This is an eyewitness report from the NowPublic member johnhumphrey_uppereastsider who was on the scene.
NP Rank:
Self-awareness Campaign of 3 TV Networks’ Stars
Manila, Philippines - In the heat of the Manny Pacquiao–Ricky Hatton bout last May 3, while the whole world was watching, the self-awareness campaign, “Ako Mismo”, (I Myself) was launched in the Philippines’ free TV. The stars of known rival TV networks, ABS-CBN and GMA, lead the campaign, which is geared to encourage people to act and help themselves and the nation.
Although outputs are yet to be seen, this massive campaign is very timely and may boost this poor country’s low morale. Ako Mismo is an echo of US President Barack Obama’s campaign “Yes, we can!”, if not inspired by an earlier campaign, “Isang Araw Lang” (Just for a Day), of the television network UNTV.
“Isang Araw Lang” was conceptualized by veteran broadcaster Daniel Razon, host of public-service morning program Good Morning Kuya. Its purpose is to move people to do a good thing even for just one day in a year. As explained by Razon, there are 365 days in a year, 30 days in a month, 7 days in a week and they are never complete
without a day.
Last April 21, a day before Earth Day, about 2,000 youth volunteers from different colleges and universities responded to the campaign Razon had called for. These youth helped clean one of the 30 dirtiest rivers in the world in Bagong Silang, Caloocan City, Metro Manila. The project was called “Isang araw para sa Kalikasan”.
Hernani De Guzman, Environmentalist Sanitation Services Officer, acknowledged the importance of such movements, and thanked Razon and the youth organization called Bread Society International. According to residents near the Sapang Alat River, it was the first time they have seen such force accomplish what was - until that day - impossible.
Prior to the Isang araw para sa Kalikasan project, a Free Medical Mission for Press Photographers was held on March 22 this year in Bulwagang Plaridel of National Press Club Building. The project, initiated by Razon, benefited many of the photographers in the country along with their families. Philippine Star's website reported that the free medical service for the media people is now given regularly every first Sunday of the month from 9am to 2pm in #907 Brgy. Philam, EDSA, Q.C., its service headquarter.
Before Razon, known locally as Mr. Public Service, introduced his campaign to the public, he has already led many projects for citizen welfare. These projects include the following: Clinic ni Kuya (Big Brother’s Clinic), which gives free medical and dental checkups, medicine, and minor surgeries daily; the Libreng Sakay (Free Bus Ride); the Munting Pangarap (Little Dream), a daily wish-granting service to help the less-privileged; the Law Center ni Kuya,a group of lawyers providing free legal consultations; Job Fair ni Kuya, a venue for job seekers; and the Free Transient Home, which is a joint project with Bro. Eli Soriano, the host of the program Ang Dating Daan (The Old Path). A free college in the metro is reportedly also in the works.
“Walk your talk,” is one of Razon’s principles. With all his visible endeavors, it is apparent that the man walked first before he talked. However, there are some who question why his campaign is called “Just for a day.” He simply answers, “I’ll leave that for you to answer… For us here, we do it every day.”
Following Isang Araw Lang is Ako Mismo. Prominent Filipino international artists including singer Charice Pempengco and The Journey lead vocalist Arnel Pineda, local actors Angel Locsin and Edu Manzano, and many others, speak up in the commercial ads. The message motivates the Filipinos to take the steps necessary to help themselves and the country without relying on the government.
Despite its non-political nature, as stated by one of its head, Edu Manzano, Chairman of Optical Media Board, Ako Mismo attracts many skeptics, mostly leaders of various industries.
Issues raised recently are the purpose and security of the campaign’s online database, and the speculation of some that this is just a vehicle for the candidacy of certain politicians who are connected to the movement.
Although being questioned and scrutinized, Ako Mismo’s message to the concerned citizens - which is the importance of being self-aware to the possible act one can contribute to his society - could make a lot of difference. Ako Mismo branched out of Isang Araw Lang’s spirit. Both campaigns awaken the sense of responsibility of the Filipinos, not just toward nationalism but compassion to fellowmen.
