When Manila Met Mongolia: Stories from ASPAC 2025

This year marked my fourth international trip with JCI Manila in 2025, a journey that brought me and my committee to the heart of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, for the 2025 JCI Asia-Pacific Conference (ASPAC). I had the privilege of serving as Chairman of the delegation committee, supported by an exceptional team composed of my Vice Chairman John David Roque, Finance Head Richmond Fang, Legal Counsel Sandy Ang, and Clark Night Chairman John Francis “Jay” Pasicolan.

While it is true that our team shares family ties, our shared commitment to JCI Manila’s mission made this experience less about connections by blood and more about connection through service, leadership, and unity. Each of us carried the same goal: to represent JCI Manila with excellence and heart.

A Celebration of Collaboration in the Heart of Mongolia

The conference, held from June 12 to 15, 2025, was centered around the vibrant Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar, the venue for the major trainings, awards, and competitions. Auxiliary events were spread across Social Pay Park for the Opening Ceremony and the UG Arena and UG Palace, which together hosted more than 4,000 delegates from across the Asia-Pacific region.

The air was crisp, the energy high, and the excitement palpable. From sunrise to the late hours of the night, one could feel the pulse of the global JCI community beating in unison. Delegates exchanged stories, shared project insights, and celebrated the impact of collective leadership.

This ASPAC carried a deeper meaning. Coming right after the official announcement of JCI Manila as the host of the 2026 JCI World Congress, this gathering marked the beginning of our global promotion campaign for Worldcon. Under the leadership of our “Build Different” 77th President Adrian Padiernos and International Affairs Director Lendle Ozaeta, JCI Manila embarked on a mission to make its presence felt in every international stage leading up to 2026.

Representing the Philippines on the Global Stage

Our delegation’s activities in Mongolia reflected that vision. We proudly carried the Philippine flag and the banner of JCI Manila as we promoted the upcoming World Congress through multiple engagements. These included a presentation at the ASPAC Senate Meeting, hosting exclusive luncheons with sister chapters and JCI VIPs, and lending full support to JCI Philippines’ cultural booth during International Night.

The booth became a hub of energy and excitement as our team shared Filipino delicacies, drinks, and games that transported our international friends straight to the Philippines. From laughter-filled games of “pabitin” to generous servings of local snacks, every interaction became a cultural exchange that bridged hearts and built friendships.

One of the standout moments of the trip was the much-talked-about Clark Night, chaired by Jay Pasicolan. Hosted at one of Ulaanbaatar’s top nightlife venues, the event became a melting pot of cultures, laughter, and fellowship. Delegates danced, shared stories, and toasted to future partnerships. It was an evening that captured the true essence of JCI camaraderie where formal titles are set aside and genuine friendships take center stage.

These moments remind us that conferences are not just about plenaries and panels. They are also about connection, the kind that turns strangers into lifelong allies and partners in service.

Recognition of Excellence

The conference concluded with a proud moment for JCI Manila as we received the Best International Cooperation Project Award. This recognition was not only a celebration of our chapter’s achievements but also an affirmation of our reputation as a collaborator, innovator, and leader on the world stage.

It was a fitting close to a conference that embodied the values of teamwork, excellence, and cultural understanding.

Beyond the awards and the celebrations, what truly left a lasting impression was the hospitality and character of our Mongolian hosts. The contrast between the serene countryside and the bustling modern city reflected Mongolia’s beautiful balance between tradition and progress. From the chants of monks at ancient temples to the neon lights of the city’s nightlife, Ulaanbaatar embodied a harmony that many of us will never forget.

Themes of sustainability, cultural identity, and community were ever-present. These values are at the core of JCI’s mission and resonated deeply with every delegate who walked the streets of Mongolia. The experience reminded us that progress and preservation can coexist, that growth means more when it respects its roots.

Carrying the Flame Forward

As we returned home to Manila, we carried not just souvenirs or photographs, but lessons and inspiration. Every international conference reminds us that the “I” in JCI, “International”, stands for inclusion, interaction, and initiative.

Traveling with JCI is not simply about crossing borders; it is about expanding horizons. It is about seeing the world through the eyes of others and realizing that the spirit of active citizenship knows no language, color, or flag.

To my fellow Jaycees, I offer this encouragement: take that leap. Join an international conference. Meet our brothers and sisters across the globe. Experience firsthand how leadership, service, and friendship connect us all. Because when you do, you are not just representing JCI Manila, you are living proof that the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations.

As JCI Manila prepares to welcome the world in 2026, our experience in Ulaanbaatar stands as a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets purpose. The bridges we built in Mongolia will soon lead back home, where the world will gather on Philippine soil to celebrate leadership, collaboration, and positive change.

Let us continue to build bridges, nurture partnerships, and make JCI Manila shine brighter on the global stage. The road to Worldcon has begun and the world is already watching.