The Safe Water Garden is recognized as the world’s cheapest autonomous safe-sanitation system. According to UNICEF, 40% of the world’s population in 2022 still lacked safely managed sanitation. Our Sustainable Development Goal of clean water and sanitation for all has a target date of 2030. Could the Safe Water Garden help us get there? Dutch by birth, cosmologist by training, international educator and author by profession, Marc opened LooLa Adventure Resort in 2000, and it went on to become the world’s most highly decorated eco-resort. Leveraging on the eco-awards and spurred on by the preventable death of the daughter of LooLa’s cook, LooLa’s team initiated the Safe Water Garden (SWG) concept in 2015. The SWG is endorsed by the Indonesian government, the United Nations and Temasek Trust, and is now recognised as the world’s cheapest autonomous safe-sanitation system. Together with an ever-growing group of passionate supporters, notably Singapore-based schools, Marc drives LooLa’s mission to bring safe sanitation to the world. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

"If math anxiety were an Olympic sport, the Philippines might win bronze." But what if overcoming that fear could help build a nation?In this insightful and empowering talk, Aldrin John Estonanto unpacks the roots of mathematics anxiety and its impact on both individual growth and national development. He shares why reshaping our relationship with math isn’t just about solving equations—it’s about solving real-world challenges.From classrooms to careers, he shows how tackling fear of numbers can lead to confidence, innovation, and a stronger society.#TEDx #TEDxRizalStreetProf. Aldrin John Jao Estonanto, from humble beginnings as a farmer's son, graduated as Class Valedictorian in high school and Magna Cum Laude in college. He became the youngest associate professor at Sorsogon State University, where he also holds a PhD. Committed to academic growth, he conducts impactful research and shapes the future of his students and community. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

What if we die more than once in a lifetime? In this thought-provoking talk, Sharbyn Sayat explores the idea that we experience three kinds of death before we physically leave this world.Through deep reflection and insight, he walks us through the quiet losses—of identity, connection, and purpose—that often go unnoticed but shape who we become. This talk invites us to examine how we live, what we let go of, and how we can begin again long before the end.A timely message on growth, letting go, and finding meaning in every chapter of our lives. Sharbyn Sayat is a creative professional known for his roles as an Audio Visual Director, Radio Online Disc Jockey, and non-fiction author. He authored "Light Rays from Heaven," sharing the life and death story of his late mother, a cancer patient. Sharbyn also creates self-development content aimed at empowering individuals to embrace their true potential. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

What happens when confidence doesn’t come naturally? In this heartfelt and powerful talk, Rhianne Macy Zapata shares her journey of growing up as a miracle baby, struggling with self-doubt in the world of pageantry, and learning to show up with purpose—even when confidence felt out of reach.Through personal stories of silent battles, childhood dreams, and quiet perseverance, she reminds us that confidence is not always a starting point—it’s something we build through purpose, intention, and the courage to keep showing up.A moving call to reclaim your spark, embrace your story, and become the person only you were born to be.#TEDx #TEDxRizalStreetMacy Zapata graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Bicol University. She is a passionate advocate for the rights of victims of domestic and sexual abuse. Macy has earned multiple pageant titles, including Miss Kaogma 2024 and Miss Bicol Tourism 2023. As a volunteer at Halfway Homes Center, she contributes to initiatives promoting healing and empowerment for abused women and children. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

“The Teleserye Effect: How Stories on Screen Help Us Heal in Real Life” is a deeply personal and culturally resonant talk by acclaimed actress Jodi Sta. Maria.In this pre-recorded talk, presented during the live event on June 15, 2025, at TEDxRizalStreet, Jodi explores how Filipino teleseryes do more than entertain—they reflect real pain, inspire healing, and give voice to the unheard. Through her own experiences and the stories of others, she shares how fiction becomes a mirror for truth, and how storytelling, especially in the Philippines, can become a quiet form of therapy, connection, and resilience.#TEDx #TEDxRizalStreetJodi Sta. Maria is an actress, MA in Psychology student, and content creator. She advocates for the Kythe Foundation, supporting children with chronic illnesses, serving as their ambassador for eight years. Jodi is also an animal welfare advocate, mother, fur mom, wanderlust, and lover of life. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Gian Andrea nato in una famiglia di finanza, scopre presto che il suo vero interesse è la ristorazione: lascia Economia, si specializza in Scienze e Tecnologie Alimentari e, dopo esperienze tra Milano e Londra, dà vita a un grande progetto social dedicato al cibo diventando un punto di riferimento per le eccellenze gastronomiche italiane. Tornato alle sue radici napoletane, trasforma la passione in un’impresa concreta aprendo inizialmente un locale, poi una rete di ristorazione, e oggi lancia nuovi concept dimostrando che il coraggio di seguire sé stessi e le proprie origini è la chiave per innovare e creare esperienze memorabili. A soli 31 anni, Gian Andrea è un vero e proprio pioniere nel mondo del food e dell'imprenditoria digitale. Con una solida formazione in Scienze e Tecnologie Alimentari ha saputo trasformare la sua passione per il cibo in una serie di progetti di successo che hanno conquistato il web. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx