The Best Things in Life are Free

Finished Reading: January 15, 2010
Got it for free at “Free Books” table at GBOD.
Author: Todd Outcalt
Year of Publication: 1998
Publisher: Health Communications, Inc.

Many of us do not realize that the best things in life are actually free; that is because we are confined in a very materialistic world and we measure the best things in terms of price, weight, karat, size, model, etc. In this book, however, Todd Outcult reminded me of the things that I have but not really aware of them—those things that make me happy—people, faith, love, hope, work and experiences. It is not actually the material things that define a person. He wrote, “the best things often happen to us when we are not aware of them.” True enough, as I flipped through the pages, it made the realize that some things are taken for granted.

I got the book as second hand, it was the author’s gift to Jeff and Arlene (whoever they are). And because they received it for free, they gave it away for free. Have you ever tried “free taste”? Product manufacturers and promoters let prospective customers taste their products for free to let people know that theirs are the best. And “free taste” really are best compared to the same products found on the shelves.

After book made me more conscious in the things I see and feel and more aware of my environment. It made me notice the the simple things and pleasures that may remain unnoticeable when I am always busy or rushing. For example, a street kid smiling at me brightens up the day.

The book is divided into five parts where Outcalt pours his experiences and the lessons he learned in his entire life. This is sort of an autobiographical account of the author but it is also his biographical account for the people he encountered that taught him the best things in life. Though the narratives came from the stories of his childhood and adulthood, his lenses are very sharp to capture the moments. He used very elaborate words of description as if wanting the readers to experience the same in their own eyes.

Planet 51

Watched on my computer on January 6.

[I love 3D children movies. Not only that I am amazed with the technology and effects used, but also they make me feel comfortable and relaxed.]

What if humans came face to face with other humanoid beings who can talk the same language as we have, who have an organized community more than what we have, who have different concept of aliens? Humans are in the height of galactic exploration but there have not been a account when astronauts were able to talk to fellow rational being outside the Earth. Through science fiction, humans have different ideas of life forms from other worlds. We think of aliens are green beings with antenna on their heads; while Star Trek made a variety of species from different quadrants of the galaxy. As much as humans explore the universe, what if we discover that there are actually humanoids out there and they also have different concept of how aliens look like?

That would be an exciting but could be disastrous encounter! And that’s what happened on Planet 51. Planet 51 is much like the Earth—communities, people, children, love story, courtship, movies, science fiction, cars, roads, police, rain, sun, etc. The people may look slightly different but they have language and order in the society. Then suddenly a man came in the name of exploration. But because of too much scientific query and fictional movies and comics, the people perceived that they are being conquered and will be turned into food. So well, there goes the story of having too much imagination!

But the movie is more than aliens and the other worlds. It is a story of friendship. Lem (the major character in the story) tried to help the alien (Charles, the human astronaut) from escaping the military. Through their encounter, they have forged friendship and learning—being Lem disproving to his world that their planet is not alone but there is a vast universe surrounding them. They came to trust each other including Lem’s friend. And like any other children’s movie, the ending came to as “they live happily ever after.”

It is a nice movie depicting that the Earth is not the only planet vulnerable to alien invasion but as we explore the universe, we may come to know that we are the one invading other planets. I just hope that when that time comes (maybe not in my lifetime), the people of the Earth won’t be hostile but will forged friendship.

Movie tagline: Something strange is coming to their planet…us!
Directed by: Jorge Blanco, Javier Abad, Marcos Martínez
Produced by: Ignacio Perez Dolset, Guy Colins
Written by: Joe Stillman
Release date(s): November 14, 20, 2009 (US); December 4 (UK), December 10 (Aus.) Running Time: 91 mins.

Baptism of Jesus

In our Christian calendar, we celebrate today the “Baptism of the Lord.”

When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized, too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in a bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21-22, NIV)

Jesus’ baptism reminds me of my own baptism. I was baptized when I was seven years old, which welcomed me to the Christian community. I accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior when I was 10, then was confirmed to be a full member of the church.

