The Light Bearer from Laguna

I met a light bearer from Laguna. His graying hair spoke of wisdom while his calloused hands revealed years of hard work. 

Arturo Tabunda (Tito Art) generously shared his knowledge to 15 residents from GK Alaska and GK Freedomville during their skills-training last July 1.

Supported by Accenture’s Skills to Succeed Program, the 3-day training sought to teach additional skills to GK residents to help them start a livelihood. Many of those who attended the workshop were out-of-school youth and fathers willing to learn.

Tito Art, a resident of GK Landco, was asked to teach his fellow beneficiaries how to make products from stone, resin and fiber glass. 

Art, true to his name, is a craftsman who discovered a passion for working with his hands, crafting candles in particular. 

As a young man, he was curious and observant. When he saw things that interested him, he always wondered how he could make them.  He taught himself from scratch and began sculpting wax when he was 18 years old. He took inspiration from a dentist’s mold on how to make his own. Soon after, he began designing candles and sold them and it became his source of livelihood. Light began to shine in his world.

The turning point when he discovered his true mission in life was when he volunteered with Caritas Manila and visited the Bilibid Prison. A man he talked to moves him to this day. 

The man he met in prison was depressed even though was going out of the jail in a week’s time.  “I wondered why he was so sad when he was going to be free,” Tito Art reflects. “I can still remember his eyes. He did not see any hope in life after prison.”  The next thing he knew, the man was found dead inside his cell. He had committed suicide.

Tito Art was so disturbed by the incident. With the help of a Jesuit priest Fr. Vic Labao, they started the Pag-Asa sa Paglaya Foundation. The priest loaned the land beside his church to start a livelihood center - a halfway house - where the men could go once they were released. They were given livelihood as they started a new life outside prison. 

Tito Art taught the men how to make candles and ceramics to help them to start their new lives anew.

When the foundation could already stand on its own, Art went on to share his knowledge of candle-making to GK Freedomville. 

The candles produced by the residents were brought to 23 cities in the United States during the WOW GK Events in 2008 which was aimed at raising awareness and funds to build more GK communities in the Philippines.

The sales of these candles enabled them to buy the land for their multipurpose center in which a pre-school will be built. The community fund also provided for the health and education needs of the families here.

The light bearer from Laguna continued to shine his light when he came to train the residents of GK Alaska on stone craft, fiberglass and resin-making.

The plan is that the GK communities in the province will form a supply chain where they will collaborate in producing quality items for customized orders and retail.

GK Freedomville will continue to produce the candles and products made from wax. GK Alaska will make stone craft and wood products while GK Landco will make items from resin and fiberglass. The GK community in Pangil will then produce packaging for these products from recycled materials.

This emerging social enterprise, a mini-economy that does not leave the poor behind, seeks to provide sustainable livelihood through the support of GKonomics which seeks to instill a culture of productivity in GK communities.

The focus on handicrafts making or products made by hands is to help more people. With a manpower based production, 75% of earnings go directly to labor, and more families are helped as a result.

The Best for the Least: Songs From Her Heart

It is 7 in the morning on May 17 and singer Anezka Alvarez is already up, preparing herself to judge the auditions at GK Baseco with other Ryan Cayabyab Singers (RCS) members. In spite having stayed up late the night before,  singing her heart out in a fundraising concert for her ailing father, Anezka still woke up very early this day to honor her commitment to the many GK residents waiting for the opportunity to sing their hearts out to her for a chance to join the performing arts workshop this month.

GK Baseco was only one among 10 GK communities around Metro Manila that held auditions for aspiring singers, dancers and actors, in an effort to discover 100 talented GK residents who would be trained in the performing arts.

The GK residents who passed the auditions are now in an all expense paid week-long summer camp at Ateneo de Manila University. In partnership with the GK Ateneo Heroes Academy, Ateneo performing arts cluster and GKonomics, the RCS will be training GK residents this week, culminating in a Grand Recital on May 28 (postponed to June 4 due to typhoon) where participants will be performing the play “Batang Rizal” by Christine Bellen with music by Allan Elgar.

Anezka who is conducting the voice workshops along with her co-RCS members is excited about the possibilities.

“There are so many undiscovered talents in Gawad Kalinga,”she shared excitedly, remembering the people who came to the auditions from young children to adults.

Anezka, who came home from Ireland in 2007 after a year-long journey to self discovery, decided to stay in the Philippines for good to join the Ryan Cayabyab Singers.  She also had to audition for the privilege to be trained by the maestro and was chosen among 200 auditionees to become one of the 7 members of the RCS group.

“Music is my number one love,” she shares about the beginning of her journey with RCS. Little did she know then that it will be the start of other amazing journeys that will give her life its truest meaning.  

In 2008, Mr. C who is a staunch GK volunteer, took RCS to join WOW GK USA for a concert to raise funds for Gawad Kalinga.

“Before we just sang but now I sing with a purpose.  Every note and melody becomes deeper. It’s for our fellow Filipinos,” Anezka shares.

“It’s just a perfect way to help GK, by sharing our talents,” she says, realizing that not everyone can teach singing.

“We are very privileged that we’re the ones who can share our knowledge of music,” Anezka shares about the training camp for the GK residents.

 “I am happy that God gave me these talents so that I can help others,” she adds, grateful that as a kid she was privileged to receive voice lessons to hone her skills. It  saddens her to think that many undiscovered talents will go to waste simply because they could not afford to go to training. 

“I can do a lot. I realized I can actually help build somebody’s life.  I can help him build his own path to his dream,” Anezka says. It can be done simply by sharing one’s time and talents to those who need them the most.

So in spite juggling a very busy schedule with her career and caring for her father in the hospital, Anezka makes time for her service to GK.

“My heart is in it,” she says, “Naka-instill na sa akin yung sa GK slogan na Walang Iwanan.”

It is now her dream to have a concert with GK residents along with RCS and the first step to that dream will be to train them in the performing arts.

“I hope this workshop will be the beginning of their journey to reach their dreams and become an inspiration to their generation,” Anezka shares, as she dreams for the many undiscovered talents in GK communities waiting for their chance to shine and fulfill their potential.

You are cordially invited to witness stars being born at their Grand Recital on June 4, 7 pm at the Ateneo de Manila Grade School Auditorium. Tickets are at P200.

A Maiden Voyage

The whole world celebrated Earth Day last April 22. I was very fortunate to celebrate it in my own little way two weeks before when we were blessed to plant seedlings in the soil and mangroves of Bantayan Island in Cebu province, as part of Gawad Kalinga's week-long Bayani Challenge activities this April.

Seemingly ordinary days turn to out to be special ones. I still remember vividly those days spent planting under the very warm sun and how one afternoon led us to an eco-friendly area in Bantayan which I never knew existed.

An encounter that deeply rooted my love for mother Earth began with meeting the no-holds barred environmental lawyer Antonio Oposa whose house we visited.

His home turned School of the SEAs (an acronym which stands for Sea and Earth Advocates) is an Experiential Learning Center which holds environment classes by the sea.

Before beginning the tour of  his school,  Atty. Oposa asked us to spend 5 minutes looking at the body of water in front of his house, which was simply breathtaking. Seeing only the surface, one wonders more about the beauty it holds underneath since it has been cared for as a marine sanctuary.

