Cat@lyst: Submit your ideas for nation-building by May 31!

Our first meeting for what is now known as Cat@lyst (then with a completely different name) was in September 2012. I still remember that day–the supposed one-hour meeting in the early afternoon evolved into a dinner at Borough because we (the Global Shapers Manila Hub) had so much fun brainjamming. Our sentences began with “What if…” and we kept building on (and laughing at) each others’ ideas.

Our dream was to hold a nationwide competition for young people to propose tech-based solutions to existing community problems. Then, the winning ideas would be further developed through Shapers Lab, which we envisioned to be something like American Idol or even America’s Next Top Model. We had no idea how we were going to fund it then.

But, as the Universe has proven time and again, when you pursue something you believe in, the stars will align. It turns out Globe had a similar idea and was looking for a youth group to partner with. After a series of meetings, revising the mechanics and program of Shapers Lab, another series of meetings and revisions, we finally launched Cat@lyst last Thursday, May 2 at the Ramon Magsaysay Center. It was quite a production number to mount, but we were lucky to have a great support system in the forms of my brothers, Ike, our wonderwoman of a project manager Kat, our Founding Curator Karen, and my mof, Kakki, who did an excellent job of hosting.

To give the guests an idea of what the Global Shapers are involved in, we invited them to visit three booths showcasing different projects. Noreen set up a booth for Jacinto & Lirio where people could see how water hyacinths can be woven into bags, Harvy showed parasites that caused neglected tropical diseases through a microscope and large photos, while Bianca asked people to help her pack school supplies for students in Taguig.

To spur ideas, we posed the question, “What change do you want to see in the Philippines in 5 years?” Check out the video below to see what Pinoys from all walks of life have to say. I got goosebumps the first few times I watched this video. It seems that we all want the same things for our country.

During the press launch, we asked the guests to write their answers too.

Here’s mine:

Cat@lyst invites Filipinos ages 18-30 to pitch their tech-based solutions to existing community problems. Proposals may be submitted by individuals or a representative of an organization, company, or community. We’ve listed some examples of tech-based solutions here. Don’t limit yourself to mobile and online stuff, yeah? Think about people with limited or no internet connection, or those without smartphones. Let your imagination run wild! No need to think out of the box because there is no box.

Applicants must upload a one-minute video answering the guide questions, and submit the completed application form, along with photos of the community you want to help and empower. Click here to download application form and here to view the complete mechanics. Deadline is on May 31, 2013.

The applicant must be available to attend the development forum, Shapers Lab, on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at the ADB Headquarters in Ortigas, Metro Manila. Financial assistance for transportation and accommodations will be provided for non-NCR based participants.

Five winners will each receive P200,000 in cash for program development, as well as Information and Communications Technology support to see through the ideation, distillation, and incubation of technology-based innovations.

We are so excited that this project has come to life!

Why YOUth? Why not?

To be young, wild, and free today brings me back to the opening lines of Charles Dickens’s novel A Tale of Two Cities: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”

As a 25-year-old freelance writer, traveler, and marine conservationist, I am at the forefront of witnessing the best and worst of times. My friend always says that development work is like a big heartbreak conference, and it’s true. There’s no way to romanticize statistics. As of 2009, 2.2 million children (6-12 years old) and 3.4 million young adults (12-15 years) in the Philippines are not in school. In 2010, there were over 207,000 cases of live births from Filipinas below 20 years old. And while social networking sites connect people, they have also made us more disconnected and distracted.

But development work is also a one big hope party. People in my generation are increasingly self-empowered, thanks to greater access to information and opportunities. I know of a 25-year-old boatman who learned how to read because of text messages; his client made reservations that way. My 9-year-old cousin taught me how to use Emoji on the iPad. My 4-year-old nephew told me names of Japanese vessels from World War II. He said he watched it on Discovery Channel.

The world is illuminated by people like Alex Loorz, who was 16 in 2011 when he sued the US government to protect the climate, sparking a global movement called iMatter. There’s Needa, 21, from Yemen, who has literally dodged bullets to build libraries with her own hands. And Nadya, 25, who’s the CEO of Wangsa Jelita, a social enterprise in Indonesia that produces natural beauty products and empowers rose farmers through vocational and values formation programs.

