We got married last Wednesday, Joey.  You would've been proud of Jay, he was more eloquent than I was during our vows.  :)

Alexis - you and Nika would've slipped right in so smoothly into that party.  Kidlat was there, Ronnie Laz, Lourd, Erwin - all the people we both loved and admired.  Were you there?  Jesus, I wish I had answers.  Where'd you two go?

I still miss you two.  Here we are raising a glass to both of you.  Jay and I salute.  Joey and Alexis. 

God what I would've given for the two of you to be there.  Susan too.  Susan would've been Ninang.


Jay and I miss you two fiercely.  That after-life theory better be true - we still have to party on this one, don't we?

I went to St Theresa's for Nursery & Kinder. For the entire year I was in Kinder they were already telling us that we won't be studying there for Grade School. Imagine the lesson I picked up from that one- at such an early age! (Whaaaat? New schooool? Not STC? Whyyyyy? Bec it's closing, that's it. Period. Just accept i...t. Doyngk.) So I promised myself I'd remember everything as best I can. The Sweepstakes ofc beside it, the guard's paging system, the 'nursery rhymes' mural painted on the wall, the translucent glass tiles on the wooden doors, the step stool you stand on when it's your birthday, the red-chit (for Mirinda) & blue-chit (for Choco-Vim). I remember Ms. de Dios, Ms. Romans (2 of them) Sr. Redempta of course. I also remember the scary trap door on the floor of the auditorium stage, the white grosgrain parang-Ferragamo ribbon attached to a hairpin. Our yearbook's name was 'Anaphase' & it must've been 1978. I remembered some things, didn't I?

Maraming salamat, STC!

Reposting an article from 2007.  It was about the 2007 polls. Just reminiscing before I proceed to completely taking on 2010. I re-read this and was so amazed at how these still ring true.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5 THINGS YOU SAID ABOUT THE ELECTIONS:
or THE ROCK ED RADIO SURVEY or A RADIO SHOW TUNES IN TO ITS LISTENERS  (circa 2007)

 

Ah, elections. You’ve seen and heard them all, you say.  And you must be tired.  Election season is that time where days are peppered with campaign jingles, catchy (translation: annoying) tag lines brandishing this or that politician as the only ray of hope of the nation, as your voice in the Senate, as the representative of your hopes, and the enflesher of your dreams. (huh?)  As if the billboards weren’t visually invasive enough, the roads now have a wallpaper of campaign posters of the candidates. Who, by the way, are not even half on the looks scale as John Lloyd Cruz in the headache medicine billboard or Dayanara Torres in the cosmetic surgery one. “Many of us would get less migraine attacks if the politicians were as good-looking as the models.” someone said. But alas… (thought fading out…)  So let’s talk about this. My colleague, Lourd de Veyra (Radioactive Sago Project) and I took a survey on reactions of the young to this month’s elections. We did this through the past six Sundays of Rock Ed Radio. (Rock Ed Radio is a weekly socio-civics talk show that we host over the Home of NU Rock, NU107 FM.)  Our respondents were listeners whose ages range from 14-45.  They didn’t realize that while they tuned in to us, we were tuned into them, too.

 
Here are the most popular reactions to the coming elections:


   1. “It’s just a popularity contest.  Only the famous stand a chance. The ugly ones lose.”  – While that may be true, it is interesting to note that there are smashingly good looking Senatorial candidates who are bonafide celebrities but are not quite making it to the magic list.  And many-- who are not good-looking at all--that make it. Does that say something about us?  Perhaps.  (aaah, hope?)  The survey we took from listeners of Rock Ed Radio reflected this response:  Many young voters now are not convinced by star status alone.  They now know that there is much to be said about ‘training for a task’ and that being a fantastic actor might not make for an effective lawmaker.  They look for integrity, experience, expertise, and vision. Several said they want to see non-wealthy politicians hold office because they understand the general plight more than the usual public official who is part of the economic elite. But many more expressed that the lesser affluent officials might be more prone to take on the dark route and steal from the coffers. (As if there was a monopoly in that field, we’ve seen rich ones do that, too ya’ know. ) Actors? Maybe not anymore, majority said. On a light note though, some joked that being a good actor will probably help one be a good politician.  (Cool! Politicians act? And there we thought they were just ‘all talk.’) Discussions flew. They said, well if it’s a popularity tilt, then even that is our doing.  Maybe we haven’t demanded enough for them to spit out concrete platforms. Blue prints of programs and plans have to be part of their campaign blast. We, as voters should require platforms before toupees and programs before toothpaste commercial smiles on posters. I know this is elementary, but it cannot be said enough. So, I’ll say it again, DEMAND FOR PLATFORMS. Many said they have a feeling we are becoming smarter voters. I say we’ll get there someday.

