Toronto student wins world video contest

Toronto student wins world video contest

ALEX PUNZALAN has what it takes to be declared the winner of the an international video contest. Believed to be the first Filipino who won such prestigious title, Punzalan was able to portray the plight of the underprivileged children in the Philippines through his creativity and vision.

The video entitled “Believe” was produced under the theme “Youth’s Vision on Development” which was launched by the World Federation of the United Nations Association (WFUNA) in collaboration with the Conference of NGO in Geneva (CONGO). The judges were composed of seven (women and men) coming from southern and northern countries, who are familiar with development issues. The criteria were based on the pertinence and the illustration of the chosen topic highlighting the second Millennium Development Goal (MDG)-Universal Primary Education. The entries were chosen based on their artistic and technical quality. Punzalan beat 14 contenders from different nations.

While filming footages in Macalelon, Quezon province, a hometown of Punzalan’s father, he was deeply touched by the children’s innocence. He explained, “I am glad that I am able to express the innocence and sincerity of the children in this video presentation. These children live such simple innocent lives surrounded by poverty. Getting primary education gives them a chance of happiness, hope for a better future and a chance to believe in anything”

Punzalan hopes that his video presentation will have a significant impact to the United Nations programmes for development. “Since they chose my video, I believe that the UN would also initiate a program suited for the Filipino children’s needs.”

Punzalan’s 10-minute video portrayed various lifestyles of children in the Philippines. “When we see the children playing in the water, playing with a tire, playing basketball or even dancing, it shows their enthusiasm to live. The smiles and joy that the children show are no different from those of any child around the world. In the video I made it clear that they too need to dream like everyone else. By giving them education it can help them make their dreams come true. Education is such an important tool that every person/child in any part of the world should have. The video expressed the vision for the future and how kids possess the potential to learn and shine and how they will be future leaders of tomorrow.”

Being an AIESEC (non-profit organization) member has become instrumental in making Punzalan aware of several social issues. It has inspired him to help develop individuals and organizations through global exchange. Punzalan added, “By creating this video I was able to increase the awareness in our AIESEC chapter at Ryerson University. I had aspired to show my experience and adventure and how it had affected me”.

Punzalan’s exposure to several global issues may have turned him into a subdued young man but behind such matured demeanor is a boy with so much zest for good life. In fact, he leads a group of boys in a rock band called Delusions.

Music, for Punzalan, has been part of his everyday existence. At the age of 10, he was already showing a talent for creating music. “My aspirations and goals may have changed with time but my desires for music stayed the same,” he said with pride. He was once involved in music groups such as Mix Nuts and Honey Brown until he was able to establish TOUGH FU, a production outfit that he owns and managed. “ I plan on breaking into new sound barriers, by engaging in very eclectic beats with positive conscious lyrics and a soothing vocal flow over it all.”

As he soars to greater heights with his academic achievements, his musical aspirations also roar loud with an upcoming production single for an artist, “Drex Inkredible,” due to be out next year.
Already in his last year at Ryerson Polytechnic University in Toronto, Punzalan is adamant to finish his degree of Management in Science and Economics in spite of numerous extra-curricular activities. However, he admits that his heart lies on visual production. As an avid traveler, he plans to pursue his passion on radio and television production highlighting his experiences from his trips. Confident yet humble, Punzalan said, “I definitely have high dreams but I believe anything is possible.”