I’m Alexis Casayuran, husband to Lannie and father to Adrian and Abby. My wife and I are members of the Missionary Families of Christ (MFC, formerly CFC-FFL), and I’m a licensed physical therapist (PT).  

Just like most PTs, the plan was to work abroad and settle down there with my family. Everything had been going according to plan, with a job in a Texas hospital waiting for me – I just needed to pass the State Board Exam. (READ: Long shifts, low pay are part of a PH nurse's reality)

But in 2007, during the course of my review, I got very sick. I acquired dermatomyositis, an autoimmune disease under the lupus family. My world was shattered because I knew it was an incurable disease.  The tides had changed; from being a physical therapist, I was now the patient who had to be lifted from bed.

Aside from my physical weakness, I became photosensitive. I could only go out shaded by an umbrella or only when it was dark, unless I wanted to turn violet. As if the burden of my physical weakness was not enough, I began to feel shunned by society. People would look at me from head to foot and evade me as if I had an infectious disease.  

In 2009, my body felt stronger and my doctor gave me clearance to take a qualifying test in Hawaii.  Midway into the online test, however, I knew that my body was giving out on me. I received the call at the hotel confirming my fate and I went home with great mental anguish. How would I sustain my family? I had become a useless part of society – a man who could not provide for his family.

Upon returning home, my journey continued to go downhill. In 2010, I had a hemorrhagic stroke two months after our youngest was born. In 2014, I underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy and an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatograph because of gallbladder problems. In 2015, I had multiple lacerations inside my stomach from an unknown reason, causing me to lose blood. I underwent blood transfusions. In 2018, I had two shockwave procedures because of kidney stones, as well as a cataract procedure.

All of this was topped off with the silent disease called depression. It was a daily battle, and if not for the support of my family, friends, and MFC, I wouldn't be alive today. (READ: Selena Gomez opens up about depression, anxiety: 'Scariest moments of my life')

All these events made me think that God was a bully who didn’t love me. Why me? I had lived a healthy lifestyle. I didn’t smoke, drink, or do drugs, and I never flirted with girls. Yet, He allowed this to happen to me. I began to seek my true purpose, my real mission. How is it that I survived all this? Why am I still alive?  

As far as my roles as a father, I continue to be the priest of the family. Though I am not physically able, I can still protect my family with words of prayer and wise counsel. I am also able to provide for our family as a non-life insurance agent, but since I can’t go out of the house to meet new clients I only have my friends as clients. (READ: Lessons from my father: 'Be happy, be brave')

As our children grew older, so too our expenses. We needed an additional source of income, and through the advice of a former high school friend of mine, also a person with disability (PWD), I applied at Virtualahan. Though I was skeptical at first, I had been pointed to an online community that equips PWDs with skills to enable them to work and provide for their family.

I was quite tentative at the start, but I looked forward to my online classes. Virtulahan opened my mind to possibilities, new ideas, and skills vital for our future jobs. Admittedly, I was slow in terms of computer knowledge and skill, but because of the encouragement of my classmates it became a breeze. I felt no pressure, just love and understanding. 

My coach once told me during a wellbeing session, “Your name reveals who you are. Alexis means ‘Helper’.”  I may not help my team physically, but I always pray for our members, coaches, and really, everyone. I have learned that even though we are wounded physically, we can overcome our fears through the support we give to each other and the community. (READ: What makes the Filipino family special)

The wind may have blown me off course, but God has the wheel. My vision may have changed but my mission is still the same. I’m heading in the right direction. – Rappler.com 

Alexis Casayuran is married to Lannie Casayuran, and they have two kids: Adrian and Abby. Alexis was a licensed physical therapist but stopped practicing since getting diagnosed with dermatomyositis in 2007.

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MANILA, Philippines – Thousands of families sought refuge in evacuation centers following the massive flash floods and landslides in Cagayan province on Saturday, December 7. 

This came as a result of the combined effects of the northeast monsoon and the tailend of a cold front affecting Northern Luzon on Thursday night, December 5, which brought heavy rains over Cagayan Valley, Ilocos Norte, and Aurora. 

Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba appealed for help as a state of calamity was declared in his province on Friday, December 6. (READ: IN PHOTOS: Floods hit several towns in Cagayan) 

In a  6 am report on Saturday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said that a total of 2,309 families or 10,770 persons affected in 40 barangays in Cagayan Valley and Cordillera Administrative Region. Of this number, 291 families or 1,150 persons were in evacuation centers while 288 families or 1,178 stayed with their relatives or friends. 

In a similar report,  a total of 75 flooded areas were recorded in Cagayan. An update said  flood in 3 areas have already subsided. 

Sixty nine road sections and 39 road bridges were also affected in these two regions. 

Nine municipalities in Cagayan experienced power shortages while 24 areas were affected by water interruption. 

Here are some of the relief initiatives for the affected communities: 

University of the Philippines (UP) Lambak

UP Lambak, in partnership with UP Anna na Cagayan and UP Kaisa, is accepting donations for the victims in Cagayan. 

For financial assistance, you may deposit in any of the following accounts: 

• BPI: 2819083285 - Jasmin Kisha Angela Lugo
• BDO: 011140031188 - Jasmin Kisha Angela Lugo
• Landbank: SA 3077 1430 08 - Reynaldo Jaime E. Gonzalez
• Chinabank: 1641378912 - Kasel V. Balubal
• Paymaya: +639154769991 

People may also donate canned goods, noodles, bottled water, clothes, blankets and other necessities to the following drop-off points:

• Ipil Residence Hall: RJ Gonzalez 09154769991
• Sampaguita Residence Hall: Jolina Pagulayan 0935463887
• College of Science Library: Kasel Balubal 09169094192
• UP Anna na Cagayan tambayan: Domic Raymundo 09359539508
• Engineering Student Council Office (MH 123): David Cua 09951491049

Donations will be accepted until Tuesday, December 10. 

Defend Job Philippines 

Defend Job Philippines also called for donations to help Pamplona and neighboring towns in Cagayan province which are still submerged in water due to flash floods that started on the night of December 5. 

For more information and for donations, you may contact +639155670410.

Bayan ng Pamplona 

The group Bayan ng Pamplona also called for donations to help the victims from different barangays in the municipality of Pamplona, Cagayan.

Those who are interested to donate clothes, food and water  may drop them off at the Pamplona Gymnasium or Pamplona Rescue Office. 

Those within Metro Manila who are interested to donate for the victims in Pamplona may contact Bernadette Lou Cayosa at 09950962628. 

Philippine Association of Medical Technologists Inc. (PAMET) 

PAMET Cagayan Chapter also launched its “Oplan Ahon Cagayan” relief operations for the victims of the severe flooding in Cagayan. 

For in-kind donations, interested individuals are encouraged to contribute food (canned goods, instant noodles, cookies, etc), bottled water, clothes and blankets, hygiene kits (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo etc.), and medicines. 

You may send a private message to PAMET Cagayan Chapter’s Facebook page. 

– Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines– Looking for a tree-rific display this holiday season?

In Baliwag, Bulacan, an eco-lamp Christmas tree made out of recycled materials took the spotlight in a tree-lighting ceremony on Saturday night, December 7. (READ: Dreaming of a green Christmas? Here are 5 ways to make it more sustainable)

The creation of the eco-lamp Christmas tree is part of the local government's campaign to recycle and create useful items from waste, with the help of the Baliwag Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) and the local tourism office.

The 32-foot-tall Christmas tree features 300 pieces of eco-lamps made out of 21,000 pieces of plastic utensils from McDonald's Bayan Baliwag and McDonald's SM City Baliwag; and 300 pieces of used plastic cups, bags, and 1.5-liter plastic bottles. (READ: 10 tips for an eco-friendly Christmas)

The used plastic cups and bottles came from several schools and Baliwag's Palit Basura store – a waste exchange program in the municipality which encourages residents to practice proper waste segregation for various goods.

Those interested to check out the tree may visit Heroes Park in Baliwag, Bulacan.

