Art has always been one of the strongest expressions of humanity. In every movement for justice, peace, and equality, art has served as a voice that reaches people beyond words alone. Through colors, images, music, and creative expression, art helps people understand compassion, dignity, and hope in ways that statistics and speeches sometimes cannot. Within HAPI, the presence of Kelly Kim Sepida, who willingly shares his time, talent, and creativity, reminds us that humanism is not only built through action and advocacy, but also through imagination and inspiration.
Empathy, kindness, and the desire for justice are innate parts of our shared human nature. […] We must cultivate those traits within ourselves.
For Kelly, becoming a humanist was not a sudden transformation, but a gradual realization shaped by empathy and critical reflection. As he shared, “It was not really a sudden shift, but rather a gradual realization that empathy, kindness, and the desire for justice are innate parts of our shared human nature, and that we must cultivate those traits within ourselves.”
Growing up in Bacolod, he explained that he initially viewed goodness from a narrow POV. Over time, however, he began to recognize the systemic struggles and inequalities that demanded human-driven solutions. This awakening strengthened his belief that people do not need to wait for the world to heal itself because, in his words, “we have the minds and hearts to create a kinder and more equitable society together.”
When asked about how he became a secular humanist, Kelly said “it was during my high school years that my colleagues and I discovered Humanist Alliance Philippines, International (HAPI). Participating in their events at such a young age gradually shifted my perspective.” It was also the time where he realized that being good and doing good can just be about wanting a better community and not all about some religious belief. Secular humanism became the perfect bridge towards his desire to lead a deeply moral and purpose-driven life.
“[I prioritize] emotional connection whenever I create.”
Kelly’s understanding of art has also evolved deeply over time. While he once believed that visual beauty was the most important aspect of artistic creation, he eventually realized that emotional resonance carries far greater impact. “That emotional connection is what I prioritize whenever I create,” he explained. Today, he strives to produce work that allows people to feel connected, understood, and inspired. More than simply creating visually appealing pieces, he hopes his art can “spark conversations, inspire people to take action, and encourage us all to live our lives in the best way possible.”
Throughout history, artists have used their gifts to speak against injustice, encourage unity, and inspire communities to dream. In organizations like HAPI, artists become storytellers of humanity, turning ideals into powerful messages that move hearts and awaken consciousness.
We are truly fortunate to have an artist among us who has dedicated himself to leading the creative direction of the organization. Kelly’s willingness to contribute his skills without hesitation reflects the very spirit of humanism, a service rooted in compassion. Every poster, design, concept, and artistic vision he creates strengthens the identity of HAPI and helps communicate our mission to the wider community. His dedication reminds us that meaningful change is often built not only by leaders and organizers, but also by those who inspire others through creativity.
You can lead a deeply moral, purpose-driven life through secular humanism.
For the CHMSU alumnus (a summa cum laude at that), collaborating with humanist organizations like HAPI carries a deeper purpose beyond artistic contribution alone. He believes that humanists in the Philippines are still frequently misunderstood or marginalized, and through his work with HAPI, he hopes to help normalize humanist values such as kindness, equality, and appreciation for science. As he said, “It is about showing people that you can lead a deeply moral, purpose-driven life through secular humanism, and that we can all work hand-in-hand to uplift our country.”
As HAPI continues its mission, we celebrate not only the causes we fight for but also the people who give life to those causes. Kelly Kim Sepida embodies the idea that creativity is a form of service to humanity. His talent is not used merely for personal expression, but for uplifting communities and strengthening collective action. One of the achievements he values most is seeing his work reach an international audience through HAPI’s partnership with Humanists International. Reflecting on this milestone, he remembered how the first pubmat he made was for HAPI Junior’s “One Baybay at a Time Project” which reflected his inexperienced and simplistic design but during that time it was what was needed. And now, he gets to show his animations internationally.
Because of his contributions, HAPI grows not only as an organization, but also as a movement filled with empathy, courage, creativity, and hope for a just and peaceful world.
