BingoPlus Foundation’s scholars convene at the 2nd FutureSmart Leaders General Assembly in Makati City, participating in high-impact workshops on purpose, vision, and leadership.
On July 19, 2025, BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of DigiPlus, gathered 80 FutureSmart scholars from across the country for its second general assembly for a day of growth, connection, and inspiration. The event featured professional trainers, national beauty queen ambassadors, and nonprofit leaders who shared actionable insights and leadership tools to help the scholars become future-ready leaders.
Through its P.L.U.S. (Pioneering Leadership and Uplifting Service) Factor Program, the Foundation underscores its commitment to nurturing young talents with more than financial aid. The program equips scholars with essential life skills such as leadership, resilience, and a sense of service, ensuring they are prepared to lead both in their chosen careers and in their communities. Building on the momentum of past sessions, this year’s assembly focused on the two high-impact workshops: Purpose and Vision, which guided scholars in aligning their personal mission with future advocacies, and public speaking, which enhanced their confidence, presence, and ability to influence others.
A clear purpose keeps life on the right track.
The Purpose and Vision Workshop aimed to guide scholars in uncovering what drives them and aligning it with their future careers and advocacies. Through reflection exercises and guided discussions, participants explored how understanding their "Why" can empower them to lead with intention and integrity.
Through a workshop facilitated by Management Strategies, a global consulting and training firm based in the Philippines, scholars were guided to discover and define their personal purpose and vision in life. Using practical tools and reflective exercises, they were able to align their individual aspirations with the values of leadership and service, giving them a clearer roadmap for their future.
“We believe transformation begins when a young person discovers their purpose,” said Jasper Vicencio, President of AB Leisure Exponent and Vice President and Trustee of BingoPlus Foundation. “We’re not just offering scholarships. We’re building leaders who can create impact, inspire others, and give back to their communities.” he added.
The workshop was made even more impactful by special guests Chelsea Fernandez, Miss Philippines Cosmo 2025, and Kat Llegado, Miss Philippines Supranational 2026. The two queens shared how they use their pageant platforms to advance meaningful advocacies, shedding light on what it means to lead with purpose.
“Purpose guides everything I do—on and off stage,” said Chelsea Fernandez, urging scholars to stay authentic and clear. Kat Llegado added, “When vision is rooted in purpose, pressure becomes fuel.” Connecting purpose to service, Joie Balaong of iVolunteer Philippines shared: “Volunteerism is our core—we envision every Filipino volunteering by making it known, easy, and doable.”
Adding to the inspiring session was Joie Ann Balaong, Partnership Director of iVolunteer Philippines, who shared her personal journey of turning passion into purpose through community service. Her story echoed a powerful message on how fulfillment comes from alignment between values and vocation.
‘Walk the talk’: Bringing purpose to the podium
Ms. Issa Litton, an experienced trainer in public speaking, host, and actress, assisted the scholars in cultivating confidence by utilizing their voices as instruments to create impact and excel as communicators in their respective fields.
Before the General Assembly, FutureSmart Scholars joined the PLUS Factor: Public Speaking Workshop, aimed to strengthen the scholars’ communication and presentation skills. The workshop mainly focused on presence and delivery, teaching scholars how to project their voice, maintain a confident posture, and present themselves with clarity and poise. This session involved a practical application where participants delivered presentations and received direct feedback from mentors.
Through this experience, scholars not only improved their public speaking skills but also gained a deeper understanding of how communication ties into their personal and professional growth. They also learned how to use their voice as a tool for leadership and advocacy, and gained skills that will serve them as future innovators and community leaders.
“When scholars know their purpose and can speak it with confidence, they become unstoppable forces for good,” said Vicencio. “This is the heart of what we aim to nurture through FutureSmart. We want to help shape leaders who will influence the future with clarity, compassion, and courage.”
Initiatives like this are part of DigiPlus and BingoPlus Foundation’s broader goal to continue to invest in more than just education but in character-building, leadership development, and values formation for the next and future generation of Filipino leaders. With its FutureSmart Scholarship Program, the foundation remains firm in its commitment to cultivating a generation that leads with purpose and uplifts others in the process.
