ariellalisan.org – Homeward Bound

WAS IT fun?

Sure, sure. Haha. As I’ve anticipated, it was quite stressful because of some eventual glitches. But a dip in the crystal clear water, a sumptuous meal of grilled talakitok and malasugue, kinilaw na maya-maya, among others, and some hearty laughter with co-teachers were are worth it.

It’s been over a year since I last went to Gumasa. There were some developments — the road from the Poblacion of Glan was being concretized and new resorts have opened. In fact the venue of the event was a new resort called Coco White Beach.

So why were we there today?

A WEEK or two ago, I wrote about We Deserve Forum Series, which had its first forum last November 25 that zeroed in on Elections and Automation in the Philippines. If only I were in Manila, I would have joined the forum.

The least I can do now is to promote the movement. Here’s the download link for the slide on election automation:

Automation of Elections: Ano Ba Talaga Ito?

Kuya Ralph of Ayala Young Leaders also informed the group of the links to Juana Change videos. I posted them on my vlog, Musika Central.

I STILL couldn’t believe I did it.

No, I’m not being a menace. I just did it for our upcoming Alumni activity.

I was assigned in the promotion of our Alumni Homecoming scheduled on December 26. (As early as April, we’ve already planned about it but we did not promote it yet because the decision was not yet final. The pioneerig batch sort of has a final say on the matter.) I did some things already to make way for the realization of our plans. I set up our e-group so that we can communicate with one another and we can gather suggestions and ideas from the rest of the alumni. I also created a website to facilitate the dissemination of information. I sent messages to alumni I found on Friendster.

In addition to these online promotional activities, Margie (co-teacher and ANSHS alumna) and I went to ABS-CBN to have our even announced on TV Patrol SoCSKSarGen’ Community Billboard and over MOR. One of the alumni now works at Bombo Radyo, so we have free announcements through the radio station.

So why did I climb up NFA’s fence?

Join the Forum

DO WE still have faith in Philippine elections?

I used to ask that question back in college in the midst of election fraud and the seemingly repetitive political history in the country. Together with other college friends, we organized a forum called Y! Vote: The Role of the Youth In Ensuring an Honest 2007 Elections that talked about reasons why the youth should participate in the vote. We invited government officials, spokespersons of various cause-oriented organization, and student leaders to share ideas. We also went to several places to encourage the youth to register and helped them learn how to make a wise choice in the election.

With the move to automate the election in 2010, the more should the youth be encouraged and educated about the Philippine electoral and political system.

I COULDN’T forget the fear that suddenly engulfed the whole province of Sarangani when news broke that the town of Maasim was attacked by MILF forces last August, following the abortion of the MOA on the MILF of Ancestral Domain.

Classes were suspended and schedules were changed to ensure the safety of the students. But it was worse in areas that were greatly affected, like the towns of Maasim, Kiamba, and Maitum, people were displaced, many got ill, and even some have died.

But we are very thankful that the tension had ceased. Peace has been restored. In fact, the province is gearing up for the celebration of its 16th Foundation Anniversary and 6th MunaTo Festival last week of November. Also, the whole island of Mindanao is celebrating the Mindanao Week of Peace.

The best way to celebrate peace, however, is not through attending parties and merriment.