   2. “Public office is a family affair. It’s the same last names, just the Juniors and the daughters of the same ol’ same ol’people running. Are they any different?” – Good observation! Though, it doesn’t take that much keenness to notice that. But hear this, according to an article from www.pcij.org (New Political Dynasties by Julio Teehankee) there are approximately one hundred and sixty (160) families who have called the two Houses of the Philippine Congress home for decades. Two or more family members have served in Congress and they count for a significant percentage of the men and women who have been elected to the national lawmaking body from 1907-2004. (gasp*)  Again, the respondents to our survey have mixed reactions.  Majority of the respondents said that these younger generation candidates cling onto their last names, ride on the laurels, or worse, the notoriety of their forebears to win in the coming polls. But – they are not necessarily better, smarter, or more equipped. In fact, many of the young voters think that “apelyido lang ang meron sila.” (“the last name is all they possess..”) approximately 20%  of respondents said that this was okay because the business of legislation is best assigned to someone whose family orientation is familiar with the task.  If one grew up in the family set-up of lawmakers, then maybe it makes them adept to the work. (Okay, you may stop scratching your head now.)  The remaining young respondents said, it doesn’t matter to them.  What’s in a name, they say. If someone is good at the job, why persecute them just because they are sons and daughters of so and so? In our society, sadly, oftentimes doors are opened for people who have well-placed parents.  It is a fact that we are often guilty or innocent by association. In a back-to-front way that can be positive because we have character references, (okay scratch your head again) but the negative side of this is obvious and apparently unfair to the individual. You’ve seen and heard this all before because I heard somewhere that 2bU readers are smart. It’s not in the last name, in as much as a product’s efficacy is not in its name nor in its marketing campaign.  Parang Choc-nut yan. Walang TV ad, walang radio jingle, walang posters o t-shirt o tagline, pero matatag kasi talagang masarap. Tried and tested and true.  The product’s consistency and integrity sold itself. So should it be with the candidates daw. (Wow, that was a bad analogy…) Anyway, speaking of tactics, read on to the next popular reaction.


   3. “The tactic of ‘branding’ a candidate during campaigns is taken too far. It’s illusory! Deceptive, at best.”  – Based on an interview with Mr. Chris Belardo, a former campaign manager of massive Senatorial campaigns in the past; the candidate is the person, the tagline is the ‘brand.’  In the business of advertising, one of the top priorities of the campaign team is to have the candidate’s name remembered. Association with something positive, something the voters can recall. Recall! That’s all they want. Aba! I stand a chance. How can you not remember the last name, Badoy? (Tadah! But no, I am not interested in running for public office. Then again, with the colloquial denotation of my name, will I win? Haha.) Anyway, I’ve had the opportunity of voting twice in my life, and Belardo is right. I must admit, I just wrote down names that were familiar to me.  In fact, the first time I voted, I didn’t prepare at all. (A ghastly mistake. I regret it ‘til now.) I didn’t realize I had to vote for so many positions. Mayor, Vice Mayor lang ang inisipan ko. So at the polls, I checked out recognizable names. I thought, well, if I’ve never heard of gross anomalies about them then perhaps they are worth voting for. Ah, how wrong I was. So, please do not make that mistake.  Study the candidates. Read about them.  Find more than one source of the news. There are several angles to a story as with a person.  Look at many sides and cull for yourself your own opinion on him or her. If there are debates on TV –watch! Listen to them talk. Observe their gestures. Write down what you like or dislike about a candidate, after all, they allegedly represent you. (Ree-prezent.) Ask yourself what you like about a certain candidate’s platform.  Is he or she an advocate of causes that are yours as well? Then go! Read. Study. Research. Plus, if the candidate has a scheduled appearance in your University, your Barangay, your District, watch them. Ask them questions. Take time out. Some of them are painfully boring as a tooth-ache while watching an infomercial but by now you know that the flashy ones are usually the more suspect. Watch the news. But wait --this is where and why media integrity has to come into play, too. But that requires a whole new article altogether. (I promise to write that one again for 2bU.) And this is also where we realize the importance of media literacy.  Being media literate allows us to be critical observers of all forms of media. It is the capability of discerning, interpreting, reading, breaking down any form of media; be it print, radio, TV, cyber, roving or static. It is a skill that we should sharpen what with all the new media forms running all over us. Media literacy allows us to distinguish mere perception from, what could be, reality.  It’s no different from liking the TV commercial of a shampoo brand and knowing what it’s composed of. Read the label, sniff the bottle, check out the ingredients.  Ah! And the best step, of course, is to have the chance to test the product before buying. Maybe we won’t be so lucky on that opportunity, when it comes to elections, but like with any product --  if it’s been bought before and it didn’t work –then don’t buy it again. That point being said, let me usher you onto the fourth pervading election-sentiment on this list.
 

