YOU’VE probably seen at least one or two of these videos online, some of the most influential people in the world delivering speeches aimed at a global audience, sharing valuable insights and funny anecdotes. Talks that can range from Bill Gates urging on the need to reduce our Carbon Footprint, to Susan Cain sharing about the Power of
Introverts, to Stephen Hawking inviting us to question the Universe. This is the vast resource that TEDTalks has become.
TEDTalks and its affiliated independent TEDx events have grown into a recognizable name, with a growing international following, videos posted on their channels garnering millions of views, TED conventions being held in different parts of the world every day. In March 2015, a TEDx event was hosted for the first time in Western Visayas, here at Iloilo.
TEDxUPV, with the theme “Transition,” was held at the Miag-ao Campus of the University of the Philippines and yours truly was one of the 100 chosen to take part in the esteemed event. The speakers included veteran journalist Howie Severino, Atty. Prima Quinsayas a prosecutor in the Maguindanao Massacre, One Million Lights Philippines’ young founder Mark Lozano, and many more.
The event was unique not only because of the TEDx name, but even more so for the immersive experience. Instead of the usual open forum after the talks, the audience were allowed to freely interact with the speakers during short intermissions, all very gamely conversing with us and entertaining our questions.
You could even be lucky enough to score a one-on-one interview with some of them, if you had enough patience. And while most of my peers decided to ask the speakers for selfies, the student journalist in me sprung into action and asked some of these esteemed speakers a few questions.
Howie Severino
Well-known for his eye-opening documentaries on I-Witness, Howie
Severino is one of GMA’s most notable journalists.
Many typecast today’s “Selfie Generation” as uninvolved and narcissistic but in his talk, Sir Howie spoke of how we have the potential to be the most empowered age group in history,
with the internet and social media on our side.
He shared candidly about his experiences as a young journalist during Martial Law under the Marcos regime, and how he was once detained merely for taking pictures of a protest, encouraging us to use wisely the freedom we enjoy today. Sir Howie cited the Million People March against the pork barrel scam and the Yellow Boat of Hope Campaign that provides bangkas to underprivileged communities, both advocacies that stemmed from online movements and have made a great impact on society.
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Rhick: You spoke about how today’s youth has the potential to become the greatest generation, what should be our first step to achieve this?
Sir Howie: I think the main idea is to think beyond yourself. The youth have the potential in them to either build up themselves or build a nation. Be selfless. Be “unselfie”. Cultivate a brand associated with service, intellect, and curiosity. Turn your camera and point it to the world.
Rhick: What would your advice be to aspiring writers and young journalists that look up to you?
Sir Howie: Do your best because that’s what the profession deserves. (maverhick.blogspot.com/PN)