I don’t even have to look that far — Alvin Dakis, 27-year-old Filipino nurse, became the youngest member of the expert panel of the Philippine Congress that reviewed and finalized the (still) controversial Reproductive Health Law. 18-year old Arriza Nocum brings together Christian and Muslim youth in KRIS (Kristiyano-Islam) Peace Libraries through reading sessions, tutorials by volunteers, scholarships, and computer lessons. Raffy Magno, 22, co-founded Mr. Kengkoy, a social enterprise in Naga that partners with mothers to create bags made of jute.

Whoever said “youth is wasted on the young” has obviously never met these people. The youth, more than any other stakeholder, is THE driving force of development. Because the adversities we face are greater, the solutions and efforts are far greater, more passionate, courageous, resilient, creative, and [insert positive superlative here]. Last time I checked, only dead fish go with the flow.

It has been reported that 50% of the world’s population is under the age of 27. More than the youth being the “future,” we are the present. We are the masses. There’s no way to ignore our capacity to love, give, and contribute to social change. “Hilahan pataas,” (pull each other up) as my brother would describe it. Enough of that “the youth is the hope of the future” bullshit (SORRY, JOSE RIZAL!). We are the leaders of today.

 

Seatizen’s Festival

Save Philippine Seas (SPS) is turning 2! We are set to celebrate our second year with up to 2,000 attendees at the Seatizen’s Festival, a birthday party and fundraiser with a fun run, Sunday market, and concert at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center (NAPWC) on Sunday, May 26.

 

Green race

SPS and Run for Change (Run4change, Inc.) will be putting a new kind of fun into a fun run. The race on May 26 will be a “green race” and will strictly implement various green practices for minimal waste. Several aspects of the event will be done digitally or using recyclable materials.

Participants will be encouraged to come in costume made from recyclable or reusable materials. These could be full costumes, shirts they made themselves, or hats with coastal and marine life designs. Photos of costumed runners will be uploaded immediately to the Seatizen’s Festival Facebook page for the public to vote on their favorites. Winners with the most “Likes” will be announced on May 31 and will receive special prizes.

Some ideas:

Here’s SPS’s very own Wahine Warrior Kage Gozun wearing a scuba diver costume during the Manila Surfers Cup.

Kage says, “Twin tanks were made out of two 2L Coke bottles wrapped in foil tape. BCD was an old backpack. Tanks attached via velcro and cable ties. Regulator and hose were made out of a recycled sampaloc candy container wrapped in electric tape and an unused Gasul attachment. Weights carved out of styrofoam (not worn in the water). Mask was a P30 ‘safety’ mask that I doubt is very protective (not worn in the water).”

Another idea:

Source: Liquid Dumaguete

Fun run distances are 1k for kids, and 3k, 5k, 10k for teens and adults, with a route that will take runners from North Avenue to Agham Road to Quezon Avenue and back into NAPWC. Registration fee is P350.

Runners will also be reminded to bring their own water bottles and bring snacks in biodegradable or reusable packaging. All race and publicity materials printed on tarps will be donated to the Children’s Environmental Education Awareness Foundation, a non-profit organization that upcycles tarps into schoolbags for public school students in poor communities.

Sunday market

The Sunday market will showcase up to forty exhibitors and feature creative activities, artwork by local artists, eco-friendly products, retailers, food establishments, exhibits by NGOs and school organizations. The “green” practice extends here as well; all exhibitors will be encouraged to use recyclable or reusable materials for booth décor, product packaging, and other purposes.

Rock the Boat concert

Exciting rock bands and performers, including the Itchyworms, Flying Ipis, and Indio-I, will be keeping seatizens entertained all throughout the festival.

To participate in the Seatizen’s Festival and support SPS’ projects, please contact Nix Nicolas at savephseas@gmail.com or 0917-9015216.

ABOUT Save Philippine Seas

SAVE PHILIPPINE SEAS is an independent movement to protect the country’s marine resources by harnessing the power of social media; lobbying for the strict enforcement of environmental laws; and implementing various information, education, and communication projects.

To find out more, visit http://www.savephilippineseas.com, follow @SavePHSeas on Twitter, or “Like” Save Philippine Seas on Facebook.

ABOUT Run for Change

RUN4CHANGE INC. is a non-profit organization with the goal to motivate and inspire individuals through running. As an organization it advocates social change and reform through various programs, activities and events. Its 3-pronged program includes sports education, sports development, and events.

