Proj. KKKK: No Games, No Problem!

There’s a program worth citing and it isn’t from the big city. It’s from Mindanao and now has a nationwide reach. It’s called Project KKKK, and this stands for Kalaro, Kaibigan, Kasama, Kakwentuhan. It’s a weekly online program held every Saturday at 3pm on the Facebook Page “Project KKKK.” This brings together student-athletes, regular students, coaches, and others for an hour or two of kwentuhan, sharing and fun. I’d rather not call it a webinar because it sounds too “formal” and straight. Let’s call it simply “kwentuhan.” Online, virtual and a whole lot of fun.

Project KKKK is the initiative of the Mindanao Peace Games (MPG), through the three Jesuit schools in Mindanao: Ateneo de Davao (ADDU), Ateneo de Zamboanga (ADZU) and Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan. MPG Convenor Noli Ayo of ADDU said that since the MPG will not take place this year, the core group of student-athletes thought of an activity that would maintain the bonds that were created at the previous editions of the MPG. The MPG is the annual all-women’s sports competition that brings together different universities of Mindanao with the primary purpose of creating friendship and peace. While winners are declared, the main events are always the activities that bring the participants closer, including the very popular popcorn and movie night. Other off-season events include leadership seminars for both student leaders and coaches. How does one bring all these back? How does one ensure that the memories live on? Pretty simple, really. You just keep talking about it! Kwentuhan.

Meet Gianne de la Cruz, team captain of the Ateneo Lady Aguilas Basketball (ALAB) of ADZU, the reigning Miss MPG 2019, and one of the facilitators of the event. She said that KKKK was a way to bring the student-athletes together again. “This is our way to gather student-athletes, an opportunity to meet other MPG student-athletes in Mindanao. Project KKKK is a way to reconnect and listen to their stories since stories can change one’s life and we can learn from these and be inspired,” she explained.

The weekly show has now become the main event for the MPG this year, and they’ve had an impressive roster of guest speakers that include football player Jarvey Gayoso yesterday, Meggie Ochoa (jujitsu world champion), Ada Milby (rugby), Nicole Tiamzon (volleyball), Jed Diamante (football), Atty. Mariana Lopa (women’s sports advocate), Selina de Dios (ADMU Basketball), Justine Domingo (UP Basketball), and Dani Ravena (ADMU Volleyball). Student-athletes from UP Diliman and La Salle also joined in the fun by joining the core group of co-hosts.

The format is simple and light. The show’s co-hosts or facees engage the guest in a conversation on the topic. Breakout groups are then created where participants can discuss among themselves what they thought about what had transpired in the conversation with the guest: conversation leading to more conversations.

The FB Live platform has been a way to build the MPG brand and promote women’s empowerment. “This is also our way of promoting Mindanao Peace Games in a different kind of approach; showcasing the talents and contribution of our fellow athletes and sports leaders (guest speakers) in the sports industry and how their advocacy really helps the community. We also want to showcase women empowerment in sports, how the women strive for their best and work hard to reach the top,” de la Cruz proudly added.

Gianne also expressed her being blessed and happy as this has given the MPG student-athletes a voice and the guests a platform to talk about their advocacies in making a difference in the community. But she also reminds us of what this is all about. “This project is not for us but for them, the student-athletes of Mindanao. They are not alone on this journey as Project KKK is here to accompany them.”

I met Gianne at the MWF series of online talks where she was inspired to carry out Project KKKK. She cited how the talks gave all of us a chance to “connect, build bridges, seek wisdom and gain insights.” I’ll add another part of the MWF talks that she may have missed but is actually doing. “Create a plan of action.” I’m so proud of you Gianne so please keep it going, padayon lang. Muchas gracias!