Flonique Guimary

Article (news)

Marlo Mortel marks his first TEDx talk

Clarence Roi Gillego

Push Team

<p>Marlo Mortel recently unlocked what he called a “lifelong goal,” marking his first talk as a TEDx speaker. </p><div> </div><p>He joined the pool of experts from various fields at an event initiated by TEDx Rizal Street in Sorsogon City last Sunday, June 15 </p><div> </div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-16" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DK7IGTwBKFQ/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=630&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A16%2C%22os%22%3A14061180.799999997%2C%22ls%22%3A504771.09999999404%2C%22le%22%3A505303.5%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1228" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-16" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div> </div><p>“It feels like I’ve been preparing my whole life for this,” he said, describing his debut at the TEDx stage.  </p><div> </div><p>“Surprisingly, I wasn’t nervous, just excited to share my story and inspire with my little knowledge,” he added. </p><div> </div><p>The actor-turned-musician did not only share his expertise in music but also shed light on the crucial topic of mental health — something he actively advocates for.  </p><div> </div><p>Marlo shared how he finds TED Talks fascinating as someone who always seeks lessons from other people’s experiences.  </p><div> </div><p>“I’ve always been curious,” he said. “I love learning from other people’s stories. They help me grow, heal, and hopefully pass that light forward. I enjoy watching TED Talks to become better and learn from the best. And today, I got to do the same for others. (At least, I hope I did.)” </p><div> </div><p>With his turn as a TEDx speaker, he made sure to be as genuine as possible in conveying his message to the listeners.  </p><div> </div><p>“I know it’s my first time. And no script? No PowerPoint? But the moment I said yes to this, I knew I wanted to speak purely from the heart. Because words alone have changed my life. Maybe mine can change someone else’s, too,” he wrote.</p><div> </div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-17" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DK9RlSnhadZ/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=630&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A17%2C%22os%22%3A14062879.299999997%2C%22ls%22%3A504771.09999999404%2C%22le%22%3A505303.5%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1041" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-17" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div> </div><p>Marlo began his talk by expressing his excitement, as seen on his Instagram reel. </p><div> </div><p>“I’m excited,” he said. “This is the first time that I’ll be speaking for something like this. But I’ve always been an advocate for mental health, and &#x27;entirety&#x27; is my favorite word.” </p><div> </div><p>Marlo also treated the audience with a heartfelt performance of his original composition “Mahina.” </p><div> </div><p>“‘Mahina’ is the song I wrote during the pandemic that captures the weight of battling anxiety and depression. How to turn weakness into strength,” he wrote in the video.  </p><div> </div><p>In 2023, Marlo opened up about encountering mental health issues during the height of the pandemic which affected his work as an actor.  </p><div> </div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/2023/2/13/marlo-mortel-explains-his-reason-for-studying-neuroscience-1753" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>READ: Marlo Mortel explains his reason for studying neuroscience</strong></a></div><div> </div><p>“Nagka-anxiety ako ng matindi noong pandemic,” he said. “I actually left Star Magic, I left Knowledge Channel… marami akong iniwan kasi hindi makapag-function ‘yung katawan ko because of my brain.” </p><div> </div><p>This experience inspired him to take up online courses in neuroscience from Harvard, aiming to fully understand what he was going through at that time.  </p><div> </div><p>“I had to help myself. I had to find something that would help me maintain my sanity. I wanted to find out the scientific facts behind what was happening to me,” he said.   </p>

<p>Marlo Mortel is now a certified TEDx speaker. From music to mental health, he wants his talk to bring light to the life of the listeners.</p>

Marlo Mortel is now a certified TEDx speaker. From music to mental health, he wants his talk to bring light to the life of the listeners.

Marlo Mortel marks his first TEDx talk: 'It feels like I’ve been preparing my whole life for this'

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Celebrities

Marlo Mortel marks his first TEDx talk: 'It feels like I’ve been preparing my whole life for this'

Clarence Gillego,

Push Team

Published Jun 20, 2025 11:13 PM PHT

Read More:

Marlo Mortel

TEDx Talk

Mental Health

Neuroscience

Music

Celebrity

Showbiz

Entertainement

Lifestyle

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.