#CourageON: My full circle at the Social Good Summit 2025

I still remember my first Social Good Summit (SGS) in 2023. I was a volunteer then, assigned to usher people in and out of the elevator. I joined because I hoped to be part of Rappler one day, and volunteering felt like a small step toward that goal.

Fast forward to 2025: I found myself back at SGS, but this time as the head of the volunteer committee.

Hello! I am Joan, a community and civic engagement specialist at MovePH, Rappler’s civic engagement arm. At MovePH, we organize trainings and roadshows, tell stories about communities, and work with Movers, campus journalists, and civil society organizations across the Philippines to amplify local issues.

You’d think being part of Move would make me feel more confident about leading a committee, but it was still nerve-wracking because SGS happens to be my first big event with Rappler. It didn’t help that everyone around me, even those for whom this wasn’t their first rodeo, seemed nervous, too.

Ushering was also something I dreaded, even back in 2023 when I volunteered for it. I wouldn’t say I’m an introvert, but I’m pretty terrible at socializing. The idea of approaching people, giving directions, and possibly making mistakes made my stomach twist. 

This year’s SGS had a stellar lineup of speakers, and the team worked tirelessly to make this annual Rappler tradition a meaningful experience for our supporters. I didn’t want their experience to be tainted by any misstep on my part as head of ushers.

But when the event finally started and people began walking through the doors, all the anxiety faded. For the rest of the day, I had just one goal: to make sure every attendee felt that their ticket — and their time — was worth it.

We spent the whole day on our feet, moving around the venue, taking turns grabbing a few minutes to eat whenever we could. And amid all the running around, some moments made me pause, not because they were loud or spectacular, but because they reminded me how far a single decision, or a single hope, can take you.

Just a couple of years ago, I was a volunteer usher, quietly dreaming of joining Rappler. Now, here I was, leading a team and helping make it all happen, with the best people I could ask to work alongside. 

It reminded me that every move we take, every choice to show up, can lead to moments you never expected, which is exactly what this year’s SGS theme is all about.

I’m also grateful to the ushers, who were composed of Rapplers, interns, Movers, and partners. They made sure every attendee had the best experience. Some even traveled from Batangas and Pangasinan, all showing up for the people who believe in and stand by Rappler’s work.

However, being the head of ushers came with one big “con,” if you ask me.

I had to make sure everyone got the seats they paid for, which meant I barely got a chance to watch Amal or George Clooney. 

But hey, silver lining: I did manage to snag a selfie with George!

It is a great privilege to be part of something as meaningful as this, and meeting in person the people who stand with us is enough of a reminder of why we continue to persevere in doing honest work.

Help us continue making our move and bringing events that matter by becoming a Rappler+ member today. – Rappler.com