Carlo "Ceejay" Reyes Bautista Jr.

The Reason for the IKIGAI PROJECT & the Idea of IKIGAI EXPERIENCE ONLINE 

(Part 2): More About Me

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Autobiography written by Carlo (Ceejay) Reyes Bautista Jr.

XR Developer & Designer | IEXPO CO.

May 4, 2022 - 12:05 a.m. PST

My motivation throughout the years to keep imagining great ideas and experiences for people has been rooted in various interests and my curiosity for novel experiences. Some of my interests include online games with social aspects, such as ourWorld - (a virtual world where players can hang out with their friends in dance clubs, coffee shops, beaches, shopping venues and their own customizable condos), MMORPGs (Massive Multiplayer Online Role-playing Games), watching growth-driven anime like the Naruto series, and the novelty I felt while experiencing popularized “Isekai'' anime such as Sword Art Online for the first time. I have also explored world history and different cultural interests. Additionally, I have studied Jose Rizal's dedication to his country and advocacy for social and political reforms, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his dream of achieving racial equality, Nikola Tesla’s marvelous inventions and scientific research, both Hayao Miyazaki and George Lucas’s mesmerizing films, accompanied by their profound and enthralling storytelling and prophetic warnings, as well as Steve Jobs and his ethical passion for technology and its potential to shape humanity. Furthermore, I have researched incredible and inspiring World’s Fairs of the past century. Most importantly, I have watched documentaries about revolutionary visionaries like Walter Elias Disney, the Godfather of modern entertainment and pure imagination.

 

One of the documentaries that I’ve watched was about the dawn of the creation of Disney’s first and most revolutionary theme park, Disneyland. In the documentary was an interviewer asking the question to Disney, “So what was the reason why you wanted to build Disneyland?” Disney replied, “Well… it all started at the time when my daughters were very young. We were at a theme park sitting on a bench eating peanuts! As I looked around I thought to myself, something different had to be built - a place where children, parents, and everyone can have fun together!” When I first listened to Disney’s answer, I was touched by his determination and wit to one day make experiences better for people’s well-being. 

 

What’s intriguing is that with all the backlash and uninterest in his company from the beginning, he actually did it. He placed Disneyland on the map and it changed the industry - heck even the whole world, forever. I believe that was one of his Ikigai - a mission and calling for him to create “The Happiest Place On Earth.” Obviously as of now, the board running our generation’s Disney brand has let the true magic die, letting go of what the name “Disney'' originally stood for. But I know some of you reading this will research what has changed and why - anyways, I digress.

 

There was another segment in the documentary explaining how Disney’s wife Lillian spoke to him one day and said, “Why would you build such a place? It’s dangerous and dirty… who knows what could happen.” He then replied with the most influential line that inspired my idea for the IKIGAI PROJECT going forward, “That’s just it, mine wouldn’t be.” Now take a moment to think about what Disney had said, “That’s just it, mine wouldn’t be.” That line resonated with me on such a deep level. It touched my soul and is a major driving force to continue the project. 

 

On October 9th, 2021, I had a conversation with my business partner Joshua Saltiban (CMO) about the impact of social media on our society. While there have been some positive changes in society, the ubiquitous negativity often overshadows them. Mixed emotions, unrestrained hate, ignorant lies, toxic competition, and lack of ingenuity are all pervasive. Unfortunately, young people, from teens to young adults, are especially vulnerable to these negative influences. As a result, many are experiencing high rates of stress, depression, anxiety, su*cidal thoughts, trauma, and silence. Additionally, they may be closed-minded, sly fakers, liars, posers, bandwagoners, backstabbers, or naively frivolous. They are also particularly susceptible to misinformation and lies that have the utmost ability to betray one’s innocence or even, take a life. Our ability to communicate effectively has deteriorated. We utter words without comprehension and make statements we don't intend, but we rationalize it, thinking that it doesn’t harm anyone and continue without considering the consequences. This situation is both disappointing and deeply upsetting. We must take action to address these issues, and we cannot delay any longer. It is time to act now. 