The five minute silence offered to the sea reminded me of the phrase in one of my favorite songs, "I hope you dance" by LeeAnn Womack.

"I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean," she sings.

It is always awe inspiring to watch the sea, to observe its ebb and flow, and check out the many wonders it holds in its bossom. I felt blessed to realize that such beauty was free for us to enjoy if we take the time in our hurried world to go back to the countryside and smell the ocean breeze.  Sadly, we have neglected nature's beauty and some have abused it, which may mean that future generations will no longer be able to enjoy what we have now.

Still, it's never to late to prevent that from happening. We need to take time to enjoy true beauty and in becoming inspired, act responsibly to preserve it for others so that they can experience what we have been privileged to experience.

Another AHA moment for me was realizing the truth of Atty. Oposa's words when he says, we learn by Example and Experience.

I remember one precious moment during the GK Bayani Challenge when we were doing a coastal cleanup along the shores of one town. My companions and I were walking along the shore line, picking up rubbish on the way.

Families were there watching us from a distance. Then suddenly their children came one by one. And as one kid picked a piece of trash, the rest of the children were pushing him to give it to my friends who were standing by with an open sack.

Like a scene from a movie, the child finds the courage to put it into the sack and when he finally did it, all the kids suddenly and simultaneously started picking up the trash! Children do learn by example and us from experience.

Meantime, back at the School of the Seas which Atty. Oposa built from local materials, we discovered the power of renewable energy. The house's electricity is supplied by the sun and the wind. At night, the whole area becomes dark and electricity is used minimally so as to conserve energy and to let nature take its natural course.  Amidst the darkness, you could see the stars shining brightly in all its grandeur. Oh, what a sight!

The good lawyer also showed us how his house recycles water from bathing to flushing.  I realized then how used we have been to flushing water without giving it a second thought, we forget that it is actually precious fresh water that we are using.  A Filipino inventor once said that water will be the next scarce resource we will face if we don't take care of it. Perhaps, we can think twice about flushing fresh water until it's absolutely necessary to do so or better yet use recycled water if we can.

But what truly opened my mind was the definition of Atty. Oposa of the Environment as a Life Source, or life-giving sources. He compared the human body to the environment and it struck me how true it was. Rivers and oceans are very much like our blood, water runs through us since we are mostly composed of water. Our lungs are like the trees that breathe in air and provide oxygen that help us live. The soil of the earth is like our skin that covers our bodies. The environment is not just a place we live in, it gives us life.

When we do not care for them, we risk our own death. Think about that for a moment.

I've also discovered through Atty. Oposa that in the Philippines, 4 out of 10 people who reside along the coastlines live below the poverty line, which is approximately 22 million Filipinos.

With the global climate change and rising water levels, their lives are placed more and more in danger. Also their source of livelihood, fishing, is threatened, which also results from the use of destructive fishing methods that destroys corals and disrupts the ecosystem.

It is most unfortunate because our waters is one of the richest on earth. There are 500 to 700 coral species in the world and the Philippines has 488, more than those found in the Carribean Sea and the Great Barrier Reef.

The Indo-Malay-Philippine Archipelago has long been considered the area of highest marine biodiversity in a study made by renowned scientists Kent E. Carpenter and Victor G. Springer of the World Conservation Union and the US National Museum Smithsonian Institution.

They discovered that the Philippines is at the center of the center of marine shore fish biodiversity.

Atty. Oposa's advocacy is to restore and save the Philippine seas which is the wealth of our people. This May will be the maiden voyage of the sailing ship docked at the School of the SEAs which will help restore coral reefs in the Visayan seas starting with Bantayan Island.

Atty. Oposa hopes to transform sailboats into informal classrooms which will go around several islands to teach the youth on how to protect the marine environment.

Restoration begins with coral planting and there will be scuba diving operations for volunteer divers who will work with local fishermen to set up marine protected areas and restore coral reefs.

Let us support this noble quest and hope many more will be able to join the journey of healing Mother Earth and caring for our environment. Leaving you now with Atty. Oposa's favorite quote:

"Let it be said that during our watch...while gifted with intelligence and insight, with privilege and position, with the wealth of wisdom, and with the freedom and power of the human will. Let it be said that in our time, and during our watch, we did our share. And maybe, just maybe...we will make a little difference."

May God bless the School of the Seas' journey. Her maiden voyage begins on May 2 at Bantayan Island, Cebu.

My Countryside: The Secret Garden

Aklan’s hidden treasure is Sampaguita Gardens. Located in the sleepy town of New Washington, this secret hideaway is a 15-minute tricycle ride from Kalibo airport. It offers a quiet respite for tourists looking for a restful alternative to party island Boracay, which is also found in Aklan.

The two and a half hectare resort is in itself a work of art, bearing the imprint of American artist Samuel J. Butcher, creator of world-renowned Precious Moments designs – a collection of teardrop-eyed children for every special occasion. As part owner of the resort, he is responsible for the creative designs around the area from his beautiful paintings on surrounding walls to sculpted doors masterfully crafted by locals.  The resort is managed and partly-owned by Ilonggo Jojo Sonillo, Sam’s friend and long time administrative and creative assistant in his Precious Moments Company.

Originally intended to be his retirement place when he bought the land in 2001, Sam decided to share his swimming pool with the community in 2002. As more Aklanons came to enjoy the place, they requested for a little canteen then a restaurant, rooms to rest in and a convention center to hold assemblies, until the property became a full-blown resort in June 2003.

Named after the country’s national flower and after Butcher’s nickname, Sampaguita Gardens is a special place for the young and the young at heart. The kind and humble artist designed his resort to be family-oriented and kid friendly, an environment where guests can regain a childlike sense of wonder and joy.

Indeed there are a lot of beautiful details in the resort that will leave you in awe. Upon stepping into its carved stone pathway, a first-time visitor would immediately feel the serenity of the area amidst beautifully landscaped gardens and the fresh air coming from the nearby ocean. One cannot help but feel the presence of unseen guests, real angels hovering around to protect and preserve this beautiful retreat. Around the area, Sam’s Precious Moments angel artworks reveal themselves to remind guests to be quiet and enjoy the peace.

Sampaguita Gardens’ focal point is Butcher’s residence called The Mansion, which displays his rare Asian finds and Thai-inspired designs and artifacts. His home beside the sea has become a favorite among students and guests who tour his living room and library and appreciate his collections with picture taking.
At the center of the resort complex, is Jojo’s Christmas Cottage, the only all-year round Christmas store in the Philippines and the resort’s souvenir shop. This three-storey Victorian house holds a selection of Precious Moments collectibles such as figurines, dolls, journals, children’s clothes, Christmas ornaments, local food delicacies and native products.

Other unique amenities include Sammy’s Circus Rides for children; Sammy’s Showboat set in a middle of a lagoon, a venue for children’s parties; the first Butterfly Farm in Panay Island and the Aquarium, a 43-feet structure which holds a variety of tropical fishes for kids and adults to enjoy.

Hotel guests and walk-in visitors should not leave town without trying the resort’s Oriental Flavors, the first fine dining restaurant in Aklan serving authentic Thai and Chinese cuisine. Apart from tasting the best spicy squid in town, diners will already have their fill with visual delights of the restaurant’s superb Chinese interior design.

