VOICE OF THE YOUTH NETWORK BLOGGER

2007-01-06T18:02:00.000-08:00

KABATAAN NYT TRES

“Himig ko, Tinig Kabataan ‘To!”

THIRD TIME’S A CHARM!

As they say good things come in threes, like trilogies of pop-corn movies, Star Wars Prequels, Matrix, The X-Men and Lord of the Rings or the fantastic trios such as Three Stooges, Bee Gees, APO Hiking Society and Tito, Vic and Joey.

But this time, three’s definitely a crowd… and what a crowd it was!

It’s an understatement to say that we had a blast during Kabataan Night 2006, aptly called KN3: “Himig ko, Tinig Kabataan ‘To!” held December 9 at the Conspiracy, Visayas Avenue Quezon City.

At least 200 gentexters flocked at the bar that usually had capacity of 60 people (thank goodness, no stampede) to witness a celebration of the voice, vision and motion of the Filipino youth.

Voices

Vocalists from the PUP COC (College of Communication) Ensemble, lead by John Vincent (PUP Idol) and Cathy opened the event with their soulful rendition of “The Prayer” and our national anthem.

The rest of the pack, around 20 of them, showcased their chorale power by giving a classical twist to contemporary pop songs like “Kaleidoscope World” and “Taralets”.

Of course, can there ever be songs without poems? And to give a dose of great Filipino literature, we got three fellows of LIRA (Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo) – a group formed by National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario that aims to produce present and future great Filipino poets. They are truly young advocates immortalizing our very own cultural treasures.

Mix poetry and music… sprinkle with inspiring message and definitely cool getups… what do you get? EARTHFISHFISH! Ironically, the soothing sound of this band turned the heat up and got the crowd on the edge of their seats. This band is really something else. And if you get to meet their members, you’ll know how awesome they really are.

As awesome, is the sound of another band called LADY BEDSPACERS. Contrary to their moniker, members of the band are all gentlemen from UP Diliman. They performed their original compositions; just like another amazing band we got called EXTERNAL USE. One of this band’s songs, entitled “Stay Forever” is even dedicated to our executive director; Ion. Marco’s vocals really gave that 80s rock groove to the concert.

VISION AND MOTION

The artsy venue of Conspiracy was surrounded by some of the masterpieces of the young artist of UP ARTISTS CIRCLE SOCIETY. With this bunch of modern artists, we are just so sure that the future of Philippine work of art is in good hands. Thank you to Greenpeace volunteer and Fraternity Alumni, Tomas Leonor for bringing his brothers and their creations. Truly, pictures paint a thousand words.

To power up the night a notch more, the energetic PUP COC Movers and Motion gave a show-stopping dance number. Despite some technical bloopers and minimal space, they were able to pull it off and gave the audience an amazing treat. Keep on dancing guys!

EMOTIONS

Like the visual arts exhibit, it is also the first time for Kabataan Night to feature a stirring theatrical presentation. And we got one of the best groups to deliver just that. TEATRO KOMUNIKADO from the College of Communication of PUP gave the crowd a thought-provoking and emotive play entitled “Maskara”. Ten talented thespians personified several awakening social issues encompassing homosexuality, abuse, patriotism, poverty and triumph. The experience was certainly worthy of acting awards!

ACTIONS

Of course, as we celebrated the volunteer month of December, we placed the spotlight on representatives of our guests from cause-oriented and youth lead/serving groups. We got Ms. Abigail Jabines, climate campaigner for Greenpeace and Andy from Ang Bagong Pinoy Movement. Other organizations like Youth on Fire and Red Cross Youth also came to support our cause.

MORE VOICES

Acoustic music shouldn’t fade even as the band – bandwagon rules the local music scene. Especially, when we got one of the favorite acts of the night… JAYCIE AND HONEY. The duo of these talented composers, with DJ Rodriguez (“their little drummer boy”) really proved that simplicity could be world-class. Check out more of them at jaycieandhoney.multiply.com

Third year high school student from Marikina, AIKO, the youngest among the performers showed great potential singing the hit song from Pinoy Dream Academy, “Hawak Kamay”. She was accompanied by GLEN, a talented guitarist and a band leader himself. Glen, our newest VOTY-recruit and also a radio broadcaster, performed on solo, Blessed Union of Soul’s “I Believe”.

Four bands, each of them unique and exciting, rocked the graveyard hours. First is DEVIANT from Mapua. Despite their “pasaway-meaning” name, the 7-member group which is lead by the only girl, Angel, is actually a Gospel – band… giving God all the glory with their music!

Up next is an all-girl band aptly called NYMPHZ, also from Youth For Christ of Mapua. More than just pretty faces, these girls are definitely serious with their music.

But if you want serious rockin’, SOLID CAMP CREW is just unstoppable. Also lead by the only girl, Angel Campo, this family of rockers is so passionate with performing. The energy of the band and that amazing vocals would really bring the house down. With the all out support of their father as a manager, this band would really stick solidly together.

Another act, all members are gentlemen from far-away Cavite City, MALDITA’S GROUND, negated their name. The group is certainly a pro. Lead by Ryan Marquez, this band would definitely give recent pop acts a run for their money before they know it.

SYNTAX, lead again by a female vocalist tore the house down. Daisy’s cover of “I’m Going Under” is arguably better than Amy Lee’s. She definitely got one tough flower-power. Superb!

The night (or dawn) capped with the fun-and-easy song numbers of our very own VOTY idols… Ronald, Chay, Resty, Ryan, and Resh. Great hosting was provided by the masters of ceremony, our founder Choy (we’ll never get tired of your voice impersonations); Rommel, RS, Ronald, Purple, Chay and MC.

A million thanks to Conspiracy Garden and Café, DZME 1530 kHz (www.dzme1530.com), VOTY volunteers Eunice, Christine, and Florence and the rest of the barkada. This is also for you Ionman! Soar High!

KN3 is the most successful, diverse and jampacked Kabataan Night yet.