  4. “We’ve had elections before. I haven’t seen any changes. In the names, policies, projects, programs. I’m not even sure if our elections are clean! (ah hah) We still have the 2004 questions hanging over our heads and here we are again. How do they expect us to participate?” --- It is easier to throw in the towel and walk away. We all know that. Especially if we’ve overheard it from conversations of our parents and relatives from the older generation. It is also very justifiable to dismiss a political exercise when we think it is useless to participate and moreso if we do not trust the structure, in general.  Many of us find ourselves right smack in that frame of mind.  But, you see, everyday the Motherland begs you for demonstrations of hope. The polls definitely fall under that category. We can be jaded sometimes because it is justifiable to be so.  But the bigger doom of our country is not in the self-serving politician nor is it in the political wheelings and the so-called evil establishment we are up against.  The more impending doom of our country is when we, the young ones, don’t even put up a fight against our own cynicism.  Let’s choose the possibility of frustration  over indifference, for now. Let’s frustrate the cynics.  Voting is not the only thing we can do during these elections.  Rock Ed volunteers have helped man the phone lines of Gabay Halalan, an election information hotline set up by the Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan at the Ateneo de Manila University. (dial 101-49 from any PLDT phone for free election related information) We can report electoral violations to the Comelec. We can join and support advocacies that organize poll watching. We can engage in intelligent conversation with friends and compare our lists. Listen to other people’s opinions on candidates you aren’t familiar with and share what you know, too. Find out more from www.comelec.gov.ph. Let’s try to “rage against this dying light.” Whew* And now, for the last popular election sentiment on the Rock Ed Radio survey.


   5. “I didn’t bother to register because I think it’s useless. That’s okay, I’m just one vote anyway.” ---- I don’t need to write the clichés here. The ones that say “your vote counts blah blah blah*” or “if all of us thought that way, what would happen na shu-shu-shu*” – because you all know that. Of course your voice counts. Of course! This is your time.  This is our time. Whatever it is you have to say on our political situation, economic struggle, or cultural wrestling matches with questions of identity, all our confusion on global and local attitude, whatever our take is on things that matter (like these elections),  –whatever it is you have to say must be heard somehow.  I know this is why you blog, chat, text, or multiply and this is why you have accounts at Friendster of myspace. It is because you believe you have something to show and say to the world through photos of your life and your daily posts. A clear and direct manifestation of your statement on the country is by voting --- then do it well. If you protest the elections then I hope you registered so at least your abstention is felt. Write it on your ballot.  For as long as we are armed with the right sense and the willingness to research more on the candidates and then we guard our ballots, it will be more difficult for the shady ones to win.



      Gang Badoy, First published, Philippine Daily Inquirer - May 2007.

------------------------------

Tell me, now that it's 2009 - do you think this survey-list will change?

My dearest Philippines,

I love you, more, I think, than I know, but my kind of love isn't a sword. It's a light. Not a fire. A small light, just bright enough to read love letters by and keep the animals at a growling distance. In time it will go out. All lights go out. So do all fires, if it's any comfort. For now, mine still burns for you - it is not a blaze - but whatever it is, it's still on.

Love me, my country - and look at me, and remember me, as I'll remember you. There's nothing more. Sit close, take care of your children and ask the people in power to shut up, stop, and for God's sake, work.

Love,

Gang


*This letter was paraphrased from a P.Beagle literary masterpiece.*
*graphic design by Patrick O'Brien

It is a difficult time, I understand and although we, at Rock Ed Radio are used to putting things under the lighter light or doing the lighter side of things – tonight is different.

For the first 20 or so minutes we will be talking to Nathan and Paolo Tioseco – cousin and sister of the late film-critic Alexis Tioseco –whose death (murder still unsolved) continues to horrify our radio team.

 

At half past 9 – we will break into our special edition to reflect on the recent massacre in Maguindanao –billed as the Ampatuan Massacre –as it happened in the town of Ampatuan.  We will have (not experts) but individuals who kept and are still keeping close watch on the event.  I think the entire country is keeping close watch of the gruesome event so we also decided to make tonight’s episode a venue for all of you who are listening to express your sentiments on Monday Nov 23.  A day that will certainly be remembered with grief, anger, horror, and hopefully –eventually - not frustration. 


Rock Ed Radio joins the entire world in condemnation of the indescribable loss of innocent lives- under one evil swoop.  We are all challenged to keep our grips on our thoughts and selves – we are all challenged to keep safe and more critical more aware, sharper in our views – prudent in our actions.  We are challenged to fully accept that we are angry, we are tempted to go by fire as well – but we should be compelled to try to understand our history, our regional traditions, the bigger picture, the macro-lens view as well ~so that our general direction will only be that of safety for everyone and the goal is always justice.



So – welcome to Rock Ed Radio – Nov 26th 2009 episode – 3rd Season. Episode 2.  

 

Rock Ed Radio is an alternative social studies class on FM wherein we try to raise our civic-awareness in the hopes of achieving civic-participation. Something we so desperately need in this day and age.