“The long-term goal of the company is to develop the place into a unique, world-class destination,” says Sonillo.  The company seeks to do this by becoming a one-stop resort providing a wide range of amenities, excellent food choices, superb ambience, and quality services, all these at competitive prices.“We create new amenities every quarter, so that people can always look forward to something new,” he adds.

As a masterpiece-in-progress, the resort opened Jojo’s Fitness Center with state-of-the-art gym equipment and the Sampaguita Gardens Spa which offers their relaxing signature massage to soothe the weary traveler. Sam also built the Meditation Chapel which he designed as a smaller version of his famous Precious Moments chapel in Carthage, Missouri, known for his 2600-square foot ceiling mural of heavenly angels.

At the back of the resort is their Waterfront venue, an open space that can accommodate 500 people. It is a perfect spot for special occasions, since the ocean can be found behind it and serves as a beautiful backdrop to a wonderful evening. Meanwhile, the Precious Moments Gallery, a museum about Sam Butcher and his Precious Moments collection can be converted to a fine dining venue that can accommodate 100 people.

As an additional service, Sampaguita Gardens also takes its guests on a city tour to see the 70-hectare mangrove reforestration in Bakhawan Eco Park considered to be the best in Asia, Aklan’s famous piña weavers, the Ati-Atihan Village, Museo it Akean and the Pink Sisters Convent among others.  It also conducts day tours to Boracay island, and can make arrangements with its partner resorts to accommodate its guests.

Despite stiff competition from nearby Boracay, Sampaguita Gardens gem is Sam Butcher and Precious Moments.   “I’ve learned from Mr. Butcher: to share what you have with people, to place no price on beauty, to see people really enjoy your place, I cannot equate that to money,” Sonillo says.

Point of Origin:
Sampaguita Gardens
506 Rizal St.
New Washington, Aklan
+6336.264.3422

Uncovering a Gem

Discovering a hidden gem in GK Libmanan, Camarines Sur. Photo by Dan Bercasio.

Trissia Joy Aldave, 16 years old, from GK Libmanan village in Camarines Sur joined and won the Miss Libmanan pageant in Camarines Sur, beating 20 official candidates from 75 barangays. The Miss Libmanan contest is the highlight of the celebration of the town fiesta held on July 23, 2010.

Trissia grew up thinking she was ugly because of the color of her skin. The offspring of an African-American father and a Filipina mother, Trissia grew up in the poor area of Bagong Silang, Caloocan city where she experienced being ridiculed by her playmates, teasing her for having dark skin. The teasing made her feel insecure, resulting in her lack of self-worth and low self-esteem.

"Kapag sinasabi kong maganda siya, hindi sya naniniwala. Sabi nya kasi nanay nya ako kaya sinasabi ko yun. Nasasaktan ako pag mababa ang tingin nya sa sarili nya," shared Josephine Aldavia, Trissia's mother. (When I tell her she is beautiful, she doesn't believe me. She says I say it because I am her mother. I feel hurt when she thinks so lowly of herself.) In tears, Mrs. Aldavia related how happy she is that her daughter won Ms. Libmanan since now she would believe in herself because other people were affirming her that she was indeed beautiful.

As a single parent, Josephine brought her daughter to Libmanan when she was 11 years old after suffering from all the teasing from their former community. Having no home of their own, they became beneficiaries of GK Libmanan where they now reside.

Beautiful Trissia. Photo by Dan Bercasio.

Trissia, who is an excellent singer, was discovered by a talent manager and a Singles for Christ member Jerick Moral who saw her potential when he saw her joining a singing contest. He took her under his wing, trained her and encouraged her to join the Miss Libmanan contest.

Now standing tall at 5"8, and loving herself, Trissia credits the activities she joined in GK as a member of GK SIGA youth group which helped build her confidence. She realized that she is a valuable and precious daugther of God.

"Based on my experiences from the past, I learned not to listen to negative comments and to keep on dreaming," Trissia said, thankful for joining GK activities that restored her self-esteem.

Trissia, now represents the hidden beauty of GK Libmanan, whose poor residents have been restored in dignity and worth. Many more beautiful poor people are waiting to be discovered in many slum communities. Let us continue in our mission of restoring God's original design of beauty and abundance, restoring the dignity of our people and being proud of the beautiful brown color of our skin.

A Different Kind of Adventure

Six hundred individuals set out for an adventure of a lifetime, and found out they were one people all along.

The sun in Palawan was hot and perky at 10 in the morning. It cheerfully welcomed the planes from Manila as it landed in the sizzling tarmac. The new arrivals trooped to the Holy Trinity University in Puerto Princesa on Holy Monday, March 29.

Many have come from all over the country while some were left jet-lagged having traveled as far as the United States, Australia and Singapore. The team from Bagong Silang, Quezon City had arrived late as a local airline overbooked their flight. But they were happy, having stayed in a posh hotel, most of them not having experienced it before as they were all GK beneficiaries from Globe TM GK village, partners funding their trip to Palawan so that they could serve their fellow poor.

The team from Compostella Valley in Mindanao had patiently awaited for their arrival after having finished the customary tour of the “City within a Forest” and the world-famous Subterranean Underground River, about 3 hours away from Puerto Princesa.

Refreshed, they came early to the HTU gym, welcoming their fellow GK volunteers, people from different walks of life. Some of them were students and professionals from the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila and De La Salle University, College of St. Benilde. They all chose to forego their vacations and offer their Holy Week to be one with those who have been forgotten by society, the indigenous tribe of Palaw’ans who have settled in the mountains, without homes to call their own.

About 600 volunteers responded to the call to be heroes for the poor in the 5th GK Bayani Challenge at Rio Tuba, Bataraza, Palawan.

The Challenge Begins

Six non-airconditioned buses set out on a journey carrying the intrepid volunteers towards Bataraza, southern Palawan where they will build a GK community for the natives. Seventy-five members of the Philippine navy took to the ocean taking with them the local teams from Palawan and Bagong Silang. Everyone were expected to meet up at the Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation (RTNMC) village, the base camp.

However the bus that carried the Filipino-Americans, Australians and GK workers did not come on time, breaking down three times. Amidst the scorching heat and dust that could trigger an asthma attack, their journey felt like the Stations of the Cross. What was to be a six hour travel to Bataraza turned out to be 18 hours in reality with an evening pit stop at St. Joseph’s Church in the town of Narra, where a black-out took place at 12 midnight.

But thanks to the brave soldiers from the Philippine Marines, the foreigners were kept safe amidst security threats. Then it was back on to rough roads at 2 in the morning, arriving early Tuesday at RTNMC village, welcomed by fellow volunteers who have gotten ready to start building at the GK sites of Culimbawang and Bohoy.

The Eyes that said Thanks

The volunteers appointed to GK Bohoy climbed on massive mining trucks provided by RTNMC and Coral Bay Nickel Corp who were caring for the indigenous community. The nomadic tribe who were unable to read and write, unaware of their birthdays, welcomed their newly-arrived guests. Living in the mountains, far from government’s help, they wondered where all these people have come from.

