A decade of education at St. Paul University helped shape Rhyn Anthony Nique Esolana, who now leads the Philippine delegation as its elected Youth Leader for the 50th Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP).

Esolana is one of 18 Philippine Participating Youth (PPY) selected for the milestone edition of SSEAYP, an annual cultural exchange program organized by the Cabinet Office of Japan in cooperation with the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The program brings together young leaders from Japan and Southeast Asia for dialogue, cultural exchange, and activities that strengthen regional cooperation.

A fourth-generation Paulinian, Esolana spent more than a decade at St. Paul, graduating in 2015. During high school, he served as Managing Director of the student publication, Vice President of the High School Debate Club, and a founding member of the Paulinian Photographers Guild. He also competed in debate championships, including the Philippines Schools Debate Championship, and participated in competitive swimming.

These experiences formed part of his early engagement in communication, collaboration, and student leadership—foundations that would continue to shape his work beyond the campus.

“When I think of St. Paul, I remember the five core values present in every classroom: Christ, Charity, Charism, Community, and Commission. I see these reflected in the work I do today. They remind me that a St. Paul education extends beyond the classroom and continues to shape how we serve and contribute wherever life takes us,” Esolana said.

Esolana earned his degree in Foreign Affairs from Silliman University in 2020. His professional experience spans youth development, education, and public service. He previously served as Executive Director of TAYO Awards Foundation and as Experiential Learning Coordinator at the United States Embassy in the Philippines. He currently serves as Deputy Executive Director of Angat Buhay Foundation.

His election as Youth Leader places him at the helm of the Philippine contingent's collective preparation and participation in the international program. Working alongside the National Leader and Assistant Youth Leader, he will help guide the 18 delegates as they engage with their ASEAN and Japanese counterparts, participate in institutional visits and dialogues, and represent the Philippines through cultural exchange.

For Esolana, his leadership journey remains closely connected to the education that grounded his formative years.

“Paulinian values are foundational to who I am. More than a decade after leaving St. Paul, I still find them guiding my most critical decisions. St. Paul did more than teach me these values; it instilled them in me, and they continue to ground the way I lead and serve,” he shared.

The 50th Philippine contingent, known as Batch Sinagtala, takes its name from sinag (ray of light) and tala (star), reflecting its guiding idea of finding its way together. As Ambassadors of Goodwill, the delegates will contribute to strengthening people-to-people relations between ASEAN and Japan and advancing the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through cultural diplomacy.

As he takes on this international leadership role, Esolana brings together his background in foreign affairs, years of experience in youth development, and the formative education he received at St. Paul. His journey reflects how the foundations established in school can continue to inform leadership and service long after graduation.