Dare to dream big and reach for your goals, one small step at a time, and you might just end up significantly changing the Philippines. This was the message of athlete Emilio “Chieffy” Caligdong and social entrepreneur Kristina “Krie” Lopez to the 90 delegates of the 9th Aboitiz Future Leaders Business Summit (AFLBS) last August 15 and 16, held at the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu.
As guest speakers at this year’s AFLBS, Caligdong, Vice Captain of the Philippine Azkal and Lopez, founder of green household products maker Messy Bessy, shared how their respective life experiences have helped create a better world for our countrymen. Caligdong, a TOYM (Ten Outstanding Young Men) awardee, formerly played football for the Philippine Air Force. Aside from being a midfielder for the Azkals, he is also a prominent “sports ambassador” for a local group that raises funds to build classrooms.

“Be an agent of change. Kailangan magkaroon ka ng initiative para tumulong sa kapwa. In my case, through football, nakakatulong ako sa mga bata,” he said. Caligdong urged the student delegates to pursue their dreams. “Don’t stop believing in yourself. Kaya niyo iyan!”

Lopez, on the other hand, currently manages Messy Bessy, which funds the education and rehabilitation of disadvantaged young adults who also work as Messy Bessy employees. “People, if given the right chance, will actually do better. So be a hero and choose your heroic path,” Lopez advised.

The AFLBS is a yearly gathering of the country’s brightest college student leaders for a two-day summit of fun and knowledge through activities that allow participants to develop their leadership skills and learn how to concretize management concepts in a corporate environment. Top Aboitiz executives from different Aboitiz business units shared their knowledge, experience, and philosophies that reinforce high hopes for the country for these future leaders.

“Leadership is a role, not a rank. As a leader, you are only as good as people who work with you,” said Jon Ramon Aboitiz, Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) Chairman, told this year’s AFLBS delegates.