above, highlighting the Power of TEDx as one example of a global community of changemakers affecting their local communities in truly profound and positive ways.

On a personal note, I am extremely humbled to have even been asked to participate in the upcoming UniPro Summit. One of my personal heroes for almost a decade now, Tony Meloto, the founder of Gawad Kalinga, will be also be speaking at the Summit, along with one of my good friends and fellow social entrepreneur, Ryan Letada (right there, you know this Summit will be a good time!)

Other confirmed speakers include:

• Alex Cena – Sulu Series, Sulu DC
• Ariel Estrada – Leviathan Lab
• Darwin Dion Ignacio – Founder, BUSOG.co
• Fr. Benigno Beltran – Executive Director, Mga Anak ni Inang Daigdig
• Gerald “Jerry” Topitzer – Advancement for Rural Kids (ARK)
• Illmind – Music Producer
• Jennine Ventura – Filipinas for Rights and Empowerment (FiRE)/GABRIELA-USA
• Jose Antonio Vargas – Executive Director, Define American
• Kilusan Bautista – Universal Self
• Leah Villanueva – Director for Asian Pacific Islander American Affairs, University of Florida
• Loida Nicholas Lewis – Chairperson, US Pinoys for Good Governance
• Merit Salud – Chairman, NaFFAA Region 1
• Nicole Ponseca – Maharlika
• Ninotchka Rosca – AF3IRM
• Oliver Oliveros – BroadwayWorld.com
• Rafe Bartholomew – Author of ‘Pacific Rims’
• Ray Sison – Art Director, R/GA
• Rich Kiamco – Comedian
• Stephanie Walmsley – Producer, “God of Love”
• Susan Gador – President, Philippine Nurses Association (PNA-NY)
• Yves Nibungco – Anakbayan

If you are interested in participating in the UniPro Summit, you are certainly more than welcome to attend and meet other like-minded and passionate Pilipinos, to exchange ideas and begin organizing a global network to promote the idea of such a renaissance.

For more information or to register to attend, please visit the UniPro Summit registration page.

Definitely looking forward to this particular trip to NYC!