Theme: Turning Points: Championing New Directions

Life's journey is not travelled in a straight line. It is full twists, bumps, and unexpected stops, radically changing our destinations. "Turning Points: Championing New Directions" celebrates these transformative moments and embraces all that come with it. With this theme, it is hoped that these occasions are met with openness and introspection, that even though change can sometimes be daunting, new and bigger possibilities may be on the horizon, if we just have the courage to make that turn.

Miriam College Innovation Center
Katipunan Ave.
Quezon City, National Capital Region, 1108
Philippines

Ayn Bernos

Content Creator, Beauty Queen, and Podcaster

Ayn Bernos is a content creator, entrepreneur, beauty queen, and podcaster. She is best known for her content which focuses on confidence, education, and empowerment. She is also an author of a children's book "My Name is Morena", which celebrates the beauty of Filipino heritages and encourages Filipinos of all ages in loving their own beautiful morena skin. Ayn continues to speak against colorism and advocate for empowerment through education.

Cleo Loque

Youthpreneur

Cleo began her entrepreneurial journey at just 15 years old. She started with making empowering statement tees and growing her vision into a brand that champions female empowerment, inclusivity, and innovation. Taking up BS Entrepreneurship at Enderun Colleges, Cleo balances her studies leading Hiraya Pilipina and inspiring others. Her active social media presence as the face of the brand showcases her commitment to breaking barriers and proving to young entrepreneurs that age is no obstacle to achieving big dreams. The name Hiraya Pilipina embodies Cleo’s mission and values, combining “Hiraya”, which means vision, imagination, dreams, and aspirations, with “Pilipina” to emphasize the brand’s unwavering focus on empowering Filipina women. Cleo’s journey highlights the power of determination and purpose, making her an inspiring figure for anyone aspiring to make a meaningful impact.

Deidre Morales

Filipino Professor, Researcher

Deidre R. Morales is a teacher and researcher. She completed her Bachelor's degree in Philippine Studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman where she graduated magna cum laude and took her Master's degree in Language and Literature at De La Salle University. In 2014, she ranked #1 for the Licensure Exam for Teachers. She is currently teaching literature at the Department of Filipino and Philippine Literature (DFPP) at UP Diliman. She is also a member of the Congress of Teachers/Educators for Nationalism and Democracy (CONTEND). She has written creative works and research that have been published in Luntian Journal, Makiling Review, and Decolonizing Comparative Literature (Palgrave Macmillan, forthcoming). Her book, a literary biography of the writer Efren Abueg is also scheduled to be published next year (DLSU Publishing)

Enchong Dee

Actor, Athlete, Entrepreneur

Ernest Lorenzo V. Dee, known to many as Enchong Dee, is an actor, entrepreneur, and advocate dedicated to youth empowerment and education. With a background in Developmental Studies under Political Science from De La Salle University, he is passionate about exploring new ideas and finding innovative solutions to societal challenges. Throughout his career, Enchong has brought depth and authenticity to his roles, but beyond the screen, he actively champions education and personal growth, believing in the power of continuous learning and collaboration. An athlete at heart, swimming and fitness give him balance, while traveling fuels his creativity. With a humble and curious mindset, he remains committed to making a meaningful impact—on and off the stage. In his TED Talk, he shares insights on the power of education and self-determination in shaping a brighter future.

Jose Javier Reyes

Chair, Film Development Council of the Philippines, Writer, Director

Jose Javier Reyes is a multi-awarded producer, director, and writer for films, television and stage. He presently holds the position of Chairman and CEO of the Film Development Council of the Philippines. He also served as the Chairman of the Film Program of the School of New Media Arts at the De la Salle College of Saint Benilde from 2018 to 2024. He has received recognition as Best Director and Best Writer in every award giving body for film in the country. He has also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Writers Union of the Philippines (2020) for his close to two hundred screenplays that he has written for film and innumerable scripts he has created for television. Mr. Reyes is still a practicing academician, film and television producer, writer and director.

Marilag Sadicon

Lawyer, Advocate

Marilag is a lawyer with a strong background in both litigation and public service. She is currently serving as a lawyer at the Supreme Court of the Philippines Office of the Spokesperson, where she plays a key role in communicating the Court’s position on critical legal matters to the public. A passionate advocate for gender equality and women’s rights, Marilag was a former intern at OutRight International, where she supported advocacy efforts on behalf of underrepresented and minority groups. A graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Law, Marilag is deeply committed to advancing human rights and fostering an inclusive legal landscape. She is an alumna of Miriam College High School, where her passion for justice and equality first began to take shape.

Mona Veluz-Magno

Genealogist a.k.a. Mighty Magulang

Mona Magno-Veluz is a self-confessed history geek, “ninuno”-hunter, and certified “tita”. She is a passionate genealogist involved in growing family trees for clans, here and abroad, and in nurturing family forests as a Philippine curator on Geni.com. Her social media persona “Mighty Magulang” who delivers bite-sized history and genealogy thought starters and her autism inclusion advocacy ushered the opportunity to serve on the Tiktok Safety Advisory Council for Asia Pacific as the sole Filipino, and only content creator. Mona speaks publicly about social media literacy and innovation, civic education, genealogy and family history research, disability-inclusive employment, and empowered parenting.

Pia Arcangel

Award-winning Journalist, News Anchor

Pia Arcangel is an accomplished journalist and news anchor with over two decades of experience in the media industry. She currently anchors SAKSI (2014-present) and 24 Oras Weekend (2010-present) on GMA Integrated News. Pia also hosts the popular podcast Surprise Guest with Pia Arcangel (2022-present), where she interviews various personalities. Her career with GMA News began as a field correspondent and progressed to becoming the anchor of Balitanghali (2005-2014). In addition to her news roles, Pia has hosted several public affairs programs, including Tunay na Buhay (2019-2022), Unang Hirit (2010-2013), 100% Pinoy (2006-2008), and Art Angel (2004-2010). She has also been assigned to notable field coverages both here and abroad, such as the coronation of King Charles, the Philippine Presidential Elections, and State of the Nation Addresses.

Resty Collado

Physics teacher and Design Thinker

Resty Collado is a member of the Science faculty of Miriam College High School (MCHS) where he has taught Physics since 2006. He is also a part-time faculty of the School of Business, Education, and Arts in the same institution where he teaches quantitative research in education and management of technological innovations. Resty also serves as the Innovation and Technology Support Officer (ITSO) of the Henry Sy, Sr. Innovation Center in the same college, where he co-leads the incubation program of the MC-Technology Business Incubator. A recipient of DOST scholarship for both undergraduate and graduate levels, he has recently completed his dissertation at the University of the Philippines in Diliman for a degree in PhD in Physics Education. Resty is also actively improving his design thinking workshops for teacher designers that was previously granted a PRC-accredited event, and serves as a pathway for a startup funding for MC-TBI’s incubation program.

Sofia Soledad De Guzman

Educator

Sofia Soledad DG. De Guzman is an advocate of innovative education, specifically in the fields of girls' education, language teaching and literacy, and student well-being. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication from the University of the Philippines-Diliman. Her interest in blended and distance learning led her to complete a Master of Arts degree in Language and Literacy education from the UP Open University in 2015. In 2021, she completed a course on Leading Learning, a certificate course by Harvard Business School Online. She also gained a Master of Arts degree in Designing Education from Goldsmiths, University of London in 2022. Ms. De Guzman has performed several roles in Miriam College (MC), such as Grade Level Coordinator, Subject Area Supervisor for English, Department Chair for Arts & Humanities, BEU Innovation Coordinator, and Assistant Principal for Student Affairs. She is currently the Principal of Miriam College High School.