As television networks spearhead these campaigns, the Filipinos have better chances of surviving without pleading anymore to some officials who are known for neglecting their responsibilities for citizen welfare.
If each Filipino would say “I will do it myself” even if it is “just for a day,” we will be seeing changes. Nothing is really too hard for one who is committed.
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (71)
at 20:39 on May 20th, 2009
all things starts from small... daniel razon is very sensible man. Doing this kind of advocate is very sensible in many ways. I remember when Im eating in the food stalls at mall people just left their trash on the table. I put mine in the bin and the old man smile at me. He was amused.. I just smile and walk... hoping he will do the same.
at 00:13 on May 21st, 2009
Babelfish, I'm sorry to say but you have been misled by the news. It is apparent you are not yet aware of the condition of Philippines' justice systems and Philippines' media that are both being monopolized by the people in the upper hierarchy of socio-political system, mostly families like the Manalos, Lopezes, Arroyos, and much more.
If you will investigate further and take the chance to listen to the side of Mr. Soriano it may give you wider options of what to believe and may lessen your prejudice against the preacher who is in the worldwide mission to propagate the truth.
Thanks for reading my post though.
at 08:15 on May 20th, 2009
A very nice article. Keep it up Mr. Daniel Razon for serving our fellow Filipino in and out of our country.
at 16:29 on May 20th, 2009
Yes, 'Walk your talk...' as Kuya Daniel Razon of UNTV37 does! If only government officials will do the same as to what Mr. Razon does - Philippines would be a very great place to live at.
at 22:17 on May 20th, 2009
For sure with God's help this campaign will surely be a success, just like "Isang Araw Lang". Let us act for the betterment of our nation! We've had enough of the politicians flowery speaches. We, ourselves, can make the difference!
Kuya Daniel is really one in a billion!
at 00:49 on May 21st, 2009
Here we go again Babel-Fish......
Your mouth stinks again like a rotten fish. You really have a thick faced and hardened heart. Until now, your mind is still dominated and poisoned by lies and baseless accusations. As if, you don't have your own mind to analyze things around you. You easily can be influenced by negative, unscrupulous, and unprincipled points from the detractors of Bro. Eli Soriano.
How can you say all those things when you don't even know the person of Bro. Eli, who is a very humble and a man of God with a very BIG HEART, even for an atheist like you. If only one of these days you'll meet him, I won't have any doubt, you will even hug him for joy and gladness meeting a man like Bro. Eli who is enveloped by the Holy Spirit.
Likewise with Bro. Daniel Razon. No doubt, many will be envious of him. He is almost perfect in every way. In looks, in intellect, in wisdom and foremost in spirit. So, I am really not surprised if there will be unprincipled men like you, who is fund of gossips or "tsismis", who will find ways to ruin Bro. Daniel's image. More so, if Bro. Daniel, who is being courted by politicians just to join their party because of his winnability, will turn to be their standard bearer.
If I were you, I'll be more careful in commenting. Please do more comprehensive research and not just surf the internet and quote baseless news without verifying the source of it.
at 07:54 on May 20th, 2009
"I myself will start to care for my fellowmen, not just for a day." This is what I learned from these campaigns, most especially from the initiative of Mr. Daniel Razon through his charitable acts.
at 18:05 on May 20th, 2009
Kuya Daniel motivated by his faith is serving the people from his big heart. From his own little way he touched the lives of the needy and the mindful - whether some mindful is prompt by political gain, I think Kuya Daniel doesn't care. He is different, he is truly a public servant!
at 18:18 on May 20th, 2009
Yes!! Just for a Day!! If for one day, all corrupt goverment official will halt on corruption, well! that will be great for us. Enough to fed million of malnourished filipino children..
Nice inititiave by Kuya Daniel Razon! Thumbs up UNTV!!! Hope all other TV networks in the Philippines will do the same as UNTV!! It will really be great!! Imagine all TV networks having their own daily free medical clinic, their own free legal assistance, their own free bus ride!! having their own free transient houses, having a program granting "Little Dreams" of poor kababayans.. If an small TV network like UNTV did all that, so much more with this giant TV network..
at 18:24 on May 20th, 2009
“I’ll leave that for you to answer… For us here, we do it every day.”, a very great quote by Kuya Dainel Razon. Kuya is a Man of his word who "walks his talk", a very good example for the people to look to. keep up the great work!!! I support you Kuya. "If it is willed there surely is a way."
at 18:29 on May 20th, 2009
There are many things to be done, many things yet to be started, without effort but all PLANS, less actions ... its futile, worthless, a bother. High officials with their superfluous words benefit no one, they were merely clowns to entranced people with their imaginations, give false hope and make impressions how noble and lofty are their ideals, shenanigans and all.
I they could only WALK their TALLLLK. Even in just a single day, millions are going to benefit from the funds used in their daily hearings, snack used in their foolish, childish exchange of thoughts in the camara.
sigh. give me break.
at 19:50 on May 20th, 2009
Yes Kuya Daniel Razon do his talks.... he's a great model to follow.....
at 20:58 on May 20th, 2009
This is a great article. Hope that everyone is enlightened by this. Its good to emulate things which are good and to be a model for everyone like what this public service does to our fellowmen. May God bless his goodness. Keep it up Mr. Daniel Razon!
at 21:03 on May 20th, 2009
Thanks for all of you who are supporting Mr. Daniel Razon's endeavor. I, too, am a fan. Let us spread the word.
at 00:15 on May 21st, 2009
To Babel-Fish,
You're just ENVY babel, because your pastor could not replicate what they are doing. Your pastor have their trillions and have much more money than these people have, and still you can't even do a portion of what they do. What a pity... I bet you don't even have a free clinic (when you can have a hospital with the church funds that you have) for your brethren (in faith)!
Well, i believe, they NEVER care about your well being.
I have watch your programs in your television and have it compared to Mr. soriano's....I am convinced that theTEACHINGS of Mr. Soriano is FAR MORE SUPERIOR than your pastor's. Mr Soriano MAKES SENSE...what a silly teaching you have..haha! would you believe "HAVING DINNER IN THE MORNING! " HAHAHA!
at 00:35 on May 21st, 2009
This is a good read, my compliments to the author.
Very rarely do I get the chance to feel compelled to believe a public service endeavor, especially a public service endeavor done in the Philippines, where road works only happen when politicians are vying for a government spot.
For Just A Day and Ako Mismo's timing is perfect. It's about time that we show our politicians that we can no longer be swayed by song-and-dance numbers, pathetic self-promotion gimmicks, and their superstar wive/ husbands. Those days are finally over. We can make a difference - starting with ourselves. It may be small, but it's a difference all the same.
Hopefully, our politicians will get the drift and follow our example.
at 06:24 on May 21st, 2009
KING JAMES VERSIONJOHN 9:25 He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.
...this is also my answer to Babel-Fish. You may say bad things to Bro. Eli Soriano and Mr. Public Service Kuya Daniel Razon but these people are motivating us and encouraging us to do good. MORE POWER KUYA DANIEL!
at 21:47 on May 21st, 2009
Religion is not the cause of the problem. On the contrary, the true religion in the bible solves all problems in the human society. Remember what true religion is...
(James 1:27) "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."
The reason why there are problems in society is because there are religions who does not practice these. There are really preachers who uses religion to be rich just like the church of Eraño Manalo. Brother Eli and brother Daniel are not like that. They use their time and their money to serve others and not to be served. There are lot of people who benefits from their works of charity everyday.
at 02:35 on June 1st, 2009
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It is very heartwarming to know that media personalities are using their public appeal and influence in doing noteworthy activities to help awaken the curiosity and generosity of Filipinos. To stop thinking only of one’s self but also of others and actually doing something about it.
Seldom do we see such examples in the Philippines, amid sex scandals and corruption in government; it is like a breath of fresh air in a polluted environment.
Kudos !!! Daniel Razon, ABS-CBN and to everyone who followed your example.
May your tribe continue to increase!
at 00:45 on May 21st, 2009
There are people who still feels insecure about the things that brother Eli Soriano and brother Daniel Razon are doing. Charity is what they are preaching which other churches in the world fails to preach. There are even churches who has preachers who does not have any job aside from being preachers of their Church. Brother Eli and brother Daniel did not make money out of religion because their means for living does not come from the flock that they lead but because they know how to work for it.
Despite of their hardships and time-constraints they still manage to preach the true essence of religion which are charity and holiness. They are not like any other preacher who spends their money in order to destroy their enemies to the point of publishing pornographic and libelous materials worth millions which came from the contribution of their members. They use their money, strength and time to do good works that is to take care of the poor, needy and less fortunate and to serve as examples of good leaders. They don't give a SHIT on planning to destroy anyone unlike what their enemies are doing to them. Their priority is to save the souls of many by doing what Christ have said.
(Romans 12:20) "Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head."
Of all the the preachers who claims to be Christians, I can say that they are the only true Christians because they are the only preachers who fulfills that commandment. Not even the church headed by Eraño Manalo can say that they are doing that. They don't love their enemies but instead they plan on destroying their enemies.
at 07:13 on May 21st, 2009
The concept of this campaign is like the line in a classic Nora Aunor Movie: We, within ourselves where the miracle starts (tayo ang gumagawa ng himala). I salute the people behind these campaigns. Who knows, perhaps the revolutionary change that the world needs will be initiated by the Filipino race.
at 08:59 on May 21st, 2009
i am just wondering where did you arrived in saying that the project of daniel razon were just con and the duo as corrupts.
can you show us the methodology on where the money would come. or how can they be rich doing the schemes.
you see, more often than not. it takes a thief to catch a thief, if the person in question is really a thief.
the federal bureau of investigation in america had done that to catch the greatest counterfeiter in their country.
how about showing us the basics so we can all learn.
at 00:27 on May 21st, 2009
To Babel-Fish,
You're just ENVIOUS babel, because your pastor could not replicate what they are doing. Your pastor have their trillions and have much more money than these people have, and still you can't even do a portion of what they do. What a pity... I bet you don't even have a free clinic (when you can have a hospital with the church funds that you have) for your brethren (in faith)!
Well, i believe, they NEVER care about your well being.
I have watch your programs in your television and have it compared to Mr. soriano's....I am convinced that theTEACHINGS of Mr. Soriano is FAR MORE SUPERIOR than your pastor's. Mr Soriano MAKES SENSE...what a silly teaching you have..haha! would you believe "HAVING DINNER IN THE MORNING! " HAHAHA!
at 23:02 on May 21st, 2009
Babel Fish,
From your name alone, I can say you are confused.
Your thoughts are confused and please don't try to make it appear that you are all-knowing. You are deviating your comment to make it appear to the public that the advocacy has any religious undertone in it. Because there is none. And granted there is any, so what? Are they cashing out from these poor people whom they are helping? I think not.
It does not take a genius to understand and grasp the whole message of the article, and that the religious affiliation of Mr. Public Service is not even mentioned here.
You are like the Pharisees in the Bible I was reminded. You know why? Because mind you, the resources for the conduct of charity and the goodwill shared by Mr. Razon to the people were not begged from just anybody. Not even you have donated anything, right? Have you seen the wide billboards along Edsa with Mr. Razon pictured endorsing a product? That's one of the proofs of his hard labor, to earn something and use for his project.
So please stop pushing your agenda here old man. You know you should be proud that there are still people who commit themselves to doing humanitarian services, even without the help of anybody, not even from our government.
at 23:12 on May 21st, 2009
Babel Fish, resorting now to lies, and gossips eh? Let me guess, that bitterness of yours towards the honest leaders of Ang Dating Daan is due to your insecurity.
Give us facts and data before we believe in you. You are full of crappy opinions.
Can't you see, you are the only one here ranting against the good deeds that Mr. Razon and Mr. Soriano had been doing. BITTER FISH may I say?
Why not just do something good to your fellowmen too rather than defaming and accusing the Mr. Razon and Mr. Soriano - who are doing nothing against you but to extend help to the poor people?
Don't just talk and talk Babel Fish, Walk it!
at 23:12 on May 21st, 2009
Still using Wikipedia as your source of information? Poor man.
Were you not told in universities that Wikipedia is a poor reference, especially when it comes to profiles of personalities.
Wikipedia has a credibility issue that it is battling for several years now, I hope you've been researching about that.
Here is an example news about the effect of Wikipedia use:
"Hoax Leads to Questions about Journalists' Use of Wikipedia"
at 22:35 on May 22nd, 2009
My dear Babel,
Banat lang! para malaman ng madla kung gaano kakitid utak mo...hehehehe...relax! walang balian ng leeg huh....
at 05:43 on July 6th, 2009
Shame on those who have nothing good to say but disseminate absurd and ridiculous gossips about the people who spend their time, effort and fortune for no cost. Even Apostle Paul did not hesitate to spend and be spent not just for the brethren's sake (2Co 12:15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. ) but for all the people. As it says in Gal 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. I salut Mr. Soriano and Daniel Razon for doing these things, for i myself is a living witness of their good doings. I have seen how the organizations they have put up looked after the destitutes although some of them are not members of their congregation. I even personally benefitted from one of their campaigns. It only shows that these men do what it says in Gal 6:10. Has any organization in this country done or are doing these continually? Some may have done it once or twice but not continously and obviously, as a Propaganda. I am not a member of this congregation but i have witnesed how these people do good to their countrymen. From a Non-sectarian Religious Organization, listening to Bro. Soriano opened my mind to the real faith and real God that i should worship and praise. I am an inquisitive Bible reader and ONLY BRO. ELI WAS ABLE TO ANSWER ALL MY QUESTIONS REGARDING FAITH, GOD AND THE BIBLE WHICH NO OTHER BOASTFUL FALSE PREACHERS HAVE EVER DONE SO FAR. Dan 12:10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand. Anyone can say these men do no good and corrupt and whatever blatant lie, all i can say is John 9:25 WHETHER HE BE A SINNER OR NO, I KNOW NOT: ONE THING I KNOW, THAT, WHEREAS I WAS BLIND, NOW I SEE. Because of that, i am glad to say I AM NOW WILLING TO LISTEN TO MCGI DOCTRINATION.
TO BABEL-FISH - you are entitled to your own opinion but i reckon, it is absolutely doltish to look at only the person's blemish or failings. Pro 11:23 The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath. I think that doesnt need explanation. Why don't we look at and appreciate the people's good doings instead of looking for only faults. Besides those defamations are still not proven and were only made by this kind of people - Jer 18:18 Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words. If you think any religious leader could be better than Soriano or any public servant is better than Razon, why not do what you think could be better than spreading false aspersions? Otherwise your words only prove you are one of those people who devised devices against who i believe are TRUE SERVANTS OF GOD. Shame on you!
at 23:48 on May 20th, 2009
Bro. Eli Soriano nephew? Come on this family makes money out of religion. Are you saying hand over the Philippines to this lot of criminals and con merchants?
So what we do is hand over a corrupt country to a corrupt church?
Stop trying to fool the world Bro. Eli Soriano.is a crook and a rapist and he made money out of religion. I am all for the people helping themselves, but not for these creeps that use their church to help themselves.
Persona non Grata.22 of_Apalit.2C_Pampanga
On November 19, 2007, the Commission on Elections 2nd Division (under Article 6 of Republic Act 7941), disqualified the Bagong Alyansang Tagapagtaguyod ng Adhikaing Sambayanan party-list group, ruling that Batas is an extension of the Ang Dating Daan of Bro. Eliseo Soriano. It found that Daniel Razon, the party-list group's first nominee is the second highest official of the religious organization. The disqualification case and petition for cancellation of registration was filed by Nathan Macute (Sitio Roque, Alabang, Muntinlupa City). The other nominees of Batas were Daniel S. Razon, Melanio "Batas" Mauricio Jr., Jay Y. Sonza, Ariel M. Pacis and Olivia "Bong" G. Coo.
Yep it's sounds like the guy is doing good but its all a con to get power.
But what is really interesting is that everyone else but me on this threads are members of the Bro Eli church, lol Propaganda for sure, lol nice try
at 21:53 on May 21st, 2009
More popularly known as “Kaka” in the Philippines, Daniel is one of the busiest and beloved media personalities who, aside from hosting and producing his own TV programs on UNTV37, dispersed his energies and resources with multiple commitments for the charity-giving organization he co-founds, the Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel Foundation, and teaching in a university, managing a company and more
As one of the most respected and trusted voices in Philippine broadcasting, Daniel easily comes to mind as someone who represented all that was best in broadcast journalism and public service.
His countless talents would mesmerize the many but his unstinting determination would inspire everyone who dreams of one day reaching his goals.
Over the past nine years, he had already worked with the country’s biggest radio and television networks such as ABS-CBN-2, GMA-7, NBN-4 and UNTV37, as TV host, news presenter, creative consultant, director, and producer of his own public service program.
When he graduated in 1987, he became a disc jockey, first, at GV 99.1 in Angeles City Pampanga; then at KYFM, DZXQ, DWST, DZME, DWRR and at YES FM, where he was known to his listeners as "Dr. Clark".
In ABS-CBN Network’s radio station, DZMM he anchored Gising Pilipinas, DZMM Network News, Pasada 630, Compañero y Compañera, Kung May Relos may Razon, Usapang de Campanilla and Razon sa Likod ng mga Balita. On TV, he anchored news and current affairs programs such as “Pulso, Aksyon Balita,” “Hoy Gising,” and on GMA-7’s Unang Hirit.
As a singer and recoding artist, Daniel released two all-Tagalog albums that was both a commercial and critical success for its deep exploration of themes of friendship, camaraderie, spirituality, and keeping the faith in the midst of trials and struggles. His concerts, which are always a benefit show for the welfare of poor and indigent Filipinos, are a reflection of his untiring and sincere concern for the lowly.
On the online universe, his two-time People’s Choice Awardee, www.danielrazon.com, has been receiving numerous accolades and honors from some very prestigious award-giving body such as the Philippine Web Awards, and online creative design websites: newwebpick.com and designersdepot.com. His website features its breakthrough guestbook whereby users may greet and say hello to him using webcams and microphone, the first of its kind in Philippine Internet history.
In advertising, Daniel is an easy choice to endorse commercial products because of his great looks, clean and respectable image. Among the products he endorsed lately include health and men’s apparel brands.
For some of the newest, original and creative programming on UNTV37, credit this to him. His inimitable prowess and vision in developing concepts and ideas are high-rate and commendable.
Not only is he endowed with a golden voice, the qualities of a true leader are innate in him. Not surprisingly, his management of the fast-rising multi-media company, Breakthrough and Milestones Network Inc., is easily one testament of just how his leadership standard manifests. Vision, determination, sincerity, hard work and fear of God—are utterly indispensable qualities which Daniel possesses. When problems arise, he easily finds solution so as to serve the people who have entrusted their lives and trust to Daniel Razon.