 

Towards the end of my conversation with my business partner, I highlighted our unique approach and mission statement. Drawing inspiration from Walt Disney's famous words, I emphasized that our social platform is not going to be like any other. Our platform is going to help people by shedding light on the importance of discussing mental health, fighting against the dangers of unregulated social media platforms, and tackling depression. We aim to give hope that a better world is possible – one filled with community, understanding, ethical intention, novel design, a balance of active and passive love, inspiring ambition, and equal representation. Above all, we aim to create a platform that is incredibly fun and authentic. I remarked, 'It's a whole new world man… and this revolutionary idea has the potential to reshape our world significantly. However, we must approach this transition with a strong sense of responsibility and ethics. It's critical that we get this right, and not allow other companies to worsen the current state of SMPs. We need to prioritize doing this properly. We have to do it right.'

 

After reflecting on Walt Disney's inspiring quote, "That's just it. Mine wouldn't be," I had an epiphany that it's time for me to take a stand and face the problems that society is currently facing. While it may sound like a cliché, I believe that if no one steps up to lead and address these issues in my community, then who will? I told myself that I have the capability to become a leader and create meaningful change. Although I am aware that there are other individuals who are raising awareness about the harmful effects of social media and working towards improving our mental health, I firmly believe that these issues are just the tip of the iceberg. There are more profound and complex problems that need to be addressed, and I am willing to put in the work to tackle them.

 

Finally, In one of the episodes of the popular Netflix series, "Arcane", I came across a quote that really struck me. It goes, "If you're going to change the world, don't ask for permission." I had to pause the episode for a moment and reflect on that quote's meaning. It's true that throughout history, many companies and individuals who have made significant changes to the world did so without waiting for anyone's approval. Regardless of their motivations, these “influencers” and companies have made an impact with their products or works of art, both positive and negative.

 

As I was lost in thought after hearing the quote from Arcane, I suddenly entered a state of heightened awareness that allowed me to fully appreciate the potential of the IKIGAI PROJECT's purpose and its future impact. It became clear to me how this project could truly help and inspire people around the world for generations to come, much like Disney had achieved. The mission had called to me that there needed to be something done about the many problems the modern world unaccountably continues to grasp onto today. It all starts with my next-generation social platform, IKIGAI EXPERIENCE ONLINE. 

 

To my business partner, Salty. Thank you for opening up my mind for a greater cause. It was through you that I finally broke out of my glass-ceiling. To my good friend Matthew, thank you for all the conversations we’ve had about our life-changes and how to move forward from the pain in the past. You granted me the definitive push to see my full potential on one day becoming a great leader with example and empathy. To my friends and acquaintances, thank you for supporting me and most especially, believing in the true purpose of the IKIGAI PROJECT. To my family, thank you for supporting me in everything I need to evolve and push the IKIGAI PROJECT forward. To my mother, thank you for being patient with me, trusting me, and giving attention to why I want this to be my career. And finally, to the ones we’ve lost to depression and to those we’ve lost who never got the chance to show their full potential, this for you. All of you.

 

Nikola Tesla, a great pioneer and inventor once said, "We crave for new sensations but soon become indifferent to them. The wonders of yesterday are today's common occurrences." This observation applies to the rapid evolution of technology, including the emergence of XR technology and AI. While currently in its infancy, XR technology is poised to replace smartphones, tablets, and physical displays in the future. As XR and AI technology continue to advance, we must prepare to adapt to these changes and address potential concerns for mental health and ethics. I believe that science and technology can improve the human-condition, but true progress in our society cannot exist without ethical intention and empathy. My mission is to reshape the human-condition and shift the world's course of progress towards a path that leads to a better future, through XR. I'm determined to inspire hope in those who feel lost. Many of the modern problems we face today began in the Bay, and it’s where I’m going to end it. At the end of the day, I won't be taking any of this with me when I'm gone from this world. I realized, I’ve got nothing to lose. So, I’ll give it my all.

 

This is my Ikigai.

 

- Ceejay “BLACKLØTUS”