KadaKamp Cohort 9: Capstone Check-in Week 1 đŸŒ±

Hi Kampers! :sun_with_face:

Week 1 is almost done, and we hope you’re feeling proud of what your kubo has started to build! Whether you’ve been crafting questions for your Koach or choosing a skill to share with others, you’re already shaping something meaningful. :thought_balloon::globe_showing_europe_africa:

This week’s check-in is a moment just for you — to pause, reflect, and notice how your own voice, ideas, and leadership are growing in this journey. Answer the questions below on your own. Be real. Be reflective. Be you. :seedling::sparkles:

:red_question_mark: If your Koach had one minute with the entire youth of the Philippines, what question would you ask — and why?
:light_bulb: What was your biggest “aha!” moment so far in this capstone experience?
:compass: How is your kubo experience shaping your idea of leadership or purpose?

We’re excited to hear your reflections! Feel free to add emojis, drawings, memes, or just type from the heart. :sparkling_heart: Your voice matters here.

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  1. Interesting! Maybe my question is something like this, “if you had one minute with the entire youth of the Philippines, what would you encourage them to do to help our communities—and why?” So, why I’d ask this? 'cause I’ve learned that youth are powerful changemakers—especially when they gain awareness, courage, and a platform to act. I’d want to hear what Koach believes matters most: maybe it’s civic engagement, mental health, or youth solidarity. It would challenge us to think bigger, act smarter, and speak louder—not just online but in real community spaces, like youth councils, schools, or even in this kind of program. It could spark something that goes beyond this session—a national ripple effect of empowered youth voice and collective purpose.

  2. My biggest “aha!” or like realization was how powerful connection and shared understanding can be—even while we were in different places. We actively supported each other, agreed on key insights, and built leadership practices together. Hearing Mia, Keziah, and Denzen share their experiences helped me refine my own leadership approach and taught me new ways to tackle real challenges. Thank you, Kubo 1—I’m grateful for the safe space, aligned goals, and meaningful growth we created as well as those people who have been part of my break-out room journey!

  3. This Kubo experience shifted my view of leadership: it’s not just about leading the way alone—it’s also about listening, learning, and growing together. Hearing those diverse perspectives helped me refine my values and proving that I can show up in meaningful collaborative spaces I once thought I didn’t need. It really taught me that true leadership emerges when you’re able to engage authentically and continuously learn.

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Naimbag ng aldaw! My name is Gio from Kubo 10. :star:

I love the first question! If my Koach had one minute with the entire youth of the Philippines, my question would be: How can we make tertiary education feel more possible for youth who need to work to survive?
Because many Filipino youth are forced to choose income over education, this question pushes to reinforce systems, support, and pathways that allow both to coexist so that education becomes a right, not a privilege.

For the second question, one of my biggest “aha!” moments during this capstone experience was discovering that there are viable alternatives to traditional education, such as online skills training and non traditional school programs, that still empower the youth to succeed.

While for the third one, throughout our kubo journey, I also realized that when you truly understand and believe in your purpose, you find joy in the work no matter how heavy it gets. My team genuinely enjoys what we’re doing, and that shared passion makes the load feel lighter and the mission even more meaningful. :smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

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Hello! I’m Sophie from Kubo 2 with my groupmates (Xian, Ayen, Jeremy, and Frenchie) in spirit :laughing:; I like the questions and so for the sake of answering the questions according, I’ll list down below my answers (some of these are based on the others’ input).

→ If your Koach had one minute with the entire youth of the Philippines, what question would you ask — and why?

  • If my Koach had a minute for the entire youth, I would ask if is it truly okay or fair to dream or to aim high as a leader despise the plaging problem of our sick country. This question came from the idea that dreaming seems burdening especially for those who can’t materialise thier wishes; plus, puwede po siya maging Miss Universe question!

→ What was your biggest “aha!” moment so far in this capstone experience?