26 Nov 2009
9pm
NU107

 

 

The Maguindanaoan women always welcomed me with grace and warmth. They are beautiful and brave. I want to let my friends from Maguindanao know that they are not judged for the acts of the few. This burden is not theirs alone - it is ours, too. Chin up.

Fr. Jose Moises Fermin, SJ, priest, teacher & friend


He taught me to keep only the necessary things and people in my life. Like Ginsberg he says, “everything else is drunken dumbshow.” I have continued to blissfully ignore some of our old common-friends, the ones he advised me "not to bother with anymore" since they never bothered with me. (Joey- the leader of the anti-drama crusade.) "See how much better you'll do once you drop them off." Panalo. I did drop 'em all w/o missing a beat -but Joey's absence I cannot seem to shrug off. He was right though, I did so much better without people who don't bother hearing my side. Best advice to date. No. excess. baggage. nor. people. Carry. on. (He said it exactly that way.)

I miss him fiercely, but the world was lucky to have had his company until the 5th day of this year.

Joey is/was supposed to turn 47 this Wednesday. I always greeted him a day late so last year when I finally texted him on the correct day (since his spirits were up) he joked, "You're early- call tomorrow." *click* I was laughing and called him the following day instead. I guess despite him being in reverse isolation in Medical City he wanted to feel normal. He explained the next day - so haltingly since the medication must've been strong - that he wanted 'no changes' from me. I tried to listen to him talk so slow and fragmented. I'd like to think I understood him. Like he always did me.

I'm not sure what to do on Thursday. I still remember last year - he asked for a CD and I said I had Coldplay's Viva la Vida ("long live life") and Death and all his Friends for him. I asked if I should give him something calmer - he texted, "No! Accurate. Viva la Vida, Gang!" Then after a few minutes he texted me to look for a Hungarian Polka CD. (?)

Ewan.

Joey ~ Mahirap talagang magsulat pag nawalan ng sinusulatan. Hindi pa ako okey, pero shet -happy birthday na rin. (sa Thursday)

Thursday night will find the Rock Ed Radio team back on air!  After over a month of resting from the airwaves we are all excited to be back in business.

Our topic will be the Comelec's decision to disqualify the party list "Ladlad"   (READ MORE HERE)

Jason and Perci of Akbayan, Danton, the head of Ladlad.  (Invitations were sent to the following so they will possibly join us: UP-Vice Chancellor Grace Gregorio, UP Prof Eloi Hernandez, AdMU School of Gov - Prof Tony La Vina. Let's hope they all make it.)

Rock Ed Radio regulars Jiggy and Jonty Cruz will be in the studio as well. 

If you have questions or comments regarding the Comelec's decision to disqualify Ladlad on the grounds of -- wait -- let me quote:

The commission said the petition for registration does not conform to the Catholic faith.

“Should this Commission grant the petition, we will be exposing our youth to an environment that does not conform to the teachings of our faith. We are not condemning the LGBT but we cannot compromise the well-being of the greater number of our people, especially the youth,” the resolution said.

-end of quote-

We won't have any big ceremonies for our first episode back on NU, we will just go straight right into our discussion. So, what do you think?

Join our conversation by

• Texting NUMSG (space) and send to 29107 
• or SMS 0917-7346742
• or better yet - post here beforehand so we can print them out for the team to read on air.
• or Tweet us! www.twitter.com/rockedradio

Thursday, then.

This weekend - in deference to the All Soul's Day stretch as well as the storm signal #3 over Metro Manila - Rock Ed will not coordinate volunteers from Oct 31- Nov 2. 

On Tues Nov 3 - you may go back and volunteer to pack again!

Points to remember:


1. I highly encourage signing up online so we can keep track of you and provide possible assistance for Rock Ed to assist you with pamasahe or carpooling on your shift days.

2. I highly encourage coming as a group because it makes the work a lot more fun and smoother because you already know each other.  But coming as an individual is OKAY too, of course.

3. If you cannot volunteer for any valid reason, health, motherly duties, location, etc - I still encourage you to repost this SIGN UP SHEET  on your online accounts for your other friends who might be interested.

4. Brilliant ideas on how to make the goods move faster and better will be taken but only through writing (radio@rockedphilippines.org or bayanihan.online@gmail) - when you commit to helping out at the warehouse -it comes with the agreement Rock Ed gave the DSWD to work smoothly with warehouse management and follow their orders for the day.

5. Complaints and constructive criticism of the DSWD can be emailed to me gang@rockedphilippines.org because I will periodically present these suggestions to Sec Cabral's office. 

6. Again - signing online is encouraged but not required to help. Walk-ins are very welcome. As per our group though -Rock Ed, I prefer to keep track of everyone for safety and group coordination awareness reasons.

7. ONLY FOR URGENT QUICK TIME RESPONSE QUESTIONS: 0917-7346742.  (e.g: you're already on the road to DSWD and lost, you need to be picked up, you need pamasahe.) But for static info inquiries please just email radio@rockedphilippines.org or bayanihan.online@gmail.com --   MAP to DSWD.


