Miriam Defensor-Santiago: Keynote Speaker at the International Youth Leaders Conference 2014

Wazzup Pilipinas!


"Can I follow you home? Because my parents always told me to follow my dreams."

That was the pick-up line shared by Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago during the International Youth Leaders Conference (IYLC), a one-day event that gathered hundreds of college-level, undergraduate youth leaders from colleges and universities all over the Philippines and the rest of the world. Since her audience are mostly the youth, she knows that these future leaders may also have love-life and teen romance competing with leadership-related goals and tasks.

As the keynote speaker, she shared to the youth leaders her wisdom towards leadership. The senator calls on to the youth to help end the cycle of corruption in our government. She did mention, though can be interpreted as less serious, that she plans to offer her recommendations to add a provision to the Constitution to require all individuals running for President and other high positions in the government to have a college degree as a basic prerequisite before they will be allowed to even file for candidacy.

Her speech focused on the qualities of a world-class youth leader and the Crimea crisis touching on the history of Kosovo but knowing the senator who cannot let a gathering pass without sharing a few of his poker-faced jokes, witty pick-up lines, and a few "parinig" pertaining to her "idiot" colleagues in the Senate that are involved in the Pork Barrel or PDAF scam, she got everyone's interest and admiration for her courage to go against the likes of "tanda", "pogi", or "sexy."

IYLC, hosted by AIESEC Philippines, advocates youth leadership by being an avenue for today's youth leaders to not only collaborate with other passionate and like-minded individuals, but to celebrate these youth leaders' triumphs and trials, the achievements of youth leadership in creating social impact.

Early morning flash mob

Even before the Iron Lady of Asia senator arrived, she was already a common favorite among the youth present at the event.

With AIESEC officials and members stirring the crowd up with a series of flash mob dances to start the event with good vibes, participants were encourages to join and show off their dance moves.

Further motivation was given when a tempting reward of getting the opportunity to meet Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago up close was announced by AISEC to be given to the top 20 individuals who can really move to the beat.

The things we will do to meet Miriam

As expected, the stage was soon filled with eager teens hopeful to rub shoulders with the Senator.

Hey! AIESEC! Wazzup!!!!

Others, seeing the stage was too crowded already, just joined in the fun by remaining dancing at their seats.

Our adorable hosts makes their best effort to keep the conference as lively as possible even to the point of going through the crowd and getting their thoughts.

Our endearing hosts engaging the audience

A youth leader speaks before us

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago with IYLC attendees

What strike me the most was when the senator said "Any idiot can run for president and possibly poll a certain number of votes among his fellow idiots."

Truly we are overrun by unqualified leaders that only won because of popularity brought about by false advertising and misleading information. It is strange to find out that policemen are required to be college graduates, yet the higher positions in government allows lower qualifications.

The hosts takes a selfie with Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago

She also tries to imply that our government officials are also too stubborn to learn. "Naging propesor ako sa UP but I’ve never seen such a group so resistible to education as the Philippine Senate."

Miriam and also recommends a fistfight between the President and the rest of the idiotic people in politics who refuse to shape up, "Nakita natin lahat ng senador at congressman puro gago tapos ‘pag sinumbong sila, galit sila. Situational leadership, dapat ang presidente puntahan sila isa-isa at hamunin ng suntukan. ‘Di makuha sa pakiusap e."

Audrey Elumba, AIESEC Philippines President

Sabrina Ongkiko talks about Self-leadership

A little bit of something to perk us up during the afternoon

Panel Discussion with three lovely ladies and their advocacy

Natashya Guttierez talks about being an effective communicator

Legacy Workshop formed groups among the attendees

Other thought leaders shared their personal beliefs and experiences to the attendees to inspire everyone to leave a legacy of leadership that will be remembered and cherished by the next generation who will benefit from all the hard work and perseverance that we will do now.

We hope the youth who joined the IYLC were inspired to become living legacies as youth leaders of our generation.
Remember, YOU are a world class leader and YOU can make a difference. Do not let yourself become a part of the atrocious corruption commonly found at the seat of government.


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