– Rappler.com

I am Anne Honeylene Rigor, fondly called Honey by my friends. I have Noonan syndrome. Though it is a common genetic syndrome associated with heart disease, not many people are familiar with it, especially in the Philippines. This condition isn't discussed much here, likely due to the limited number of documented occurrences. In fact, I was the first case at the Philippine General Hospital to manifest the symptoms.

Noonan syndrome is an autosomal dominant congenital disorder that manifests principal features like a congenital heart defect, cognitive delay, short stature, impaired blood clotting, and facial and other physical deformities. The physical manifestations include an inverted triangle-shaped head, coarse facial features, a wide forehead, neck skin webbing, a small chin, and a shield chest or a broad chest. 

At first look, you may think that I am perfectly ordinary, without any physical issues. However, upon more thorough observation, you will see the physical deformities that make me different from others. 

Actually, I didn't know the depth of my condition until I was old enough to comprehend what it was. I didn't even know that I had this peculiarity, but it soon became the reason I got bullied and endured emotional torment. I was constantly teased by my classmates, and even random people, but I just tried to turn a blind eye to the bullying. (READ: Despite deformity, 11-year-old gymnast determined to win gold)

There were times, however, that I couldn't take the teasing. I remember when I was 9 years old, a boy kept following me and my younger brother while we were walking home. The boy kept singing a made-up song purposely describing my droopy eyes and other features. I felt terribly sad and locked myself in my room for hours. I buried my face into my pillow and sobbed like a baby. I was confused as to why I couldn't just be like the other kids. 

When my mom heard my crying, she immediately came to my rescue and hushed my troubled heart. "Huwag mo nang pansinin iyon.... Ang pungay ng mata mo, at ang tangos ng ilong, kipot ang bibig." (Don't mind him anymore.... You have lovely eyes, and a high-bridged nose, a slim mouth.) I can perfectly remember her words. I was comforted and eventually looked at the positive side. (READ: Dear daughter: Let's talk about the way you see your body) 

But again the torment never stopped, because there would always be people unaccepting of people like me. There was even a time someone threw stones at me and my companion while we were walking. When you look different, or when you are different, the world cannot accept you.

However, while it was difficult, I never let people's hurtful words or actions define me. I didn't want to get affected because I didn't want my family to get hurt. They love me so much that when they see me get hurt, they feel the greater pain. 

I tried to live as normally as possible. I went to school like everybody else, though I had to stop after elementary because I became physically tired and other complications took their toll on me. I did eventually go back after a few years of rest. I enrolled in the Alternative Learning System instead so I wouldn't have to follow the rigorous schedule of the regular curriculum. (READ: Superheroes: Teachers of the Alternative Learning System) 

I was back on my feet again, but this time I had another set of challenges to get through. My mother died and my father remarried. Although I was okay with the remarriage, there were emotional setbacks and a longing for my mom. I miss her every day.

I am just blessed that I have a wonderful father who helps me every step of the way. It was hard especially after my mom died, but I knew it would be harder if I didn't have my family to support me.

Until now, I am weak and I still have my physical imperfections, but I know I can conquer life with my family and with God. I help my family – especially by taking care of my sister's daughter. I also take part in the community. Right now, I am the chapter leader of our organization, the Scoliosis Philippines Support Group. I also try to learn new things for personal development. I upgrade my digital skills. In fact, I am currently learning video editing and other computer-related skills, and at the same time learning different languages (my newest favorite hobby!). (READ: Everyone can make games) 

Every single day is an opportunity for me to realize that life is worth living. 

I have imperfections, but that doesn't mean I can't make my life meaningful. This is why my personal mantra is, "If others can, then why can't I?" 

Life is beautiful if we see it that way. All we have to do is to see the perfection in this imperfect world. – Rappler.com 

Anne Honeylene Rigor is a responsible daughter, loving aunt, persevering virtual assistant, and community builder who aims to make the world a better place.

In my own way, I try to do small deeds that can still make an impact. I was able to show, for instance, that despite being on the autism spectrum, I can perform in a realm where people like me don't always get appreciated.

I had long thought I was an awkward dancer, even though I liked improvising dance moves to upbeat songs on the radio. But that changed in my sophomore year in college, when we got to learn different types of dances for Physical Education class, and were tasked to perform an '80s-inspired dance number as our final presentation. (WATCH: Blind singer with autism wows 'America's Got Talent' judges and crowd) 

Day after day, I motivated myself to never stop practicing with my classmates. It was important for us to do our best so we could get a passing grade.

The day of our presentation finally arrived. I was a little bit nervous that I would perform the wrong steps. I remembered when our class did a cheer dancing routine: I had fallen off-balance, as I was still recuperating from asthma. I prayed that this time, I would not slip or make jerky movements while dancing in front of the faculty and other students.

I tried my best not to dance a second ahead of the rest or a second too late. Thank God I was able to do the dance steps really well! A lot of students who weren't my blockmates, as well as professors, were impressed by my dancing and went up to greet me after. I felt happy that I got to meet new people because of this. I was so over the moon that despite my autism, I was able to share my dancing talent with the world. (READ: [OPINION] Our Ausome Anton: A mother's journey with her son on the autism spectrum)

I do still suffer from stage fright, though, and that has kept me from continuing my dancing. Sometimes, I do odd stuff such as stomping my feet loudly or rubbing my hands to combat my nervousness. I wish that one day, I get to really control this stage fright and rediscover my talents anew. I wish I could still make a difference by delivering a good performance despite having an invisible disability. (READ: [OPINION] To the moon and beyond: Life as a teacher of children with autism)

I still want to continue doing things that make a positive impact, such as showcasing my dance skills. I might still go back onstage in the future, and delight the audience the way I did on that special day years ago. – Rappler.com

Billicent B. Macuse was born with autism spectrum disorder, and holds a degree in Computer Science. He is an aspiring writer and content creator who strives to inspire other people with invisible disabilities.

The old man’s face was a picture of defeat.

Someone who produces food should never know hunger, but how does one feed a family when one earns so little? Accept government doleouts? Take out a loan? Would you even consider selling your land when your soul has always been bonded to it?

I had this farmer’s plight in mind when I agreed to spearhead Team Pilipinas' “Maagang Pamasko Para Sa Magsasakang Pilipino” project. Our goal was simple: to provide noche buena packages for a hundred families of farmers from Talavera, Nueva Ecija. (READ: Wanted: Younger farmers in PH)

Shortly after we had arrived at this decision, however, disaster struck. Cotabato was hit by a devastating earthquake. As an Angat Buhay partner, we were asked to raise funds for Cotabato.

Team Pilipinas had to make a difficult decision right away: our small team would be hard-pressed to take on two fundraising events at the same time. Do we choose one over the other, or do we dare hope we could successfully pull off two simultaneous fundraisers?

I closed my eyes, and in my mind, I could hear Fr. Manoling’s song, "Hindi Kita Malilimutan."

Amazing how the Undas theme song clinched the decision for me. That, and the farmer's eyes.

Last November 16, I invited friends to a small gathering in UP.  Those who could sing, sang. Those who could donate, donated. We were able to raise a modest amount, and we excitedly planned on what to include in our noche buena baskets. (READ: A Filipino farmer's plea: 'Support us, love us')

A few weeks ago, I chatted with Jette, a farmer's daughter, to get her suggestions for the baskets.

Her immediate answer: organic fertilizer and seeds. Then, apparently sensing that my intention was for noche buena, she added spaghetti and fruit salad.

And a bag of rice. A warm blanket. A raincoat.

It was a strange mix. Fertilizer and seeds? And why would a rice farmer ask for a bag of rice? I opted for what appealed to me: food and a warm blanket.

We managed to raise the funds. I liked the fruit salad recipe. The blankets were gorgeous. I was happy.

Team Pilipinas then sent its advance party to Talavera. We needed to coordinate with the mayor regarding the recipients and the venue for the turnover. We also decided to source our groceries from the local Waltermart to minimize trucking expenses.

Lorelei, a colleague from Team Pilipinas, also got to talk to some of the farmers. 