Oops. we did it again for the third time…. We can’t wait to give you what’s next for the fourth!

See you all again in Kabataan Nyt Kwatro!

2007-01-01T02:45:00.000-08:00

sretna nova godina!

what i just said is a fervent wish for a happy new year!

30 more minutes if my computation is right, that in the philippines, my home country, a new year will soon arrive and the old one will become just history. i will celebrate my new year 8 hours late, as such that i am now in a foreign land, thousands of miles away.

what was 2006 for me? and what awaits me this 2007?

i will have to be honest that up to this minute i still feel some goosebumps and disbelief that i am actually here, being present amidst 36,540 young people of Europe and a mixture of other continents (though i say 90% is European).

where the heck am i? is one question you might ponder and what am i doing here so far away from my home? especially when it is new year's eve? am i not supposed to be celebrating it with friends and families?

i am in ćhrnomerećh, a town in the city of zagreb, the capital of croatia. a country broken by war, a country on the road to reconciliation. in this once broken city shone a light so bright it could set fire an entire world. what is that light? what am i saying?

friends, i assure you that i am not under the influence of any drugs, whatsoever, but i am definite that these past few weeks and events, had left me, so mesmerized, so overwhelmed, and so amazed, that i had these feeling of walking in the clouds, in euphoric joy and spiritual ecstasy... but why? what are these events that i am speaking of?

i will try my best to give justice in explaining in brief, simple and understandable terms these phenomenon of events.

a pilgrimage of trust and peace, came to stop by at zagreb, and the people of croatia, made their homes and their arms open wide, to be a home, to this pilgrims. thousands of young people, 15 - 30 years old, from 40 countries, the entire Europe, is well represented, and a minority of Asian, Latin Americans, and other neighboring continents came to join this pilgrims. four days of common prayer, shared by young people from the Orthodox, Protestant, Roman Catholic and Greek Catholics. four days of workshops and learning experiences, to find God, meet God, and speak with God. four days of creating links, friendships, hope and love.

we live in a broken world. not just in our country, the philippines, but all throughout the world, Asia, and even rich Europe! the church is truly a broken body of christ. and we are parts of this broken body and we ourselves are broken.

we fear the future. as 2007 comes, i know we have been asking ourselves, what will be in store for us in this year? or what again the next year? or the next 5 to 10 years? material insecurity is very evident in our country, as much as it is also evident in prosperous Europe. unemployment, poverty, violence, flagrant injustice, ecological imbalances, all of which undermines our confidence in life. immense inequalities foster a fear of the future.

and yet there are many signs of hope.

as such that voice of the youth network has been doing in the past five years... creating positive social change in the midst of obstacles and odds in the political, socio-cultural and economic scene of our country...

now i see another hope.

in the words of Brother Alois, the Prior of the Taize Community...
''so many young people in the world are ready to make the unity of the human family more visible, they are prepared not to remain passive, but to set out in confidence that a future of peace is possible.''

in the midst of distress and miseries, in our lives, in our families, other relations, and our nation, we always casts our blame on God. we find ourselves asking, where have you been God? why dont you just flick a finger and command all these to be gone? why do you allow division, suffering and incomprehension?

but the answer in all of these, requires a commitment on our part.

choose to hope. choose to love.

christ came for no particular religion. christ came for the entire humanity. we should be united in this humanity.

2006-11-12T18:37:00.000-08:00

Kabataan Night 3: Join Ka Dito! Himig Ko, Tinig Kabataan To!
November 07 , 2006
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With the goal of promoting positive social change among youth and the pay it forward strategy of the organization, VOICE OF THE YOUTH NETWORK (VOTY) in cooperation with Creativoices Productions, will be celebrating the youth in all of us through a concert for the youth and by the youth. VOTY is once again organizing Kabataan Night Tres (KN3): Himig Ko, Tinig Kabataan To! - a mini-concert-talk show to be held on December 9, 2006 at the Conspiracy Garden and Resto in Visayas Ave. Quezon City.

Now on its 3rd year, Kabataan Night has become a celebration of the voice, vision and motion of the youth's culture. Past performers were volunteer youth organizations, art enthusiasts, poets - students and professionals (and celebrities) – all presented their talents and skills (for free) in the name of volunteerism. The main objective of the event is to provide an alternative venue for the often unheard and unrecognized gifts of the youth in the field of modern-cultural and contemporary arts. KN3 also aims to give young people a sense of pride as they pursue the talents and skills they enjoy.

Whether pro or budding artists, expect talents from traditional to contemporary song numbers, acoustic and wired band performances, dance, poetry recital, drama, comedy, martial arts, and other visual presentations.

The event is open for everyone for free! It is also in time for the celebration of the National Volunteer Month, December, and the National Youth Week - truly a season of sharing!

This will surely give more meaning to a typical night out entertainment of young people - a night to remember. So be there when it happens!

To learn more about the previous Kabataan Night events, you may visit:
KN2 - http://tinigkabataan.multiply.com/reviews/item/2
KN1 - http://tinigkabataan.multiply.com/reviews/item/1

Photo Archives:
KN2 - http://tinigkabataan.multiply.com/photos/album/8
KN1 - http://tinigkabataan.multiply.com/photos/album/40

** We are still open for those who would want to share their talents and be an inspiration to the youth, for inquiries, please email kn3@voty.org

2006-10-05T18:54:00.000-07:00

World now has largest ever youth group in history--WB

INQ7.net
Last updated 04:30pm (Mla time) 09/21/2006

THE WORLD now has the largest ever youth group in history--young people between the ages 12 and 24 comprise 1.3 billion of the developing world’s population--and developing countries like the Philippines still has a window of opportunity to invest in the youth to lessen potential economic headaches in the future, the World Bank said on Thursday.

The latest World Bank report, the World Development Report 2007: Development and the Next Generation, says in the Philippines, young people ages 10-14 number nearly nine million and comprise 11.7 percent of the population while youth ages 14-20 number over eight million and comprise 10.5 percent of the population.