Contrary to Christian practice today that children are baptized while they are young, Jesus was baptized as an adult. His baptism did not welcomed him in a Christian community, rather it commenced his ministry to the people. He was baptized by John the Baptist, the man who said “I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” But still, Jesus went to him to be baptized with water. Then the heaven opened and he was baptized with the Spirit.

As we remember Jesus’ baptism today, may we also be reminded of the ministries he left us with. When we are tempted, we should always go back to our baptism that signifies our inclusion in a Christian community.

A Prayer

Draw me closer to you, Lord
for I am weak and fragile
only your strength can make me
stand or walk again.

Cuddle me into your arms, Father
for I am troubled and in pain
it is only your comfort
that can make me breath.

You are a creative potter
remold me as I am broken into pieces
it is only your hands that
can make me whole again.

Your hands provides
I am in need and lacking
yet you have poured me blessings
and opened doors for me.

Shepherd me back into your flock
for I am walking away
your staff shall guide me back
rejoicing in you.

A Writing Challenge

I consider today as a new beginning in my writing career. I pose myself a challenge to write something each day on a different subject each month. You will find my outputs in my other blog, My Pen’s Journey. I have established this blog before as a journal to my experiences as a writer; so because I am having this challenge, this blog will be a living testimony.

So keep up with me; hoping that I can live up this challenge, too.

I will still keep this blog to post on reflections, experiences and any other outputs that are not part of the challenge.

What I plan to do for 2010

I have not been writing for 2009. I only have 15 posts in this blog and I have not written a lot on entries in my journal either. However, I am just glad to see that some people are still visiting this blog everyday (thanks to my post about GERD). For 2010, I plan to revive my writing by a challenge to write something a day. I have already a writing plan for the whole year. I know that I will still be busy for the first half of the year because of my leadership term; and may be disconnected from Internet access sometimes but I will do my best. If I won’t be able to post, I will write it down on my journal and get it online as soon as I can.

I am not making a New Year’s resolution but I am setting goals. Sometimes New Year’s resolutions are just good for the first few months and have the greater tendency of being forgotten.

Here are some of the things that I challenge myself with for 2010:

Wake up earlier than usual. I know this is really a challenge because I am not a morning person; but I just missed my body clock when I was in still in school that wakes me up at 6:00 a.m. I will do this so I can devote my usual sleeping time to writing.

Write something everyday. Other than my status on facebook, I want to write something even an observation, a reflection or anything. I just need to enhance my writing abilities because I am planning for bigger writing projects soon.

Finish my thesis/book project and graduate. I am about to write my thesis for graduate school and I need to finish it before March to be able to graduate this term. Well, I just need to finish my proposal and have it approved.

Read more books. I love reading books but many times I just can’t find time to read. I only finished, I think, 6 books in 2009 including my daily devotional book. Now, I plan to increase my reading as I increase my writing outputs. Maybe I really need to read because of the thesis. I have also bought a one year Bible so maybe I will finish reading the entire Bible again in different version.

Find a job. Well, my leadership term ends in May 31 but I still have a lot of work, meetings and events to do and attend to until August; so my target is to get a job before September ends. I know that the Lord has plans for me.

So there, expect more from me this year; and I hope that I can keep up with the challenge that I gave to myself.