Amidst the build activities, one of the natives Lola Daria sat along with her family outside an earlier completed GK model house in Culimbawang. She was observing her grandson at the Paraisong Pambata area where volunteer-teachers engaged the kids in a coloring activity. Asked how she was doing, water began to gather in her eyes. Despite the language barrier, she expressed more than words how she felt. She was grateful to the volunteers who have come to build their homes, feeling at last, they were not alone. Someone cared about them to have traveled so far.

Looking Back. Paying Forward.
Indeed, the farthest to have made the journey was a 5-man team from San Diego, USA.

Turning 60 years old this year, it was the first time for Felix Duyay to set foot on Philippine soil. Born and bred in America, his parents migrated from Camarines Norte. Along with a good friend from University of San Diego, Salvador Flor, they came to understand more of their rich heritage.

“It’s priceless for me. Going to the place where the people are. I’m impressed at the strength of the people, even with their struggles in life,” he shared. “There is more connection now, actually feeling it, my parent’s heritage,” he said while taking a break from building.

His pal Sal explained that one issue they faced in America was their search for identity. “My parents came as Filipinos. I look at myself as Filipino-American. My daughter was born in the US, she considers herself as American-Filipino. You have 3 sets of perspectives growing up. What ties it all together is that we are Filipino but there was no way to transmit that from one generation to the next as to exactly who we are.”

“This particular village is our connection to the homeland because this was where we worked at,” he said, grateful that “GK gives the Filipino-Americans the opportunity to connect with the home country.”

For Dr. Boy Abay, who left during the Martial Law years, it was time to give back. “We knew that when went to the US, it would take 20 years before we would return. It’s been 26 years and we’ve been blessed,” he said, “My dream for my country is to see the poor lifted up.”

A sentiment shared by fellow Filipino Curtis Alejo who lived a continent away, migrating to Australia in the 1980s, “I want to give something back, to give a lot of hope to our people. As I grow older, I want to share to our countrymen. I promised God if I am healthy, I will continue coming here to the Bayani Challenge,” he said.

A Vow Made. A Promise Kept.

It was another vow that anchored the heart of second generation Filipino-American Marcel Ocampo to the country that his parents had left behind. At 7-years old living in Olongapo, he saw a poor mother with her child living in abject poverty, their plight moved him and he made a promise to himself to do something about the injustice.

After 24 years, he came back to fulfill the promise he made to help the poorest of the poor. “It’s good to go back and get to know our brothers and sisters, to make sure we don’t forget one another,” he said.

Keeping his fellow Fil-Ams close to his mind, he wanted to let them know of their duty to their country, “In the Philippines, they lost the best and the brightest that could have turned around a nation, to seek a better life elsewhere, and those were our parents, that’s a big debt that we’ve got to pay back, we got to come back and make it right,” he said.

It was the desire to provide the same opportunities and blessings she has been given, that made Filipina-Australian Donabele Tungul return to her roots.

As a young child living in Iba, Zambales, she remembered having not enough eat, her parents having been unemployed because there were simply no jobs available for them.

“Keeping that memory in my heart, I thought, one day I will have a different situation in life and I’ll be able to help other people.”

“Now we are able to have a little to share. It’s not much but it’s something to share. I have learned that from my family, to have a giving spirit. It’s a Filipino culture that we have a very generous heart,” she said.

Fellow Filipino-Australian Joekarl Diaz whose family migrated when he was just 12 years old joined the Bayani Challenge to really live out the GK slogan, Walang Iwanan (Leave No One Behind).

“We are here to also send ourselves. The best present you can give someone is yourself and we want to show that in a more physical way, more than prayers and the money that we send through.”

Asked how it was to be a Filipino living in another country, he shared, “GK strengthened the Filipino blood in me. After it started its work in Papua New Guinea, I realized that my race is actually making a big difference in the world.”

“I’m a proud young Filipino in Australia. I’m making my mark. I’m not shy, reluctant about it, not anymore.”

One Team, One Filipino.

If there is one lesson to be learned from this Bayani Challege, it was that we have the same blood running through our veins, no matter where we came from in the world, wherever province we hailed from, whether one is rich or poor.

It couldn’t have been more aptly expressed by the teaming up of Ateneo and La Salle. “For the longest time, we have been rivals. What if for one week, we worked as a team. At the end of the day, hindi naman tayo Atenista, hindi naman tayo Lasallista, tayo ay Pilipino. It’s our core identity,” team leader Frank Chiu wisely said who brought along to their team beneficiaries from GK Baseco, Pingasama, Payatas and the Ateneo Maintenance Group who came to build for their fellow Filipinos.

Friends from Mindanao led by team head Bong Carmelotes who has been present in all the Bayani Challenges from Bicol, Bukidnon, Sulu, Palawan and most likely in Cebu next year, have been passionately building the country of their dreams. “Pangarap natin yung buong Pilipinas maging isang Paraiso na wala ng mahihirap.” (We dream for the entire Philippines to become a Paradise where there are no more poor people.)

With his team of passionate heroes from Compostella Valley, they committed to continue joining the Bayani Challenge as long as they live. “Habang may buhay pa, puntahan namin kahit saan. Para makatulong sa nangangailan, kasi may pag-asa pa ang Pilipinas,” ( As long as we still have life, we will go to the Bayani Challege no matter where it will be held. So that we could help those who are in need, because there is still hope for the Philippines), shared Aqui Santiago. He was the oldest volunteer at 62 years old. “Nakita ko sa build, nandyan si Jesus Christ, kaya everytime na build sasama talaga ako,”  (I see that during builds, Jesus Christ is there, that's why, everytime there is a build, I really join), he shared with tears in his eyes.

GK resident Francis Awa from Bagong Silang has was also present to give of himself. “Nagkaroon ako ng bahay dahil sa Gawad Kalinga, ibubuhos ko ang buhay ko sa bayanihan,”  (I received a home because of Gawad Kalinga, I will pour out my life in bayanihan - being a hero to my neighbor), he said with conviction.

Many lives changed that Holy Week. Many of them brought home lasting friendships and a renewed love for God and country. Leaving beautiful Palawan at dusk, Marcel Ocampo planted a knee on the tarmac, faced the setting sun, touched the earth and gave thanks for the land.

Many GK volunteers like him will bring home a valuable truth in their hearts, that wherever we are in the world, we belong to one family. We are Filipino and no one of our brothers and sisters should be left behind. The heroes from Mindanao had summed it all up beautifully: “Pareho-pareho lang tayong Filipino, kaya dapat magmahalan tayo.” (We are all Filipinos, let us love one another.)

Thank You For Not Leaving Us

GK Camacho, Marikina - It was 12 noon and Tita Delia Labrador,54 years old, was still busy helping clean up her community. In the aftermath of Typhoon Ondoy, their homes were left in knee-deep mud, the water had risen 20 feet submerging homes. Earlier in the morning, some 58 employee volunteers from Globe Telecoms including chief executive officer Ernest Cu have lent a helping hand to clean up their park and surroundings. Slowly but surely, order is being restored.

Tita Delia said she was very grateful that all of them are safe, no one died. She still feels disturbed about seeing a mother and child on their shanty's roof, their whole house being swept away along the Marikina River, waving to them for help. But they too were trapped, cold and wet, but found higher ground.

At night, she thinks of them and prays fervently that they are okay, thankful too that God has saved them from danger through GK. Their homes were secure. It can be recalled that GK Camacho was a relocation site for the squatters along Provident village in Marikina. This subdivision inhabited by the privileged was badly flooded with waters immersing two story houses.