8. Thank you very much for taking the time out to get the relief goods inside the DSWD warehouse out to the beneficiaries. That's the goal in the first place - to get those goods OUT.


We look forward to hearing from you.  If you want to see what it could possibly look like to volunteer with us. CLICK HERE FOR TIME-LAPSE PHOTOS of the work.


Sige, yun na lang muna. 



Ms. Gang Badoy
Executive Director
Rock Ed Philippines

www.rockedphilippines.org
www.rockedradio.com



PS: I only put "Ms" bec the guards in DSWD think I'm either a man or a "brigade" or a frat or a "gang."  :P  Well, I am not- that's me on the leftmost side of the photo above.

Taken Oct 28 2009 inside the now-slowly-emptying-warehouse.

I want to explain that Rock Ed can also run low on energy - we are very undermanned -while we continue our own relief ops delivery-among other things. So replying to every single email is still a task we're running after. If you've emailed radio@rockedphilippines.org then your info will be put into the database -- (or is probably there by now)

BUT --

We created this form for auto-input of people.
http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dG85Y1Y3N2w5d1E5ZmxJRW5WeUpXc2c6MA

If there have been no replies- then I'm glad you can read this. On this same track, I'd like to request for everyone to have more initiative to HUNT us down if you really prefer to hear from us. But since ALL info (even the direct DSWD info is online -- then you can go ahead and call up DSWD yourselves, actually.)

We are volunteers too. Tulungan tayo, please. Hindi ko mahahatid lahat ng info sa lahat.

But here's the guide:

DSWD number and info - you can call them straight of just show up: http://gangbadoy.multiply.com/journal/item/417/MAP_INFO_DSWD_WAREHOUSE

Then this will be updated: https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AmJKz2xEQakEdGU1ODNaeEpSSG1YTG8tRFYwUVlTTmc&hl=en


But AGAIN ---- FIRST SIGN UP HERE!


Thanks for understanding my request for more initiative and responding to it.

Ultimately -- you don't NEED to register to show up at the DSWD warehouse. Just showing up is cool. We encourage registering only because it helps when we document your participation - we can possibly request for transpo support, I can forward info to DSWD ahead of time so we can request for possible donors to provide us with food and drinks.

Otherwise, I repeat - you can do this on your own. Go there. All links are available, all info available - if you can read this - then you can go about the volunteering process even without an email from me. Aforementioned links can walk you through it.

~Gang 

Oct 23 2009 - approx: 930pm I got an SMS saying:  This is DSWD Sec. Espie Cabral.  May I call you?

I was so happy.

I immediately replied. My hunch was right, my friend Congresswoman Risa Hontiveros gave my contact number to the Dept of Social Welfare and Development Secretary. I told Risa if 'the lack of volunteers' is the reason why DSWD has not sent out the relief goods then she should call me.  I know  many private citizens who are willing to help out. And voila, she did.

Many are willing to pack and sort and look for options for delivery (as groups like WhiteSpace, TulongBayan, BalayExpo, Angel Brigade, LSGH, AdMU, Red Cross have been doing since typhoon Ondoy).   Since the warehouses of DSWD are filling up with donations from overseas- then it is time they be delivered to the survivors.  Families who are recovering and desperately rebuilding their lives from the recent onslaught brought about by the two typhoons.

Sec. Cabral and I talked and she mentioned that the DSWD is open 24 hours for workshifts so she agreed for us (private citizens via our NGO: Rock Ed Philippines) to try to come up with a shift-coordination-list of, at least, 50 volunteers per day - for Monday to Friday - 3pm-11pm.


I chose the time slot because it can fit in the schedule of students and young professionals. (somehow) 

My request is this.

IF YOU ARE AN INDIVIDUAL --- Kindly email radio@rockedphilippines.org or info@rockedphilippines.org your name, contact number and available time shifts you can commit to.  Or leave a message here on this post.  Pls indicate if you need transportation - we can probably match pick up points or carpooling.


IF YOU HAVE A CLUB/ ORG/ BIBLE STUDY GROUP/ YOGA GROUP/ WHATEVER CLUB/ JAYCEES/ ROTARY/BARKADA/ OFFICE DEPARTMENT/ SCHOOL VARSITY TEAM or BARKADA ---any group that can actually commit 10 or more people for one night -- please send one collective email lang with all your names and identify your group leader to radio@rockedphilippines.org or info@rockedphilippines.org - or leave a message here on this post....and tell us the specific time and day your group can come.   (I highly encourage this manner so that makes it easier for us to coordinate sched and you get to work with people you already know.)



