No Opportunities Wasted: The Journey of Mac Florendo as Magician, Advocate, and Food Rescue Pioneer

Mac Florendo is a Filipino magician, broadcaster, and social impact innovator whose work bridges creativity, community empowerment, and transformative storytelling. He seamlessly integrates magic, media, and advocacy—using each platform to educate, inspire, and create new opportunities.

Mac pioneered the food rescue movement in the Philippines, founding Food Rescue Philippines after drawing inspiration from Boulder Food Rescue during the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) in the United States. His mission began in 2015 with just a bicycle and an idea to recover and redistribute surplus food. What started in Dumaguete soon grew into a nationwide campaign. As Food Rescue Supervisor for Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) Philippines from 2023 to 2025, Mac led teams that rescued 1.1 million kilograms of surplus food—providing over five million meals for communities in need and dramatically reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Mac’s visionary leadership has earned wide recognition, including the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Award, San Miguel’s “Better World” Award, the SustainablePH Leadership Award, the Changemaker 2040 Award, and he was named Youth Champion for SDG 2: Zero Hunger under The 2030 Project, aligning his mission with the global goal to end hunger.

Currently, Mac serves as a Food Rescue Consultant for Quezon City and Food Access Philippines, strengthening systems to reduce food waste and increase access to nutritious food for vulnerable groups. He founded GAMIT Rescue (Give Anything Material that Inspires and Transforms) to champion creative reuse and resource-sharing, and AI Rescue, promoting responsible AI literacy and awareness in the Philippines.

In broadcasting, Mac co-hosts AI Talks with The Voicemaster on Radyo Pilipinas, guiding listeners through the evolving world of AI, creativity, and digital innovation. As a performer, he is The Voice of Magic, captivating audiences with immersive shows that blend illusion, film, advocacy, and Filipino storytelling.

Guided by the mantra “No Opportunities Wasted (NOW)”, Mac brings a purpose-driven approach to every venture. Through these efforts, he inspires new generations, advocates for systemic change, and brings joy and hope to the Philippines and beyond.