"A third of the growth in the countries called the East Asian tigers is attributed to this 'demographic gift'. Most developing countries still have a window of opportunity to get this right before an aging population closes it," says Emmanuel Jimenez, lead author of the report and Director of Human Development in the World Bank’s East Asia Pacific Department.

A World Bank statement urged developing countries to invest in the youth now to benefit from huge payoffs for the future because today's young people will become the next generation of workers.

In the Philippines, this window will remain open for almost another 40 years. And the skills these young people develop as household heads and parents will have profound impacts on their children, the Report said.

The World Bank noted that the constitutional, legal and institutional mandates to invest in the youth is well-established in the Philippines. The country has a constitution that enjoins the State to "ensure the physical, moral, spiritual, and social well-being of the youth," a Local Government Code that mandates youth representation in local bodies through the Sangguniang Kabataan, and institutions like the interagency Council for the Welfare of Children and the National Youth Commission focus on the youth. Several government agencies also carry out programs targeted at the youth.

But the World Bank report said it was necessary to improve coordination and integration of policies.

Three strategic policies seen to enhance investment in young people include expanding opportunities, improving capabilities, and offering second chances for young people who have fallen behind due to difficult circumstances or poor choices.

“These address five fundamental transitions facing young people and affecting their whole economic, social and family life, namely getting an education, finding work, staying healthy, forming families, and exercising citizenship,” it said.

Opportunities

With broadened opportunities for better education and healthcare, the report said young people can acquire skills to navigate adolescence and young adulthood safely, while improved vocational training will help them compete in the workforce.

“These measures should be accompanied by enhanced job opportunities. This is important, not only at home, but also overseas, since young Filipinos, like those in other countries, are more prone to migrate. Youth political participation and involvement in social organizations are also essential for fostering young people's civic life in their own communities and vital for good governance,” it said.

The Report argues that without opportunities for productive civic engagement, young people's frustrations may boil over into economic and social tensions, creating long-simmering disputes.

Capabilities

Providing information to young people and developing their decision-making skills, especially to stay healthy and appreciate continued learning, is important, it said.

“Fewer than half of girls aged 15-24 in the Philippines know of the multiple ways to prevent HIV/AIDs. Also, only half get full care during antenatal visits. Armed with the right information and incentives, these young people can make good decisions. This is why programs such as reproductive health programs need to build in outreach to young people and provide them with accurate, accessible information,” World Bank said.

Second chances

“Countries need targeted programs for young people who have fallen behind due to difficult circumstances or poor choices. These can be dropping out of school, drug addiction, criminal behavior, or prolonged unemployment. Second chances help young people rebuild their future, which has a long-term beneficial effect on society as a whole. Rehabilitation is costly, but the payoffs are highest for young people who still have a lifetime of potential productivity ahead of them,” it said.

The Report cited the potentials of policies and programs in the Philippines, including enriching childcare and pre-school programs; school-based career guidance, among others. The Report also cites that the Philippines has legally codified youth involvement in governance through the Youth in Nation-building Act, an important first step in encouraging youth to vote.

“Through technical assistance, program support and projects, we hope to contribute towards the enhancement of government programs and policies that will enable the country to seize this demographic window of opportunity," said Joachim von Amsberg, World Bank Philippines Country Director.

The Report said that public spending alone would not do the trick. Policies must stimulate young people, their parents, and their communities to invest in themselves.