IF YOU HAVE A BUS OR A VAN SERVICE THAT YOU CAN LEND FOR TRANSPO OF VOLUNTEERS FROM PICK UP POINTS IN QC, PASIG AND MAKATI TO PASAY - please email mike@rockedphilippines.org or info@rockedphilippines.org so we can coordinate the carpooling if needed.  



IF YOU HAVE A TRUCK/VAN/DELIVERY PICK UP WILLING TO LEND TO DEPLOY BGY RELIEF PACKS -email sheila@rockedphilippines.org  or may@rockedphilippines.org or mike@rockedphilippines.org


IF YOUR BARKADA IS WILLING BUT WILL NEED HELP WITH TRANSPO/ TRANSPO ALLOWANCE PLEASE EMAIL ME DIRECTLY - WAG MAHIHIYA- KAILANGAN NAMIN KAYO AT WILLING KAMING MANUNDO!! gang@rockedphilippines.org - hihingi tayo sa mga taong willing magdonate ng pamasahe ng mga studyante.  :)


IF YOU HAVE NO TIME BUT HAVE EXTRA CASH - PLEASE DONATE SO WE CAN ARRANGE FOR SAFE AND EFFICIENT TRANSPO FOR STUDENTS TO AND FROM SCHOOL TO WAREHOUSE AND BACK.  email me directly: gang@rockedphilippines.org or deposit to:

ROCK ED PHILIPPINES
BPI 3080-0073-44
Katipunan-Loyola Branch

Then msg me date of deposit and amount if you need an O.R. from Rock Ed. 

The DSWD warehouse is located near the NAIA Centennial Terminal (DSWD National Resource Operation Center, Chapel Road, Pasay City, behind the Air Transport Office).

Okay - with this one - we need obedient muscle - that's it.  I will report to Sec. Espie Cabral first thing Monday afternoon  -- I hope we have kind souls enlisted by then and a concrete shift list to send to her --otherwise... those goods will stay put in their warehouses as long as no one packs and delivers them out!


For additional info: 0917-7346742


If you're wondering where this action plan came from this is a reaction to the news that many warehouses are filling up with foreign donations and the deployment is not fast enough for people who are in dire need of resources to rebuild their lives.  Or even just to exist with a little dignity while waiting for chances to rebuild come around.

Political leanings are not primary at this point.  After the work is done - then we can go our separate ways again if that works for us.  Personally, for now - I will be more than happy to help the government if that means more Filipinos get what's rightly theirs. 

Thank you very much and I look forward to your generous response to this request for committed hours - I have a feeling efficiency is the key right now - and it's about time we try helping our DSWD out.  This is new for all of us, but I have a feeling it's worth a shot.

I will report to Sec. Esperanza Cabral on Monday afternoon - I hope to have a decently-populated volunteer shift table by then.

SIGN UP HERE -online enlistment form

COUNTERCHECK AFTER A FEW HOURS IF YOUR NAME IS HERE.- online sched matrix

We hope to hear from you.

Sincerely,

Ms. Gang  Badoy
www.rockedphilippines.org



CLICK HERE FOR FULLY UPDATED BACKGROUNDER FROM MANOLO QUEZON III

Photo: Rafa Dinglasan. Provident Village, Marikina - 27 Sep 2009.

I DELETED IT.



This is my blog and my name is Gang. 

I deleted the famous "Ella" blog already because you can now just go to her link if you want to read her entry still. (click the photo above too see the link- I think it's ellaganda.com or something)

I REPOSTED ELLA'S BLOG POST ON THE DSWD FOR ONE REASON ALONE --- AND HERE IT IS -- http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dG85Y1Y3N2w5d1E5ZmxJRW5WeUpXc2c6MA ----

I WILL EXPECT A PERCENTAGE OF THE 300+ PEOPLE WHO LEFT COMMENTS HERE TO, AT LEAST, SIGN UP FOR ONE SHIFT AT THE DSWD WAREHOUSE. THANK YOU.

THIS IS WHAT WE'VE BEEN DOING SINCE THE WEEKEND - JOIN US. http://didipusrex.multiply.com/photos/album/149/Rock_Ed_Rocks_the_DSWD

-Ms. Gang Badoy
Rock Ed Philippines.


PS: I hope the more rabid complainers are on this list by now. https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AmJKz2xEQakEdGU1ODNaeEpSSG1YTG8tRFYwUVlTTmc&hl=en

Re: the Burger King petition to donate suspended player's lost income to typhoon survivors:

When a friend brought up making a petition abt it with me - my first thoughts were, "Naku, lost cause 'to..." but when I thought it over I said, what a great message to send out!

TRY EVERYTHING! Risk accusations of naivete if that means it simplifies giving. If it means the complexities of corporate decisions should be this EASY & CLEAR CUT esp during a crisis when many are in need. Better frustrated than indifferent. I'll try it out anyway.

It just might work. Maybe.

