[Humans of ISC67] Participant Edition: John Lester Teña

#1 Please introduce yourself!

Greetings! I'm John Lester Teña, 21 years of age, a Filipino. I'm currently studying Journalism at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Manila. I have a passion for dancing, learning new languages, meeting new people (let's talk!), and taking pictures. I'm also open to new things that are out of my league. So, throw me any kind of challenge, as I love challenging my limits!

#2 What is your favorite thing about your country/city? Why?

Out of the many beautiful things I could describe and share about my country, I think what I love about the Philippines is how we are underrated by the rest of the world. People may think about the Philippines as a tropical paradise alone when we have so much to offer than that. We offer world-class talent, services, and wonders to the rest of the world. Our culture is so dynamic that it transcends and transforms as you travel the country. The food is one of a kind. It may be exotic, but it all comes down to how it tastes. We could cater to whatever you need. We're literally a one-stop-shop for everyone who's trying to start something new.

#3 What made you want to join ISC67 and your table? What would you like to achieve through the conference?

Since my political awakening in late 2015, I have fully engaged myself with political discourses and societal issues in our country. With that, I was overwhelmed by how the society I am currently living in was deprived of good governance and accountability. I realized that I may not be one of the people who are suffering from the relevant societal issues, I knew I needed to take action to act for the oppressed. It has come to my understanding that I need to do my part in order to help others. I won't provide a voice, as all of us have one, some were just silenced by the oppressor. But in a way, I will amplify the voice and rally them behind me and others who are free from the shackles of the elites to demand accountability and societal equity. That's why when I was informed of ISC67 through Facebook, I immediately decided to join the conference as I know this is a conference with a cause to intensify our ambitions for a better society. It's also one of the reasons why I was stocked in joining Table 1 (Political Activism and Participation). Aside from the fact that I will be able to talk and meet different people across the globe, I will also be able to share intellectual discourses about certain topics that we see as relevant in our society. Just like my ambition for a better society where the government will listen to its constituents, I aim to become a significant contributor to achieve the inclusive solution we have all been longing for. Moreover, I want to be part of a larger project that would mark the start of a discussion that concerns the people. And knowing that I'd be working with some of the like-minded people I know excites me. We may not know each other yet, but I believe that through ISC67, we'd make it possible! I know it won't be easy, but it will be fulfilling.