2006-09-25T22:00:00.000-07:00

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Kudos

by: Camille Bansil May 18 , 2006
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I should be thanking Ma'am Borican, my DevJourn professor, who required us to come up with a writing about MDGs on my last semester in PUP MassCom. When I surfed the net, particularly the MDG web, I came across the link of the Voice of the Youth Network. I got the contacts, and since it was a co-globe subscriber (Wow! Unli, itextmate ko kaya? Haha!), I right away sent a text of inquiry. I can't remember the exact details, but after some few text messages and a number of conversations over the YM for consecutive weeks, I finally decided to see the VOTY people. I felt the strong urge to see them, though I was totally oblivious of the reason then. Being a volunteer was so new in my system. Of course, I already joined a number of outreach programs, but in all honesty, I never felt that I am a part of them. The first time I met VOTY, I was so still and silent, kulang na lang sabihin ko, 'Teka, time out, 'di na ko maka-relate. May I go out?' I was so bombarded with continuous flow of information then, and my brain cannot process all of those at that moment. But when I came to know them, particularly those who joined the Cavite escapade, I began to ask myself of what could be the driving forces of these young people to engage on such kind of activities. Most of them are younger than I, but they managed to be active and productive members of several groups and organizations. Most of them has their own careers to manage, but they never made VOTY the last item on their list. What really amazed me during the Villa Dominga team building was the talent flourished by the members. They need not to be perfect on their abilities, because the confidence they possess is more than enough to make them shine and flicker. And if you'll ask if I felt that I was really a part of that event, yes, I did. Finally. Definitely. For me to go rural, in a place I never reached before, and spend two days and a night with people whom I never really knew? Now, that should be something, I told myself. Before I knew it, I was like telling my friends the following days, about how wonderful I felt with the VOTY people. I told them that I met younger people than us, and that these younger people are contributing big time to the society by involving themselves on these civic actions. I narrated how I felt when I realized that it seemed that we wasted all our four years in college by simply doing nothing for the society. 'Tas tayo, antatanda na natin, pa-graduate na tayo, parang wala pa din tayong kwenta.' I was not really blaming my friends when they began to giggle and asked what seems so wrong with me. Malamang, hindi nga ako yun. I remembered hearing them blew, 'Tol, nangyare sayu?' But still, I never really got tired of telling them to ask themselves of what could be their purpose, not only for themselves and their own families, but also for the society, or else they'll regret one day, and ask why they ended up choosing being mere 'audience' of life, and not being 'players' of it. Now, how far does VOTY is taking me? Being a part of VOTY is as if having a unique trophy of 'self respect'. Being respectful to your fellow is totally different from giving respect to yourself. Actually, the latter is more fulfilling. When I joined VOTY, I experienced a point wherein I finalized that I have a lot of abilities and capabilities, some seemed obvious, others are still to be discovered and used in the future. I came to know that once we give a chance to ourselves to use and develop our talents and abilities for the common good of the society, we are actually giving enough respect to ourselves too. We're giving enough justice to the deepest essence of self worth. It's as if burning your energy for a cause by being the moving object on Newton's law of inertia. 'Siguro mukha na s'yang matanda. Matagal na siguro tong mga pictures n'ya. Di lang siguro naaupdate ang website nya.' That was what I thought of Kuya Choy. The first time we met, I contained myself, avoiding to blab how surprised I was to see a young and vibrant Pocholo Gonzales. I read his name and his numerous achievements over the net, and I assumed that he might be a bald man in his 40s (Hehe, peace tayo, Kuya!). Again, I was so wrong because Kuya Choy is still a young man, well driven and action oriented. And maybe, many years from now, I would still see him and the rest of the VOTY people as a 'young' individuals because of their decisions, actions and contributions imparted and will impart to the Filipino youth. VOTY is not composed of 'perfect' people with 'perfect' personalities. I remembered how Kuya Ian differentiated perfect from EXCELLENT. These two words are as if another two battling words: idealistic and realistic. Excellent is better. Of course, there's nothing wrong with being idealistic, but possessing this character alone is not enough to climb the tree to success. You need not to arrive on your desired and expected outcomes. All you have to be is to be realistic enough to learn that you are not hundred percent in control of what is happening around you. A realistic and excellent person is an individual who is not afraid of failures and can always project a very positive attitude in the midst of seemingly-hopeless situations. When I think of VOTY, all I can think of is a picture of an excellent and strongly made, but still unfinished wall. Strong, since each building block composing it, stands for every VOTY member possessing an excellent degree of social responsibility and excellently displaying such character. But still unfinished though, since there are still better things to come – more activities, more members, more developments, all in accord with excellence. I can't be so sure of what the future holds. But I have this stiff assurance that VOTY will continue to be, not just an organization or network, but a virtue to be learned and accepted by every Filipino who wants to move forward to victory. For the nth time, I'll claim it, VOTY is an eye opener. When I became a part of this organization, I was in full regret at first. I was like blaming myself for the past years I had let passed by without taking few steps towards betterment. But now, I realized that brooding over the past will not do any help. Instead, little by little I am trying to recuperate from the past rotten and stagnant years of my life. I want to be at blast, of help, of excellence. Why am I speaking this way? Because I am a more fulfilled person me now. Changes will not come into your senses at once, but I have my drive to do so, again, the VOTY. And as I continue my journey, I know this organization is still with me. Though I already spoke of my countless insights about VOTY, those are still insufficient. I can't put into exact words and phrases this sacred and noble feeling I have towards VOTY. I can't give you the concrete details about it. But, I can make you feel what I feel now. Prove it yourself. Be one of us.

2006-02-17T16:42:00.000-08:00

Kalingap: Outreach in Montalban, Rizal January 28, 2006 Sitio Maislap, San Isidro, Montalban Rizal
After a couple of rainy days, the sun finally smiled that one Saturday morning when members of Red Cross Rodriguez Chapter, United Nations Volunteers Philippines and VOTY visited Sitio Maislap, Barangay San Isidro Montalban Rizal. It took a two hour - drive from the drop off point in Katipunan passing through Marikina and San Mateo to reach our destination… we just can’t wait to see the kids and give them a treat. Around 50 kids aged 4 to 15 years old greeted us with wonder at their improvised function hall where we used a cool videoke machine as our sound system. With an “Aba – Syempre!” welcome from ate Eunice, the program kicked off with a song and dance number from a smart sweet local girl, Jessa who was later joined by one of UNV’s import from Japan, Ate Chiki. Ate Eunice, a new VOTY volunteer, charmingly led a game show for the kids. Two groups with five members each were formed. In a “Game Ka Na Ba?” inspired format, whoever member gives the most examples of a certain category in the least possible time wins. Well, as expected, the girls outsmarted the guys.

With Kuya Ion and Ate Florence, another group of kids out-danced and outrun each other in the classic parlor game “Trip to Jerusalem”, as Kuya Echo, and Ate Chiara had the kids rockin’ the ceiling with Bamboo’s Halleluiah. After a quick - snack break, all were all eyes and ears with Kuya Vanjo’s deserving-of-an-acting-award style of storytelling.No one had heard and seen of a Filipino – version of “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” told like that before.
What followed were two trivia games joined by Ates Chiki, Nom, and Jem and Kuya Ryan. Kuya Vanjo once again pulled some wacky and smart multiple – choice questions for the kids. Up next is clearly the most exciting part… The gift-giving portion of the day! So what’s inside the cute and colorful VOTY freebie – bags? Picture puzzles, story, activity and coloring books and crayons, ball pens, pencils, toothbrush, Happee toothpaste, bath soap, and face towel. There were also packs of cookies provided by Red Cross Rodriguez Chapter. These items were bought with the help of the sponsors of VOTY and UNV’s Kabataan Night 2 mini-concert last December.
Kuya Ion then gave an inspiring message to the kids in order for them to Dream, Believe and Survive! Wrapping up is another treat from Kuya Vanjo who sang his version of “Totoy Bibo” with his anti-cigarette smoking lyrics. Thanks to Mang Danilo, the head of Sitio Maislip for the warm welcome. Thanks also to the rest of the guys who volunteered with us in a one – fun day! Thanks to the very disciplined and adorable kids of San Isidro, we’re definitely going to see you again soon.