One of the farmers, Alberto Ricoperto, recently had a mild stroke and should be going to therapy. He is yet to visit a therapist, however. Asked why, he sadly replied, “Mahirap pong pumunta sa clinic nang walang laman ang aking bulsa. Isa pa, mas kailangan namin ang pera para sa bukid. Diyan po kami nabubuhay.” 

(It's hard to go to the clinic with nothing in my pocket. Plus, we need the money for the farmland more. That's how we make a living.) 

When Lorelei asked him what he wanted for Christmas, he didn't ask for help with his medical expenses. He didn't even ask for noche buena, or for a blanket.

Binhi (seeds). What he wanted was binhi. A means for him to start working honorably, for him to get his life and dignity back. (READ: What if our farmers give up on us?)

Weeks ago, Jette had said practically the same thing: they needed fertilizer and seeds. How could that have escaped me?

Mea culpa. I should have listened more. I should have listened better.

Our group of volunteers will be in Talavera on December 14. Initially, it was just to turn over the noche buena baskets to the farmers. But when the gracious town mayor, Nerivi Martinez, learned of our plan, she volunteered to arrange for a venue, food, and raffle prizes. Waltermart Talavera, upon learning that the groceries we ordered from them were for the farmers, also asked us to submit a letter requesting for holiday hams. More donations came in so we decided to include packs of rice, canned goods, and bags of organic fertilizer to the growing list of items that we will give to our embattled farmers. (READ: [ANALYSIS] Plummeting rice prices: How will our rice farmers cope?)

If only we had enough time, we could have also invited some doctors and asked for medicine donations for farmers like Mang Alberto, who do not have the means to seek medical help. 

For those of you who would like to be part of this humble initiative for our farmers, we still accept donations. You may deposit to Team Pilipinas’ GavaGives account or BPI bank account (account name: KN Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership, Inc.; account number: 3081-1173-72).

Let me end this with a simple quote: “If you were able to eat today, there’s a farmer you need to thank.” – Rappler.com

Inday Echevarria, 57, is an Engineering graduate from UP, and a retired pianist. She believes that all Filipinos should be involved both in nation building and in fighting abuses. She is an active member of Team Pilipinas.

When asked why he became a farmer, Armando delos Santos, 25, of Barangay Bonifacio, Angadanan, Isabela, recalled his struggles as a child of a farmer. He had once decided to find a job in Metro Manila as an electrician because he only graduated from a technical-vocational course. Finding no luck, and with his father bedridden because of illness, he returned home to tend to the family land.

Without proper knowledge and training, it was fortunate that the Municipal Agriculture Office of Angadanan was organizing 4-H Clubs within the area. Armando joined, and what seemed to be last-minute participation turned out to be a life-changing choice.

He is now rehabilitating their once-forested 3.5-hectare land which was cleared by loggers. He now manages an integrated and diversified farm where rice, corn, and vegetables thrive abundantly despite the difficult terrain. He also plants fruit trees to save his soil from erosion. In 2014, he was one of the lucky young farmers who passed the rigorous selection process for an 11-month training program in Japan on agricultural practices and technologies.

His opportunity was there all along, he said. What he only needed was the right mindset.

Meanwhile, Junie Awa, 24, of Barangay Malapong, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, did not have land to begin with, nor did his family have the capital to buy some. He was also not able to go to college. Until now, he is a tenant on a piece of land on top of a knoll, but his sitaw (string beans), cucumber, and ampalaya (bitter gourd) bring him at least P100,000 pesos in income per cropping cycle. This is despite the difficult water and erratic weather in his locality. (READ: What if our farmers give up on us?)

With great motivation, Junie sought help and was able to join the local 4-H Club. There, he was exposed to training not only in agricultural technologies but also in personality development. Just like Armando, he qualified for an 11-month training program in Japan last 2016.

Today, while continuing to develop his farm into a farm tourism site, he juggles his time being an SK Chairman, doing talks and lectures, and encouraging other youth to engage in agriculture. He also plans on buying his own land.

Compared to Armando and Junie, Nomer Mortega, 24, of Barangay Caditaan, Magallanes, Sorsogon had the land and the sea. His farm is located near the shoreline, and this location brought him both promises and challenges. Because of the rich seawater, he was able to establish ponds for fish, shrimp, and mud crab production. He planted vegetables in containers and sacks because the high tide tends to flood his garden area, and seawater is not good for the plants. He was also able to maximize his backyard by generating income from the coconut and fruit trees that were planted there.

Unlike the first two farmers, Nomer graduated from college, but he still chose to farm because he believes he is the solution to the dying farmer population. He uses his knowledge as a teacher to educate the children in his community about the importance of farming. He dreams of developing his farm as a tourism destination and at the same time as a learning site for those who want to learn and appreciate farming as a profitable enterprise.  (READ: Albay couple turns unproductive riceland into bustling agritourism farm) 

Armando, Junie, and Nomer are just some of the testaments that the Filipino farmer is not a dying breed. They are the Top 3 finalists at the 2019 Gawad Saka Search for Outstanding Young Farmer/Fisherfolk organized by the Department of Agriculture. Their triumph not only demonstrates the hard work and dedication that they committed, but also the reality of what young people have to endure in order to succeed.

For these 3 farmers, certain perceptions about farming should be instilled in the youth. These are:

There is money in agriculture

Young people are compelled to choose other professions because they think there is no money in agriculture. Agriculture is the backbone of the economy. Profit can be generated in every aspect of the value chain and with the right attitude, they can explore business possibilities in this enterprise. (READ: What you can do to help Filipino rice farmers) 

Farming is NOT a poor man’s job

The farm business is not exclusive to production alone. Farming can be extended into several enterprises such as farm tourism, learning sites, and farm schools. Young farmers should be educated and trained on how to manage their farm as a business. Key topics that they need are farm record-keeping and financial management. (READ: Making farming work in the big city) 

Agriculture is a glamorous profession

With the growing demand for more safe, nutritious, available, and affordable food, more and more people recognize the importance of agriculture. More people are willing to pay higher prices to avail of organically-grown food products. This means that people are paying attention to how we grow our food. The youth may capitalize on this movement. That is why there are certain organizations like the 4-H Clubs of the Philippines that help young people develop their knowledge, skills, and attitude to become empowered young farmers of the country. (READ: Farmers are business partners in this zero-waste café)

Encouraging young people to engage in agriculture is a challenging task. Many factors play vital roles in this endeavor. Political will, lack of compensation to agricultural extension workers, and a general negative outlook towards farming are just some of the challenges that need to be overcome. But as long as there are young people like Armando, Junie, and Nomer, who use their knowledge, skills, and attitude to influence others to go back to farming, one thing is certain: the Filipino farmer is not a dying breed. – Rappler.com

Larry Illich N. Souribio is a licensed professional teacher but currently works as a training specialist at the Agricultural Training Institute, Quezon City. 

MANILA, Philippines – The community of surfers in Sorsogon made waves of cleanup drives in the coastal areas after Typhoon Tisoy struck the province on Saturday, December 7. 

When Typhoon Tisoy made landfall in Gubat, Sorsogon, the surfers knew it would leave a trail of garbage along the shores of Buenavista beach. The municipality of Gubat was among the hardest hit in the Bicol region. (READ: IN PHOTOS: Typhoon Tisoy leaves trail of destruction across Bicol) 

Cleanup drives, however, are not new to them. The group has been doing cleanup activities every day to maintain a clean ocean. 

Their goal is to make a positive impact to the community and keep the place clean and pristine.

Lola Sayong Ecosurf Camp is fueled by people embracing the culture of becoming responsible surfers, having the mindset of environmentalists and attitude of a pure Gubatnon. (READ: How a Sorsogon surf camp helps keep kids in school) 

Noli Mercader, one of the administrators of the Lola Sayong Ecosurf Camp, said that aside from having to clear the debris brought about by Typhoon Tisoy, cleanup drives are indicators that the environment needs urgent help. 