  • I can say it’s the finalising layout and title of the capstone portion of our groups’ conversation; it’s our “aha” moment because based from our shared humor, it works well with Xi’s skills :innocent:

→ How is your kubo experience shaping your idea of leadership or purpose?

  • At the moment, it shaped my idea of leadership by restating that kindness, empathy, and clear communication will solve 99.9% of (germs) problems in bejng with others; it shapes as well the idea that we serve because we can — and we will (basta kaya pa ng schedule!).

That’s it muna! :grin:

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1. If your Koach had one minute with the entire youth of the Philippines, what question would you ask — and why?

  • Just a simple “what’s up?” It’s an easy way to kick off conversations and check in with everyone.

2. What was your biggest “aha!” moment so far in this capstone experience?

  • Realizing that everyone has their own unique talent. It made me see that we all bring something special to the table.

3. How is your kubo experience shaping your idea of leadership or purpose?

  • It’s bringing me back to basics and showing me what real leadership looks like.
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  1. My question would be, “What would you build if you believed your voice could truly shape the future?” Because too often, we underestimate our power to lead change. This question invites us to dream boldly, act with intention, and realize that leadership starts with believing in the value of our ideas, no matter our age, background, or current skill level.

  2. I guess the biggest “aha!” moment was when my Kubomates, from Kubo 4: Lyka, Andy, Gem, Abi, and I presented each other’s ideas for the capstone and realized that all our ideas align with one another! That’s when we know that it’s going to be an enriching experience since our goals align since day 1!

  3. The Kubo experience is reminding me that leadership is collective, not just about individual achievement, but about shared growth, collaboration, and care. It’s shown me that purpose can be rooted in small acts: listening, showing up, or simply helping someone learn a new skill. This journey is teaching me that to lead is to serve.

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HIII ! I’m Abi from Kubo 4!

  1. If I had a chance to ask something to the entire Filipino youth in just one minute, I’d say: “How can you use your voice and actions to create real change in your community?” I’d ask that because I believe we, the youth, have so much potential—we just need the courage, awareness, and space to start. I’m curious about what Koach sees as the most urgent thing for us to focus on—maybe it’s about being involved in local efforts or building unity among young people. Whatever it is, I know a simple question like this can inspire us to think deeply and act beyond our comfort zones.

  2. My biggest “aha!” moment I had during this Kubo experience is everything (for real). Even if we came from different places, we shared a space where we truly listened and supported each other. It made me feel that leadership doesn’t have to be loud—it can be quiet, intentional, and rooted in understanding.
    Meeting my Kubo mates made my life at least peaceful. Our shared ideas became one and our bond grew stronger with every meaningful conversation. We created a safe space where no one felt left out, where every voice mattered. The laughter, the vulnerability, the late-night talks—all of it reminded me that leadership is also about building relationships and nurturing community.
    This experience taught me that growth happens when we are willing to open up, step out of our comfort zones, and let others in. And for that, I am deeply grateful.

  3. Kubo helped me see leadership differently. It’s not just about leading the group—it’s about growing with others, being open, and making space for different voices. I’m really grateful for the conversations, the shared learning, and the people who made this journey meaningful for me.

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  1. "How are you? :yellow_heart:"Although this question might sound simple and we use everyday, I still believe this is important because sometimes we forget to pause and check in with ourselves. I want the youth to feel heard and know it’s okay to rest. Life can get heavy, and I hope we’re not pushing ourselves too hard. Be kind to yourselves—you deserve it.

  2. I honestly thought our group discussions would lead to arguments or conflicting ideas
 but it was the complete opposite! Everyone was so kind, friendly, and respectful. :face_holding_back_tears::speech_balloon:
    We gave each other time to speak, listened sincerely, and shared insights or improvements without judgment. It felt like a safe space to grow and learn together. Labyu, Kubo 4!