2005-12-24T00:29:00.000-08:00

Kabataan Night 2: Ito Ang Kultura Mo!
Celebrating Youth Culture and Volunteerism
Towards Achieving the
Millennium Development Goals
“The Blow by Blow Account”
December 6, 2005
Quezon City, Philippines

It would take more or less a month of preparation, brigades of emails, a rollercoaster of highs and lows and unfaltering faith for the youth to organize open-mic night type of a mini-concert. At least this was the case for Voice of the Youth Network’s Kabataan Night 2 (KN2): Ito Ang Kultura Mo! (Youth Night 2: This is Your Culture!), which aims to celebrate Filipino youth culture and volunteerism towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. And what a celebration it really was.
Through KN2, which was held December 6 at the artsy Conspiracy Café in Visayas Avenue, Quezon City, VOTY has once again proven that the innate spirit of volunteerism of the Filipino Youth would not fail. The event we call KN2, is not probably everything we’ve planned but it turned out even better than we expected. Of course, it is risky to hold such an event, with the last minute cancellations of scheduled performers, technical (not wardrobe) malfunctions and other unavoidable circumstances. But seeing all those who came and who took part of the event leaving with smiles on their faces just made all our efforts worth it.
“Expect the unexpected.” That’s how VOTY founder Choy Gonzales described what’s in store for rest of the night. And he was right.
VOTY’s very own student volunteers Ryan Rivera and Resty Flores, (R&R) unwillingly became the first act. As if the pressure of being the first on the spotlight is not enough, their CD didn’t play (it’s not pirated, ok). What followed was the most brazen act of doing a live acapella duet of a classic patriotic Filipino song with an RNB twist. They did well.
Up next was Mr. Hussein Macarambon of the Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Beppu City Japan; doing his rendition of the song, “Amen Omen”. He certainly looked like a pro, singing and strumming the guitar. It was an honor for our Moslem friends to have participated in the event.
Adding more vibrant beats, sounds, rhythms and grooves to night are the six guys of Sruvaleh Drum Circle. They best describe their creative type of music as “an abstract language of love to the monochromatic funk and mixed – cultural world of music in the Philippines.” You just thought that the night couldn’t get any better than their “good vibrations” and the audience just couldn’t get enough of them. It’s just amazing how these young guys, who are not full time musicians, show so much passion about their talents and music that truly revive our indigenous culture.
Of course, girl power won’t be left behind. Move over Alicia Keys because here comes 14 year - old, Jerianne Mae Templo who already had a share of the spotlight when she made it through the Grand Finals of a popular singing contest on TV, “Search for the Star”. We’re just confident that her star would shine in its rightful place before we know it.
Then came to the delight of the audience is our favorite celebrity volunteer, Ms. Maybelyn dela Cruz, whose beauty is only surpassed by the beauty of her heart. Not everybody knows that this young actress who has grown right before our very eyes is a full-time volunteer for the Philippine Red Cross and she founded Youth and Elderly for Service. She’s talented, friendly and a proud volunteer… what more can you ask for? (She sings very well too, by the way).
But behind a good actor is a good voice talent and we got Choy to personify that. To those who don’t know yet, our founder actually is a voice talent who gives life to popular TV and anime characters, even politicians and other prominent personalities. It’s a rare treat to watch a man with dozens of voices in action onstage. He now manages a voice talent agency, Creativoices, where all the action, rather, the talk is.
There can never be songs without poems. And no one could have done a better poetry recital than Jovanie Nalzaro of the Thespian Society of Philippine Normal University. He’s an apparent heir to Balagtas after delivering “Sa Gitna ng Ulos ay May Pagsibol.”
16 year-old Richard Mallari deserved a standing ovation as well for his heart-wrenching ballads. He’s just a proof that Filipinos are really good singers.
Local bands rule the airwaves and music scene these days and it is just amazing that more and more talents are yet to be discovered. And one of the bands that would soon rock our world is Kala (http://www.rockedphilippines.org/), which is set to launch an album dedicated to the Filipino Youth. They are certainly cool – advocates of the MDGs. Like what Ion, VOTY Executive Director and the main – man host said, it’s great to see a band campaigning for the MDGs. They are U2 in the making, perhaps.
But boys don’t rule the “band” bandwagon. It’s definitely an arena for the girls too. Liquid Candy gave a female touch for the soothing style of Orange and Lemons, while Mediartrix would give MYMP a run for their money. Girls leading bands are definitely double treats!
Sruvaleh Drum Circle returned with a couple of rounds more. Did I say that the audience just couldn’t get enough of them? Awesome!
The best way to cap the exciting night is to have everyone singing the anthemic “Pinoy Ako” and the Tayo-tayo Song of the Philippine MDG Album by the United Nations Development Program. These tracks are certainly candidates for the “last song syndrome”.
KN2 won’t be possible without the trust and support of Conspiracy Café; United Nations Volunteer Philippines, our main partner and other organizations which include the Masonic District Lodge No. 5 of the most worshipful grand lodge of free and accepted Masons of the Philippines, particularly District Deputy Grandmaster VW Nash Cordova; Philippine Resources for Sustainable Development (PRSD) through its founding chairman, Robert Sagun; Centralized Decentralized Business Network (http://www.cdbn.org/) President Christopher Bernardo and Lion’s Club International through Ms. Evangeline “Nenet” Ang. KN2 is also supported by YMDG (http://www.youngmdg.com/) and Youth Power Against Drugs (YPAD).
Oops, KN2 didn’t end there - portions of the funds would be used for a Christmas outreach program. It’s much fulfilling to have fun for a cause. Thank you to all the volunteer performers who responded to our emails and invitations. To all those who celebrated with us, thank you very much for making the night successful… Until next year!!!

Written by: Mr. Emsie Reyes, KN2 program manager
votymedia@gmail.org

2005-10-09T05:07:00.000-07:00

PODWORX! UNICAST EPISODE 1 The Professional Podcasting Service of Univoicesal Productions

This is your ultimate guide to what’s happening in the world of voice-over in the Philippines. News, interviews, the hottest trends, tips about voice acting, and how to make it in the business. It’s your way to stay informed and get connected in the voice-over marketplace. Univoicesal Productions welcomes you to our official podcast.. Thank you for tuning in… Listen up, and listen well. This is UNICAST.. Episode One.