• Create an advertisement for a newspaper from the time period being studied. Example: When studying the Land Run of Oklahoma, create an advertisement for a horse to ride in the run.
• Write an autobiography. For younger children, have them cut and paste photos of themselves from birth to present day, one to a page, and write a brief caption.
• Write a bibliography (Author, Book Title, Publisher, Publication Date) of the books used for researching a particular topic.
• Write a biography of a famous person studied in the topic.
• Write a 26-page alphabetical autobiography or biography, as an alphabet book. “A is for Arizona. (Name of person) was born in state of Arizona.”
• Write a Book Review of a book read about the topic.
• Create a travel guide about a country, state, or city being studied.
• Create and draw a cartoon that illustrates something learned about the topic.
• Create a catalog of items that might be available for sale during the time period being studied.
• Illustrate facts related to the topic with charts and graphs.
• Write a Consumer Guide about a product that might be available during the time period being studied or about a scientific invention that was studied.
• Write a contract. Ex: Write a contract between Columbus and the Queen relating to his sailing to the New World.
• Write definitions to new words learned in the lesson. Keep in a special notebook.
• Write an editorial (Letter to Editor) for a newspaper that might have been published during the time period being studied. (Example: When studying William Penn, write a letter to the editor about the need for starting a library in town.
• Write an essay that persuades, informs, or entertains related to the topic.
• Write an explanation of how something worked.
• Write a fable related to the topic of study.
• Write a story about a character who lives in the time period being studied (historical fiction). (Character, Plot, Theme, Setting, Point of View, Conflict)
• Create a flyer that illustrates something learned. Example: When studying sound, create a flyer about a new hearing aid being developed.
• Write an Interview of someone being studied.
• Write a personal letter (Heading, Greeting, Body, Closing, Signature, Envelope) to someone being studied or about someone being studied.
• Write a business letter (Heading, Greeting, Body, Closing, Signature, Envelope) to the chamber of commerce to ask for brochures and information about a state being studied.
• Create a magazine that illustrates what is being studied.
• Create a menu for a restaurant of the time period; write up recipes and then cook them. Have a special meal which includes your recipes.
• Write a mystery related to the topic.
• Write a News Article/Newspaper related to the topic being studied. Include front page stories, classified ads, cartoons, editorials, weather, etc. Check http://www.courses.vcu.edu/ENG-jeh/BeginningReporting/Introduction/home.htm for lessons on Journalism Reporting.
• Create a newsletter about the topic being studied.
• Write a play related to the topic.
• Write poetry related to the topic. (Sonnet, Ballad, Haiku, Epic, Limerick, Cinquain, Ode, Stanza, Couplet, Blank Verse). Use 30 Days of Poetry as a guide: http://www.msrogers.com/English2/poetry/30_days_of_poetry.htm
• Write a postcard to a friend. Pretend you are living at the time of the event you are studying.
• Develop and write up a questionnaire or survey related to the topic.
• Write a quiz about the topic.
• Write a report about the topic – beginning writers ((pdf document, Acrobat Reader needed).1. Sample NewsReport

  2. Sample Animal Report

• Write a report (Topic Sentence, Details, Organization, Closing Statement) about the topic. 4th+
• Write a research paper (Note Taking, Outline, First Draft, Editing, Rewriting, Bibliography) about the topic. 7th+
• Write a resume to get a job during the time period being studied. 7th+
• Write riddles related to the topic.
• Create signs or posters related to the topic.
• Write a song about the topic.
• Write a telegram related to the topic.
• Write a Thank You Note to someone that relates to the topic.
• Write a letter to Henry Ford suggesting he install a CD player in his new automobile, or write a letter from Moses telling the Israelites what to bring on the trip.
• Prepare an invitation to the inauguration of President Lincoln, the launching of the Titanic, or the lighting of Edison’s light bulb.
• Write a script for a play or television show relating to a topic such as “As the Wheel Turns”—a show about the invention of the wheel or “Phone Improvement”—a show about Alexander Graham Bell.
• Create an advertisement for a product such as silk, the printing press, rabies vaccine, etc. and then create a brochure, poster, sign, television ad, radio ad, or newspaper ad for it.
• Make a travel brochure for a country or city being studied.
• Write a newspaper article or editorial relating to a topic being studied such as a news flash about SCUD missiles during Desert Storm or an editorial trying to convince the citizens of Philadelphia they should insist that a telegraph system be installed at the local library
• Write a script and then video tape yourself doing a weather forecast based on actual data collected (or make up a pretend weather report for a pretend city) to illustrate your understanding of weather concepts.
• Make up a chart, graph, or diagram showing the parts of the anatomy, how electricity works, the solar system, the population and religions of countries of the world, etc. Here’s where you can use computer spreadsheet software.
• Write a speech for a political figure trying to get elected or a citizen trying to have a law changed.
• Make up a schedule of events happening during the Revolution.
• Create a job application for an occupation from the time period being studied’
• Create recipes which would be eaten by people in countries being studied, a menu for weight loss or disease prevention, or a menu for an ethnic restaurant.
• Write a contract of sale or agreement between two parties such as a sales contract for one of Edison’s inventions or a contract between Columbus and the sailors for sailing to the new world.
• Put together a consumer guide which compares two products such as Galileo’s telescope with brand “X”; compares one country with another as a vacation destination; or compares foods for nutritional value, taste, price, etc.
• Write directions on how to locate a city using a map, how to build a pyramid using simple tools, or how to avoid lung cancer.
• Put together a directory of names, animals, collections, diseases, etc. Include descriptions, amounts, colors, sizes, classification, cures, symptoms, etc. This is a good project on which to use a computer database.
• Construct a time line listing the events being studied and add graphics for interest.
• Write a book report – 100’s of ideas here: http://www.teachnet.com/lesson/langarts/reading/bookrepts1.html

