VOICE OF THE YOUTH NETWORK BLOGGER

By Nicanor Perlas 26 February 2005
This week the Philippines celebrates EDSA 1, globally known as People Power, the spontaneous peaceful revolution in 1986 that toppled the Marcos dictatorship and restored some semblance of democracy in the country. EDSA 1 is also the precursor to 2001 People Power 2 that removed a corrupt Philippine President from office.

Both, however, missed the opportunity to launch a genuine peaceful societal revolution that could have radically transformed the festering economic, oppressive political, and regressive cultural conditions that characterizes significant aspects of Philippine society today. The gains of People Power ultimately dissipated and traditional politicians continued to steer the country towards further decline.

VOICE OF THE YOUTH NETWORK BLOGGER

*TINDOG KABATAAN!*
>
> Could a collective, conscious change of "cultural personality" or
> mindset divert the entire Philippines from a path of uncertainties?
> Not to patronize the "Pollyanna complex"", but a dose of positive
> realities every so often could be a prescription for one of our
> nation’s contagious ailment called cynicism. Or so this is the
> challenge that the first "Karangalan" Festival and Conference is
> willing to face.
>
> It was a privilege to attend the three – day celebration, held at the
> Cultural Center of the Philippines. As the alternative Nobel Awardee
> and "mastermind" Nicanor Perlas says, "Karangalan is the inauguration
> of a strategic change process, a movement that aims to turn the
> country around in five to ten years. Two years, if mainstream media
> would refrain from over-emphasizing on negative realities that
> destroys the sense of accomplishment and culture of the people".
>
> To describe that "inauguration" as worthy of pride is a true
> understatement. It is not so often when international awardees,
> brilliant minds, exemplary talents and truly effective government
> officials (yes, there still are) gather together for a sole purpose.
> That is to "mobilize excellence in creating a visionary Philippines".
> In a nutshell, the conference is a convergence and synergy of hopeful
> ideas, actions, achievements, and possibilities.
>
> True, youth attendance would not be comparable to a rock concert or a
> grand finals night for a talent search on TV. However, the
> inexhaustible energy of the artistic responses of the youngsters from
> the acclaimed Quezon City Performing Arts Center and Gaway Sigmahanon
> of Sigma Capiz proved more than a delightful youth representation.
> Through the funds donated by their communities and local government
> support, these young artists from Capiz were able to fulfill the
dream
> of performing at the historic CCP.
>
> George Bernard Shaw was probably oblivious to how young generations
> have repeatedly changed the course of history when the great writer
> immortalized the adage "Youth is wasted on the Young". This is how
the
> actress, indigenous culture advocate and environmentalist Chin Chin
> Gutierrez affirms her unfailing credence on the force that is the
> Filipino Youth. "After all, we come from a nation forged in the
> furnace of youthful idealism, of daring visionaries…" she says in a
> multi-faceted and passionate speech.
>
> Often the youth has been unjustly described as being indifferent to
> national issues besides the lack of patriotism and preoccupation with
> triviality. "The youth faces the challenge of seeking their identity,
> and at the same time, they are also looking for people who can
> transform institutions" Nicky says.
>
> For Chin Chin, that identity is finding the unique mission and
> visionary within us then we should dedicate our actions for the good
> of all.
>
> Being a host of a youth-advocacy radio program allowed me to
regularly
> show another reality about young Filipinos. These are the idealistic
> youth leaders, selfless volunteers and passionate individuals from
> diverse organizations that actualize the slogan of "making a
> difference". All it really takes is to find and gather all these
> uncorrupted minds so they may be able to inspire others in finding
> their own advocacy.
>
> The underlying goal for Karangalan is to create a "sustainable people
> power", to achieve and maintain what previous revolutions have
failed.
> And the Filipino Youth would be an integral force of this movement.
> Then we wouldn’t be skeptics to even rise and shout out, "Tindog
> Kabataan!"
>
> About the Author:
>
> Mariczar "Emsie" Reyes Lintag, is a 24 year old broadcaster and
writer
> of DZME 1530 kHz, Ang Radyo Uno, Host of Lakas-Kabataan,
> Tinig-Kabataan: RECHARGED! Saturdays 12 noon and is the director for
> Radio Broadcasting of Voice of the Youth Network
>
>
>
> *_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ *
> *Emsie Reyes*
> VOTY Director for Radio
> writer/host
> 09205603269
> 4156050
> Lakas - Kabataan, Tinig Kabataan; RECHARGED!!!
> DZME 1530kHz AM Radio
> Saturdays, 12noon
> Power Up the Youth!!!
> Continue Inspiring, Informing, Involving and Empowering!
>

VOICE OF THE YOUTH NETWORK BLOGGER

Youth Power 05 Conference and Expo was amazingly and overwhelmingly successful. Hopefully we could tell you guys more how it went this coming days thru our posts.It was a dream realized that i'm sure would inspire everyone, leaders and movers alike, especially young people.

VOTY got enough volunteers to add those who came from other organizations and we couldn't have made it without their hard work, initiative and dedication. VOTY, aside from members and officers, got around 50 volunteers from different orgs like UP FLIPP and Red Cross Youth. Actually, the new volunteers got their assignments on the afternoon before the event. Some of them who came, either for a single day or the two-day event, got their task before the program started. It was quite spontaneous for the new volunteers but overall, it went well. They got free food and Youth Power T-shirt =). Committees were usherettes, marshalls, registration, food, production, program, media and documentation. Even the program hosts/emcees were volunteers. What's also amazing is that all the speakers such as Senators Manny Villar and Richard Gordon, Cong. Juan Miguel Zubiri, Businessman and Speaker Mr. Francis Kong, Arnold Clavio, NYC Commissioner Mark Castrodes and all the artists who performed, like Dennis Trillo, Jolina Magdangal and Slapshock were there as volunteers as well, for FREE. A million thanks to Ms. Maybelyn dela Cruz for making that possible. They truly supported the cause, the youth.

I am proud to be a volunteer alongside all of them. I even realized a potential of having a long term career in stage production =) . Suddenly i am assistant to the director. naks!

Overall, More than 6000 individuals came for the two day event, truly the biggest and the premier youth event of the year. I hope you were able to join us.

Thank you very much for your support. Youth Power 2005 is only the beginning of hopefully, a daily dedication and commitment for all of us.




_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Emsie Reyes
VOTY Director for Radio
writer/host
09205603269
4156050
Lakas - Kabataan, Tinig Kabataan; RECHARGED!!!
DZME 1530kHz AM Radio
Saturdays, 12noon
Power Up the Youth!!!
Continue Inspiring, Informing, Involving and Empowering!