UNICAST EPISODE 1

2005-09-09T00:09:00.000-07:00

VOICEWORX!! Basic Voice Acting Workshop

Actions speak louder than words – this ages-old proverb with an ironic approach seems to be the root of some social issues these days. As one says what he means, other people will only find him credible if he accordingly acts in a way that backs up or affirms what he just said. In short, to deal with consistency issues very well, action is preferred to be in connivances with speech.

But have you ever imagined merging the “talk” and the “walk” together? If you don’t have any idea that words can be emotionally enunciated while delivering them, then step out of the dark and say hello to Voice Acting. In our fast-paced technology era, information and communication can easily be processed to get your message across. However, the best way to reach your target audience effectively is to communicate intellectually and emotionally. This gives the speaker a power to draw the listener into an emotional state that the latter can relate to. Only voice acting can give you such skill and ability. Hence voice acting is storytelling that requires acting skills in delivery.

Univoicesal Productions, the newest and only Voice Talent Institute-Agency that effectively meets audio project needs using the latest audio technology, introduces a first-of-its-kind Basic Voice Acting Workshop entitled VOICEWORX!! The eight-session course aims to teach the fundamentals of voice acting and to hone the skills that can be used for any voice recording from a simple telephone message-on-hold to a television or radio commercial, feature film, movie trailer, animation, instructional video, corporate presentation, documentary narration, multimedia audio book and magazine, or even your favorite cartoon or telenovela.

“Voice acting is an art,” Univoicesal Productions’ Founder and Managing Director Pocholo Gonzales believes. “It has been an integral part of my life. It gives me the ability to express myself through voice characterization. It is a non-chartered art waiting to be explored by many enthusiasts. VOICEWORX!! will help us open the doors to immense possibilities in the field of voice acting.” Take note Mr. Gonzales has done more than a thousand projects from original animation, TUTUBI PATROL by TOP PEG, dubbing in all TV networks to name a few, METEOR GARDEN, BUBU CHACHA, KURO CHAN, Radio Drama, DZRH, DZMM and DZXL., Commercials Radio and TV, Voice of Bibo Hotdog and he won the best voice talent award for ARAW AWARDS in AD CONGRESS 2004 by doing the Voice of Mike Enriquez and some characters. He even voiced several original computer games. He was trained in the US by no other than JAMES ALBURGER, the master of VOICE ACTING in California, USA.
Presently, he is the anchor of the only youth oriented radio program LAKAS KABATAAN, TINIG KABATAAN RECHARGED! Aired at DZME 1530 KHZ. Every Saturday 12-1 pm through his founded organization VOICE OF THE YOUTH NETWORK www.voty.org

Participants of the workshop will have the chance to learn the ropes of voice acting such as creating believable characters for TV, radio and animation, and tips on how to become a successful voice actor. Plus, they will experience recording their own voice demo using Univoicesal’s acoustically-tuned digital audio recording equipment and facilities. Workshop schedules are slated to begin Sept. 19, 2005. For more details, you may log on to www.univoicesal.com, email. info@univoicesal.com or contact Jenny at 8934080.

Learn the tricks of the trade of voice acting and let your words speak the actions for you!

-Teddy Peñas

2005-07-15T07:16:00.000-07:00

VOICE OF THE YOUTH NETWORK BLOGGER

Kabataan Night, A Success

There were about a hundred individuals from different organizations that participated in this year’ VOTY Kabataan Night.

VOICE OF THE YOUTH NETWORK

To our fellow youth:

Do you want to make a difference! Promote Possible Social Change! Through your Talent?

We would like to invite you to join us in a night filled with youthful surprises as Voice of the Youth Network lauded its first ever youth talents event dubbed as “KABATAAN NIGHT” on November 9, 2004 at the Conspiracy Cafe along Visayas Avenue from 8pm till 12 midnight.

It’s time to shine and be recognize through your talents and works. Unheard and unseen talents of youth advocates will be showcased and highlighted at this night.

Open to all youth, 15-30 years of age. This will be your chance to network, mingle and connect with other youth leaders and advocates that are partners of Voice Of The Youth Network. There will also be an induction of officers of all Voice of the Youth Officers and Coordinators so the more that you are expected to come. There will be a short orientation of what Voice of the Youth is all about and it will be your chance to meet other VOTY members in a light mood activity instead of the usual serious type mood seminar where you often meet some of our members.

There is no registration fee you can opt to buy drinks there if you do want and it is at reasonable prices. You can also bring as many friends with you. This is your show, this is the “KABATAAN NIGHT” so we would also like you to prepare something… it can be anything, ranging from a funky dance to a happy song. You choose what you want to highlight for this is our show, it’s the youth show, its “KABATAAN NIGHT”.

If you are interested to join or perform during the event please confirm your attendance. RSVP. contact us at info@voty.org 09179602413 or 4156050 look for Kristine or Emcie.

You can also text VOTY to 2299 or Text ENTER VOTY to 2213 and be connected.

Continue Inspiring, Informing, Empowering and Involving the Filipino Youth!

Mabuhay ang Kabataang Pilipino.

See you there!