Small Changes, Big Results

Today is the best day to change your life, thus the tag line of Jerry Foster’s book, Small Changes, Big Results (2004).

Though it present itself as a self-help book, it is rather inspirational. It does not shout at your throat what you should do step-by-step to change your life but it has examples of real people and real experiences that will help the reader realize about his own circumstances in life. It presents practical principles and strategies that are easy to adopt as they enable you to be more conscious or aware of the choices that you make today.

The book is very imaginative. It lets you think your own “what ifs” and “how ifs” and lead you to rethink the things, events and choice that you make and all the possible cumulative outcome in the future. It will make you see into those small things that seemingly insignificant but can create big changes in the future. The author wants the readers not to disregard the small things but see it as a part of a holistic development of a person. Also, he encourages relationships, something that many people neglects in this very busy and fast paced world.

Since the author of the book is a businessman, there are business jargon throughout the text but nonetheless they are well explained and related to life situations; and they make the book more practical and realistic because you are assured that many of it are based from the personal experience of the author that worked over time. The book drives the readers to answer the questions, “Who am I?” and “What am I here for?” through discovering one’s potential and maximizing talents as they are intended to be.

The Vector Principle
Foster used the vector principle in his presentation of the choices that a person make in his/her life. The principle states that each choice you make vectors you (direct, change angle) to a certain destination. “You are currently on a course that was determined by choices you made since you were aware of your capacity to choose. Many of these choice seemed rather insignificant at the time, but small changes make a big difference over time.”

It does not matter whether you are in your twenties, forties or sixties as long as you are conscious of your choices and decisions, you can still change for a fruitful and well-lived life. A person can choose to invest  his/her life toward the path of indifference, path of indulgence, or path of influence. The path of indulgence is the self-centered life. The path of indifference, on the other hand, is existence-centered life. Finally, the part of influence is an others-centered life.

Foster leads the readers to take the path of influence which is characterized by the transformation of other people, personal satisfaction seeing others benefit, and broader perspective in life. This is the path that is grounded on relationships and vision. It strengthens the claim of John Wooden that “Real happiness and success comes from things that cannot be taken from you.” Those things are the legacy that a person can leave after his/her life of earth. Those things are the relationships that are build in love, and visions realized in confidence that bring out the best of life.

Five lifeWealth
Foster coined the term lifeWealth to describe the full investment that a person can make in his/her. It is “The accumulation of financial, relational, physical, intellectual and spiritual capital. (Here goes the business lingo!)

The author encourages each person to invest into the five lifeWealth. These can be treated like a bank where a person can deposit every choices or results that come after, good or bad, for future usage. The profitability of these investments depend on how a person manages them to comply to the vision he/she has in mind or want to accomplish for the future for his/her own life.

This lifeWealth principle leads the reader to evaluating each aspect and plotting vision that are realistic and can gain profit over time. The author has provided strategies how to evaluate and plan toward attaining the fullness of life. Though the book discusses so much of the future, it does not neglect the “now”, in fact it has given it importance because the “now” determines the future. And in the end, the person shall enjoy contentment.