One shudders to think what could have happened to Tita Delia if they remained in the slums. Thirty families have been relocated from this area since 2005 and have homes now at GK Camacho, Phase 2, sheltering 59 kids. "Nagpapasalamat ako sa Diyos, iniligtas niya kami sa kapahamakan. Diyos pa rin ang nagbigay ng daan." (I am thankful to God, He saved us from danger. He provided the way)," said Tita Delia who was one of the squatters along Provident village.

"Ito na siguro ang lupang pangako na ipinagdadasal namin. Nagpapasalamat kami at nakatayo pa ang bahay namin at lahat buhay," said Tita Linda Junio, 43 years old while taking a break from her cleaning activities. (This must be the promised land that we have been praying for. We are thankful that our GK homes are still standing and everyone is alive.)

"Nagpapasalamat kami sa Gawad Kalinga, talagang hindi kami iniwan sa oras ng pangangailangan, kinumusta kami, dinalhan ng pagkain, damit, gamit," affirmed Tita Delia. (We are thankful to Gawad Kalinga, we were not left behind in the time of our need. They asked how we were and gave us food, clothes, things we need)," Tita Delia said.

 
                Globe, GK and the Kapitbahayan.

The week-long relief provision has helped them survive the disaster and gain the strength to clean and continue their life. She said that their neighbors in Balubad, Baranggay Nangka were also grateful that GK also provided relief packs to them, about 1,500 families basic needs were met. "Salamat sa GK na nakatulong sa amin," they said. (Thank you to GK who were able to help us).

Tita Delia thanks her brothers and sisters from Couples for Christ East-B who prayed unceasingly for them to be safe as the typhoon was raging on that fateful day. They provided immediate assistance to the community's needs. "Hindi kami pinabayaan," she said. (They did not forsake us).

The Tzuchi Buddhist Foundation provided livelihood by paying workers from within the community to assist in the clean up operations. Members from Knights of Columbus came to assist and Ricky Reyes held a feeding. Selecta provided ice cream and RFM Corporation gave relief packs. Gawad Kalusugan and Red Cross held a medical mission. Bayanihan thrived over tragedy in the past three weeks and today clean up and rehabilitation are underway.

How do you make fish sleep?

Boni Comandante Jr. made the discovery of his life in 1987 while studying sex reversal of groupers or lapu-lapu in Palawan. Once he inadvertently left some fish in an ice bucket at night, and the next morning he was surprised to see them alive. “The day I saw the fish, I saw dollars in my hand,” he says.

Intrigued, he began experimenting on fish hibernation to develop an anti-stress solution called buhi (Visayan word for alive) blend, which conditioned fish to sleep. “What happens to the fish is that you slow down their metabolism so they consume less oxygen and spend less energy,” he says. “You then have a few hours to transport them without water and still keep them alive.”

Comandante tested his invention in 1989 by transporting live fish to Hong Kong for 12 hours without water. The fish reached their destination alive, but he kept the technology to himself until he could back it up with scientific evidence.

He got sidetracked for 14 years until he discovered the Coastal Resources Management program of Silliman University and presented his invention for his master’s thesis in 2003. The same year, he entered his invention in 1st Negros Oriental Business Development Foundation Innovations Awards, where it won the grand prize of P50,000 as seed money.

Comandante then approached Silliman university economics professor Wilma Tejero to develop his technical paper into a business plan. Eventually the Department of Trade and Industry introduced partners Comandante and Tejero to Dumaguete City entrepreneur Edward Du, who offered P2 million to finance their venture. On June 8, 2004 the partners launched their technology for transporting live fish without water under the company Buhi Marine Worldwide Supply Inc. with a starting capital of P5 million.

Initially, Buhi Marine offered its technology as a franchise to local government units in Negros Oriental, and Bais became the first municipality to acquire its franchise for P150,000 for five years. The company started buying freshly caught fish at the Bais fish port at double their market prices to help the fishermen. It then supplied the fish to the local wet markets and to some restaurants in Metro Manila.

“For every kilo of fish that we buy, we give P2 to the municipality,” says Tejero. “They can expect to recoup their investment in less than two years.”

Comandante says local fish traders could save up to P10 million in shipping costs annually and ship more live fish than the 300 tons they transport each year from the Visayas and Mindanao to Manila by eliminating water, which accounts for 75 percent of their shipments’ weight. (They could also do away with the 10 percent mortality of fish shipped in tanks, because all the fish transported using Buhi Marine’s technology are said to survive the journey.) International shippers could save about $248 million form the 55,000 tons of live fish that they ship annually.

Buhi Marine started receiving proposals from foreign investors after it showcased its technology in a trade show organized by the Center for International trade Expositions and Missions. Later, two Australian investors offered, and Buhi Marine agreed, to form Buhi International to offer the franchise abroad. “It is one of the most innovative solutions for this decade,” said Australian investor Gavin Wilson. “It’s revolutionary – like the invention of the motor. We want to take it to the next level by offering the best service for this product to the world.”

Wilson and his partner pledged to invest $4.5 million in the partnership and discussed the possibility of shipping live tuna without water. (Comandante says he has tested the technology on several fish species including bangus and tilapia and succeeded in stretching their hibernation to 24 hours from 12. he has also tested his technology on prawns and oysters, which “slept” for 12 and 48 hours, respectively.)

Comandante and his partners will soon set a plant in his native Siquijor to train 36 technicians, who would later be assigned to help franchisees. He has also applied for an international patent for his technology in Geneva. “The technology and we supply the technicians to apply it. We call it a black box that only Filipinos can handle. We want to take advantage of the technology so we can supply Filipino technician worldwide.”

In March 2005, Comandante became the first Filipino to win in San Francisco, in the 7th University of San Francisco Business Plan contest, where his invention placed third and bested 150 entries from 18 countries. Still, getting people to accept his invention had once been a challenge. “Some people thought I was using drugs,” he says. “I kept telling them that the compound that triggers fish hibernation was actually naturally occurring. It was out there at sea. You just had to use it.”

He had his moment when specialists at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources studied his technology and then pronounced it safe. “Now I can present the idea to people without them thinking I’m crazy,” says Comandante who has completed his doctorate in marine biology at Silliman University in Dumaguete: “If it’s a gadget you invent, people will see it; but for ideas such as this, you need a scientific basis. That’s why I went back to school."

Builder of Dreams Launched

The Builder of Dreams book by Antonio Meloto, father of Gawad Kalinga, was successfully launched at the Asian Institute of Management last August 31, 2009.

The event gathered Gawad Kalinga's friends from business, government, the academe, and volunteers from here and abroad as well as the youth of Bagong Silang, where GK first began.

Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III graciously received the Builder of Dreams book dedicated to his mother, the late President Corazon Aquino whose 40th day of passing will be commemorated on September 9, 2009.

The special People Power edition of the Builders of Dreams book is dedicated to the beloved president, in honor of her trust and support to the work of Gawad Kalinga and her love for the Filipino people.

When GK was just starting out, President Cory was the first to express her support for the heroic work. In June 25, 2004, she declared that: "GK is People Power and People Power is Gawad Kalinga." She also donated a portion of her land in Tarlac for GK beneficiaries.