To find out more, visit www.run4change.com, or “Like” Run for Change on Facebook.

you were FINtastic, Bangkok!

My last trip to Bangkok was in March 2011 for Bell’s Saving Sharks, Saving Us project. Bell ignited my interest/obsession in/with shark conservation when we met in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2010. In other words, she is responsible for messing up changing the direction of my life.

Funny how the world works — two years later, in March 2013, I would see her again in the Land of Smiles for a shark-related event.

I was invited to speak in the Asian Development Bank’s side event for the 16th meeting of the Conference of Parties to the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES). In this convention, heads of states vote for certain animals to get listed in Appendix I (total ban of trade) or Appendix II (regulated trade). Sounds kinda crazy noh? To quote my fellow mermaid Jenica, “It boggles my mind how the survival of a species is for our deciding.”

But it is what it is.

This year, sharks and manta rays were on the line. Three years ago, none of them made it to the list.

A couple of months ago, we invited all of you to participate in the global Shark Stanley campaign with Shark Defenders to get these animals on Appendix II. We asked you to take photos of yourself with the characters as a “signature” to support this campaign. The photos would be put in a collage and given to country leaders.

With Bianca, Chely, and Lynn + Meina Manta, Pierre Porbeagle, Waqi Whitetip, and Shark Stanley

Here’s what the wall of the Shark Stanley booth looked like at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. I took close up photos of the Philippines’ country collages, which can be seen here.

My speaking engagement on curbing the demand of wildlife trade was on the same day as the negotiations for sharks and mantas. I was already a nervous wreck for my talk because it was for chief justices, attorney generals, and law enforcers from all over world. I was even more agitated/stressed/scared because of the marine conversations going on across the hall where the proposals were being discussed. I think I ate twelve cookies and drank three cups of black coffee in one afternoon. Possibly more. #EmotionalEater

Voting of each animal was done through secret ballots. My heart beat triple time every time silence would fill the room in anticipation of the votes. I got teary eyed after each YES came through. During the last proposal (manta rays) I screamed and cheered and jumped up and down and hugged people beside me. UAAP GAME???? KALOKA!!!!

Meet Leah, one of the superwomen behind the lean and mean Shark Defenders team. All smiles after a loooooong day in plenary! Photo from Leah.

I really, truly believe that there is a growing consciousness on wildlife trade — be it for rhino horns, tiger rugs, bear paw soup, etc. Check out this little paper fin on a table talker in a restaurant in Thailand. Photo from Bell.

One of the highlights of my trip was having the privilege to be part of the Philippine delegation, where I got to observe how the team protects and defends our country’s interests. The Philippine government and civil society have many unsung heroes, and I was very lucky to meet them and work with them during the last week. Nakakabuhay.

Getting these species listed in the CITES was a HUGE leap forward, but it’s also really just the beginning. Of many things. Of great things, maybe. We will never run out of challenges, from safety and security to apathy. It takes a lot of blood, sweat, and tears — and I mean that literally and figuratively. Most of the time, it doesn’t feel right to celebrate wins because the losses are just as overwhelming. The day after the shark and manta wins, I plunged into another loss: the ongoing sale of marine turtle soup in the Pasil market in Cebu. We may have the laws to stop these activities, but we have a long way to go in terms of enforcement capacity.

My hope remains infallible. I keep in mind what my favorite professor once told me: “I got into teaching because I thought I could change minds, but the Philippines is probably worse now than when I started teaching many years ago. But I’m sure as hell gonna keep trying.” Cheers 🙂

Global Shapers Book Drive Year 2

Last year, you helped us build 19 libraries around the Philippines–7 more than our target! Kids from Kalinga to Sorsogon to Siargao now enjoy books you donated.

Opening of the Philippine Heart Center library

Library in Ilocos Norte

We are now on our second year of raising more books for 12 more libraries in 2013. Some of our project sites include Cebu, Leyte, Romblon, Pampanga, Camiguin, Cavite, Sulu, Palawan, and Negros Occidental.

Poster done by Ryan Abes of The Projects

You can read more about this in the Global Shapers Manila Hub Projects Page or the official site of the Library Renewal Partnership Project. Onward, March!