“Para sa kalikasan. Pagbibigay halaga sa aming palaruan, tahanan at simbahan. Yung clean up drive na isinagawa, sa dami ng basurang nakuha ay naging dahilan at magiging dahilan para lalo pa maging mapagmatyag at ituring na isa sa mga prayuridad ang pangangalaga at pagprotekta ng kalikasan,” Mercader said. 

(This is for the environment. And to give value to our playground, home and church. With the massive garbage that we collected from the many cleanup drives we’ve done, this remains to be a reason and will continue to be – for  us to be more observant as we consider this activity a priority to protect the environment.) 

“Dapat lahat maging responsable simula sa pagpili ng gagamitin hanggang sa pagtapon nito(Everyone should be responsible starting from deciding what products to you until its disposal),” he added. 

Aside from the daily cleanup drives, they also initiate tree-planting activities, mangrove conservation, conservation efforts, and river cleanups. 

Lola Sayong Ecosurf camp also banned tourists from using single-use plastic in the camp and teaching tourists about the “Leave No Trace Policy." 

Below are some photos from their cleanup drive. All photos are from Honeleth Joyce Federio.

 – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – Taking a stand on various issues, the 2019 University of the Philippines (UP) lantern parade winged its way to display different artworks and floats on Friday, December 13, at the UP Amphitheater. 

Alluding to the changing social and political landscape of the University and the country, various UP academic units and student organizations anchored their display on issues tackling press freedom, spirituality, combating historical revisionism, human rights, and the call to end all forms of violence, among others. 

Following its theme, Pumailanlang (to soar), the UP lantern parade was centered on bird-like figures symbolizing the university’s efforts to help marginalized communities seeking refuge, and its advocacy for civil rights in times of turmoil. (READ: 'Bakwit school' for Lumad children opens in UP)

 The UP College of Arts and Letters moored its float on the statement Malikhain Kritikal, featuring bird-like figures to align with the lantern parade theme. It won 1st place with a cash prize of P50,000. The UP College of Social Work and Community Development bagged the 2nd spot while the UP College of Science got 3rd place.

Among those who took part is the UP College of Mass Communication where its float featured a cauldron in reference to the recent Southeast Asian Games. It also showed words such as aktibista (activist), katotohanan (truth), media, and balita (news), highlighting the importance of press freedom and fighting disinformation.

LOOK: UP Diliman College of Mass Communication features a float with words such as “aktibismo”, “balita”, and media, showing the importance of press freedom. | via @biancavlscpic.twitter.com/C0g5Dny9uV

— MovePH (@MovePH) December 13, 2019

Meanwhile, other floats portrayed their displays in relation to the West Philippine Sea territorial dispute. The UP Fine Arts students, for instance, featured Filipino fishermen and a panda which symbolizes China while students chant, "Atin ang 'Pinas (The Philippines are ours)." 

UP Diliman Fine Arts students’ float features Filipino fishermen and a panda. Students chant "Atin ang Pinas," alluding to the issue on the West Philippine Sea. | via @biancavlscpic.twitter.com/xuXdl4YUT2

— MovePH (@MovePH) December 13, 2019

In light of the recently declared global climate crisis, UP Youth Agham demanded climate justice through Christmas-themed signs made from various recycled materials.

Around 2,500 people attended the 2019 UP Lantern Parade, according to John Barona. acting director of the UP Diliman Safety and Security office.

Here are Maria Tan's photos from the 97th UP lantern parade:

 – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – “Woke” Twitter 2019, you were the gift that kept on giving. 

There wasn’t a dull moment for Filipinos on the social media platform this year, with local users fighting over a wide range of issues, from the “right” way to love Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings to the dignity of sex work. 

Here, in no particular order, are the most engaging, enlightening, and controversial PH Twitter aruments of the year:

Van Gogh Alive

Art appreciation here in the Philippines has yet to develop and mature. When it was announced that the interactive, digital art exhibit Van Gogh Alive was coming to the Philippines, Twitter user Abbey Sy and others were quick to give their two cents on how art should be appreciated or consumed, which, of course, woke Twitter was quick to dismiss as "elitist" and "exclusivist." Should art be consumed traditionally? Should it be gate-kept or popularized?

Van Gogh Alive - Curated tweets by minglagman

Sex workers

The Philippines being a culture that is still greatly conservative, you can expect that the topic of sex, and in this particular Twitter beef, sex work, is one that will make Filipinos on the internet lose their minds. UP Babaylan’s tweeted invitation to their forum "Sex Work is Work" was met with arguments speaking for sex workers or prostituted individuals. Does sex work promote prostitution or is it a choice that should be respected?

Sex Work is Work - Curated tweets by minglagman

Dating at Shakey’s 

Another thing that FIlipinos on Twitter love talking and arguing about is dating and relationships – even if it’s not their own. So when someone tweets about their dating preferences like, oh let’s say, for example, when Twitter user Ethel jested that the guy she stopped dating should look for someone who would "settle" for a Shakey’s dinner, Twitter blew up with arguments either defending her for being practical or condemn her for being shallow.

Dating at Shakey's - Curated tweets by minglagman

Southeast Asian cuisine

We Filipinos have very strong feelings about our food, so it comes as no surprise that when a Caucasian man placed Filipino food at the bottom of his list for Southeast Asian cuisine, and a Caucasian woman agreed with him because she found Filipino food "bland," local Twitter called for their heads. (Admittedly, this example isn’t so much a debate as a massacre.) 

Southeast Asian Cuisine - Curated tweets by rapplerdotcom

Grabfood costume

The issue of cultural appropriation comes up more and more in recent Halloweens, but this instance came with a twist. When a celebrity dresses up as a service person, is it an insult, or a tribute to their hard work?

GrabFood Halloween - Curated tweets by rapplerdotcom

Lang Leav vs Mookie Katigbak Lacuesta

Lang Leav has long been a polarizing writer, her wildly popular, hugot-filled verses dubbed by the literary "elite" as trite and badly-written. But local poet Mookie Katigbak Lacuesta’s essay on her meeting with Leav gave the debate a whole new dimension. Should published literature be gate-kept, or should popular “Instapoetry” thrive alongside high art? 

Lang vs Mookie - Curated tweets by rapplerdotcom

Did you participate in any of these debates? Which other Twitter arguments do you think should be on the list? Let us know in the comments! – Rappler.com

At around 6 pm pn August 5, 2019, Brandon Lee, a correspondent of the alternative online paper Northern Dispatch, was shot in front of his house in Lagawe, Ifugao. Lee is also a paralegal volunteer for the Ifugao Peasant Movement, and was redtagged by the military in 2015. The following is his statement on the shooting incident. 

First of all, thank you to all who came together out of concern and love to bring me back to the San Francisco Bay Area, where I am now undergoing intensive physical therapy for up to 5 hours a day. Your support warms my heart as I commit to prioritizing my recovery. 

The attempt on my life did not succeed, nor has it scared me off, as was the intention.

Second, your support and concern for me must now help others like me in the Philippines who continue to face state attacks. The fight for justice, and for human rights in the Philippines, continues. I fight not only for myself, but for my fellow human rights defenders targeted by the Duterte government for no other reason than advocating for the voiceless and criticizing the failed policies of the government in alleviating the Filipino people, especially those in rural areas, from the daily crisis of crushing poverty and hunger. 

I spent 9 years in the Northern Philippines struggling alongside the most courageous indigenous peoples and landless farmers of the Cordillera region to protect and defend the rich agricultural lands, mountains, and rivers from the biggest foreign corporations conducting widespread, aggressive extraction and environmental degradation. Because of this work, my colleagues and I with the Ifugao Peasant Movement were targeted and subjected to death threats for years by the Philippine military, specifically the 54th Infantry Battallion of the Philippine Army. I lost two of my colleagues – William Bugatti and Ricardo Mayumi, both paralegals – to assassinations by the Philippine military. 