Christopher Bernardo
Director for Finance
VOTY Net Spokesperson

nyoung1027@yahoo.com, ilenevalian@hotmail.com, markarthurabalos@yahoo.com, aaabdon@up.edu.ph, aisha_alvaro@yahoo.com, jeffrey.batac@up.edu.ph, nyz_sugarplum@yahoo.com, cmli_jc@yahoo.com, joseph_albette.buddahim@up.edu.ph, cbullecer@pacific.net.ph, victor4284@yahoo.com, markcabrera_31@yahoo.com, banana_rammah@yahoo.com, survivorjoey@yahoo.com, perpol16@yahoo.com, crindlestone07@yahoo.com, franciscorpuz@yahoo.com, maggie_corpuz@yahoo.com, cqdesagun@yahoo.com, mjduhan@up.edu.ph, Paulyn33@yahoo.com, ejfrancisco_03@yahoo.com, a_n_g_e_l_pooh@yahoo.com, mei_mei_go@yahoo.com, anghell@edsamail.com.ph, Des_hil@yahoo.com, scralatchtican_battlestar@yahoo.com, Daicasiano@up.edu.ph, johannajambalos@yahoo.com, csleones@up.edu.ph, myra.dorothy@gmail.com, tekoram_nnak@yahoo.com, kcmartinez@up.edu.ph, callsignmatrix@yahoo.com, ana_kristel.molina@up.edu.ph, enmonsod@up.edu.ph, sarsi_03@yahoo.com

If you ever need someone to talk to, I'll always be there just contact me at 09185241812 or email me at christopher.bernardo@up.edu.ph. We currently have a radio program that feature youth organizations and outstanding individuals. If you want to advertise your org project, just give me a call.

2005-05-31T07:03:00.000-07:00

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT TOOLS

Youth and Network Organizing Resources

This series of documents was put together with a great deal of help from a large number of people. The purpose of it is to help local young people form groups, get organized, make changes in their communities, and plug into the greater youth movement, locally, nationally, regionally, and globally.

We hope that this linking of movements can create new systems of decision-making from local to global levels in order to achieve sustainable development and create a world that works for all.

A document outlining this vision and strategy is available at http://www.youthmovements.org

0. A Comprehensive Listing of Global Youth Movements and Global Youth Organizations
1. Background, History and Success Stories
2. Reports
3. Networking, Group Organizing, and Facilitation
4. Youth Participation Materials
5. Guides
6. Packaged Programs and Training Materials
7. Policy Oriented Documents

8. Other Perspectives on Global Citizenship

===============================================================================================

1. Background, History and Success Stories (References)

Fragmentation of Youth Movements.htm
The Story of the European Youth Forum.doc
Youth and Nation Building Introduction.doc
Youth and Nation Building Cases.doc

Do We Have a Movement Yet.doc

Youth Liberation Analysis.doc

Science of Community Organizing.doc

Examples (References)

Philadelphia Student Union.pdf
40 Youth Organizations Collaborate to Make Education Reform.pdf

1. Power of the Youth of Paraguay.doc
2. Action Plan of Youth Organizers in Paraguay.doc

2. Reports (References)

GYAN Report - Global Youth Movement Integration.htm

Ford Foundation Report on Youth Service.pdf
Benton Foundation Report - Youth Activism and Global Engagement.doc
International Youth Foundation Report - What Works in Youth Participation.pdf

Kellogg Foundation Report - Youth and Citizenship.pdf

Report on Youth in Decision - Making by the Innovation Center.pdf

FCYO Report - What is Youth Organizing.pdf
FCYO Report - Stories of Youth Organizing and Lessons Learned.pdf

Pew Trusts - Report on Youth in the Information Age.pdf

World Bank Report - Youth Building Knowledge Societies.pdf

International Youth Foundation - Newsletter on Youth Participation.pdf

3. Networking, Group Organizing, and Facilitation (References)

Networking

Co-Intelligence & Stories

Open Space Technology
Appreciative Inquiry
Social ThreeFolding
General Group Organizing

Networking (References)

1. Network Basics.htm
2. Network Startup.htm
3. Network Development.htm
4. Age of the Network Overview.htm

A Network Model from VirtualTeams-com.pdf

Co-Intelligence & Stories (References)

What is Co-Intelligence.htm

It All Began in a Fertilizer Factory.htm

A Gift from a Shepherd.htm
The Forgiveness Party.htm
Co-Intelligent Prison Work.htm
Future Search in Kansas City.htm
A Chimpanzee at Stanford.htm
Life Song.htm
The World's Most Unusual Workplace.htm

Imagining Collectively Intelligent Communities.htm

Open Space Technology (References)

Open Space Technology Introduction, Part I.doc

Open Space Technology Introduction, Part II.doc

Open Space Technology - The World Cafe.htm

Open Space Technology - The World Cafe Guide - Open Space Technology.pdf

Open Space Technology Introduction in Portuguese.doc

Appreciative Inquiry (References)

What is Appreciative Inquiry.pdf

Appreciative Inquiry Exercises from Nepal.doc
Appreciative Inquiry Guidebook for Fighting Poverty Nepal.pdf

Social ThreeFolding (References)

Social ThreeFolding, an Introduction (Philipines).doc

Social ThreeFolding Definition - Elaborated.doc

Social ThreeFolding Book - Shaping Globalization Chapter 1.doc

Institutional use of ThreeFolding, to Fight Poverty in Phillipines.pdf

General Group Organizing Concepts (References)

Community Organizing.doc

Calling the Circle.doc
Listening Circles.htm
Strategic Questioning.htm

Citizen consensus councils.htm
Future Search.htm

Why Young Activists Need Communities of Support.doc

4. Youth Participation Materials (References)

Brochure on Youth in Decision-Making by the Innovation Center.pdf
Forming a Youth Engagement Alliance.doc

14 Steps to Involve Youth in Decision-Making.doc

Principles of Youth Involvement.doc

3 Tools for Measuring Levels of Youth Participation (IYF).doc
Survey to Measure Youth Participation in Your Organization.pdf
Exercise - Are Youth Involved?.pdf

50 things youth and adults can do together.pdf
Quick Sheet on Youth-Adult Partnerships.pdf

Developing a Youth Council and Services to Serve Local Area Youth (California) (References)

0. Introduction to a Youth Council Developing Agency (California).doc

1. Elements of a Youth Serving System (California).doc

2. Functions of a Youth Council in the System (California).doc

3. Stages of Building the Youth Serving System (California).doc

A. Tips for Organizing an Effective Youth Council (California).doc
B. How to Run the Youth Council Assessment Survey (California).rtf
C. A Youth Council Assessment Survey (California).rtf

Experiences Mapping Youth in California Localities.doc

Youth Platforms or Agendas (References)