Greeneration Summit in Cebu

When Sec. Lucille Sering of the Climate Change Commission (CCC) asked me to be an ambassador for the Greeneration campaign, I didn’t think twice about it. My affiliation with the CCC began in 2010, as a youth delegate in the Philippine delegation to the UN Climate Change Conference in Cancun. That experience opened my eyes and heart (#choz) to how global issues in global warming are. It also inspired me and my better half (sans romance) Kester to write the workbook An Introduction to Climate Change for Filipinos. Now, I work part-time in the CCC as the Project Assistant of the Ecotown Development Framework in San Vicente, Palawan.

My job as an ambassador was to speak in the Greeneration Summit-Visayas in Cebu.

To make the Greeneration “ambassadorship” even sweeter, my co-ambassadors were two of my favorite people in the world, Pie and Bianca.

I decided to make this event the ~debut of my new presentation too. (DEBUT???) I’m back to using Keynote!

From “Rock the Boat,” the new title is “Marine Conversations.” Inspired by Pie, who would always introduce me accidentally as a “marine conversationist” instead of “marine conservationist.” It had a nice ring to it — my work deals with A LOT of marine conversations with the youth, government leaders, and communities.

I was pretty nervous before I stepped on stage during the late afternoon. No matter how many times I’ve given a talk, I still get butterflies (sometimes vultures) in my stomach and throat. The crowd had 900 restless students who had already listened to, like, 6 talks before ours.

I talked about climate change-related initiatives I did back in college and now with Save Philippine Seas (We’re on Tumblr! Are you following us already?).

After my talk was Bianca’s “10 eco-friendly things I try to do (and you can, too!).” If you follow Bianca on Twitter, you’ll see how nervous she was to speak about the environment, because all the talks she’d done before were on youth empowerment, social media, and education. But oh em, she was such a pro! (NOT BIASED.) For someone who did it for the first time, B was more engaging than a lot of experienced speakers I’ve heard. Her talk was so relevant and inspiring. After all, the hardest part about pursuing a climate for change is breaking old habits, and B gave concrete, actionable points for the youth to lead their own greenerations.

Pie, mayor of San Vicente, ended the Summit with a bang. San Vic is a young town that is so abundant with natural resources, both on land and in the water. But like most places in the Philippines, they struggle to protect the environment and develop economically. Pie discussed environmental initiatives they’re doing, with emphasis on the Ecotown Framework, along with the challenges that come with it. At the end of Pie’s talk, she held a pop quiz to test if the students were really listening and gave a 3-day/2-night trip to San Vicente to the winner. NAKAKALOKA.

The open forum that followed with all three of us was HILARIOUS, okay. The audience asked for a “sampol” so Bianca, Pie, and I ended up singing! Pie sang a few lines from her trademark campaign song, “Bakit Pa?” by Jessa Zaragosa. WAHAHAHAHAH.

The highlight was running into one of my former students in the restroom (OF ALL PLACES!). She was my student back in the 1st Bantayan Arts Festival, where my friend Rizzy and I taught environmental education through musical theatre. Now she’s in college and attending the Greeneration Summit. In addition to feeling old (COLLEGE NA STUDYANTE KO NOON!!!!), I was also happy that maybe the seed we planted back in 2010 bloomed into an eco-warrior-in-the-making 🙂

Here are the three ambassadors on stage with Sec. Sering, now called “Charlie” to the “three angels” :)))))

Thank you, Cebu! Your enthusiasm was infectious!

The next summits are going to be in Cagayan de Oro and Baguio later this year. Looking forward to it!

Now hiring: Project Manager for the Shark Shelter Project

Save Philippine Seas (SPS) and I are looking for a Project Manager to help coordinate the Teachers’ Training and Malapascua Arts-Science Festival this coming April.

Photo by Klaus Stiefel

About:

The Teachers’ Training and Malapascua Arts-Science Festival is the 4th and last phase of the Shark Shelter Project of SPS in Malapascua, Cebu. This component aims to build the confidence of the teachers and strengthen environmental education in the schools.

From April 3-6, teachers from Malapascua’s Elementary and High Schools will be trained on Marine Science Education and Facilitating Skills by the Ocean Resource Center (ORC), a Leyte-based organization that conducts empowerment training on marine education for teachers.

From April 8-12, the Arts-Science Festival will be held in Malapascua as its first community celebration, where marine conservation will be taught through creative forms of learning. The Festival hopes to promote creativity and appreciation of nature outside the four walls of a standard classroom. 100 students from Malapascua will be selected to participate in this 5-day summer program.