Since October 31, 2019, offices and affiliated offices of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, or BAYAN, in the island of Negros Oriental and in Manila have been subject to Gestapo-like raids and searches by the Philippine National Police. These include the offices of the women's alliance Gabriela, Kadamay Urban Poor Network, Karapatan National Alliance for Human Rights, and the National Federation of Sugar Workers. Over 60 arrests have been conducted under false charges and with planted evidence. Some have gone missing, like human rights defender Honey Mae Suazo of Karapatan in Southern Mindanao. Some have been killed, such as peasant leader Rey Malaborbor in Laguna. The Duterte government has declared these groups as communist fronts, even going as far using the term "communist terrorist group" to describe legitimate disaster relief providers working post-earthquake in the southern island of Mindanao.

I left the US to live in the Philippines back in 2010 because I was inspired by a widespread, vibrant, and fearless mass movement for change in the country. A movement with a vision, that is taking action to end deep-seated government corruption, to break the system of land dynasties and distribute land to the hungry tillers who comprise the majority of the population, provide decent jobs at home so 7,000 Filipinos don't have to migrate daily just for work and leave their children behind, and basic services to the marginalized. It was in joining this struggle that I met my partner and we raised our child. I have met some of the bravest and most selfless freedom fighters from the ranks of the country's poorest, while the decadence of the country's rich is maintained by a repressive and fascist state, now represented by Rodrigo Duterte. 

As a father and activist, I do not want this to be the country my child or any other Filipino child inherits.

Bracing for more raids and killings under Duterte, these brave defenders are not backing down. They are not being scared away. They are standing their ground.

We must stand with them. My fight is their fight too. Our struggles are connected.

For those of us in the US, let's not forget that the Philippine military and police receive the largest aid package from the US government in the Asia-Pacific region. I am certain that bullets still in my body, lodged in my spine, were purchased with US tax dollars.  

One of the most concrete ways to add our voices loudly to the growing international clamor to stop the attacks of the Duterte government against human rights defenders is to demand that our congressional representatives take action to suspend US aid to the Philippines until it investigates and can prove none of our tax dollars are linked to these abuses. 

The American people don't want blood on our hands, and these hundreds of millions in US aid to the Philippines must be redirected for domestic needs here in the US such as education, healthcare, and housing.

Join me in taking a stand and saying:

Stop the attacks! 

Stop the killings!

End US support to the Duterte government!

Stand with human rights defenders in the Philippines! – Rappler.com

Brandon Lee is a paralegal volunteer for the Ifugao Peasant Movement (IPM) and a columnist for the Northern Dispatch. A Chinese-American, Lee came from San Francisco, California and was a member of the League of Filipino Students there, despite not being a Filipino. 

Please refresh this page for updates.

MANILA, Philippines – A magnitude 6.9 earthquake, which struck Davao del Sur on Sunday, December 15, left at least 4 people dead.

The strong earthquake also caused extensive damage in Davao del Sur and in other parts of Mindanao. (IN PHOTOS: Strong Davao del Sur earthquake causes serious damage)

With the threat of more aftershocks and their homes partially or totally damaged, residents are in urgent need of food, medicine, tents, clothes, and blankets.

Here are some of the relief initiatives for the victims of the Davao del Sur earthquake:

Philippine Red Cross

The Philippine Red Cross is accepting cash donations.

You may deposit your donations to any of the following bank accounts:

• Banco de Oro (BDO)
• Peso savings: 00-453-0190938
• Dollar savings: 10-453-0039482
• Swift code: BNORPHMM
• Metrobank
• Peso savings: 151-7-151524342
• Dollar savings: 151-2-151002182
• Swift code: MBTCPHMM
• Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)
• Peso savings: 4991-0036-52
• Swift code: BOPIPHMM
• Reference code: Name of Donor / Contact No.
• PayPal
• donate@redcross.com.ph
• GCash

A copy of the deposit slip may be sent to emergencyappeal@redcross.org.ph.

For inquiries, you may contact 09178348378 or (02) 87902300 local 984 or 985.

AFS IPP Davao

AFS Intercultural Programs Philippines (IPP) Davao, an international and non-governmental organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities, accepts cash and in-kind donations. These include:

• Clothes
• Canned goods, noodles, food packs
• Rice
• Tents
• Laminated sacks (sako)
• Bottles of water
• Blankets
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap)
• Napkins
• Diapers
• Powdered milk for babies
• Feeding bottles for babies
• Medicines

You may drop your donations at D'Leonor Hotel, Bajada, Davao City, and look for Kristine at 09770812630.

Those who opt to donate cash can deposit to the following accounts:

• Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI): 2519071943
• GCash or PayMaya: 09770812630
• PayPal: mayfieldivino@yahoo.com

Cash donations will be used to purchase relief goods as well as provide meals and transportation for the volunteers who will deliver the relief goods and conduct psychological first aid.

Rock Ed Philippines

Rock Ed Philippines is also accepting in-kind donations such as water filters, blankets, mosquito repellant, mosquito nets, and tumblers for those affected in Davao del Sur and North Cotabato. 

Monetary donations may be deposited to the following account:

• Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)
• Account name: ROCK ED PHILIPPINES
• Account number: 3080-0073-44

Those who are interested to donate may contact Gang Badoy Capati on Facebook.

Caritas Manila

Caritas Manila is accepting cash and in-kind donations.

Items such as shelter sheets, flashlights, ready-to-eat meals, blankets, mosquito nets, toiletries, and medical kits may be directed at the Caritas Manila office: 2002 Jesus Street, Pandacan, Manila.

For cash donations, donors may deposit to any of the following accounts:

• Online through their website
• Choose Caritas Damayan Mindanao Earthquake
• Banco de Oro (BDO)
• Peso savings: 5600-45905
• Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)
• Peso savings: 3063-5357-01
• Dollar savings: 3064-0033-55
• Swift code: BOPIPHMM
• Metrobank
• Peso savings: 175-3-17506954-3
• Philippine National Bank (PNB)
• Dollar savings: 10-856-660002-5
• Cebuana Lhuiller: free of charge

For proper acknowledgement of your donations, you may fax a copy of the deposit slip to 8563-9306 or email a scanned copy to donatecare@caritasmanila.org.ph. Kindly indicate the donor's name and address.

Save the Children

Save the Children is accepting cash donations to help the affected communities in Davao del Sur and North Cotabato. 

You may deposit any amount through its website.

Save the Children teams to assess the damage and provide life-saving support following devastating 6.9 earthquake in Mindanao. Read full story here: https://t.co/PqAua3drNzpic.twitter.com/Zs7nPykIpo

— Save the Children PH (@SaveChildrenPH) December 16, 2019

– Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – To bridge the gap on various issues, conversations are good starters. But what can communities do to scale up the level of discourse? 

In 2019, MovePH, Rappler’s civic engagement arm, kickstarted Huddle to provide a platform for social conversations on relevant issues. 

Beyond conversations, it also aims to encourage students, professionals, and people from different sectors and advocacies to discuss and craft solutions to issues that matter to the community.

It hopes to empower ordinary citizens to build partnerships with various groups as they take the lead in bridging communities, identifying problems, brainstorming ideas, and eventually bring huddles to inspire others to step up and find ways to create solutions and possible movements. 

Providing a safe space

Throughout the year, MovePH's huddles touched on timely and relevant issues in an effort to amplify the voices of Filipinos. 

In July, MovePH kicked off its first huddle with a real-life Rappler Quiz with student leaders and campus journalists to show how discussions on current events and sustainable development goals can be done in a fun and exciting way.

To continue the discussion on pressing national topics ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address, another huddle was organized in partnership with Dakila, an organization building a movement of modern heroism, in the same month.

The huddle aimed to discuss the current state of the nation from the lens of different sectors. Participants not only expressed their experience and insights on national issues but they also shared their vision for the Philippines in the next 3 years of Duterte's term. (READ: Youth, advocates share ideal Philippines ahead of SONA 2019) 

Participants tackled the important role that citizens play in creating change in society emphasizing unity through "active citizenship," such as joining advocacy groups for collective action, lobbying for "progressive laws," and informing other people "through simple conversations." 

