Theme: Confluence

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Ayala Avenue
Makati, Metro Manila
Metro Manila, National Capital Region, 6750
Philippines

Fiona Gurtiza

Writer, Content Marketing Officer

Fiona Gurtiza does best when she combines her creative and marketing skills. She leads content marketing at Sprout Solutions and has over 8 years of expertise. There, she manages content development and contributes her strategic vision to branding and data-driven marketing operations. Fiona's talents, however, are much broader than the corporate world. She is a published author, spoken word poet, and podcast host—a real Renaissance woman. She established Fool's Gnosis, a wellness brand that provides intuitive tarot readings.

Francisco "Paco" Magsaysay

CEO of Carmen's Best Ice Cream and Asian Vision Cable Holdings, Inc.

Francisco Magsaysay is known for his leadership and success in creating Carmen's Best Ice Cream. In 2018, he received the Agora Award for Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship in the Medium Enterprise category. In 2022, he received the Mansmith Innovation Award for Product Innovation. He has been recognized as the Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year by the Italian Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year by Entrepreneur Of The Year of Ernest Young/SGV. He also oversees Asian Vision, a successful cable TV and broadband company serving Batangas, Quezon, and Zambales provinces. After earning a marketing degree at the University of St. Thomas, he returned home to take over his father's business. Ramon Magsaysay Jr., was elected as a senator in 1995, continuing his family's media legacy.

Juanita Sorrano

Vice President, Global Social Impact & Innovation at edX for Impact, Founder of CodeConnect

Juanita is a passionate advocate for tech education for all. Her journey began in finance, but a desire for change led her to a coding boot camp where she discovered a passion for technology and became a full-stack developer. Balancing a career and family, Juanita's story exemplifies perseverance and a commitment to lifelong learning. Empowered by her own experience, she founded CodeConnect to dismantle barriers and democratize access to tech education, particularly for underserved communities. Through CodeConnect, Juanita unites a diverse group of partners to make tech education a reality for everyone.

Lijani Nakatani

Entrepreneur, Founder of RS English Dynamics

Lijani Limbang-Nakatani, entrepreneur and champion of education, ignites potential in children and women. Fueled by her own journey as the youngest of ten, overcoming obstacles to become her family's first college graduate, Lijani founded RS English Dynamics in Osaka. For nearly a decade, she's nurtured young minds and fostered a love of learning within the Japanese community. Her dedication extends beyond borders. Inspired, she leads impactful projects in the Philippines and abroad, empowering women and children through education. Lijani's story is one of grit, resilience, and a passion for igniting the spark of possibility within others.

Red Ollero

Stand Up Comedian

Red Ollero isn't in a lab coat, wielding a scalpel over a hapless frog. His instrument of choice is far more intriguing: laughter. This comedian, actor, and Netflix sensation ("Mabuhay Is A Lie") uses humor not for frivolous amusement, but for a far more critical purpose – dissection. He dissects not flesh and organs, but our most cherished assumptions, both about ourselves and the society we inhabit. Inspired by the giants of Filipino comedy, Ollero's stand-up delves into vulnerability with sharp wit. He dismantles stereotypes not with anger, but with side-splitting honesty.

Rio Cuervo

Textile Artist, Founder of Riotaso Clothing

Rio Cuervo is the founder of RIOtaso Clothing, a fiercely Filipina sustainable brand repurposing discarded fabrics into new textiles and creating one-of-one designs through creative zero-waste solutions. With a background in Fashion Design, Merchandising, and a childhood full of making art, Rio is no stranger to playing with colors and textures to create visually striking pieces. A strong voice in the Slow Fashion movement and an advocate for ethical practices in the fashion industry. Rio’s design philosophy centers on sustainability, size-inclusivity, and of course - pockets!

William dela Cruz

Videographer, CEO of DLC Productions

William dela Cruz is a 29-year-old professional videographer, video editor, and content producer, and has been in the professional videography industry since 2015. He graduated from Full Sail University in Orlando, FL, USA, and is the founder of DLC Productions, a multimedia production company, specializing in event coverage and other small-scale video production, and its subsidiary, First Wings Films, a videography company catered to high-end weddings and debut coverage. William has worked with many top-level corporations throughout the years providing high-quality media materials, as well as experience working with newlyweds and families looking for a great and high-quality remembrance of their special events in life. He hopes to share his experience being a creative in the Philippines with the next generation of creatives who wish to pursue their passions as a career, as William believes being creative in a digital world is just as important nowadays as other fields.