"My affection for Tita Cory was deep and personal. She believed in my integrity as I believed in hers. In a corrupt setting trust must go with hope," wrote Meloto in his note, Ninoy and Cory: The Heart and Soul of Gawad Kalinga.

Sen. Noynoy Aquino receives the book in behalf of his beloved parents.

"The challenge to Gawad Kalinga as an expression of People Power is for us to be living everyday heroes," Meloto said.

"Our country needs lifetime heroes, millions of them - not the once-in-a-lifetime great leader who will lead us to glory. There is only one Ninoy and only one Cory in our lifetime - but there are millions of Filipinos who can love this country as much as they did."

Guests were serenaded by the GK Tatalon choir composed of former street children and garbage scavengers whose lives have been transformed through the help of living heroes quietly working on the ground to build a truly free Philippines for all Filipinos especially the poor.

To avail of the special People Power edition Builder of Dreams book, please send an email through: cococastrocruz@gmail.com.

Amazing Banglos: Fishermen turned Sculptors

Banglos means "Bangon at Kilos" (Rise and Act)

The fishermen-turned-Banglos sculptors of the GK Smart Amazing Village in General Nakkar, Quezon continue to wow collectors of their masterpieces at Le Souffle Rockwell, one of Manila's famous art spaces.

The sculptors who turned their tragedy into triumph by creating delightful pieces of wooden art inspired the guests who attended their exhibit titled, "The Art of Nation Building."

The residents of the tiny fishing village in General Nakkar have come a long way from their tragic past. In 2004, the residents of General Nakar were displaced by a strong typhoon that struck the province. With their homes and livelihood destroyed, the residents most of whom were fishermen, had nothing left but the drift woods that were dislodged from the mountains.

On a visit to the typhoon-ravaged area, Gawad Kalinga partner Smart Communications saw an opportunity amidst the tragedy. The residents were introduced to Rey Paz Contreras, a renowned Filipino sculptor, who helped them transform the source of their pain into works of art.

"Sculpture was like therapy for us. It made us forget our unfortunate past,” recounted the fishermen. Today, the Banglos Sculptors has made a name in the art scene as a model of a successful community-based art group.

Their artworks were so precious that they almost sold out during their launch. Many leaders from the business industry came and were inspired. Among their patrons were movers and shakers in business such as SGV & Co.'s Washington Sycip and Meralco's Oscar Lopez who bought some of the art pieces.

This photo was taken by the Philippine Star.

Alongside the Banglos sculptures, Filipino artist Manch Carpio's beautiful paintings are also on display at Le Souffle. He has kindly donated a portion of the proceeds of his paintings to Gawad Kalinga.

The launch of the exhibit was made possible through the generosity of Chef Jessie Sincioco of Le Souffle Rockwell and organized by friends and GK volunteers Marivic Pineda, Pinky Poe, Divine Duran, Rose Cabrera and Cecile Manheimer, the team behind GKonomics.

GKonomics is helping build a prosperous Philippines by promoting the beautiful products made by poor residents in GK communities. They also bridge the gap between the rich and the poor by facilitating private and public enterprise partnerships to start and mentor livelihood programs in GK communities.

One of their successful patriotic ventures is GKoncepts, a merchandising arm that develops innovative product ideas manufactured in GK communities such as Hope in a Box, rosaries and trendy bags made of recycled materials. When you buy an item from GKConcepts you are able to help a GK community rise from poverty and become sustainable. "Every product a story, every purchase a purpose," believed the GK volunteers.

The fishermen turned sculptors now live in a safe haven at the GK Smart Amazing Village in General Nakkar, Quezon province in the Philippines. With their earnings from their sculptures, they have helped build another village in Cebu for fellow GK beneficiaries.

For further information about GK products including the Banglos sculptures, please send an email to gkoncepts.info@gmail.com. The Banglos sculptures will be on display at Le Souffle at Rockwell until August 31, 2009.

Maraming salamat po at Paalam Ina ng Bayan, Corazon Aquino (1933 - 2009)

Today (August 5, 2009), the Filipino people are out on the streets or are glued on their television sets, paying their respects to the passing of a great Filipino leader and mother, President Corazon Aquino.

Tita Cory as she is fondly called by Filipinos, is remembered as the mother of Philippine democracy who lead the country after the peaceful People Power Revolution at Edsa in 1986. She is also known as the devoted wife of the erstwhile late Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. who was assisinated in 1983, coming home from a 3-year exile in Boston. He spent most of his life fighting the oppressions and dictatorship of the Marcos regime.

The sacrifice of this couple is truly amazing. Ninoy died for the freedom of his country. Cory gave birth to democracy and nurtured it. She was indeed the Ina ng Bayan (the country's mother). Even until her death, she has spawned that Cory magic, uniting Filipinos from all walks of life.

But aside from being the first woman president of the Philippines and in Asia, what I truly admire most about this inspiring lady is her beautiful soul. She embodies all that is good in the Filipino. Her integrity and quiet strength are to be emulated. She was courageous and brave amidst challenges. She was a loving mother and a great friend to those who were blessed to know her personally. She treated all people with equal respect. She left a legacy of hope and a great faith in God and the Filipino people. Indeed, Corazon was true to her name, becoming the heart of a country and her family.

Today is a sad, rainy day. Sad but hopeful. Both sweet and sentimental. It feels like the passing of a generation, like a beginning and an end. It is also hopeful because Tita Cory left us a great legacy. A legacy of loght which the present generation and the generations to come will have to pass on. She has given us her yellow light even in death. We thank our great God for the gift of Cory, for helping us all realize that it is indeed a great blessing to be a Filipino.

I agree that the song composed by Jim Paredes sums up Cory's legacy: "Handog ng Pilipino sa mundo, mapayapang paraang pagbabago. Katotohanan, Kalayaan, Katarungan, ay kayang makamit ng walang dahas basta't magkaisa tayong lahat."

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas Niyang Mahal.

Builder of Dreams

Sharing with you a poignant poem written by GK's Father.

WHAT IS GOOD FOR THE POOR IS GOOD FOR MY SOUL
By Antonio Meloto

It took me more than half a century
To embrace the most amazing reality
That love for the least of humanity
Is the ultimate measure of divinity.

The Master-builder told me from the start
I am not whole without the missing parts;
I cannot grow without a nurturing heart
For shivering Lazarus when I have so much.

The disconnected complete me,
The powerless make me strong.
My children will be sheltered
If I build the strays a home.

My descendants will be fed
If I make the hungry my own.
I won’t cross the finish alone,
I must bring the lame along.

Next year in January as I turn sixty
I ask this from friends and family;
Please do not abandon the poor,
Do not give up the dream of 2024:

Our children will not know poverty
Because it will be gone.
They will not understand corruption
Because there will be none.

Glad tidings to the poor is good for my family;
Freedom to the captives liberates my country;
The world bleeds when hate is fed to the hungry;
Heaven weeps when neglect is justified by hypocrisy.

Loving the poor is the key to a life of grace
And the best exit strategy to the next place.
To dreamers and repairers of the breached
Our reward on earth and in heaven is peace.

Season of Love

Sharing with you a story written by one of my favorite living heroines.

