http://www.makepovertyhistory.org Twisted Grooves: December 2005

Thursday, December 29, 2005

there is hope

Around 12 years ago, my environmental consciousness was awakened. It was one of those dark times when environmental degradation was rapidly happening all over the world especially in third world countries like the Philippines. But as the disaster was unfolding before our very eyes, the environmental movement was slowly rising and gaining ground in all fronts. My involvement with these groups was quite short-lived as I chose to enter the corporate world while my friends went full time serving in Non Government Organizations (NGOs). However, I kept in touch with them and did what I could in the polluted environment I chose to be in. In my own way, I remained an environmental activist.

As I visited my mom's hometown the past weekend, I witnessed a few notable changes. In our own barangay, a mangrove reforestation project was set-up. And in the famous Hundred Islands, a more organized eco-tourism campaign was being implemented. Quietly, I took pictures and enjoyed what I was seeing. But deep inside me, my heart was smiling. Finally, something is being done. Finally, my fears for my future kids are slowly going away. Don't get me wrong. I know that there are tons of problems going on-the world is still dirty, poverty is all around, the earth is still dying. But somehow, I sense that all our fears will not happen. People will change. The earth will be saved. Only if we continue to believe, work and fight for it. May pag-asa pa ang Pilipinas, may pag-asa pa ang mundo.






Saturday, December 24, 2005

happy holidays

It's been a wild year for me! I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who joined me in my different journeys.

Monday, December 19, 2005

i made the backcover


i'm a music album collector. i don't buy fake music cds. i like the feel of tearing the tight plastic protective cover of jewel cases. i get excited opening a brand new one and seeing the art work and photography for the first time. i spend my idle times reading the lyrics, credits and long thank yous from the artists. that's how much i treasure my small collection of tapes, cds and music dvds. that's why i almost cried when our house got flooded and some of my treasured collection were soaked with water. instant flashbacks of how each album affected my past came to me like a blurry movie scene as i tried not to tear the album sleeves while attempting to dry them off under the sun. i feel like a father who failed to take care of his kids. now i don't keep my collection in a cabinet downstairs anymore. i moved them to our second floor and kept them in a big air tight plastic box. i hope they feel safer.

last friday, i got a big surprise when biboy told me that 29 AD, a gospel band, had their album released and they used a picture i took as part of the album cover. he showed it to me and wow, i loved it. i didn't get the front cover but hey this one's a first for me. and really, it was one of my little dreams as a struggling photographer. some of my friends should be getting this as my xmas gift. hehehe.

i took this picture of the late bob barretto's drum notes during their final rehearsal a night before their gk4gk benefit concert at the meralco theater. a few hours before their opening, tito bob, died of a heart attack. the concert went on as scheduled. to everyone's amazement, it went well. it seemed he never left his band and kept on drumming for them. we all believed we witnessed a miracle that night and until now he continues to inspire us all. even in death he was there providing the beat we all needed to dance to for our cause-the poor of this country.

to tito bob. i really didn't get to know you. but hearing your life story inspired me more in fighting and sacrificing for the things i believe in. thank you for making one of my dreams come true. may you rest in peace. see you in heaven. :)

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

13 years after

Same old faces, same old jokes, same old friendship. Congratulations and best wishes to Gamby and Cathy! :)


same old but less hair and bigger tummies :P

Sunday, December 11, 2005

lit

I will never settle for a few
when most are within reach.
I have no interest in ‘okay.’

I will never confuse a fad
for commitment.
I will frustrate the cynics.

I have been stubborn when necessary.
I have been easy when offered collaboration.

I have lit fires.

I am a Rock Ed volunteer.

"Lit: A Rock Ed Volunteer Manifesto" by Gang Badoy




Isha entertaining the crowd at the Cubao MRT station

Sunday, December 04, 2005

education for the poor


Sibol School at Marilao, Bulacan. A project of Gawad Kalinga and Meralco.

I believe that education is a key component in eliminating poverty and injustice in the world. Through education, the little people in our society can rise up on their own feet without fear of rejection and persecution. By giving them this basic need, their self worth and integrity is uplifted. This will help them face all the difficult challenges ahead and prove to everybody that they too can be successful in life.


When I saw the kids’ smiles as they first entered their new school, I felt two things-sadness and hope. Sadness on the fact that these little children have been deprived of a lot of the simple things in life. Things like a fairy tale story read to them, a clean toilet, and just the chance to be in school. Instead, at a young age, they had to stop schooling and start working. Work was usually spending the day in the river, picking up trash that can be recycled. Sometimes, we tend to question the government and yes even God. Why is there so much injustice in this world? Why all the suffering? Filipinos are supposed to be loving citizens. But why this? But then you see groups like Gawad Kalinga and companies like Meralco who instead of questioning and waiting, brought their resources together and gave hope to this part of the Philippines.


In many ways, a revolution is happening in many parts of the Philippines-people from different backgrounds joining together and telling everyone that there is still a chance for this country. You see Christians and Muslims, administration and opposition politicians, rich and poor people, business competitors, young and old. It doesn’t matter who you are, as long as you are brave enough to say “ENOUGH!” you are welcome in Gawad Kalinga.