I found this book in the shelf of Christian/Inspirational. The author has quoted some Biblical foundations and personalities to explain his points but even though, I still think that his principles apply whether you are a Christian or not—because all person come into a point in life when they become aware of their choices and have the ability to choose.

Applying Visa for Germany

After two visas, getting the third one is the most difficult (wishing that someday, Filipinos no longer need visas to enter the first world countries). Here’s are my step-by-step experiences in applying for a Schengen Visa.

TRIVIA: Schengen Visa is valid for Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ggreece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemberg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. If you got this kind of visa, you are free to move from one country to the other.

After getting a word from the Division on Ministries with Young People (DMYP) about arrangement for the Global Young People’s Convocation and Legislative Assembly Planning Team meeting in Berlin, Germany on July 6-10, I immediately set up to apply for my visa.

Visit the German Embassy website. I needed to see what are the visa requirements so I know what to prepare. The application form in PDF format is downloadable. The following are the general requirements to be submitted in original and photocopied forms.

1. Application form duly completed (including date and signature of applicant)
2. 2 recent passport photographs with applicant’s full name and birth date written on the back
3. Valid passport (valid for at least 3 months after expected date of return; passport must not be damaged) and Xerox copy of the applicant’s passport (pages containing data and Schengen-Visas)
4. for a visit (family, friends):
   
   • Original Affidavit of support (“Verpflichtungserklärung”) according to § 66-68 of the German Residence Law, certified by the competent Aliens Authority (“Ausländerbehörde”) in Germany
   • Proof of relationship with relative in Germany: Birth certificate on security paper (SECPA) from theNational Statistics Office (NSO) of applicant and relative in Germany; Marriage Contract of applicant’srelative in Germany (if married in the Philippines: on security paper issued by National Statistics Office (NSO); if married in Germany: Xerox copy or fax copy sufficient)

   for tourism:

   • confirmed hotel reservation and proof of funds covering a minimum amount of €60,- (or equivalent) per day
   • Round-trip confirmed flight reservation and complete itinerary (NOT airline ticket)

   for business:
   

   • Invitation letter in German language of the business partner in Germany stating complete name, date of birth and/or passport no. of applicant; by fax directly from Germany to German Embassy
   • Confirmed hotel reservation stating complete name, date of birth and/or passport no. of applicant
   • Proof of funds covering a minimum amount of € 60,- (or the equivalent) per day
   • Letter of guarantee from the company in the Philippines
5. Proof of health insurance valid for all Schengen States (not required for Spouses and children of EUnationals) covering an amount of € 30.000 in case of illness, repatriation and/or accidents and accredited by the Schengen-Embassies in Manila (please check accreditation with insurance provider or with Embassy)

There are other requirements depending if you are an employee, self-employed, minor, student, etc. Other requuirements can be viewed here.

Compile all the requirements needed. I emailed our meeting coordinator and the secretary of my host in Germany to send the letters that I need immediately. I already have secured my airline booking ahead of time so I was only waiting for the hard copy of the invitation letter in German language to arrive.

Call the Embassy and all the hassles. Unlike with the US Embassy where you can set an appointment for visa interview online, with German Embassy, you need to call their call center. It was not an easy dialling and talking call. It is a toll number assigned to every service provider. It’s very expensive as it cost PhP32-37 a minute.

I tried calling using the landline but I can not get through it. It says “The number you dialed is not yet assigned.” Again, slowly this time. The same answer. So I called customer service to verify of our phone’s IDD is active, and they said yes. Dialed again, the same answer. I called the General Inquiries phone of the embassy to ask if there is a problem in their number. They said none. Dialed the toll number again, the same answer. I called Bayantel customer service again to check and the CRS says there is a service error in our account.

