We are excited to introduce the incredible Play for Peace Council members in this special series. Each individual brings a unique perspective and passion for creating positive change through the power of play. Over the coming weeks, you’ll hear inspiring stories from council members across the globe who are helping to foster compassion, leadership, and community building. Today, we start with Richard (Chad) Delos Reyes, a dedicated Lead Convener of AAYL-CoLink  from Cebu, Philippines.

Chad, a passionate youth mentor and Play for Peace trainer from Cebu, Philippines, shares how the power of play transformed him into a more confident and compassionate individual. His story highlights how play can impact not only individuals but entire communities.

For Chad, play is much more than just having fun—it’s a tool for self-discovery, leadership, and building meaningful relationships. Reflecting on his journey, he recalls a pivotal moment during a Grand Play Day organized by the Alliance of Argawanon Youth Leaders (AAYL) and Play for Peace in Cebu. It was here that he truly understood the profound impact of play.

Key Lessons from Chad’s Play Journey:

Self-Discovery: Play acts as a mirror, revealing our true selves. For Chad, this self-awareness has helped him understand his strengths and weaknesses, allowing for personal growth and healing.

Building Relationships: Play transcends cultural and personal barriers. It fosters authentic communication, removing insecurities and helping people connect from the heart. Through play, Chad has forged strong bonds with people from diverse backgrounds.

Learning Beyond the Classroom: Play is a powerful way to learn life lessons through experience, not just theory. Chad realized that real learning happens in the act of doing, whether in a playground or a team-building session.

Through his work with Play for Peace, Chad has continued to lead youth and educators alike in discovering the transformative power of play, fostering an environment where compassion, collaboration, and confidence thrive.

Takeaway: Play is a powerful tool for personal growth, leadership, and community building. As Chad’s journey shows, it helps individuals unlock their potential, creating a ripple effect of positive change in their communities.