  3. It was all about continuous communication with my teammates—respecting each other’s time, situations, and ideas. Everyone’s voice mattered, and we shared insights without pressure. We learned, supported each other, and had fun in the process! :speech_balloon::handshake::sparkles:
    It made me realize that good leadership creates a space where people can grow together while feeling understood.

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Hi! My name is Lyka Refuerzo from Kubo 4! :hut:

First and foremost, can i just say that KadaKamp IS SO FUN?!?!

I had the privilege of working alongside like-minded individuals who are just as passionate about keeping Filipinos informed and making sure no one gets left behind. Huge shoutout to my amazing Kubomates: Gem, Abi, Andy, and Francine—you guys are the GOATs!

Anyway, on to the questions! :sweat_smile:

  1. I think an eye-opening topic for entire Filipino youth would be how civic education is lacking in schools. Many of us grow up without a solid understanding of our rights, responsibilities, and how government systems work—and that makes us more vulnerable to misinformation and political apathy. It’s something we urgently need to talk about.

  2. My biggest “aha” moment was when we finally agreed on our project direction. All five of us had different ideas at first, but somehow, our visions aligned perfectly. Despite coming from different parts of the country, we shared the same advocacy—and that honestly amazed me and filled my heart with hope.

  3. Kubo 4 is the GOAT! :goat: From planning ahead, to late-night kwentos and jokes, every moment was such a vibe. I genuinely had the best time!

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  1. If your dreams were no longer limited by fear or doubt, what would you do for your community? I would ask this because many young Filipinos hold back not because they lack potential, but because they are afraid. Afraid of failure, of judgment, or of not being enough. But if we could set aside that fear, I believe more youth would realize how powerful their voices and actions truly are.

  2. Realizing how diverse the kampers are, not just in background but in mindset and leadership style. KadaKareer has helped highlight those differences in a way that feels empowering. It shows that there is no single way to lead or learn. Each of us brings something valuable, and that diversity is what makes this experience so enriching.

  3. It has helped me understand that communication is not simple. It is layered and deeply human. Listening to so many different perspectives has made me realize that leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about creating space where ideas can grow, where people feel seen and heard, and where purpose is something you build with others, not just on your own

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So happy to hear you’re enjoying KadaKamp!! It’s been amazing seeing all the passion and teamwork in every Kubo. :star_struck:

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Hi, everyone! Kinda late to this Week 1 check-in lol. I am Allyssa from Rizal.

:red_question_mark:If my Koach had one minute with the entire youth of the Philippines, what question would I ask — and why?

  • My question would be what is their advice to the youth and what is the one thing that we should do while we have the time? I believe that the question and their answer can mean a lot to youths who are still figuring out their next steps.

:light_bulb: What was my biggest “aha!” moment so far in this capstone experience?

  • My biggest “aha” moment so far would be the moment we finalized the skill we’re going to share. It gave me a sense of relief and enlightenment when we got to straighten our goals and targets for the capstone.

:compass: How is your kubo experience shaping your idea of leadership or purpose?

  • My experiences with my kubo for the past days helped me see leadership in a much wider lens. Each of us has our own set of strengths and weaknesses and we can use our unique personalities to complement each other. :handshake:
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1. If your Koach had one minute with the entire youth of the Philippines, what question would you ask — and why?
There is no shortage of campaigns that tells the youth to give their share of thoughts on relevant issues in the society, telling how their voice matters, or how important to truly listen to the voice of the youth. But in reality, most of the opinions and ideas of the youth are still dismissed, ignored, or worse, weaponized against them. So if I have the opportunity to ask, my question would be

“How do we allow ourself to stand firm in our truth even with the certainty of being disliked for it?”

2. What was your biggest “aha!” moment so far in this c so far in this capstone experience?
My biggest “aha!” would be how reaching a common goal could bond people from different places of the country. Through this capstone experience I was able to connect with a lot of people who I would not have known otherwise given how far they are or how different their life is from that of mine.