Since the matter can’t wait since the minimum days requirement for application is 15 days and I urgently need an appointment, I loaded 500 credits on my cellphone. Dialed and not connected. I called Globe’s customer service to check again if IDD is active on my handset and they said yes. I asked for the instruction in calling a toll number. Dialed and at last I got an answering machine then a CSR. I was trying to give my name when the call dropped. Dialed again. I was in the middle of giving my passport number when the call dropped again. On the third call, I was spelling the address of my host when the call dropped. I run out of credits. So I need to load up again. Finally, I was able to set up an appointment but have spent almost a PhP1,o00. just for that. The calls took so long because I needed to spell everything with the call signs (alpha, bravo, charlie, etc.)

Get a recent passport size picture. I need to make sure the photographer follow the picture requirements. Yes, there are specificcations. You can view it here on page 4.

Appear at the Embassy. On my appointed date, I needed to be at the embassy 30 minutes before the time. The usual traffic to Makati every morning delayed me for some time but it was fine. The embassy is at 25/F RCBC Tower 2 in Ayala. I proceeded immediately to the lobby where I signed my name and get my visitor’s ID. When I arrived at the 25th floor, an arrogant guard greeted me and checked my bag. Upon inspecting, he told me that I should have deposited my laptop at the lobby. Obediently, I went down again and left my laptop. Going back to the guard, he let me in. At the window, I was given a waiting number. That time, I knew I had to forget my appointment time and just wait for my number to be called. I walked to the other side of the hall, left my cellphone at the locker, got my key and entered the room.

At least, there were less people compared to the US Embassy when I had to line up for three hours. There, I was sitting pretty. Just waiting patiently and a little nervous. When my name was called, I immediately appeared at the window with a Filipino woman consul. She got my forms and payment but instructed me to get more requirements, a travel insurance and my confirmed hotel booking. I did not have those documents with me then because the invitation letters said that the DMYP and my host shall take care of all expenses. While she was talking to me, I observed that she stamped my passport. I knew then that it was approved. If not, she should have given back my passport. Then, I paid the visa fee worth €60 or its peso equivalent, PhP3870.00. Then left, thinking where in the world will I get a travel insurance and how would I pay for it.

Get a travel insurance with US$50,000 coverage. Yes, that is the minimum coverage or at least 2.5 million. That same day after the application, I surveyed the accredited insurance companies and ask about travel insurance to Schengen countries and how much it worth. I got the best deal with Mafre Insular for only US$25 or PhP1208.50. I just needed to wake up early morning and go to their office in Ortigas.

I did not have any trouble with my hotel booking it was sent to me via email the following day. So two days after the application, I went back to the embassy to submit the remaining requirements. I could have used their accredited courier but it would cost me PhP160 plus the cost of calling their toll number again. So better find time going back to the embassy.

Upon submission of the requirements, the consul told me to go home and wait for my passport to be delivered after two weeks.

Wait, wait, wait patiently. This is I think the hardest part. There is no specific time or day when my passport will be delivered. I was just told two weeks. And to follow-up I need to call the toll number again… too much expense. I had a lot of appointments and I was worried if I miss the courier. There is not always a person staying at home. Gladly the CSR at the embassy told me to follow-up on July 1 to see if my passport can be released on that date. I was worried because I am scheduled to fly on July 6, Monday and July 1 is a Wednesday. What if, it is not delivered in time for my flight. Well, I just have to put my trust in them and (with the Lord).

July 1. I called the Visa Section of the embassy. The one who answered me says the visa can not be followed-up over the phone. I need to call the toll number to verify it. So I tried to call but all get was the answering machine repeatedly saying the spiel. I just waited for half day. Then I tried again. Finally, I got through and someone aswered affirming that my passport and visa was released yesterday and scheduled for delivery today. So I wait.

Finally, after a long wait, I got my visa today but not yet ready to fly. I am still raising funds.

Well, I just hope next time, the embassy will have a new system that will allow online appointment and bank deposit for payment for a lesser cost and more effecient use of time. If not, I have to repeat the entire process next year with a group of young people who might be more impatient that I do.

