6 Inspiring TED Talks from Filipino Thought Leaders

Sometimes we all need a bit of inspiration and motivation to spark our inner greatness or keep us moving forward. What better way to gain this boost of encouragement than listening to fellow Filipinos share their stories and passions. Here is a list of our favorite Filipino TED talk speakers that have inspired us to greater heights:

1. Geena Rocero: Why I must come out (2014)

Geena Rocero is a professional model, transgender advocate and activist, and author of House Barbie: A Memoir. In her ted talk, she shares her journey of becoming a successful model, moving to the United States, and living her truth. Grateful to have an accepting and supportive family, Geena speaks about how many people in the transgender community aren’t as fortunate.  She provides insight on the history and struggles faced within the transgender community. 

In an inspiring moment, she says, “Because of my success, I never had the courage to tell my story. Not because I thought what I am is wrong, but because of how the world treats those of us who wish to break free.” Geena has come out in hope to help others live their truth without shame and terror. If you’re wondering how to live true to who you are, this talk will show you what it’s like and leave you feeling empowered to live authentically for yourself.

2. Delfin Villafuerte: Finding f(x): Why I teach for the Philippines (2015)

Delfin Villafuerte was a teacher in the Philippines at the time of this TED talk, and is currently a graduate student at Harvard and a summer principal in Boston. He explains his decision behind becoming a public school teacher in the Philippines, and what his students have taught him. Delfin explores what it means to dream and aspire, and how that can lead people to discover their purpose, and ultimately change the world.

If you’re looking for motivation to pursue the career you truly want, this talk will give you the drive you need. Delfin delivers so many amazing pieces of advice, including how change starts with connection. He eloquently states, “The daunting task of changing the world revolves around the pieces we give of ourselves to others.” This is to say, if we want the world to change, we must pursue something that we enjoy and can share with those around us. Check out his ted talk for more inspiring thoughts.

3. Gia Sison: What if we celebrate failure? (2019)

Dr. Gia Sison is a medical doctor, co-host of the podcast Walwal Sesh, and a breast cancer survivor. With failure comes fear, and the moment Dr. Sison felt a lump in her breast, she was afraid to confirm what it could be. In her talk, she goes through her journey of being diagnosed with breast cancer and the treatments that followed. During this process, her idea of failure changed.

Perspective matters, and as Dr. Sison said, “What if we begin to see failure as something that we need, not something that we evade, for us to get what we want in life.” For those needing the encouragement to get up once again after failing, this uplifting talk might shift the way you think about failure.

4. Carlo Ople: Why 7PM-1AM is the most important time of your life

Carlo Ople is the founder of Unbox PH, an entrepreneur, and a content creator. Speaking about the hustle of building a career during a typical 8-5PM job and building a dream between 7PM-1AM, Carlo brings up the struggles and rewards of creating what you want out of life, while also working a day job. 

Although there’s an emphasis on the importance of work-life balance, Carlo points to the benefits of creating more than consuming. Building a dream takes hard work, and Carlo speaks to this saying, “The road less traveled is really to pursue what you want to do. But the road less traveled is the hardest path to take.” This one’s for those hustling to make their dreams come true, and needing a reminder that the effort will be worth it. 

5. Ayn Bernos: Redefining X: Colorism in the Philippines (2022)

Ayn Bernos is the founder of Morena the Label, co-founder of Kayu Beauty, co-host of the podcast Camp Confidence, and a content creator. She’s an advocate and helps spread awareness and education around colorism in the Philippines. In this talk, she dives into beauty standards and what colorism is, shares stories about people experiencing colorism, including herself, and how society can start to change this narrative that people with darker skin are seen as less than people with lighter skin. 

For those that have experienced colorism, watching Ayn’s Ted talk will bring comfort in knowing there is a movement going on that is changing the way people speak about skin color. As Ayn said, “Hopefully, one day, we get to a point in Filipino culture where skin color, that used to be a symbol of status and wealth… and who we can be… can just be, skin color.”

6. Romeo Marquez Jr.: The power of taking action on your passion  (2013)

Ending the list with a familiar face, we have Kollective Hustle’s very own Romeo Marquez Jr! Romeo is an international motivational speaker, success coach, author of The Success Messages, and the head of Kollective Hustle. In a captivating Ted talk, Romeo shares his story and personal moments in his life that have contributed to him following his passions and feeling fulfilled in life. Exploring the importance of imagination and pursuing interests that are often pushed to the side.

Romeo drops so many gems of advice and words of encouragement, that will cause you to reflect on your own passions. He asks, “Imagination is the biggest playground in the universe. How big are you really playing?” A thought-provoking and empowering talk that’s definitely worth the watch. 

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Written by Jessa Gagarin

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