I always thought the word 'maybe' was a weak word. A word connoting hesitation, indecision, inclination to 'not probable' ... during a crisis (it turns out) the word 'maybe' is powerful. It is that possibility in the middle of nothing. It MAY BE! (how nice, I think to myself) and.... how naive. How often can we 'be naive' way past our tenth birthday?

I like this state of mind. I think I'll keep it for a bit longer.

Go Burger King!   :)



http://www.petitiononline.com/GIVEBK/petition.html

In the light of the recent suspension (by the Philippine Basketeball Aassociation) of Burger King player Wynne Arboleda it has come to our attention that the quantified 'loss of income' he will have to accept as part of the penalties has been estimated to be approximately PhP 2.73Million.*

Less than a month ago our country withstood two consecutive typhoons that resulted to reducing many areas of our country into literal 'states of calamity' - many are rendered homeless, many are orphaned, many are robbed off property, capital, crops, capacity to earn, and even now deprived of hope. To this day, (Oct 19 2009)thousands of families are still clueless on where or how to rebuild their lives.

It is from that note that this petition is being presented. We would like to pressure Burger King Inc and/or the Philippine Basketball Association to donate the salary set aside for Mr. Wynne Arboleda either to rehabilitate communities, to send relief goods to the still needy or organize a subsequent and periodic medical assistance program to flood-razed sites.

This group stems from the fact that the suspension was already passed and declared by the PBA therefore we have not and will not release any statement regarding the incident-per-se that got Mr. Arboleda suspended. All we know is that his suspension has been declared and PhP 2.73M is the estimated (now) savings of Burger King from that drop-out.

So let us state our petition again:

WE WOULD LIKE TO RESPECTFULLY AND REASONABLY REQUEST BURGER KING AND/OR THE PHILIPPINE BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION OR WHOEVER CAN GIVE THE DIRECTIVE OVER THIS SITUATION - TO DONATE THE AMOUNT SET ASIDE FOR THE NOW-SUSPENDED ATHLETE - MR. WYNNE ARBOLEDA TO ANY EXISTING RELIEF AND REHAB OPERATION SET UP TO ASSIST SURVIVORS OF TYPHOONS ONDOY AND PEPENG.

REGARDING WHICH NGO/INSTITUTION TO SUPPORT: WE WILL LEAVE THAT TO THE DISCRETION OF THE UPPER-MANAGEMENT OF BURGER KING INC AND/OR THE PHILIPPINE BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION.

We do this with utmost reason, we look forward to your kind consideration of this request all that we ask for is this - when you heed this petition, kindly inform us of your decision. It would comfort many of us to know that big businesses and corporations have real heart as well- please give us hope. This is not a request for EXTRAS Burger King, Inc - we are aware that this is not a real loss to your profits because the amount has been earmarked and promised to Mr. Arboleda before he was suspended anyway.

We will await your response with optimism and a complete trust in your bayanihan spirit during this terribly needy time in our country.



*(source http://balita.ph/2009/10/19/pba-arboleda-suspended-for-the-rest-of-the-2009-10-season/)


PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION

Okay, I did a "Noynoy." last night.

A young man guested on our radio show last night to promote the Indigenous Knowledge Trade & Exhibit Fair. He introduced himself as Tyrone Edward Beyer. I asked him if he was related to H. Otley Beyer - he said, yes, he's my grandfather.

And the rest of the night I hung onto his every word. Star struck and willing to vote him for President or whatever. I thought it was easy to disconnect sons from forefathers- hindi pala.

So if you have kids- remember, your actions today will either open doors for them or slam them onto their faces in the future. Parents - that's your legacy. We cannot fault people either for having exceptional parents and it is within the normal range of the human reaction to be deferrent to sons whose parents did a good job at whatever it is they did - because there is an assumption that they were good parents, too (not all true, I know) and there is that well-founded assumption that genetics will kick in. Okay, I understand things a bit better today.

So again, if you have children - this is your legacy. Alam ko na yung ibig sabihin ng phrase na "Maayos na apelyido lamang ang mamanahin mo, anak." I guess ganun din yung "All these shall be yours." -- pero in their case - respect, deference, attention and honor - instead of properties abroad, cars, or business cronies.

Pardon me, I'm still star struck - H. Otley Beyer is my rock star.


So -- this is what Tyrone shared:

DAYAW!
An Indigenous Knowledge Trade Fair and Exhibit
Oct 16-18, Quezon Memorial Circle
8am-11pm

Days and nights of weaving, art, music, knowledge. Check it out.
I know I will.

The father did this. The son has spoken. I listened because the father did that - and the son is pretty neat, too.

Aah, human nature at its most apparent. ("Who are your parents nga, anak?") Alas, I have become my mother.


photo credit: www.gmanews.tv - that's Tyrone, first from right.