This has also led student leaders, professionals, advocates and other interested individuals to connect with each other and find ways to work together as a group to achieve a common goal. 

Taking the spotlight

At a time when the public transportation crisis in Metro Manila was especially felt due to a proposed provincial bus ban along EDSA, frustrated commuters were hungry for effective solutions to traffic.

This paved the way for commuters to take the spotlight as individuals, transport advocates, and experts joined MovePH huddle reimagining EDSA in partnership with transport advocacy group AltMobility and Right of Way. (READ: #2030Now: How a group of friends started lobbying for law on dignified commuting) 

Through the activity, commuters identified and grouped the issues they faced in relation to public transportation. Most of the issues were anchored on awareness, behavior change, government policies, and commuters’ participation. 

Each group then proposed solutions on how they might address these issues. (READ: ‘Let’s do actual things!’: Commuters huddle on solutions to address traffic) 

This was followed by another huddle at the 2019 Manila Social Good Summit on September 21 where participants emphasized the need for data to inform policymaking for commuters. 

To these design thinkers, entrepreneurs, and economists, a livable city is a walkable city, and so they proposed a campaign that puts importance on the needs of pedestrians. 

As commuters clamor for better public transportation, participants showed in the huddle how addressing the problem of traffic congestion required the collective action of people from different sectors.

Providing opportunities 

Inspired by previous huddles, the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Education Student Council (CESC) led a huddle to tackle an advocacy close to its goal as an organization.

In partnership with MovePH, CESC's huddle on the accesibility of education was the first primarily initiated by another organization. It aimed to highlight the value of education and educators in the Philippines. 

Hoping to make education more accessible, students, teachers and education advocates shared their ideas about potential learning opportunities for marginalized sectors such as the urban poor, out-of-school youth and children, and indigenous people. 

With the insights mentioned in the panel discussion, participants didn’t just learn about the accessibility of education in the country but also brainstormed ideas that can be applied in various communities. (READ: Beyond the classroom: Advocates discuss how to make PH education more accessible) 

Involving local communities

To widen the scope of the discussion, huddles were also done in local communities outside Metro Manila. 

To get a feel of the heartbeat of the community, representatives from advocacy groups, student organizations, and social enterprises in Bacolod City were invited to join the huddle to discuss the issues in the community that they believed deserve more attention.

Among the issues raised during the brainstorming session were labor rights, the lack of implementation of environmental policies, red-tagging of activists, farmers' struggles involving land, and rural development of Bacolod City. 

To help participants see what they can do to solve the issues in their communities, Micah Asistores of HiFi Future Shapers gave a talk and workshop on the theory of change – a project planning framework to help address community issues.

A group focused on the issue of human rights in Bacolod City pitched an educational campaign that aims to create awareness on the human rights abuses in Negros Island. 

Another group also proposed an education campaign to help spread awareness and push for a stronger implementation of Bacolod's environmental policies. They hoped to involve barangays and the Sangguniang Kabataan to help advocate for the environment. 

To highlight the importance of the arts, another group called for stronger measures against piracy and intellectual property rights issues through an educational campaign. Another group proposed to focus on policy lobbying and awareness campaigns to responding to troubling working conditions in Negros Island. 

Getting started with actual movements

Another huddle was also done in Tacloban City. Known as Yolanda’s ground zero, it was the most devastated city when the super typhoon struck in November 2013. 

During the huddle, Waraynons highlighted issues of road safety, climate emergency and disasters, and social welfare including the housing projects for the Yolanda victims. 

Three groups of participants came up with proposals during the huddle to help address these issues. 

Aiming to protect and train disciplined road users in Tacloban City, one group proposed to push for a road safety ordinance. They also mentioned doing information drives, campaign in schools and other institutions, establishing partnerships with local agencies and groups, and setting guidelines for road violations. 

Advocating for environmental sustainability and disaster preparedness, another group pitched an education campaign on disaster preparedness especially as locals are vulnerable to hoaxes involving disasters due to what they experienced from Yolanda. (READ:  Taclobanons urge community to combat disaster-related hoaxes) 

To address issues revolving around the housing problems faced by Yolanda survivors, a group proposed to create an organization dubbed #PukawTacloban (to awaken) that would initiate huddle sessions in different barangays and consultations with survivors. 

In December, the group moved forward by conducting actual community consultations on housing rehabilitations in at least two villages in Tacloban City. 

Although the results of these activities are still in the works, participating groups have showed that everyone can play a role in helping out the community and contributing to nation-building.

After all, the secret to getting things done is to get things started, one huddle at a time. – Rappler.com 

EASTERN SAMAR, Philippines – They may look like ordinary kids but wait until you see them break waves like professionals.

Kai Kenneth Alcala and Marionelle "Nano" Capacite will compete head-to-head in the last leg of the Philippine Surfing Championship Tour in Surf in Borongan, Eastern Samar, from December 16 to 23.

Though 10-year-old Kai is the youngest surfer in the competition, his age didn’t stop him from topping the initial heat of his category.

Kai started surfing when he was 4 years old. His parents are surfing enthusiasts, so it comes as no surprise that Kai followed in their footsteps.

Kai's godmother Nildie Blancada described him as “very motivated” in pursuing his surfing career.

“I think most of his time and his life is all about surfing,” Blancada said.

When asked about balancing Kai’s education and his surfing career, Blancada said that Kai is being homeschooled to avoid conflicts in schedule.

“Whenever we have competitions like this, his homeschool would really give him time to prepare, so it’s not a problem. And he’s really good in school too,” Blancada added.

In January 2018, Kai underwent a month-long training in Australia, sponsored by an international surfing brand and a local airline in the country. This gave him an opportunity to further hone his skills and experience a variety of waves when surfing.

He caught the attention of several international sports journals such as Surfer Today and The Inertia. He was also featured in the Philippine adaptation of Little Big Shots.

Local surf icon on the rise

Kai is not the only young superstar in Surf in the City Festival, where the last leg of the Philippine Surfing Championship Tour is being held. One Borongan local is starting to leave a mark in the surfing community.

Nano Capacite started breaking the waves of Barangay Bato beach when he was 8. Unlike Kai, Nano’s parents are not surfers, but they too have been supportive of him ever since Nano first trained with his cousin.

Nano, now 11, said that someday he wants to become like his surfing inspiration Philmar Alipayo, who knows how to “fly” over waves. 

Nano joined two junior surfing competitions in Sorsogon and in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, but failed to land a podium finish in both instances.

“Parang laro lang. Enjoy. Dagdag experience din (It’s just like a game. I enjoyed it. It also adds to my experience),” Nano said when asked about how he felt after losing twice. 

During the Surf in the City Festival, Kai and Nano go head-to-head in securing the top finishes. More than the cash prize, it's mostly about proving one’s self to gain honor. As they continue breaking the waves in Borongan, Kai and Nano are showing spectators a glimpse of the future of Philippine surfing.

With around 103 surfers from all over the Philippines, Surf in the City is the biggest tourism event of the year for Borongan City.

The event was organized by the Surfriders Club Eastern Samar (SCES), in cooperation with the Philippine Surfing Championship Tour (PSCT), and the Department of Tourism. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – As we wrap up 2019 and welcome 2020, Filipinos head to social media to share their final notes on the lessons 2019 taught them.

The conversation #WhatDid2019TeachYou, which was started by the DJs of RX 93.1’s morning radio show ‘The Morning Rush', was quickly picked up by netizens during their morning commute. The conversation became one of the top trending topics on Twitter Philippines on Wednesday morning, December 18.

It got people online looking back at 2019 – both the good and bad moments– and the lessons the year brought, and they began tweeting them in turn.

And while the usual Twitter debates can be entertaining and enlightening to read, seeing people tweet more positivity can be a breath of fresh air from these too-often scuffles.

From jokes to insights, if you’re looking for a positive note to end 2019, read on.

