Wazzup Pilipinas!?
In a world that often measures milestones in numbers and metrics, I am MAD (Making A Difference) counts its victories in the number of lives touched, hearts transformed, and communities empowered. As the volunteer-powered nonprofit celebrates its 15th year, it doesn’t just look back on accomplishments—it forges ahead with a renewed mission, a thunderous battle cry wrapped in a campaign: “I am Powered by Volunteer15m.”
This campaign isn't just a clever wordplay—it’s a manifesto of hope. It pays homage to 15 years of service-driven passion and love that have ignited change across the country, volunteer by volunteer, community by community. And it all came full circle in the very city where the journey began—Baguio.
A Return to Roots, a Leap Toward the Future
The MAD Meet Annual Volunteer Reunion & Anniversary Celebration held in Baguio City was no ordinary gathering. It was a soul-stirring homecoming for founders Maco Ravanzo and Christian Marx Rivero, who first breathed life into the movement in 2009 among the pine-scented slopes of the Summer Capital.
From two dreamers with an audacious hope to make a difference, I am MAD has grown into a thriving national movement of nearly a thousand active “MADmates.” Now, fifteen years later, that hope has become a legacy.
“What began as a simple dream has grown into a thriving community of changemakers,” Ravanzo said, voice cracking as the crowd of volunteers gave him a standing ovation. “Being back here with our volunteers is a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come—and the greater impact we can still create together.”
Honoring the Fire Within: The ‘Alab ng Puso’ Award
As part of the celebration, I am MAD honored 15 outstanding volunteer leaders with the ‘Alab ng Puso’ Beacon of Volunteerism Award. These trailblazers weren’t just recognized for their tireless work—they were celebrated as the very lifeblood of the movement. Among the honorees were the likes of Ramona Rivero, Raymark Estael, Big Jay Lagang, and Erwin Dela Cruz, each name synonymous with sacrifice, inspiration, and quiet strength.
Awe-inspiring cultural performances from the Uschong Cultural Ensemble reminded everyone that volunteerism is as much about heritage and identity as it is about service. From heartfelt speeches to surprise photo tributes to the founders, every moment was steeped in gratitude and deep emotional resonance.
The Century Mark: 100th MAD Camp in La Union
The milestone didn't end in Baguio. Days later, the 100th MAD Camp unfolded in Barangay Puguil, Santol, La Union. Steep climbs, rugged roads, and remote mountain terrain did not deter the volunteers—if anything, it strengthened their resolve.
The three-day camp at Liguay Elementary School gathered around 40 children and a cadre of passionate volunteers for a transformative weekend of storytelling, values formation, and heartfelt connection.
But this was more than a simple outreach—it was the 2nd Builders Camp, a training ground for emerging volunteer leaders. Ten carefully selected changemakers—from Aldrine Anzures to Michelle Del Rosario—underwent hands-on immersion on everything from program logistics to emotional resilience. With the guidance of senior volunteers, these future leaders were equipped not just with skills, but with purpose.
In the words of one of the Builders: “Do it because God allows you to do it.” That powerful message—shared during the emotional MAD Talks Padayon session—lingered in every heart long after the campfire faded.
Cordillera to the Country: A National Movement, One Camp at a Time
The year 2025 is already shaping up to be one of the most ambitious for I am MAD, with MAD Camps lined up in Marinduque, Masbate, Surigao del Sur, Capiz, Zambales, Camarines Sur, Davao del Sur, and Davao Occidental. Each outreach comes with a promise—to offer Filipino children a “Bag of Dreams” through the BIDA Eskwela campaign, providing school supplies and heartfelt messages of hope.
What sets I am MAD apart is its powerful simplicity: young Filipinos, driven not by fame or fortune but by purpose, trekking across islands, crossing rivers, climbing mountains—all to let every child know they matter.
Fuel the Movement: Volunteer, Donate, Share
The new “Powered by Volunteer15m” campaign is more than a slogan—it’s an invitation. Whether you give 15 minutes of your day, donate what you can, or simply share their stories, your participation makes the movement stronger.
The organization welcomes volunteers, donors, and partners from all walks of life. You don’t have to change the world all at once. Sometimes, it starts with one choice: to care.
The MAD Legacy: Passion in Action
Recognized twice as a Ten Accomplished Youth Organization (TAYO) awardee and a national finalist for its MAD Talks initiative, I am MAD’s roots may lie in small beginnings—but its impact now echoes nationwide. It teaches us all that transformation doesn’t require perfection—it requires participation.
As I am MAD turns 15, it doesn’t merely celebrate the past—it dares to reimagine the future, one volunteer, one community, one Bag of Dreams at a time.
So ask yourself—what can 15 minutes of your day do? With I am MAD, it could change a life.
Join the movement.
Sign up: bit.ly/MADcamp2025reg
Donate: bit.ly/bidadonate
Learn more: fb.com/IamMakingADifference
Email: iammadph@gmail.com
Because sometimes, making a difference doesn’t require everything. Just your heart.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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