This piece is published by Ashoka Philippines through Rappler’s Lighthouse.
Last November 29, attendees filled the Leong Hall of Ateneo de Manila University to celebrate the launch of Attorney Antonio “Tony” La Viña’s autobiography titled “Ransomed by Love: A Happy Changemaker’s Unfinished Journey.” La Viña is the co-founder of Ashoka Philippines and was one of the earliest people who saw the importance of recognizing and supporting changemakers in the country who are creating innovative solutions for deeply rooted social issues.
The event featured readings and speeches from diverse social leaders from La Viña’s various advocacies and initiatives. Chikoy Pura from the rock band The Jerks performed socially conscious acoustic numbers.
Ashoka Philippines President Rico Gonzalez was among those who delivered speeches at the launch. Gonzalez recounted how he inherited the chairmanship of Ashoka Philippines from La Viña after their collaboration in the Ateneo Center for Social Entrepreneurship. He thanked La Viña for his pivotal role in expanding social entrepreneurship in the Philippines and promised to support others in this “shared path.”
Ashoka Philippines President Rico Gonzalez delivering his remarks at La Viña’s book launch.
La Viña described his book as something that can be read by everyone, especially by the youth. He emphasized that he details his struggles with mental health, something that the younger generation can relate to. It’s no wonder then that some of his students and mentees read out excerpts from his book and that the program ended with a lightning rally wherein young activists highlighted the issues that are plaguing their sector.
The stories and testimonies at the event spoke to La Viña’s effectiveness and passion as an advocate for the environment and human rights, especially for Indigenous people and freedom of speech. His work and legacy champion what Ashoka stands for. First, creating change at the systems level brings critical and long-lasting impact in society. Second, that everyone can and should be a changemaker because no one person can fix broken systems alone.
Order your copy of “Ransomed by Love” here: https://bit.ly/RansomedByLove.