More than two days after taking the stage at TEDx Forbes Park, the pride and excitement remain strong for the Mekeni President Pruds Garcia, who delivered a heartfelt talk on gratitude, resilience, and community.
Speaking before an engaged audience last Monday, Mekeni Food Corporation President Pruds Garcia admitted feeling both excitement and nervousness prior to the event. The biggest challenge, he shared, was condensing a script from 18 minutes to just 9–10 minutes—far shorter than the usual 30-minute storytelling he was accustomed to. The experience, however, taught him a valuable lesson: that sometimes “less is more,” and focusing on one big idea allows the message to truly resonate.
During the talk, initial nerves gave way to calm focus. Each pause and gesture carried weight, with the audience responding deeply, especially in reflective moments. “TEDx isn’t about performance, it’s about impact,” Garcia later shared, noting how meaningful it was to hear that his story moved people.
The event also became a celebration of shared purpose, as he expressed gratitude for his fellow speakers and the TEDx Forbes Park team whose encouragement and solidarity lightened the journey. He extended special thanks to leaders Kate Hancock, Daniel Robbins, and Ivy Manilag for their vision and guidance, as well as to Chef Felix Niño Asuncion for inspiring him to be part of the program. Appreciation was likewise given to Dr. Jacqueline Marzan-Tolentino for sponsoring the pre-event dinner that allowed speakers to bond before stepping on stage.
Beyond personal pride, the talk was dedicated to the collective effort of speakers, mentors, volunteers, family, and friends who made the event possible. Most importantly, it was a tribute to his father, the 98-year-old founder of Mekeni, whose legacy of humility, gratitude, and service continues to guide the company and its people.
Summing up, Garcia said that the TEDx experience was not just about telling a story but about giving back—through words that uplift, inspire, and connect communities.