#WhatDid2019TeachYou - Curated tweets by minglagman

Did 2019 leave you with valuable lessons you’ll be taking into 2020? Tweet with #WhatDid2019TeachYou! – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – To capture the diverse perspectives of ordinary Filipinos this year, MovePH, the civic engagement arm of Rappler, went around communities to ask them about their thoughts on various issues and events through the #StoryOfTheNation campaign.

With the help of our movers and other sectors, we saw and listened to how Filipinos wrestled with problems as well as be inspired by the good things. Through #StoryOfTheNation, these voices were given a platform so that they can be amplified to a bigger audience.

From uplifting stories to the more serious ones said with a heavy sigh, here are some stories of the nation throughout 2019:

Labor Day

For Labor Day on May 1, Rappler asked workers what they find special about their jobs. 

Labor Day is a significant holiday where efforts and contributions of workers to the economy are recognized and celebrated. It also serves as a constant reminder for Filipinos to assert the rights of those in the labor force and empower them.  (READ: PH Labor Day: A history of struggle)

Even on the day dedicated to workers, some of them continued to work – a manifestation of their sacrifice and a sign of commitment to their profession and to service. (READ: [OPINION] Contractualization and the rights of workers)

Through the #StoryOfTheNation, many workers – from nurses, security guards, farmers to interns –  shared how they still continue to fight for proper working conditions in society. 

Still, despite the difficulties they face, several workers shared how their jobs provide them an avenue to help their family and serve their community, giving them a sense of fulfillment. 

2019 Philippine midterm elections

As senatorial and local candidates campaigned for the midterm elections, Rappler went around different communities to ask people about the qualities of the leaders they want to elect.

Through #StoryOfTheNation, we saw how several voters highlighted how candidates' empathy and moral values still matter to Filipinos.

In the provinces, a number of Filipinos who rely on natural and agricultural resources for their livelihood shared how they want to choose a leader who has a heart to serve the poor since they felt they did not receive enough help from the government.

At a time when some politicians claim that honesty was not required of a candidate, a number Filipinos also said they still value honesty as an important trait of a leader, along with the commitment to serve and defend the Philippines' sovereignty. 

On the day of the elections, several Filipinos said their vote could mean a step closer to positive change in the country. Some took the time off from work just to vote. (READ: IN PHOTOS: The Filipino votes)

Beyond exercising their right of suffrage, they expressed how the 2019 midterm elections serve as an opportunity to choose candidates who can uplift their respective communities. (READ: 'Mauna ang bansa': Beyond duty, Filipinos share why their vote matters)

Jimmy Savellino shared that despite facing difficulties in reading and writing, he headed to his polling precinct to vote, hoping that his voice will help put leaders in government who can reduce the number of people who live below the poverty line and improve his city. 

"Diri ako makabasa ngan makasurat pero minbotos gihap ako kay gusto ko magbag-o it sitwasyon ngan kakurian sa am lugar (I can't read nor write but I voted because I want things to change and help the poor in our place)," Savellino said.

Why did you vote?

"Diri ako makabasa ngan makasurat pero minbotos gihap ako kay gusto ko magbag-o it sitwasyon ngan kakurian sa am lugar" (I can't read nor write but I voted because I want things to change & help the poor in our place)
- Jimmy Savellino #PHVote via @alverojeckspic.twitter.com/5G1LUXZUSI

— Elections 2019 (@phvote) May 13, 2019

Pride March

In line with Pride Month last June, #StoryOfTheNation aimed to amplify the voices of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) community as they continue to resist the injustices they still face. (READ: 'Tolerated, but not accepted': Filipino LGBTQ+ speak up vs discrimination)

As the Congress failed to pass the Anti-Discrimination Bill, the Filipino LGBTQ+ community’s struggle for genuine equality and acceptance remains far from over. 

Still, members of the LGBTQ+ community continue to celebrate and carry their identity with pride.

Rappler asked people under the rainbow spectrum: what makes you glad to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community?

Despite numerous challenges, LGBTQ+ members expressed that they are glad to receive support from a strong and passionate community that continues to fight for their rights.

They hope that people beyond the LGBT community and their straight allies will learn more about sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE), and push for safe spaces for marginalized sectors. (READ: ‘Colorful bravery’: LGBTQ+ people on what makes them proud of the community)

State of the Nation Address 2019

Ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22, Rappler visted various cities and provinces and asked Filipinos what they would like to hear from him. (READ: Filipinos share #StoryOfTheNation ahead of SONA 2019)

This year's SONA did not only mark the halfway point in Duterte's presidential term but it also came in the aftermath of recent controversies such as the close ties between the Philippines and China, and United Nations Human Rights Council's (UNHRC) adoption of the Iceland-proposed resolution to probe drug killings in the Philippines.

Through #StoryOfTheNation, Filipinos mentioned the effects of inflation on the poor, and how rising prices have made their incomes shrink. (READ: IN CHARTS: Inflation crisis not yet over for poorest Filipinos)

They shared how they hope President Duterte will help workers by addressing the end-of-contract or endo scheme, and increasing wages.

With SONA coming on the heels of the sinking of a boat with 22 fishermen onboard by a Chinese vessel, several Filipinos pushed for the Philippines to assert its fairly won sovereign rights over West Philippine Sea.

They related how they hope that people will make the effort to educate themselves on the matter, and know there are options to protect the sovereign rights of the Philippines without going to war with China. Moreover, they shared the need for better access to education so Filipinos can be discerning and critical, especially when it comes to matters of the nation.

Citizens from different sectors also expressed their concerns on various issues such as the violation of indigenous people rights, farmer killings, and sexual harassment. (READ: Filipinos' top SONA 2019 issues: Pay hike, lower prices, Philippine sovereignty)

National Teacher’s Month

Despite the underlying stress that comes with the profession, teachers have shown their love for their job in more ways than one. 

National Teacher’s Day is a time of celebration for the modern day heroes recognized for their significant role in educating the next generation. In the Philippines, Teacher’s Month was celebrated from September 5 to October 5.

With the teaching career seen as a job that is usually overlooked, MovePH, along with movers and other individuals, hoped to celebrate teachers by asking them what they love most about their profession. 

Through the #StoryOfTheNation, several teachers said their profession is more than a job, as it's an avenue to help and teach potential leaders and future generations. They said this is one reason why quitting their job when things get rough is not an option to them.

Students also shared some valuable lessons they learned from their teachers, who they consider as their role models. They are grateful for their teachers' trust, hard work, concern, and dedication to the profession. 

6th anniversary of Super Typhoon Yolanda

In time for the 6th anniversary of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), survivors took a step back to reflect on the tragic event, as MovePH asked Taclobanons the biggest lesson they learned after the super typhoon struck their home. 

Yolanda is considered by weather experts as perhaps one of the world's most powerful typhoons in the past century, leaving a trail of destruction . (READ: Most powerful 2013 storm hits PH)

Six years after the super typhoon killed thousands and devastated communities in Eastern Visayas, survivors said they are still mourning.

Through the #StoryOfTheNation, survivors talked about the importance of taking care of our environment. They also emphasized the need to improve disaster preparedness in the Philippines. 

As 2020 draws closer, there will be new stories worth hearing and telling. Every Filipino's voice matters, as we continue to move the Philippines forward, one story at a time. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – At the La Salle Greenhills chapel where my choir serves, the Mass always ends with this empowering reminder: be the spark. Be the pebble that creates ripples. Be the change you want to see. 

I am part of Team Pilipinas, a group of volunteers espousing change, initiating projects that benefit underappreciated sectors such as fishermen, teachers, and now, rice farmers.

It was heart-wrenching for us to realize that the same farmers who made sure we had rice on our tables, could not afford to put rice on theirs. Clearly, this problem needed government intervention – but, surely, there was something we could do for their noche buena?  (READ: A Filipino farmer's plea: 'Support us, love us')

100 families? Kaya ‘yan (It’s possible).  

The original plan was very simple. I asked my choir, Mass Appeal, to sing for a small gathering I was planning for in November. Actress Pinky Marquez, who is part of my choir, readily agreed to sing and emcee. I then bumped into solo artist Reuben Laurente, and I shyly asked if he could sing for our affair. Without hesitation, he agreed. 