Tribute to Fathers

I do not have my biological father now to greet a “Happy Father’s Day” but I am always grateful that this especial day is celebrate to remind me of a life well-spent. My father died five years ago, though I miss him sometimes, it seems that he is still with us. Also, God has provided me some people to serve as fathers.

Fathers are the people whom we seek for wisdom. My Papa was a silent person, he does not talk too much but when he talks I know that what he says is important. For the difficult decisions that I had to make, I always seek his advise. Even now that what I have is only a foster (or maybe adopted) father, I still go to him for advises.

Fathers are strong. Not only physically but emotionally. Sadly my father succumb to cancer (which we believe is a result of his depression) however we know that his strength was within. He did not want us to suffer from anything. He protects us from sickness and any other danger.

Fathers are compassionate, too. Oftentimes, the virtue of being compassionate is associated with moms but fathers have this virtue, too; they just don’t want to show sometimes because they want to project that they are strong. Deep in their hearts they are and they make ways that these compassion will be turned into an action that makes us happy.

Mothers may be enough to raise us but a family will never be complete with fathers. To my Papa, thank you for your legacy on my life, in our family and to the people whom you have touched. I miss you!

The Individual and the Society

Lately, we have been seeing advocacy-advertisements that encourage individuals to take part in the transformation of the country. Many have already joined, especially that these advocacy are led by popular personalities in media, arts and politics. Many of these are young people who have hopes for the country; young people who, in their age of strength and idealism, want to be agents of change.

The Philippine Constitution acknowledges the vital contribution of young people in nation-building; however, it is usually the non-government organizations that creates the places for the younger generation for self-expression of nationalism. Though many people have already lost their hope for change and became passive, some are still working to give the next generation a better coutry to live in.

Be the Change
The anecdote of ‘The Man Who Wanted to Change the World” is already overused but it never failed to let people realize that they can make the change they want in the society even as individuals. The story is attributed to Rabii Israel Salanter and it reads:

When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world.
I found it was very difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation.
When I found I couldn’t change my nation, I began to focus on my town.
I couldn’t change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family.
Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have an impact on my family.
My family and I could have made an impact on our town.
Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.

Sometimes, because of our too much eagerness to effect change we see beyond what we can do. We advocate for something we could not even do ourselves. If only many people would realize that as individuals, we can be the change, the impact could make a better society.

The first time I saw the TV ad of “Ako Mismo”, I was already amazed at its concept. It greatly challenges individuals to do something that will effect change. It is a call for a commitment that the individuals would do. Ako Mismo is spearheaded by DDB Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of DDB Group in the Philippines. It is undertaken with the support of PLDT Smart Foundation.

The advocacy believes that each individual, especially the youth, could bring hope and effect change in the country.

Another advocacy that is very popular especially among TV viewers is the “Boto Mo Ipatrol Mo: Ako ang Simula” (BMPM) of ABS-CBN. This started from the station’s Citizen Patrol where individuals could be the reporters for their own communities. This time, the advocacy encourages individuals to be patrolers and watchers in the next national election in 2010. The role of individuals is not only responsible voting but to watch over the leaders whom they have elected. Citizen patrolling does not end when the election ends, but it would only be the beginning.

When I was in college, I experienced becoming an election reporter. It was a tough job especially that I was under the biggest radio station in our province, but that experience opened my eyes to many areas of Philippine politics. The things that I had only seen on television or heard over the radio became real in front of me.

I have already joined BMPM through online registration; and as a first time voter, I commit to be responsible in choosing the people who would lead the country. The hope may not actually come from these politicians but raising every glimpse of hope that individuals have can have great impact in the community. Change is not only a responsibility of the government but also of individual citizens.

When Small Things Become Great
The things we commit to do to transform our nation may be small. Maybe we just committed to conserve water in any way we can in our own houses. Maybe we just have committed to teach our children good values or maybe pray for our nation once a week. The things we perceive as small ones can impact our community.

It is not a necessity that each individual do big things to effect change, small things can become great when they are done responsibly and with commitment for a greater cause.

Like the man who wanted to change the world, let us not wait until we are old to realize that the best way to effect change is to change ourselves to become better citizens.