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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'

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

Clarence Gillego,

Push Team

Published June 20, 2025 11:13 PM PHT

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