TED Community » Xavier Alpasa

About Me

Jesuit Social Entrepreneur who founded Rags2riches, coordinated Sumilao Farmers' Campaign and currently teaching MBA at the Philippines' Top Graduate School, Ateneo Graduate School of Business passionate about Social Entrepreneurship, Business Ethics and Leadership.

Represented the country and won the Business in Development (BID) Global Challenge 2008 in Netherlands besting 8000 entries from all over the world on top of the Social Enterprise Award from the University of San Francisco International Business Plan Competition which is the biggest gathering of Sillicon Valley Presidents, CEOs, Venture Capitalists, Techies and Investors.

Awarded UST College of Commerce Outstanding Alumnus Award 2008 and has given several talks locally and internationally to various groups from students to corporate executives including the U.S. Catholic Schools Conference in Guam and serving as Judge for the Global Social Venture Competition in Thailand.

A breadwinner who has reaped laurels in academics and extra-curricular activities and continues to achieve for the marginalized sectors. Climbed the corporate ladder in few years occupying middle management position by mid-20s joining one of Asia’s biggest food and beverage conglomerate and an internationally-recognized financial institution.

Emceed World Youth Day 1995 in Manila and Asian Youth Day Gathering 1997 in Paris becoming active in youth movements both locally and internationally. Helped establish and/or revitalize several organizations like Yuppeace, Teatro Tomasino, Sta Teresita of Miarayon, Heroic Leadership, Solarsolutions, Fineapple Creatives and Rags2riches, among others.

Political Activist engaging citizens to register and vote, uphold their constitutional rights and fight for the rights of the poor. Part of the core group that formed Pugad Lawin, VforCE, Sumilao Campaign etc.

Journeyed with people from all walks of life from students to Deans, from street vendors to big business tycoons, from regular mass goers to Bishops and as varied a background you can imagine.

Son of an employee who had to retire due to partial disability and a loving housewife who sold ice for 25 cents a piece to survive. Challenged by the experience of poverty, greater dreams surfaced believing in the Alchemist's "The whole universe will conspire to grant the deepest desire of one's heart."

And the possible impossible journey continues...