A 17-year-old girl with a wide smile walked toward educator and founding director of Multiple Intelligence International School (MIIS), Mary Joy Abaquin, during a one-on-one interview with Manila Standard Life. Holding a pile of papers in her left hand, she reached out her right hand for a quick handshake.
Ysh Ventura, a graduating student from MIIS, sat down with Abaquin and began to share her journey as a young achiever and youth leader.
For Ysh, discovering her potential didn’t come from textbooks or tests. It wasn’t until she transferred to MIIS that her view of education—and herself—transformed into something much more vibrant.
“Before MIIS, I could only express myself through academics. In a larger school, competing with others, it was hard to find my place,” shared Ysh. “I wasn’t the best at academics—my grades were average—and that affected my self-esteem and how I saw myself.”
She then recalled how everything shifted when she transferred to MIIS.
“When I transferred to MI, there were various clubs and activities. Assignments went beyond lectures—we made posters, infographics, and videos, expressing ourselves through different intelligences,” the student said.
Hearing these from their student, Abaquin said that it only proved how education remains the foundation for driving meaningful change in a world increasingly focused on sustainability.
“Change in society starts with education. Teaching sustainability equips future leaders to implement it in policies and laws. We support Parklinks’ vision as the first green urban estate and aim to nurture leadership for sustainable development,” said Abaquin.
She added that MIIS is committed to developing leaders with a strong sense of environmental responsibility and social consciousness, through its programs like “MI Kids Can Bazaar.”
For nearly a quarter of a century, MIIS has hosted the bazaar, an annual event that empowers students to take charge and make meaningful contributions. Abaquin described it as a “for-kid-by-kids” initiative where students showcase their entrepreneurial and creative skills while embracing values of sustainability and community engagement.
“MIIS gives students aged between 5 and 18 the opportunity to create products or business plans through the application of lessons in math and entrepreneurship. They learn not only business skills but 21st-century skills such as creativity, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving,” she explained.
Meanwhile, for students like Ysh, the bazaar served as a preparation for students for a sustainable future.
“Hands-on experiences build essential skills like preparation, organization, and teamwork,” said Ysh. “The Bazaar allows students to work in marketing, finance, and more within a set timeframe, giving them real-world business exposure.”
She also gained a deeper understanding of sustainability, emphasizing its real-world application. “At MIIS, sustainability is something we practice. Working with local farmers during bazaars uplifts communities and empowers them,” she added.