GK Moments - A Journey of Love
By Issa Cuevas-Santos
wife, mom, missionary

It's a couple of hours before my flight back home to the Philippines. It's been several days since the historic GK Global Summit in Boston ended, but I can still feel that all too familiar lump in my throat whenever I think of what just transpired. I've gone around Boston and LA, and people continue to tell me their own Summit experience. Each one has a favorite speech, joke or conversation, but one thing is very clear.

This Summit was life-changing for all of us. It is especially meaningful for me. 2009 is my 10th year as a fulltime worker for GK, and I am also turning 30. And it is the pivotal year before we reach our first major milestone - GK777 on World Hope Day, October 10, 2010.

A lot has changed in the past ten years. In the early days, we would go around the country talking about Gawad Kalinga or GK, and nobody knew what it was. Today, I wear a GK shirt and it starts a conversation.

We would usually have "conferences" in small rooms in various parts of the country. We only needed a small venue because there weren't a lot of volunteers or caretakers. It was like the voice of one (actually, three, Tito Tones, Luis and me) calling out in the desert. Last weekend, we found ourselves presenting GK to the world, in Boston, the most prestigious academic setting in the world. The voice has been heard, and the world is now listening.

In those days, the who's who in government were difficult to reach. Thankfully, Tito Tony never asked us to. He said, "Just build, and they will come." And so we built, and they have come. In the Summit, we had the Vice President Noli De Castro, 2 senators (Sen. Pangilinan and Sen. Zubiri), 1 cabinet secretary (Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap), 1 congressman (Cong. Rufus Rodriguez), 3 governors (Cam Sur Gov LRay Villafuerte, Sorsogon Gov Sally Lee, Tarlac Gov Victor Yap), 3 former cabinet secretaries (Nonong Cruz, Bebet Gozun, Tony Gonzalez), several mayors (Paranaque Mayor Bernabe, Taguig Mayor Tinga, Makati Mayor Binay, Iloilo Mayor Trenas, Dingle Mayor Palabrica, Pototan Mayor Perez, Gerona Mayor Go, San Isidro Mayor Lorenzo, St. Bernard Mayor Rentuza, Daet Mayor Sarion, Murcia Mayor Coscolluela). They represent the more than 400 towns and cities that GK is currently in partnership with.

Some people said it would be difficult to get big business to be part of what we wanted to do. And yet the Summit gathered Globe's Gerry Ablaza, Shell Country Chairman Ed Chua, PLDT-Smart Foundation President Butch Meilly, Saladmaster President Keith Peterson, Angelo King Foundation's Archie King, Former Wyeth Philippines Chairman Boy de Claro, ODM Chairman Tony Olaes, Former Businessman of the Year Cito Lorenzo. They, together with the over 200 major corporations that GK is in partnership with, have made nation-building their business.

However, in all these ten years, there is one thing that remains constant and unchanging - the courageous love of the GK volunteer.

It is this unrelenting passion to give beyond oneself that has propelled GK to the global stage, with world leaders now listening. It this unwavering commitment to the mission that has inspired countries like India and Columbia to come to the Philippines and ask to be trained on the GK Way, an emerging global template for development.

This was very clearly captured in every speech, and more importantly, in the everyday actions of those that comprise GK's massive army on the ground, and all over the world. It was the driving force behind the awe-inspiring work of the Boston team led by Eugene and Evita Florendo, behind the bold decision of many from the Philippines and all over the world to converge in Boston despite difficult times.

I know, with much conviction, that it is this clarity of mission that inspired many of the speeches of the speakers during the Summit. Allow me to share some with you.
Tony Olaes, a successful second generation Filipino American based in the US, thanked Gawad Kalinga for giving him back his identity and pride as a Filipino - the small work that we do everyday, quietly and faithfully, in every GK community is breathing new life to a whole generation of Filipinos throughout the world who do not know their heritage. We are building the highways of the heart back to the motherland.

Ed Chua said that GK had all the qualities that corporations were looking for in a partner - transparency, accountability, track record. I continue to stand in awe at the fact that GK is such a young organization, with very Filipino roots, and yet multinationals are flocking to the work because they value the integrity of the people behind the cause.

I was especially touched with Mayor Freddie Tinga, who very humbly accepted that a lot of people looked at government officials with great distrust. And so he tells big developers in Taguig who doubt his administration to just give their government compliance for 20% socialized housing directly to Gawad Kalinga. He does with confidence because everything given to GK is leveraged, and his constituents can only get greater benefits through the GK model. His actions honor the silent but critical work of our caretakers.

Bukas Loob sa Diyos, also came in full force to the Summit, and it was wonderful to see many more communities getting involved. The history of organizations within the Catholic Church is sometimes filled with its own stories of division, but GK has been able to successfully unite not only people of various faiths, but even organizations belonging to the same faith. CFC Director Joe Tale reiterated there was no split between CFC and GK, and that no member would be asked to choose between the two. This was wonderful to hear, and it was symbolic to see our brethren in Couples for Christ standing right alongside BLD as community caretakers - it is this convergence that will break the chains of poverty.

I chanced upon Gerry Ablaza during breakfast on Sunday, and he told me that he had arrived the night before, and was leaving the following day -- he was only there for the Summit. He shared that he didn't think he could still make these short trips, but he would gladly do anything for GK because he was simply honored to be part of it. But someone that surprised me was really Archie King and his wife, who stayed throughout the whole Summit and really participated in all the activities. He spoke with his heart on the last day, sharing how difficult it was to actually "spend" money because credible organizations were hard to find. He spoke of his deep admiration for the people behind GK, and said that he was overwhelmed with the passion that he could feel pulsating in the conference venue for the three days that he was there.

Secretary Arthur Yap said during his speech that GK was able to gather people who would most likely not sit together in the same room, if not for GK's transcendent cause. I looked at our delegates then - some of them very "simple" people, some the most powerful in their areas of influence, others had given so much financially while others had given so much of themselves in service... It was true. Our paths would not have crossed, and our lives would not be so intimately linked to one another through the mission, if not for Gawad Kalinga.

But perhaps what was most meaningful for me were the observations of Dean Laurence Simon of Brandeis University. He was asked to be a reactor for the Food and Health workshop which I was lucky to be part of, so please allow me to share them with you.

He said that he was very struck by the outstanding achievements of Gawad Kalinga despite its young age as an organization. He especially shared how pleased he was to see that GK obviously had faith-based roots, but it was not afraid to expand and reach out to become a global movement beyond just small communities. He said he had studied many such organizations from various countries in the past, and although many had been successful in the areas where they operated, very few were able to expand to the scale that he was seeing in GK. He was particularly struck by the Health presentation, which highlighted that GK was God's healing hands at work. He said this was a very bold proclamation that the world needed to hear, and GK was now becoming the strong voice that the world would listen to.

I saw all the GK presentations, and not once did any of the speakers mention social justice. And yet, he said he could see very clearly that GK was striking at the very heart of poverty, addressing its very roots -- social justice. He said GK dared to ask the difficult questions -- not just why is the man hungry, or why is a child malnourished. Instead, GK asks, why is there poverty in the world and challenges every person to do something about it.

He was so inspired by GK that he decided, on the spot, to give one full scholarship to any person that Gawad Kalinga chooses, to Brandeis University. I am confident that this is how the world will respond to the outstanding work that we have all done together, and the floodgates will just open for GK.