3. How is your kubo experience shaping your idea of leadership or purpose?
This kubo experience allows me to understand that leadership is not about being in control, it is not about ensuring that each member works on the same pace or follows the same rhythm. Leadership is about leveraging the strengths and synergizing the efforts of the team to arrive the into a common goal.

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Hi, all. I am Gemuel from Kubo 4.

1. If your Koach had one minute with the entire youth of the Philippines, what question would you ask — and why?

If my Koach had one minute with the entire youth of the Philippines, I would ask: “Who was the first person who truly believed in you?” I’ve always believed that while young people today are incredibly driven—full of ideas, innovation, and a strong sense of purpose—it’s just as important to stay grounded. Having even one person who believes in you can make all the difference. That kind of belief isn’t loud; it’s steady, affirming, and often the spark that sustains motivation. When someone sees your potential, it validates your vision. If every young person had that kind of support, then youth empowerment wouldn’t just be a dream—it would be a deeply rooted reality.

2. What was your biggest “aha!” moment so far in this capstone experience?

My biggest “aha!” moment was during our very first team meeting. We were a bit behind schedule, and I honestly thought things were going to spiral into chaos. I suggested a meeting where each of us would present our individual capstone ideas—mostly to find a way forward. And that meeting turned out to be an “AHA!” moment in all uppercase letters. I didn’t expect we’d have such great chemistry as a team. We bounced off each other’s ideas, laughed at the overlaps, and naturally found a shared direction. That means to say that progress doesn’t always come from structure, it sometimes begins in shared sparks.

3. How is your kubo experience shaping your idea of leadership or purpose?

It has been a personal principle of mine that love manifests in so many different ways beyond romance. During week one, Ms. Leah said, ‘Live more, love more,’ and the experience in Kubo 4 so far has truly felt like both living and loving.

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Hi! Better late than never ^^ This is Hannamae from Kubo 3.

Just in time actually because we had a really good talk with our KadaKoach earlier.

If I had the chance to ask her something with the whole youth of the Philippines listening, I’d probably ask about her biggest “aha!” moment as well (I want to learn more!). Mine actually came from our conversation just now. She said something that really stuck with me: “Make sure that you leave people better than you found them.”

It’s simple but powerful. It reminded me of the kind of leader I want to be.

This whole Kubo experience is also shaping how I understand leadership and purpose. It’s teaching me to be patient, with others and with myself, and to recognize when to set boundaries. Sometimes being a good leader means knowing when to pause, listen, or let go.

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Week 1 : Eliza Crish De leon, Kubo 6

Note: I am late because I haven’t been able to access my account here since last week. I tried making another one and here it is, thank you.

1.If your Koach had one minute with the entire youth of the Philippines, what question would you ask — and why?
What motivates them to be a leader? Ever since the start I knew that leading is a huge responsibility to carry. Up until now I am still discovering new things about myself and how I am going to improve. Looking up to different coaches here, I knew that they also took a rough path to become better. I want to be the best version of myself too.

  1. What was your biggest “aha!” moment so far in this capstone experience?
    It is when I realized that I have difficulty with my schedule, my members are understanding and respectful, I learn so much from them. It is true that being respectful toward others brings you the right people. I do hope that my parts, even though not that perfect, still help them with our capstone.

  2. How is your kubo experience shaping your idea of leadership or purpose?
    It enhances my critical thinking skills because we have to innovate different factors relating to our capstone. I learned to work under pressure of time because of organizational tasks and academic alignment with the same schedule. I have developed the courage to ask my ate/kuya members to explain things to me without being afraid to be judged. All of them are mature and patient with me, and I am thankful for that. But of course I always try my best to do my parts.

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Hi! I am Leary from Kubo 12.

