I Left Atua Midtown, but With the Best of Me

March 15, 2025, my colleagues and I were given the honor and privilege to attend a talk—one that, at first, we had no idea what we were stepping into. Our manager simply described it as “very inspiring,”and we believed her. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, we grabbed our papers and pens, eager to make the most of the opportunity during our free time.

A Hotel Turned Into a Safe Space for Creatives

At 7 PM, we arrived at Atua Midtown, and the moment we stepped in, we were gobsmacked by the explosion of vibrant colors, from the dazzling lights to the bold architecture and intricate details in the paintings and store displays. The place had everything: clothing boutiques, food stalls, cafes, recording studios, you name it! Just a little fun fact: Atua Midtown was once a hotel, formerly known as Eddie Hotel, before it was transformed into this creative playground,which became a haven where arts and crafts are shared and celebrated.

Now, back to the talk. We made our way to the venue, but walking into the room was nerve-wracking. We didn’t know anyone, it was just us, sticking together. Then, Myka Arnado took the stage (well it was just a room, and there weren’t any platforms), and like I mentioned earlier, we had no clue what we were getting into. But thankfully, we did. Because what followed was an emotional ride none of us expected.

I don’t know her, but I relate to her!

Have you ever attended a talk that felt like someone was narrating the story of your own life? Well, dare I say it—it felt like that meme from Euphoria: “Wait, is this…play about us?”

The presentation kicked off with the title: “I don’t know what I’m doing, but I’m doing my best.” That line alone instantly struck a chord with us. After all, who isn’t doing their best? From that moment on, we felt connected to the talk, as it was relatable, genuine, and honest.

Myka then shared her journey on how she carved her name into the industry. She started as a young girl with a passion for typography, before it was even called graphic design. She had no idea that what she was doing for fun would eventually change the course of her life.

Your why is more important than your what

She then presented a slide with the line: “Your why is more important than your what.” And let me tell you, that hit hard. It made me realize how often we default to asking “what” questions:

What do you do?
What are you feeling?
What are you working on?

We focus so much on the “what” on the task, the action, or the result. But we rarely reflect on the “why”.

For Myka, her “why” was simple: she loved creating things with her hands. She didn’t know it was called graphic design yet, but she knew it made her happy. That was her “why,” the driving force behind her passion. And just like that, it made me reflect on my own life.

Everyone has their “why’s.” Your “why” could be to empower people, and your “what” could be anything: writing a book, being a motivational speaker, or teaching classes. The “what” is the path, but the “why” is the purpose. And without the “why”, the “what” is meaningless.

Meeting Karl Lucente at the Talk

Another unexpected highlight of the night was meeting someone I idolize, Karl Lucente from the band Mandaue Nights. I’ve been a fan of his music since 2019, so seeing him in person was surreal. I knew creatives like him would be drawn to talks like this,so it just makes sense. Karl is also remarkable for his musical contributions,composing scores for Cinemalaya that won awards and collaborating with some of the country’s most notable artists.

I’ve always seen a bit of myself in him. Music has always been my core, it’s my number one passion. And while it may not be what I’m doing right now, it’s something that will never leave me.

There was so much more to the talk that I could share, but honestly, I don’t want to spoil everything. It’s the kind of experience you need to witness firsthand. Because when I walked out of that room, I was no longer the same person who walked into Atua Midtown. It felt like I had stepped into a different dimension and left as a different version of myself, someone more forgiving and kinder to myself. As per Myka’s words: “Everything needs growth, and sometimes, that growth comes from failure.”

I truly hope you get the chance to experience a talk like this someday. If you ever come across an opportunity, take it. Don’t miss it. Because while it might seem like just another talk at first, it could very well turn out to be THE TALK of your lifetime.