I think the recent disaster was a lot bigger because of things we were passive about.  And if our being passive has that effect then it is really high time we all become activists.  Sa Pilipinas may ibig sabihin ang salitang 'aktibista,' alam ko yan dahil ako rin naipit sa isang uri ng aktibista.  Ang aktibista raw ay laging galit, laging tutol sa lahat, anti-ganito, anti-ganyan.  Rally ng rally, sigaw ng sigaw.  Tama rin naman yon - dahil sa dami ng alam ng aktibista hindi na nya kayang humilata lamang sa sopa.  (Pero umuupo din siya sa sopa pa minsan-minsan.) Pero teka lang --

Ang aktibista ay may pinanggalingan.  Ang aktibistang nasa tama ay nanggagaling sa kaalaman.  He or she stems from a knowledge of something- whether personally experienced, studied or accidentally read somewhere.  From this knowledge - for the most part, facts - an activist for the environment has to decide from what he or she has learned about the existing world.   What is global warming, what is climate change, what are my habits that contribute to the deterioration and non-sustainability of our earth and energy sources. Those questions have to come up.  And we have to keep going until we find answers we understand.  It is easy to get lost in the jargon and for the experts - it is easy to be impatient with not using the jargon.  But recently communication floodgates have opened.  More and more movements are devoting (HAVE BEEN devoting) time, effort and smarts to making the private Filipino citizen more knowledgeable when it comes to environmental sciences and the motions of the earth in response to our actions. (and non-actions.)

I believe a true activist does not run from emotion although perhaps has become emotional at some point regarding his or her advocacy.  An activist can acknowledge a strong emotion that usually accompanies his or her knowledge of things - which is why the decision to become one is strong.  The endurance to STAY one is strong too.

I have seen true activists who can set aside anger and grief when necessary, when work needs to be done.  A true activist - because he or she is armed with facts - is open to listen to other co-advocates and proceed (hopefully) with a convergence of ideas and initiatives - or knows when to walk away or part from planners and groups that refuse to cooperate towards the same goal - which is usually what we tritely call 'the greater good.'

But it is really that, isn't it?  It is about the greater good. 

This is my BLOG ACTION DAY blog post.  I figured I'd share what I learned from our very exemplary guest list tonight (on our radio show).  We had reps from OxFam, Greenpeace, Design against the Elements, TikTok Pilipinas, Dakila and a representative from the Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas. The hours I listened to them talk left me in awe.  They are the same groups, the same people who have tirelessly campaigned for Climate Change awareness, for changing our habits when it comes to using energy and managing our trash and walking instead of taking a car when going short distances.  They are the ones who accost us in the mall for contributions, to rallies, they are the ones who work for grants to get the young more interested in being more environmentally aware.  We thought they were barking at windmills, weren't we?  We thought they were battling non-existent monsters. 

Only when Ondoy and Pepeng razed through our country - in places familiar, near, or our own- did we realize how concrete their abstract warnings were/are.  I know this.  I didn't ask enough questions.  I will now.  I will read a bit more.  Talk to my geologist friends (only some of them) about the environmental shifts and the motions of the earth. I will attend foras on this.  I will experiment, walk outside, think, wonder, try.  I want to know more.  I want to be an environmental activist.

I cannot be one if I just run on little knowledge from a 3-hour radio show.  I cannot call myself one if I'm just running on frustration or frustration due to hearsay.  I want to know more.  I want the Earth to be okay.  I am on it and so are the people I value, love, respect, treasure.  I want my nephews and nieces to become adults in a world WE took care of.  I want the older generation to pass before us with peace on their faces and not furrowed brows.  I want many things. 

I am blogging about this furiously. I am typing this like it was due tomorrow to be submitted on the desk of my Professor - but that's not the case. I'm just breathless with new knowledge and excitement and something - I'm not sure yet.

I am no stranger to urgency - with my little practice on urgent situations I have a feeling I know it when I see it.  And this is it.  I should prepare for it.  I want to be an environmental activist.   A real one.  Perhaps this blog post on BLOG ACTION DAY is my personal start. 

And just like with everything I said - this entry is moot if I do not follow through.

So let me take you back to where I first started on this post.  I have a feeling it is my passivity that contributed most to this non-management of the recent disaster.  If it is my being passive that added to the calamity - then it should be my activism that can make it a little better the next time a disaster comes around.

Allow me to share something from 2005. It is the volunteer manifesto I wrote for Rock Ed volunteers.  I am happy to realize that I have new layers of meaning to the same piece.  I need to remind myself -so indulge me.  I will share it again.

I will never settle for a few when most are within reach. I have no interest in ‘okay.’ I will never confuse a fad for commitment. I will frustrate the cynics. I have been stubborn when necessary. I have been easy when offered collaboration. I have lit fires. I am a Rock Ed volunteer.

"Lit: A Rock Ed Volunteer Manifesto" by Gang Badoy Photo credit: Jake Verzosa © 2005

With that note. I shall sleep tonight and someday soon - I, too, will be an activist.


-Gang Badoy
159am
15 Oct 2009
Pasig