The Project Manager will be working closely with me. I don’t bite. (Unless you want me to.)

Qualifications:

1) Female
2) Must be available from March 15 to April 22: will work from home (or wherever!) from March 15 to April 1 and April 15 to 22, and in Malapascua from April 2 to 14
3) Passionate about education, marine conservation, and the Philippines
4) Possesses organization and presentation skills
5) Detail-oriented and resourceful
6) Highly motivated and personable
7) Strong leadership skills
8) Experience in handling community events will be an added advantage
9) Knowledge of Cebuano will be an added advantage but not necessary

In addition to professional fees, SPS will cover all expenses incurred for transportation, accommodations, food, and meetings.

Responsibilities:

1) Canvass for art supplies
2) Seek possible sponsors
3) Look for Cebu-based teachers for the Arts-Science Festival
4) Act as a secretariat and scribe during the two events
5) Coordinate with sponsors, local government officials, and other stakeholders
6) Provide constructive feedback
7) Prepare post-event reports

To apply, send a cover letter and your updated resume to anna@annaoposa.ph with the subject line “Shark Shelter”.

For inquiries about this position, email anna@annaoposa.ph

Deadline for applications: February 1, 2013

 

Introducing Shark Stanley and company

We’d like to introduce you to Shark Stanley and his friends Manta Reina, Pierre le Porbeagle, and Waqi Whitetip, who now are traveling around the world to find people who will support shark and manta ray protection at the upcoming Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) meeting in March in Bangkok, Thailand. With 176 member countries, this multilateral agreement protects more than 30,000 species globally (including species of dolphins, turtles, and corals) and plays a powerful and key role in preventing extinction of many plants and animals by ensuring sustainable rates of trade.

Sharks and rays are extremely important to local tourism. Studies show that they are much more valuable alive and in the sea than dead. Much to our frustration, shark fishery is still legal in the Philippines, with the sole exception of the whale shark. It is highly unregulated too. Manta rays are protected (FAO 193) but they’re still fished in many parts in the Philippines, including Bohol, Surigao, and Leyte. Watch this video by Born to be Wild to find out more.

If you would like to help these species, you can print a picture of Shark Stanley, Manta Reina, Pierre le Porbeagle, and Waqi Whitetip, cut them out, and take a photo with them anywhere you wish. Then send it to us, along with your name and where you are from. Shark Stanley’s friends at Shark Defenders will compile photos according to country in compelling visual mosaics, send to all 176 representatives, and display them at the CITES meeting.

We’ve already taken them to party in Sinulog in Cebu, dive in Anilao, and attend the EndDanger event in Quezon City. My girl Sam and I are taking them diving with thresher sharks this weekend too!

With Jenica, our Associate Mermaid and Creative Director in Cebu

With Tasha, one of SPS’s friends, in Anilao

With eco power couple Maye and AG in EndDanger

The goal is to get AT LEAST 50 photos from each country represented in CITES. If you check the #Philippines album of Shark Defenders, we’re a little behind. We’re pretty competitive at SPS, so we hope you can join us.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

1) Get to know the characters better.

• The Scalloped Hammerhead Shark (found in Cabilao Island, Bohol) is one of the most iconic and endangered shark species with some of the most valuable fins in the market
• Hammerheads often aggregate, making them even more vulnerable to overfishing
• Listed as Endangered globally on the IUCN Red List

Shark Stanley Downloads:

Shark Stanley Handout – 8.5″x11″

Shark Stanley Handout – A4

Large Shark Stanley Cutout

Color Me Shark Stanley

Shark Stanley – Tagalog (Filipino)

• Oceanic and Reef Manta Rays (found in Cebu, Bohol, Palawan, etc.) are listed as Vulnerable globally. Some populations have declined by as much as 85%.
• Targeted in recent years for an emerging international market for their gill rakers, which they use to filter plankton. Gill rakers are used in traditional Chinese medicine.
• Has the biggest brain of all 32,000 species of fish
• Divers from all over the world bring in over US$100 million every year from tourism revenues. On the other hand, the gill raker trade is valued at only US$11 million per year. The value of one live manta ray throughout its whole lifetime is US$1 million.

