Some stories stay with you long after you’ve finished writing them.
That was exactly what Wish to Ignite, the special fourth season of COMCO Mundo’s Write to Ignite initiative in partnership with Make-A-Wish Foundation Philippines, became for me. More than another writing challenge, it was an opportunity to listen, write with empathy, and help amplify the inspiring journeys of children who have faced critical illnesses with remarkable courage.
I was grateful to be one of the 15 WishStorytellers who had the opportunity to meet a Make-A-Wish child and tell their story. The experience reminded me why storytelling matters. Every story has the power to help someone feel seen and understood. Here’s my entry: Core Memory Unlocked: Spider-man Toys Brought Joy to a Baguio “Wish Kid”
For those unfamiliar with the initiative, Write to Ignite is COMCO Mundo’s storytelling platform that brings together writers, bloggers, and content creators from across the Philippines to create stories that spark meaningful conversations. Following the success of its first three seasons, the program returned with a special fourth season called Wish to Ignite, which focused on the inspiring journeys of Make-A-Wish children whose wishes became a source of strength, joy, and hope for them and their families.
More than simply recounting personal experiences, Wish to Ignite challenged us to tell stories with compassion. Each article became an opportunity to highlight resilience, celebrate courage, and show how a single wish can leave a lasting impact not only on a child, but also on everyone who becomes part of their journey.
The culmination of the initiative was celebrated during COMCO Mundo’s recent Catch-Up with COMCOmigosvirtual gathering. The event brought together members of the media, bloggers, creators, and communication partners from around the country as part of COMCO Mundo’s continuing 10th anniversary celebration.
A total of 25 WishStorytellers joined the initiative. While 10 participants were unable to meet their assigned wish kids because of challenging circumstances, they still extended their support to the advocacy. Fifteen of us were able to personally meet our assigned wish kids, listen to their stories, and share them through our respective platforms.
It was an honor to be recognized alongside an inspiring group of storytellers from across the Philippines. Each of us brought our own voice, perspective, and storytelling style, but we shared one common purpose, which was to tell stories that deserved to be heard.
The 15 recognized WishStorytellers are:
- Andrea Guanco of Andreaguanco.com from Iloilo City
- Berlin Domingo-Maynigo of Momi Berlin from Quezon City
- Camilo Villanueva of HappeningPH from Pasay City
- Carlo Olano of Kalami Cebu from Cebu City
- Edmar Guquib of Edmaration from Vigan City
- Katrina Rivera of Kuwento ni Kat from Negros Occidental
- Kurt Comendador of Kuku Notebook from General Santos City
- Lotus Shiella Ang of Mommy After Work from Consolacion, Cebu
- Marjorie Uy of Woman In Digital from Quezon City
- Mylene Orillo of myleneorillo.wordpress.com from Rodriguez, Rizal
- Rae Rigonan of I am RAEdiant from Baguio City
- Raissa Falgui of Raissa Rivera Falgui’s Blog from Vigan City
- Richard Mamuyac of The Newsmakers from Pasig City
- Sigrid Lo of Mommy Sigrid from Bacolod City
- Zach Golez of trndy.ph from Iloilo City
Congratulations as well to the recipients of the Special Citations, whose stories were recognized for their outstanding storytelling, creative execution, and meaningful audience impact.
Edmar Guquib of Edmaration received the first Special Citation for his entry, “Dealing With HIV, Being Orphaned, And Wishes That Came True.” Berlin Domingo-Maynigo of Momi Berlin received the second Special Citation for “The Girl Who Found Light in a Song,” while Katrina Rivera of Kuwento ni Kat received the third Special Citation for “A Hero After All.”
Their stories beautifully captured the hope, resilience, and courage of the Make-A-Wish children they featured. More importantly, they reminded all of us that thoughtful storytelling has the power to preserve memories, inspire compassion, and encourage more people to support children facing critical illnesses. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.
During the virtual celebration, Ferdinand L. Bondoy, Group Chief Executive Director and Lead Strategic Communications Counsel, Partner and Co-Founder of COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises, shared a message that resonated with many of us:
“We are here because of the support of like-minded and like-hearted individuals who believe in telling good stories. We hope you’ll continue to join us as we pursue meaningful storytelling, not only for the brands, clients, and partners we work with, but also for advocacies that matter and help uplift the lives of people.”
As someone who has been writing through I am RAEdiant since 2013, this initiative reminded me that storytelling is never just about publishing another article. It is about listening first. It is about carrying someone else’s story with care, honoring their experiences, and writing in a way that allows others to connect with their journey.
Every person involved in Wish to Ignite contributed something meaningful. The Make-A-Wish team opened doors for these stories to be shared. COMCO Mundo created a platform that encouraged purposeful storytelling. My fellow WishStorytellers poured their hearts into every article they wrote. Most importantly, the wish kids and their families trusted us with some of the most personal chapters of their lives.
Congratulations to COMCO Mundo, Make-A-Wish Foundation Philippines, my fellow WishStorytellers, the wish kids, and their families for making Wish to Ignite such a meaningful season of Write to Ignite. I am grateful to have written alongside storytellers who believe that words can comfort, encourage, and create change. Long after the articles have been published, I hope the stories of these remarkable children continue to remind us that hope is often found in the people who choose to share it.