You can't go back in time and change the beginning, but you can start now and change where you're going. I'm here to show you how.

It is an absolute honour to write about someone as extraordinary as John—a man whose resilience, kindness, and generosity have left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path, including myself. John has turned the trials of his past into a beacon of hope for others. Instead of allowing hardship to define him, he chooses to rise above it—and in doing so, he now helps others rise with him. His story is one of courage, perseverance and purpose. By openly sharing his journey, he brings inspiration and empowerment to countless young people, especially those facing similar struggles. He meets them not with pity, but with respect, and belief in their potential. What sets John apart is not just his strength, but his positivity, and kind heart. He gives tirelessly—not for recognition, but because he believes in the power of community and the importance of lifting others. He has never forgotten where he came from. Despite the challenges facing his homeland of the Philippines, John remains deeply committed to giving back to the children of the Philippines. Through mentorship, outreach, and direct support, he is building bridges of opportunity and growth for those who need it most. The world is better because of John, and the seeds he plants in others will continue to grow for generations to come.

A highlight of the program for me was when John visited and shared his story about growing up. Hearing about his life made me stop and think about my own experiences, and it left me feeling really grateful for what I have.

John is a truly inspirational speaker whose story of resilience and perseverance deeply resonates with young audiences. Through sharing his own hardships and personal journey, he connects with people in a way that is both genuine and uplifting. His message encourages hope, determination, and self-belief, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who hears him speak.

“John is humble, sincere, resilient and a role model for our community – young and old. I enjoyed John’s story of vulnerability, challenge and his ultimate example of taking responsibility for his actions and creating a future that inspires brighter futures in our community. Thank you John.”

We were so fortunate to have John Cacho visit our Brisbane South Senior Y School Campus to share his Resonate to Resilience presentation with our students. From the moment he began speaking, John had every student fully engaged. His storytelling was not only inspiring and motivational, but it also really connected with our young people in a way that felt genuine and powerful. The feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive—they found John’s message relatable, uplifting, and something they could take with them beyond the classroom. His ability to hold their attention, spark reflection, and encourage resilience was truly special. Thank you, John, for making such a positive impact on our campus. We are grateful for the experience and would welcome you back anytime.

As Programs Coordinator for Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation, I have had the privilege of working alongside John, a long-standing friend of IBFF who wholeheartedly shares our values and our passion for uplifting and inspiring others. John’s story is nothing short of remarkable, an authentic journey filled with courage, resilience, and determination. Each time we invite him to speak with young people in our programs, he has an extraordinary way of capturing their attention from the very first moment. He speaks with honesty, warmth, and humour, drawing students in and leaving them genuinely inspired to reflect on their own lives. His ability to turn personal challenges into opportunities for growth is something the students connect with deeply, and they walk away motivated to embrace new possibilities, pursue their goals, and believe in their own potential. John’s journey is a powerful reminder that with strength, positivity, and the right mindset, it is possible to overcome obstacles and create a brighter future. We are truly grateful to John for his impact on the young people we support.