Manta Reina Downloads:

Manta Reina – 8.5″x11″

Manta Reina – A4

Large Manta Reina Cutout

• The Porbeagle Shark is a large, warm-blooded temperate water shark targeted for both its large fins and meat.
• The IUCN Red List classifies them as vulnerable globally and critically endangered in parts of their range. Their populations have been reduced by around 70%.
• One of the fish species known to be playful. Humans have sometimes seen them rolling around in kelp fronds and wrapping themselves up.

Pierre le Porbeagle Downloads:

Pierre le Porbeagle – 8.5″x11″

Pierre le Porbeagle – A4

Large Pierre le Porbeagle Cutout

 

• The Oceanic Whitetip Shark (found in Cebu, Palawan, etc.) is an open ocean species with large, highly valued fins
• Critically Endangered in parts of it range and Vulnerable globally. A recent estimated a population decline of 70% between 1992 and 2000.
• Sometimes seen to hang around pilot whales, swimming around in their big pods. Scientists think this is because the whales help them find squid to eat when they dive to forage.

Waqi Whitetip Downloads:

Waqi Whitetip – 8.5″x11″

Waqi Whitetip – A4

Large Waqi Whitetip Cutout

2) Upload your photos to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram tagged with @SharkDefenders, #SharkStanley, @SavePHSeas and #Philippines

3) Email your photos to info@sharkdefenders.com for them to compile into a unique petition.

4) Work with kids! If you work with kids in schools, aquariums, museums (wherever!), Shark Defenders will provide their activity booklet for free or help you to design a workshop on shark conservation.

5) Be a partner. If your organization would like to partner with Shark Stanley at CITES, write a story about it on your blog or website with a link to this page, then email your logo and five photos of your friends with Shark Stanley to info@sharkdefenders.com. They’ll post your logo and link to your website on a special sponsors’ page.

everybody’s free to wear sunscreen (the 2012 anna oposa version)

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, traveling would be it. Go to a new continent and explore your own backyard. Carry the proverbial Philippine flag proudly wherever you go. Traveling will show you how much you know and how much you have yet to learn.

Germany, January 2012

Losing your job could be the best thing that could happen to you, if you choose to see it that way. The more time you spend with the wrong job means less time with the right one. Sharks can be your officemates, dive guides your mentors, and the sea your office.

Photo by Klaus Stiefel

It’s not the number of conferences you go to and funders you meet. What matters more is how you use those connections and funds to serve the people.

Make friends with people you wouldn’t normally make friends with. They might be your next best friends.

With Lynn and Pie in Davos, Switzerland, January 2012

As your network expands, keep your oldest friends closer. They loved you before the titles and awards, when your socks were too high and you hadn’t discovered eyebrow threading. They will keep your feet planted firmly on the ground.

With Mikki in Hong Kong Disneyland, February 2012

With Donna, Ma, and Abet in Skye, December 2012

There’s politics in every work environment. People will judge and people will talk. Put your earphones on and focus on doing an excellent job. Work harder than anyone you know. Submit on time. Rehearse and time your presentations. Don’t just prove them wrong, prove yourself right too.

Don’t gloat about how tired you are and how much sleep you lack like it’s a badge of honor. It’s disgusting.

Your dreams and ambitions can be overwhelming. You will get panic attacks and doubt your capabilities. Breathe. Fear reminds you that you are on to something important. But do not wait for conditions to be perfect. The only way to begin is to begin.

TEDxKatipunan: Modern Day Revolutionaries, June 2012

Evaluate the professional and personal growth that work can offer you. Do not be afraid to say no to certain opportunities. Really. It’s not going to make you look weak. Choose a few things that you can excel at, as opposed to many things you can be mediocre at.

Don’t ever let corporations and politicians turn your advocacies into commodities. Money is just money; it can be earned and raised. Reputations take years to build. Your principles should never have a price tag.

Collaborate.

Take your vitamins, drink more than 8 glasses of water a day, and engage in physical activity. Wear paraben-free sunscreen everyday.

Read.

Enjoy being single. It doesn’t equate to being lonely. Flirt, date, and tease. (And use protection, please.)

Commit only when you’ve gotten to know someone who makes you understand the term “better half.” Relationships are complicated–that’s why there’s no “in a simple relationship” option. They need work. Swallow your pride every now and then. Learn to say sorry and learn to forgive.

Maintain independence. Whatever your boyfriend/girlfriend can do for you, you must be able to do on your own. Just much better.

