Angat Buhay implements community-centre and sustainable development initiatives for marginalised communities in the Philippines (Photo: Angat Buhay)
Cover Philippine-based NGO Angat Buhay implements community-centred, sustainable development initiatives for marginalised communities in the Philippines (Photo: Angat Buhay)

Angat Buhay, which is led by executive director Raffy Magno, a 2023 Gen.T honouree, is focused on alleviating poverty in the Philippines

Paying homage to the honourees on the annual Tatler Gen.T List, who are catalysts for positive transformation, Tatler Gen.T has launched its first NFT collection centred around the phoenix—a mythical bird known for its ability to be reborn from its own ashes.

Signifying renewal and the strength to overcome challenges, the collection is aptly named Phoenixes of Tomorrow, a play on the Leaders of Tomorrow moniker bestowed on the honourees recognised for shaping Asia’s future.

The NFT is a unique digital keepsake given to every 2023 Gen.T honouree and was created in collaboration with Singaporean honouree and artist Dawn Ang.

Read more: If a phoenix and an NFT had a baby, this would be it

While the Phoenixes of Tomorrow cannot be sold or traded, the accompanying version of each phoenix called Friends of Phoenixes is available for purchase on the OpenSea marketplace. The Friends of Phoenixes NFTs have a similar design to the Phoenixes of Tomorrow NFTs, but with a small badge on the bird’s chest. There are only 100 of each Friend of Phoenix NFT available—each going for 0.06 ETH.

All proceeds from the sale will go to various charities and non-profit organisations located in five regions. The beneficiaries are Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association, The Codette Project in Singapore, Yayasan Chow Kit in Malaysia and Kids’ Bookhouse in Taiwan. In the Philippines, the funds will be donated to the non-governmental organisation Angat Buhay.

Read more: This VC is backing Filipino innovators solving Filipino problems

Founded by former vice president of the Philippines Leni Robredo, the NGO was originally launched as a programme under her office to unite public and private sectors in addressing the needs of families and the indigent. Over time, Angat Buhay has transformed into a full-fledged independent organisation but remains true to its core mission. It continues to be powered by community volunteerism and anchors itself on the proud tradition of Bayanihan, the communal spirit of Filipinos to show kindness to those in need.

Raffy Magno, a 2023 Gen.T honouree serves as the organisation’s executive director and has worked tirelessly to uplift fellow Filipinos by focusing on four key advocacies: public education, public health, disaster relief and rehabilitation, and community engagement and empowerment.

Angat Buhay has served more than 20,000 families and 15,000 individuals across 176 Filipino communities. The foundation has also established nutrition programmes and community learning hubs.

“Angat Buhay is now a movement, and we are sending a message to millions of Filipinos that they are not alone in demanding meaningful participation,” says Magno. “We are just getting started.”


Learn more about Tatler Gen.T’s NFT project and how you can contribute.

Topics