1. National Youth Platform or Agenda - An Introduction.doc

The National Youth Platform 2000 (USA).doc

National Youth Platform - Guyana.doc

Platform USA - Schematic.pdf
Forming a Youth Engagement Alliance.doc
Responses to a Collaboration Meeting to Form a National Youth Platform (USA).doc

Organizing a University Youth Summit or Local Youth Platform (USA).doc

5. Guides (References)

Guide - Organizing Local Youth Networks.doc

Guide - Forming a Youth Engagement Alliance.doc

Guide - Organizing a University Youth Summit or Local Youth Platform (USA).doc

Guide - Community Organizing.doc

Exercises - A Diverse Group of Exercises.doc

Exercises - FireStarter Youth Mobilizing Curriculum - Facilitar Manual.pdf
Exercises - Youth for Environmental Sanity - Workshops and Camping Guide.doc

Exercises - FireStarter Youth Mobilizing Curriculum - Participant Manual.pdf
Exercise - Tower Builder.pdf
Exercise - Crossing The Line.htm
Exercise - Reflection Activities.htm

Fundraising - Dealing with Funders.pdf
Fundraising - Sites for Youth on the Web.pdf

Fundraising - Making a Plan.pdf

6. Packaged Programs and Training Materials (References)

Training Kits
StudyCircles.org Materials

StudyCircles.org Materials (References)

What are Study Circles.htm
Organizing Guide - 1996.htm
Organizing Guide - 2001.htm
Best Practices and Evaluated Programs.pdf
Training Facilitators Guide.pdf
Diversity Guide.pdf
Intergenerational Partnership Guide 2002.pdf
Evaluating Your Study Circle Guide.pdf
An Evaluation of the Study Circles Program.htm

Training Kits from www.training-youth.net (References)

Training Essentials.pdf

Intercultural Training.pdf
International Voluntary Service Training.pdf

Project Management Training.pdf
Organization Management Training.pdf

7. Policy Oriented Documents (References)

Sample Organization Standards and Constitutions for Innovative Networks
UN Youth Documents
On Youth Policies

On Youth Policies (References)

White Paper on Youth - Council of Europe.pdf

European Youth Policy.pdf

Sample Institutional Youth Policy from the Red Cross.doc
Status of Youth Policy in the USA.pdf
Sample Youth Policy (Younger Americans Act).htm

Youth Policy Formulation Manual.pdf
Youth Policy Fundamentals.pdf

Sample Organization Standards and Constitutions for Innovative Networks (References)

Sample Constitution of a Global Self Organizing Network of Individuals (Chaordic.org).pdf

Sample Constitution for a Global Network of Organizations (Society for International Development).pdf
Sample FAQ of a Global Self Organizing Network (Chaordic.org).pdf

Sample Organizational Standards for Network Participation (Interaction.org).doc
Sample Principles of Organization and Principles of Practice (Chaordic.org).pdf

Sample Organizational Structure - Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Youth Alliance.doc

UN Youth Documents (References)

UNESCO - Youth Information Kit.pdf

Dakar Youth Empowerment Strategy.doc
Braga Youth Action Plan.doc
UN World Programme of Action for Youth.doc

8. Other Perspectives on Global Citizenship (References)

Black Perspectives on Global Youth Work.pdf

Developing a Global Dimension in the School Curriculum.pdf

Globalization and Higher Education.pdf

Teacher Education and Global Citizenship.rtf

Effort is underway to secure all copy right permissions.

You can also download all of these documents as a single 24.6 MB ZIP file.
To extract this file you will need to (download and) use Winzip (PC) or Stuffit Expander (Macintosh).
To read the PDF files you will need to (download and) use Adobe Acrobat.

2005-05-02T02:24:00.000-07:00

RADIO ASIA

Media professionals to debate issues at new Asian radio conference

Radio broadcasters, communications academics and representatives of
developmental agencies will be among those exchanging views at a new
radio industry conference in Singapore in June. RadioAsia 2005 is a
new side-event to the annual BroadcastAsia being organised by the
Asian Media Information and Communication Centre (AMIC) and the
Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) in partnership with Singapore
Exhibition Services (SES). The three-day event, which is being
supported by the Media Development Authority (MDA) of Singapore, will
discuss the impact of emerging and converging radio communications
strategies in the Asia-Pacific region. The conference will be
convened by the CEO of the MDA, Dr Chris Chia.

"Radio is one of the most accessible and widespread media across the
world, yet its very ubiquity means it often falls short of
recognition. In seeking to redress this imbalance AMIC is happy to be
able to initiate the RadioAsia 2005 Conference, a milestone event,"
said Indrajit Banerjee, Secretary-General of AMIC.

"We've received very encouraging response to the call for papers for
this new conference, which is an indication of the need for such a
conference in this region," said David Astley, Secretary-General of
the ABU.

"RadioAsia is the first conference in the region to bring radio
practitioners and academics together to speak on the same platform
and address the issues impacting radio today. We believe this will
result in many new insights being discussed and debated".

Most of the speakers and participants will be drawn from across Asia,
but there will be many from the USA and Europe as well. AMIC and the
ABU are planning to publish the papers presented at the conference.

The event will comprise two-and-a-half days of conference sessions
and two parallel half-day workshops. The conference will feature
issues such as the development of radio, development communication,
community radio, radio and youth, radio regulation as well as
audience research and radio advertising. Industry speakers from ABU
member broadcasting organisations including Radio Australia, All
India Radio (AIR), Commercial Radio Australia and the BBC, and
academics from around the region will participate.

Two parallel half-day workshop sessions on radio will be conducted by
the Radio Netherlands Training Centre and the Deutsche Welle Academy
on the afternoon of the third day of the conference.

The dates of RadioAsia are 15-17 June 2005, and it will be held at
the Singapore Expo facility. Those interested in registering for the
conference can visit http://www.radioasia.org for more details.
# posted by Andy @ 08:15 UTC
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