Fill your life with music. Make several playlists that will serve as soundtracks to your moods and phases: Chill, Good Vibes, Kill Yourself Senti, Angsty, Roadtrip, Dance On Top of the Table, and Karaoke Queen. Share these playlists. People should never be selfish with good music.

Laugh a lot, especially at your failures.

Keep banging your head on the wall. The wall will break eventually.

And trust me on the traveling.

The 2011 version
The 2010 version
The 2009 version

Original lyrics of “Everybody’s free to wear sunscreen.”

inspiration: that renewable source of energy

I always thought I would be in Silliman University to attend the National Writers Workshop. I was rejected not once but twice (!) because fate had other plans. They turned out to be Great Plans that included testifying in a Senate hearing and teaching in an Arts-Environment Festival.

This week, I find myself in Silliman as a speaker at the 1st National Youth Development Summit (NYDS). The opportunity to be with some 200 youth leaders from all over the country is pretty awesome 🙂 Ika nga ni Katy Perry, “no regrets / just love.”

I felt like a participant during this event and sat in almost all sessions. Tito Tony Meloto, one of the greatest visionaries I know, kicked off the series of talks. His mom passed away before the date, but he wanted to go to the NYDS before the wake because he “lives for the living.”

“I went to the best schools but they didn’t teach me vision. They only taught me ambition,” said Tito Tony. His ambition is now married to an extraordinary vision: to end poverty in the Philippines by 2024. He brought up the World Economic Forum and quipped, “I was the only one old there. I was with Anna, Lynn, and Pie — puro bata. You know why? Dahil ako lang ang 62-year-old na hindi pa tapos mangarap.”

The indefatigable May-i Fabros then talked about women’s health. She shared stories of a 24-year-old with 12 kids (first kid at 13), and a 15-year-old with 3 kids. May-i flew back to Manila right after her talk to attend what would be the historical third reading of the Reproductive Health Bill at the Senate and House of Representatives.

Xiao Chua capped Day 1 with a lecture entitled “Learning From Our Heroes.” He revealed parts of our history that our Araling Pilipino teachers never told us, from photos of Rizal playing dress-up with his friends to etymologies of words that bring new and rich layers to our heritage. I am certain that if all Filipinos had him as their teacher, we would have a deeper appreciation of our past and a clearer direction to our future.

I missed most of Day 2’s speakers because THE Eve Ensler happened to be in the auditorium across NYDS. Eve Ensler is one of my heroes; I’ve read the Vagina Monologues, I’ve seen it on stage, and I’ve seen her TED talks.

Eve stood behind the podium and spoke with no PowerPoint presentation, no props, no fancy clothing — just her and her message to end violence against women and girls around the world. She spoke about her beginnings as an abused child. In her experience, her heart and spirit broke wide and far enough to let more love to enter. Isn’t that a beautiful thought? The overwhelming stories of resilience and hope from the women and men she has met through the V-journey continue to break her and heal her.

Eve briefly discussed how recent events made her think about violence and what caused people to commit acts of violence. She pointed out that violence made her think of love “and how scary it is.” She adds, “The only thing that moves us forward is love. That is the only antidote to violence.” She invited us to open ourselves to love. Eve also congratulated the country for the RH Bill and stated, “The women’s movement in the Philippines is one of the best in the world.”

I went back to the NYDS in time for Mae Paner’s (a.k.a. Juana Change) talk, the last of Day 2. I first watched her in the rally for the National Artists years ago. “Kung may gusto kayong baguhin, kailangan kaya niyo silang banggain,” she declared. Mae also stressed the importance of recognizing one’s weaknesses and finding ways to engage the good and bad sides for constructive change.

Halfway through the year, I started questioning the value of giving talks. I would have 4-6 speaking engagements a month and started to feel burned out. “It’s not like the audience members will actually remember anything I say and DO anything after this,” I thought. From July onwards, I decided to focus on projects in Cebu and Palawan and accept only one invitation a month.

During Xiao’s talk, he compared inspiration to a candle. If a candle fails to pass on the light, it won’t be able to draw a flame from another candle and reignite. He said we had to keep lighting candles and passing on the inspiration, so when our light dims, we can rekindle it. That’s exactly what the NYDS did to me – rekindle my sometimes dimming positivity.

It’s a great time to be alive, lovers. It’s an even greater time to be a Filipino in the Philippines. Let’s set our souls on fire 🙂