What can young people look forward to in the next 10 years?
The last 10 years have been a lot. It’s crazy to think how a whole decade has come and gone so quickly, carrying with it the weight of all the things we’ve done and memories we’ve made.
For many of us, the 2010s made up most of our formative years, where we learned about the world at large and, more importantly, about ourselves. It’s almost like seeing your life flash before your eyes.
But now that we’re turning over a new leaf — literally into a new decade — it’s time to look forward.
We asked 20 people — writers, artists, photographers, doctors, athletes, designers, musicians, all people who inform the voice of Young STAR — for their hopes and dreams for the 2020s, what they’re looking forward to, and what we should leave behind from the decade that’s passed.
Mimiyuuuh, Vlogger
What do you think we should all leave behind in the 2010s?
Plastic straws, being unkind, not putting yourself first, and not drinking enough water. Drink your water, bih!
Gabby Padilla, Actress
What do you want to achieve in 2020?
I’d like to achieve something unrelated to work or my career, since my 2019 was all about checking those goals off. I hope to learn another language in 2020 and to make more consistent, healthier choices for myself.
Ysanygo, Musicians
What do you think we should all leave behind in the 2010s?
We should leave the second-guessing behind. It’s time to trust ourselves and the work we’ve done.
What should we leave behind in the 2010s?
Discrimination and apathy. Just because you’re not affected by something directly, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t empathize with those who are.
Abraham Guardian, Fashion Designer (Ha.Mu)
What do you want to achieve in the 2020s?
A more sustainably paced movement for our diffusion brand and, if ever, to finally have our pieces stocked internationally for people to appreciate a piece of our local talent.
Agatha Wong, SEA Games wushu gold medalist
What are you looking forward to in the next decade?
I think giving yourself goals every year and smashing them out is one of the main things that I am most looking forward to in the new year. Personal goals that give me the chance to improve myself for the better — that’s what makes every year exciting and fun.
Jai Cabajar, Physician
What are you looking forward to in the next decade?
I’m in my last year of residency training in internal medicine, so I’m looking forward to a lot of growth this year in terms of managing my patients and in teaching younger doctors-in-training. Beyond residency, I just hope that 2020 surprises me in a good way!
Gwy Saludes, Student/Writer
What should we leave behind in the 2010s?
Let’s leave behind all the heartaches and Twitter fights we’ve encountered.
Chino Cruz, Baker and Food Writer
What are you looking forward to in the next decade?
I’d hate to be boring, but I really just want my business to stabilize and find its footing. So I can at least casually buy things like board games and cologne without having an emotional breakdown.
Mags Ocampo, Illustrator / Art Director
What are you looking forward to in the next decade?
I’m looking forward to humanity giving itself a better shot in the coming years. New administrations, clearer notions of self and community care, and more efforts towards saving what’s left of the earth.
Sam Bumanlag, Artist
What are you looking forward to in the next decade?
I’m definitely looking forward to where my art can take me next year. There is so much more to learn in my field and so much more to experience. That’s why, right now, I’m trying to learn something unfamiliar to me — animation!
Iggy San Pablo, Vocalist, Rusty Machines
What do want to achieve in the 2020s?
I hope our band will get to release at least two more albums and tour abroad or even within the Philippines. Personally, I hope to grow further in the industry that I’m currently working in (events, production, etc.) and eventually marry the love of my life.
Alyssa Babasa, Artist
What do you want to achieve in the next decade?
I want to achieve a more conscious self-love. I want to constantly try to be better for myself.
Patch Ortega, Graphic Designer
What do you want to achieve in 2020?
Set up an art auction where I paint portraits of rape and sexual assault victims (with their consent) in the style of artists who were discreetly known as abusers and rapists and donate it to the Gabriela Women’s Party. Also, save up enough money from freelancing to support myself and take up psychology.
Effy Elmubarak, Student
What do you want to achieve in the 2020s?
I have my fingers crossed on graduating med school by 2022. Right now I’m still clueless about where I want to go; I always joke about going into show business after med every time someone asks me about it but hopefully by that time I’ll have my mind set on a path that I’m passionate about.
Ada Laud, Stylist
What should we leave in the 2010s?
Overthinking. Simplify, focus and align your thoughts and feelings with what really resonates with you!
Ralph Fonte, Physician/Writer
What are you looking forward to in the next decade?
More Ang Sabi Nila (the monthly poetry night I host), finish a book-length poetry manuscript, learn freediving, lead climbing, and surfing.
Brian Black, Student leader / Radio-jock-in-training
What should we leave behind in the 2010s?
Among the things we should leave behind are plastic bags, the patriarchy, saying “OTW” pero nakahiga ka pa, homophobia, and cancel culture.
Nina Pineda, Writer
What do you think we should all leave behind in the 2010s?
Hating on media primarily made and/or consumed by women.
Mohd Sarajan, Photographer /Videographer
What are you looking forward to in the next decade?
I expect for the next 10 years that we will focus on saving our planet earth. Climate change is real and we need to care about it. We’ve seen significant change for the better in communities across the country, but the pace of progress hasn’t been fast enough.