  • How do we know if we’re walking in our purpose, or just busy with something that looks like it? These days, a lot of us young people are trying to do everything all at once, giving up rest just to feel like we have a “purpose.” Some people join projects just because they look good on a resume even if they don’t really care about what it’s about. And honestly, a lot of the things we put our time and energy into end up getting ignored, rejected, or just feel pointless even by the people we’re trying to help.

  • I realized just how powerful humility really is. These days, a lot of leaders seem to focus more on results and KPIs than on people, like progress is just about hitting numbers. But I’ve learned that real leadership isn’t just about being efficient. It’s about being human. It all clicked for me when I saw how initiatives rooted in empathy, especially for farmers and underserved communities, made a bigger impact than those that were just chasing metrics.

  • This kubo experience reminded me that leadership isn’t just about showing up. It’s about being present. Working with Steph, Dinah, and Jedi showed me what real leadership looks like. They didn’t just listen; they contributed, supported, and gave their time, heart, and skills. That kind of quiet, consistent presence has taught me that leadership is about commitment, not just position.

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Hi! I’m Jelly from Kubo 21 :blue_heart:

This week has been a mix of challenges and quiet realizations. Originally, I was assigned to a different group, but due to some inconsistencies, our current Kubo 21 was formed (Shout out to my Team: Risha, Mary, Grace, and Raven). It was honestly discouraging at first but we still chose to show up even if it was hard, we stayed, we adjusted, and slowly, things started to fall into place.

:red_question_mark: If my Koach had one minute with the youth of the Philippines, I’d want them to ask:
“What’s holding you back and who could you become if you moved past it?”
Because so many young people like ourselves carry self-doubt, fear, or pressure. Asking this might help pause and realize that we/them have more potential.

:light_bulb: My biggest “aha!” moment was realizing how empowering it is to build something for others. Our project focuses on helping youth prepare for their future; specifically by creating publication materials that guide them in making their resume and CV. It’s a small contribution, but it feels like it could make a difference in someone’s life.

:compass: This kubo experience is shaping my idea of leadership by reminding me that it starts with service. Leadership isn’t always about speaking the loudest. Sometimes, it’s about staying when it’s easier to leave, supporting others quietly, and building something with care and intention.

Grateful for the journey so far. Looking forward to what we’ll create together in the next weeks.

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Hi! I’m Rina of Kubo 7.

:red_question_mark: If your Koach had one minute with the entire youth of the Philippines, what question would you ask — and why?
I would have the Koach explain why specifically it must be the youth. What exactly is the power that the youth holds that would change the world? The answer to the question would tug on the heartstrings of the listener and inspire them in more ways than one.

:light_bulb: What was your biggest “aha!” moment so far in this capstone experience?
I was in the meeting while commuting with a storm, so my biggest “aha” moment was that while it was no trouble for some, it was difficult to connect for me. From here, we can say that our experiences are different from others, so we must always be considerate of the people around us. We should help each other and treat one another with kindness.

:compass: How is your kubo experience shaping your idea of leadership or purpose?
Taking initiative is highly necessary for group success. Otherwise, there won’t be any progress.

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If the Koach had one minute to speak to the youth of the Philippines, I think the question they would ask is: “What kind of leader do you want to be and what are you doing now to become that person?” This question is powerful because it challenges us to reflect on our values, actions, and growth. It reminds us that leadership isn’t something we wait for; it’s something we build through small, intentional steps every day.

My biggest “aha!” moment in this capstone experience so far was during one of our group activities particularly the acting session. I was honestly amazed by how many leaders could come together, quickly brainstorm, and deliver something impactful in such a short amount of time. It made me realize that leadership isn’t about one person taking control, but about people stepping up, supporting each other, and using their strengths to create something better together.

Through my Kubo experience, my perspective on leadership and purpose is definitely evolving. I’ve learned to appreciate the value of collaboration and recognizing each person’s unique strengths, talents, and contributions. It’s helped me understand that leadership doesn’t mean doing everything on your own; it’s about seeing the potential in others and working with them to make something meaningful happen.

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