What About Now?

October 15th is 

 with the main theme on Poverty. Below depicts the poverty in Philippines.

As a third world country, Philippines, is not an exemption in the poverty list. There are hundred thousands of people not eating when you have completed six meals a day. They shiver at night and heavily sweat at day time as their own skin wither as a result of varying temperatures. You can see their dry, cracked heels strongly stepping on rocky soil and hard pavement. They sleep against each other to maximize the space of what they have for shelter and drink thirstily of the little water allocated for them.

I have witnessed all of these back home. I can read on their faces that they are used to what little they have continuing to strive everyday for their own lives. It is as if this is their meaning of beautiful life. I have visited countless of what they call “home” accompanied by a certain aroma that smells like garbage. Despite the hardships, they still manage to smile widely up to their ears and I would smile back at them. In my eyes, they are like gems with so much power. A certain power that I tend to absorbed everytime I see them, the power of change.

There are so many ways that millions of people can help the unfortunate and the oppressed. It is not enough to give them what they need. I think what they need most is guidance. When donating some money, why not share a few minutes with them, talk them through on how they will use it, where can they buy the cheapest food and clothes, or share some thoughts on the brighter side of life. Another vital information to spread is the importance of education. Most of them do not know that primary or secondary education is free in public schools. If only they can be educated at least up to elementary, their vision to strive more can be a start of something. In return, there are so many things to learn from them and it would take only a few seconds out of the busy life that we have.

There are a lot of wonderful volunteer organizations in the Philippines that one can actively participate during free time. Some of my favorites are Hands on Manila and Gawad Kalinga. It has no pressure on the individual, just yourself ready to share and help the most needy ones. It always start from within. Eventually, with great number of hands, that is where big change can be accomplished. It has always been. So what about starting now?

Powerful Asian Voice

Charice Pempengco, 16 years old, hailed from Batangas, Philippines, is currently soaring high across the continent singing on top of her lungs. She gives me shiver everytime she starts hitting a note. After several tv appearances at Ellen and Oprah shows, her biggest break was when she recently had a duet with Celine Dion’s concert at Madison Square Garden where her ultimate dream was granted.

Her first appearance was in local Philippines TV show singing contest, “Little Big Star” by ABSCBN tv network in 2006. Almost everyone had bet that she would win the contest among the other teen/kiddie contestants. Unfortunately, due to low text votes she didn’t land in first place but as third place. It was Sam Concepcion who garnered most of the text votes. However, talent wise, Charice was apparently way better.

The judging computation was comprised of 50% by the judges and 50% text votes. Even if she got low text votes, the judges’ ratings could have pulled her score. Nevertheless, due to the mindset of future business gain of the tv network, the person who appealed most to the masses by basing on the text votes swiftly landed the first spot. You may ask, how far the first placer has gone now? He’s an actor/singer and showing on the said tv network. If I were Charice, I can kiss ABSCBN goodbye and give thanks for not letting her win. Shame on you people who do not appreciate what real talent is.

After the local singing contest, she joined another contest in Korea. Eventually, someone posted a video of her on YouTube singing in front of Korean audience in awe. From then on, Ellen discovered her on YouTube as well as Oprah and the start of her publicity rose.

Charice brought pride and represented Filipino talent. I hope she will start writing her own songs and not just by imitating or singing songs of other people which Filipinos are known for.

After (2008)

Before (2006)

Update: Oprah Winfrey is now her US manager in addition to her Filipina manager. Way to go Charice!