10/08/2026
๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐๐๐๐: ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐
More than 1,000 young applicants dreamed of taking the ASEAN stage. Only 10 were chosen to perform.
Among them stood an Ilonggo.
Mdpn. Carlos Manuel Maรฑas of John B. Lacson Maritime University, Arevalo Campus proudly represented the Philippines at the ASEAN Youth Speech Contest 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.
He did not simply travel to another country to compete. He carried with him a story shaped in Iloilo, a talent nurtured at JBLFMU, and a voice that proved that great things can begin from a place called home.
In front of an international audience, an Ilonggo voice found its place among the voices of ASEAN youth.
And behind that voice was a journey of courage, preparation, and dedication.
From being one of thousands who dared to apply, to becoming one of the few chosen to stand on the international stage, Maรฑas' journey is a reminder that the distance between a dream and its realization begins with the courage to take the first step.
For JBLFMU, this is more than a moment of recognition.
It is a moment of pride.
Pride in a student who dared to speak.
Pride in an Ilonggo who dared to dream bigger.
Pride in a young Filipino who carried the name of his country beyond its shores.
From Iloilo to Bangkok, Carlos Manuel Maรฑas showed the world that an Ilonggo voice can reach far, speak boldly, and leave a mark.
JBLFMU is proud of you, Mdpn. Maรฑas!
Your voice traveled far.
Your journey inspired many.
And your story is one we will proudly tell.