Humans are undoubtedly one of the most social species. Whether one thrives in extroversion or introversion, the fact remains: social connection is essential to every aspect of our being. Connection comes in many forms, but most paramount of which — and perhaps the foundation of it all — are conversations.

Conversations make way for tearing walls, breaking boundaries, providing an avenue for ideation, and sparking change — both big and small. Whether it’s a discussion with a group of friends or an intimate one-on-one, there’s no doubt that our best memories start with a simple conversation. It’s casual, easy — with little room for formality, most of the time — and something that we all unknowingly crave.

That’s why there’s no invite more familiar among friends than, One bot? (One bottle?) — usually heard after a long day when one simply wants to unwind. It is a catchphrase commonly thrown around craving the company and conversations with another — usually involving a bottle of beer in a laid back setting — a stark departure from the loud and chaotic setting of parties. In this kind of setting, the main components are simple: people, bottles of beer, and loads of good conversations.

A popular sight in these ‘one bot’ invites? San Mig Light. And in celebration of their 20 years, together with director, Simon Te, we paid homage to the art of conversations — both its inherent simplicity and power in stirring change among individuals and in turn, the society. While there are a myriad of topics worth discussing, four themes served as the focal points: gender equality, community, creativity, and mental health.

With #MahabaHabangUsapan talks for each theme held from November 2019 until January 2020, this video encapsulates the best takeaways from all of them — echoing the importance of conversations in advancing the causes for gender equality, mental health, creativity, and community.

“What if we all just listen so we can all understand everyone’s perspective?” asks Chloe Marion Samontanes, owner of Outback Barbers. With the current local and international turmoil, this question comes at the perfect time. The society is in disarray, and differences in perspectives cause intense divisions. While the current situation has made face-to-face conversations a lot harder to come by, thanks to technology, there are so many other ways that we can foster connections and work together to materialize things that one wouldn’t be able to do alone.

To read more about the in-depth discussions from the #MahabaHabangUsapan Panel Talks, please see the links below: