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From Isang Araw Lang (Just for a day) to Ako Mismo (I Myself)
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by johnhumphrey_uppereastsider | May 20, 2009 at 06:09 am
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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 18:06 on May 30th, 2009
I am not pushing an agenda, I am just sick of a religious crazies using dobblegangers and then insulting any one that disagrees with there outragous indoctrination of which could be termed fundamentalistic mixture of Juadism and Christainity. But the main problem is the money fund the church leaders and mind controllers lifestyles. I hate to see Filipino's conned.
at 03:42 on June 8th, 2009
It is either the OP is misguided or is being brainwashed by his pastor or minister. I think he should investigate more on these articles and be not close minded.
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 22:05 on June 4th, 2009
Personally, I dont thinked that it has the same meaning to the people because for me,"1 araw lang" is really doing charity works for all, compared to "ako mismo". It is better to show or do it first rather than just saying and acting it,liked Kuya Daniel. But then, we really have to accept the fact,that although you are doing good acts, there are still people who are insecured.Instead of being one of them, why not follow that act. After all, it will be a liitle achievement on your part.
at 05:36 on June 7th, 2009
In my own opinion, this proves that government officials are not really good at doing their jobs. Imagine, it took a Persona Non Grata to step in and initiate such campaign promoting good will and charity to all our kababayans . This is like a slap on their faces because considering the power and authority that they hold as compared to what Daniel Razon has, they could have done a lot more better improvement than what Daniel Razon had started and made to happen with the help of his supporters. Come to think of it, Sapang Alat being the 30th dirtiest river in the world has been cleaned up for 1 day? Impossible as it may seem but yes, it is true.
Many government officials have been elected and eventually finished their terms for many years already but were there any of them who have been successful in making change for such a short time (i.e for 1 day)? It is awfully frustrating that for so many years Philippines have been tagged by many people across the globe with negative remarks. Taking Chip Tsao, who considers the Philippines as nation of servants as an example. Of course I am not deducting the works and efforts of some government officials who did a great job on fulfilling their duties. (Kudos to you all!). What I am trying to point out here is that, there could be a lot more excellent projects and initiatives that the incumbent government officials can initiate and execute to promote change and improvement to our nation as a whole, only if they would fulfill their duties as public servants, as what they have promised while they were still campaigning. On the other hand, talking about the person behind the campaign who happens to be Daniel Razon, well the thing is, it does not matter how his detractors perceive him as a person. For me, considering and looking at what he is doing is a lot more good thing to do than criticizing him. Well, not that I am defending him but I am just being more like someone who appreciates and gives credit to what he has done. Considering the other projects and works that he initiated, I think it is safe to consider him as one of the assets of our society. Having all these in mind, it lead me to think that if a certain person who is considered as Persona Non Grata can do that, the more that the government officials can. And also, instead of us criticizing persons who are doing charitable acts, let us just appreciate what they are doing and let us contemplate on their intentions and motivations. Who knows? We might end up supporting them.at 05:49 on June 7th, 2009
In my own opinion, this proves that government officials are not really good at doing their jobs. Imagine, it took a Persona Non Grata to step in and initiate such campaign promoting good will and charity to all our kababayans . This is like a slap on their faces because considering the power and authority that they hold as compared to what Daniel Razon has, they could have done a lot more better improvement than what Daniel Razon had started and made to happen with the help of his supporters. Come to think of it, Sapang Alat being the 30th dirtiest river in the world has been cleaned up for 1 day? Impossible as it may seem but yes, it is true.
Many government officials have been elected and eventually finished their terms for many years already but were there any of them who have been successful in making change for such a short time (i.e for 1 day)? It is awfully frustrating that for so many years Philippines have been tagged by many people across the globe with negative remarks. Taking Chip Tsao, who considers the Philippines as nation of servants as an example. Of course I am not deducting the works and efforts of some government officials who did a great job on fulfilling their duties. (Kudos to you all!). What I am trying to point out here is that, there could be a lot more excellent projects and initiatives that the incumbent government officials can initiate and execute to promote change and improvement to our nation as a whole, only if they would fulfill their duties as public servants, as what they have promised while they were still campaigning. On the other hand, talking about the person behind the campaign who happens to be Daniel Razon, well the thing is, it does not matter how his detractors perceive him as a person. For me, considering and looking at what he is doing is a lot more good thing to do than criticizing him. Well, not that I am defending him but I am just being more like someone who appreciates and gives credit to what he has done. Considering the other projects and works that he initiated, I think it is safe to consider him as one of the assets of our society. Having all these in mind, it lead me to think that if a certain person who is considered as Persona Non Grata can do that, the more that the government officials can. And also, instead of us criticizing persons who are doing charitable acts, let us just appreciate what they are doing and let us contemplate on their intentions and motivations. Who knows? We might end up supporting them.at 20:47 on June 12th, 2009
You are the cult, con, and god-less. You can still change now or let the wrath of God rule you forever on judgement day.
I hope you do change... if not sadly.... tsk tsk... poor you. May God correct you accordingly.
at 20:49 on June 12th, 2009
Babel-Fish, please change to the earliest.
at 01:49 on June 14th, 2009
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I don't see anything wrong in giving free medical services or aids to the people especially to those who are poor or less fortunate which cannot afford expensive medical treatments and medicines. It is a fact that a lot of people around the world die because of poverty or scarcity of resources in life which leads to hunger and illnesses, and were not just given medical attentions by authorities especially from the government. And this is already a common scenario in Philippine hospitals. If you don't have enough money, you'll not be given a medical treatment.
The reality is that people all over the country especially the poor is already accustomed to this kind of situation. They just can't do something to change it because they themselves need a help. However, there are people who have enough resources or even wealth to help his fellowmen. There are a lot of riches people in our country; however, seldom you see them to care for the others.
Free medical services, free legal services, free bus ride, free transient home, and etc., anybody or any group can do these and I don't see anything wrong with these, as long as they do these with a good intention of really helping the public and they don't get their resources from wrong doings. As they say, "best things in life are free", so why not give it for free if you can. There are things which money can't buy, like the good will of man. How much more the good will of God..
at 05:45 on June 22nd, 2009
at 22:55 on July 13th, 2009
So Mr. Babel-Fish if you do not believe to Bro. Eli Soriano and Mr. Daniel Razon charity works and with your own belief that based on your very logical sources is better than to anyone here, would you tell us or namely, that the best person rather than Bro Eli and Mr. Razon in our dispensation?
doing all these things....LIBRENG SAKAY, TRANSIENT HOUSE, MUNTING PANGARAP, FREE MEDICAL MISSION EVERYDAY, FREE LEGAL COUNSELLING and etc.
you Mr. Babel-Fish does your pastor teach you how to love your enemies? if yes how? and who is he?