His words only affirmed one thing -- the mission is clear. We may not always have the right words to describe it, but our actions and the work that we do is the most powerful testament to what is in our heart. This point of realization is now part of my list of "GK moments."

Luis challenged delegates to capture these "GK moments," and from there draw out their own declarations because this is what would change the world. My declaration remains the same.
I gladly offer all that I am, and all that I hope to be, to the service of my God and my country.

I saw Tony del Rosario come up with his wife Annette, and kids Maiki and Xavi. I knew then that I was looking at the future, and my heart felt peace knowing that the work we started many years ago in Bagong Silang will be continued by the next generation. They are in place, they are ready to make their declaration.

What is yours?

I have asked myself many times how we are going to measure the success of the Summit, and what we have achieved together in the past ten years. It is now dawning on me that the most powerful measure is our LOVE. Our love for God. Our love for country. Our love for the poor. Our love for each other. It is this ONE LOVE that will unite our country, that will build our nation, and that will inspire the world to end poverty.

Love is the greatest measure, and our cup doth overflow.

I am reminded of the lyrics of my favorite Rent song, Seasons of Love :

"525,600 minutes, 525,000 moments so dear
525,600 minutes - how do you measure a year?
In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee.
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife.
In 525,600 minutes - how do you measure a year in the life?

How about love? Measure in love. Seasons of love."

It has been the greatest privilege to share so many seasons of love with you throughout the years. I look forward to a lifetime of service with all of you. On to 2024!

Catching Sight of the Vision

Now this is one vision worth catching like the flu.

They say the Philippines is now known for three main things in the international community: world-class beaches, Manny Pacquiao, and Gawad Kalinga. Just wanted to share with you GK's dream that was unveiled in the recent Global Summit in Boston.

The Vision: Gawad Kalinga seeks to uplift 5 million Filipinos out of extreme poverty by the year 2024, thereby building a first-class Philippines and a world-class Filipino.

The Time Frame: 21 years starting October 4, 2003 until October 4, 2024.

The first phase of the GK journey seeks to address social injustice by raising 700,000 home lots and start-up 7,000 communities by the end of 2010. The goal of the campaign called GK 777 or the time for Social Justice is to "unsquat” the poorest of the poor, heal their woundedness, regain their trust, build their confidence, help them to think and act as a community and share in the joy of a country rising from poverty.

Moving on to the next 7 years from 2011 to 2017 is the stewardship phase called Social Artistry: strengthening governance; developing community-based programs for health, education, environment, and productivity; building a village culture that honors Filipino values and heritage. The goal is to empower the powerless for self- governance, self- reliance, and self- sufficiency.

The final phase in the last 7 years from 2018 to 2024 is envisioned as a time of Social Progress. This phase seeks to achieve scale and sustainability by developing the grassroots economy and expanding the reach and influence of GK to 5 million families with support from key sectors of society in the Philippines and partners abroad. We will make the Filipino poor “unpoor” by unleashing his potential for productivity and hard work in the right environment.

According to GK visionary Tony Meloto, the 21-year journey of GK represents one generation of Filipinos who will journey from poverty to prosperity, from neglect to respect, from shame to honor, from third-world to first-world, from second-class to first-class citizen of the world.

The term first-world is not a statement that everything in the West or in a developed country is superior or desirable; it simply refers to greater opportunities, higher standards, and better quality of life available to more of its citizens.


Thanks to Galenne for this beautiful video.

---
Like King David in the Scriptures, I pray that I would live to see the goodness of the Lord in this present life. (Psalm 27:13)

Good Morning, Pilipinas

Rise and Shine!

Today, we celebrate our Independence Day. I know some of you wonder, are we really, truly free?

I have been thinking of that too. I know we are not completely free as long as many of our people do not have homes of their own, are hungry most of the time and fear for their lives.

The recent events in our national government such as the sneaky passing of the resolution for a Constituent Assembly to change the constitution and the death of the hardworking and heroic Sumilao farmer Ka Rene, are enough news to break our hearts.

But you know what, I continue to have hope. There is always hope!

In Davao, a prominent landed family has donated several hectares of land to their farmers, built homes for them and provided them with livelihood.

In Nueva Ecija, volunteers cleaned and restored a school in the spirit of bayanihan (teamwork), now young kids do not have to study uncomfortably while seated on a floor of mud.

In Makati, companies and employees are pooling their resources to build homes for their poor neighbors.

In Quezon City, former street children who lived under the bridges and in cemeteries are back in school and living securely in their own homes.

In Sulu, a poor Muslim community is living in their new GK village after 200 brave young men and women came to build in Panglima Estino three months ago.

In Hong Kong, a Filipino overseas worker returned a large amount of money despite being in need and homeless too.

In America, Australia, the Middle East, and Ireland, Filipino immigrants are working hard not only for their kin but for building GK villages to care for the poor in their towns.

In Boston today, government officials are setting aside political agendas in lieu of development goals, seeking the best answer to the question: How can I best help my people?

Every day in GK communities, residents are building homes for their neighbors with the help of volunteers who give of their time and skills, setting aside competing school affiliations, realizing that their true identity is Filipino above all.

The youth in the GK villages are growing up witnessing living heroes in their midst, learning about age-old Filipino values like bayanihan and malasakit (genuine concern) expressed in concrete terms.

I have hope because every day I see the greatness of the ordinary Filipino making extraordinary change.

There is hope for the Philippines, I believe that with all my heart. Filipino talent is starting to leave a mark in the international scene. The boxer, the singer, and the director are but the tip of the ice berg.

Many more talents remain undiscovered and untapped like the recent softball player champ who hailed from Smokey Mountain, like the kids who are roaming the streets begging for your attention and love.

Let me share more good news! Today, we are planting the seeds of true freedom.

Today in the United States, the vision for a first-class, slum-free, healthy, abundant and progressive Philippines is going to be unveiled. Today, all sectors of our society from the government, business, academe, church, military, media, private citizens and the overseas Filipinos are represented, taking that bold step towards unity, honoring their commitment to help their countrymen.

Today, the greatness in the Filipino prevails. We are born to a country of heroes. Nobility is in our blood. Sure, there is weakness. But there is also strength and courage! Courage not only to stand against corruption and poverty; but brave enough to trust and believe in all that is good in the beautiful, talented, heroic Pearl of the Orient.

“They say I'm a dreamer,” John Lennon sings, oh, but I am not the only one! And I am pleased to share that the country of our dreams is steadily becoming a reality.

The GK Global Summit in Boston will unveil this day the emerging Asian model for development. With over 1,700 GK communities all over the country, addressing the needs of the majority of Filipinos, our hope for a bright future for the Philippines is well on its way.

Today Filipinos are standing tall, embracing their roots, recognizing their true worth, and reaching out.

Rise my country, for you are deeply loved. One day soon, you will be completely free and God's plan of prosperity and joy for you will be fulfilled.

This is reason enough to celebrate because we have hope and our hope is in our hands.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Maligayang Muling Pagsilang!

About the Photo: A poor Filipino family in Bicol whose house was destroyed by a raging typhoon has a new home because of the care of ordinary Filipinos. This picture was taken at dawn by Hyds Valencia, a GK volunteer. There is always hope. Bawat Pilipino Bayani!