When Yen Cabalu of Team Pilipinas voiced her "suntok sa buwan (shoot for the moon)" wish of having Arman Ferrer sing, I didn’t think it would be that easy to get his manager Noel Ferrer to say yes. It was also “suntok sa buwan” when I asked Jim Paredes and Boboy Garovillo to sing “Tuloy na Tuloy” – which, to me, embodied the spirit of focusing on Christ as the reason for Christmas. But to my surprise, they all agreed. Zero budget, 100% enthusiasm. 

UP Manila Chancellor’s Committee for Culture and the Arts offered to help with the venue. Doc Melf Hernandez persuaded Chef Menoy Gimenez to feed us. Then, Mon Eugenio of Myron’s offered more food– lugaw unlike any you’ve ever tasted. 

Last November 16, I invited friends to our party. Although only a handful came – with some blaming traffic as a major deterrent – many more sent their donations. At the end of the day, we happily announced that we had raised enough for a decent noche buena for 100 families. 

Mission accomplished. 

But wait. The Lord had bigger plans. 

Beyond food

A Facebook chat with a farmer’s daughter, Jette, made me want to go beyond the spaghetti and fruit salad goal. In her very short wish list, she had suggested organic fertilizer and seeds. Then, apparently sensing that my intention was for noche buena, she added a bag of rice and a blanket. This idea immediately resonated with me: December this year was going to be particularly cold, and I could visualize those blankets providing a reassuring hug from us, every night, for years to come. 

I honestly didn’t know, though, if I could raise the money. Team Pilipinas, at that time, was busy partnering with Vice President Leni Robredo’s efforts to assist the Cotabato earthquake victims, and I felt like I had already badgered all my friends for the noche buena project. Kaya pa ba (Is it still possible)?

I decided to broach the idea of purchasing blankets on my Facebook wall.  I was surprised at how receptive people were– even Duterte Diehard Supporter friends responded to my appeal, momentarily setting aside political differences. Without me asking, friends started sharing my post on their walls. Friends of friends started sending me their pledges.  

Friends researched blanket prices online, even volunteering to go to Divisoria if needed!  Our mantra, though, was “buy local!" and this applied to both rice and blankets. The inabel blankets, which use a handwoven textile created by artisans in the northern provinces of the Philippines, that we were able to purchase with Dr. Arlene’s help were absolutely gorgeous! 

I was euphoric: noche buena, and a warm blanket. Mission accomplished. 

Lorelei Aquino, another colleague from Team Pilipinas, was tasked to coordinate with the town mayor of Talavera, Nueva Ecija for our turnover. Mayor Nerivi Martinez requested we increase the number of beneficiaries from 100 to 106 families– covering two from each of the 53 barangays. 

While there, Lorelei chatted with some of the farmers, but the stories she heard left her totally drained and depressed. She called me up, crying. When she asked Mang Alberto, one of the farmers there who recently had a mild stroke and should be going to therapy, what he wanted for Christmas, he didn’t ask for food, blankets, or help with his health.  The only thing he wanted was binhi (seeds).  I ended up crying, as well. (READ: [OPINION] When a farmer asks for seeds instead of noche buena)

I was overwhelmed with feelings of guilt. Didn't Jette say, from the start, that the farmers wanted seedlings and organic fertilizer?  I blamed myself for not listening enough. I had to do something but how? My initial computation indicated I needed an amount I had no hope of raising, not in a short span of one week. 

Again, I was proven wrong.  

Two miracles happened. 

The first was media attention.  Both Rappler and the Inquirer carried my appeal, and my article was shared thousands of times. Suddenly, I had a mini army of complete strangers working with me.

A certain Angela Maree embarked on her own fundraising, and raised enough to pay for one sack of fertilizer for each of the 106 farmers’ families. Joahnna made a donation specifically for Mang Alberto’s medical bills. Lydia decided to forego gift-giving this Christmas and, instead, make donations in the names of her friends. Isa, who works with a popular rice brand, is currently arranging for a donation of high-quality seedlings from their company. 

The second miracle was government intervention, both on the municipal and national level. Since this rice crisis only peaked during the second half of this year, many of the planned government measures were only implemented recently, and have not yet reached full coverage. I am not fully conversant on these measures, but as I understand it: 

On the municipal level, government has started distributing free seedlings. As for the fertilizers, Talavera’s municipal agricultural officers were able to negotiate a huge discount on our purchases.  The mayor and her staff wholeheartedly supported us in this endeavor, identifying the recipients, organizing the turnover, and adding their own gifts for distribution.

On the national level, government has announced a cash grant of P5,000 to be given to the farmers worst hit by the crisis. Nueva Ecija is one of the two provinces prioritized for this. They should receive the cash grants before Christmas. 

We distributed one tricycle-load of Christmas goodies last December 14 to each of the 106 rice farmers in Talavera. 

Finally, mission accomplished.

Understand that these farmers felt the full impact of the crisis. Many of them were old– probably in their 60s or even older.  I had expected to see angry and bitter men. Yet, without exception, everyone I talked to was kind and grateful. A smile was etched on every face I saw that day. One woman even said I had reaffirmed her belief in God’s providence. 

Looking back, I can’t help but wonder how a simple noche buena gift-giving project was able to take on a life of its own and evolve into this. It must be the Holy Spirit, silently working among us. 

It seems the mission is not yet over. I want to go back soon. We want to bring doctors and dentists to Talavera and check up on the health of Mang Alberto and the other farmers.

Lorelei asked me if we could afford their medicines. I smiled. 

Didn’t He say, “Ask, and ye shall receive?” – Rappler.com

Team Piipinas accepts donations: cash, medicines, hygiene kits, as well as services of volunteer doctors and dentists. You may email teamph.volunteers@gmail.com or call (0915) 3801977.

Inday Echevarria, 57, is an engineering graduate from UP, and a retired pianist. She believes that all Filipinos should be involved both in nation building and in fighting abuses. She is an active member of Team Pilipinas.

MANILA, Philippines – Ripples of change begin when communities unite and take action.

In 2019, communities cut through the noise and pursued collective action to bring about positive change.

At a time when polarizing issues and disinformation muddle conversations in digital platforms, people have shown that social media remains to be a platform to engage communities for social good.

Here are some memorable stories that stirred hope and inspired courage this year, as people used social media for social good:

Amid oversupply, online grocery store helps farmers sell vegetables

When low prices and oversupply left Benguet vegetables rotting, online grocery store Session Groceries quickly set up a plan to help farmers.

In the spirit of bayanihan, the online grocery store called for help on Facebook on January 10 as it looked for a way to connect with farmers and bridge the gap between buyers. (READ: As crop prices drop, netizens call to support farmers)

The next day, it posted a photo selling cabbages, carrots, and radishes for as low as P25 per kilo, with one call: “Let’s help out farmers.”

Questions started pouring in with queries about how to buy vegetables from the farmers through the online grocery store.

Although Session Groceries is an online grocery store based in Baguio City, it opened its service to accept orders from Metro Manila. In Session Groceries, the farmers get to decide the price. (READ: What you can do to help Filipino rice farmers)

This isn’t the first time that Session Groceries has reached out to the public to help communities. When Typhoon Ompong submerged Baguio City and other nearby areas in floods, the online grocery store also released a call for donations. 

Jan Kim will no longer use a makeshift pen

In February 2019, 8-year-old student Jan Kim Enario warmed the hearts of many after a photo of him circulated online. In the photo, he was seen using a ballpen made out of a ballpen ink chamber and tip, rubber band, and a piece of wood, while doing his class exercise. 

It was his teacher, Maricor Baculanta who shared the photos on Facebook after she saw Jan Kim’s determination to finish his schoolwork even with the absence of a decent pen. 

Soon after the post went viral, netizens expressed their desire to help Jan Kim. (READ: VIRAL: Grade 2 student from Samar uses makeshift ballpen for school)

Donations quickly poured in to help the 8-year-old student. These were spent on slippers, bags, paper, ballpens, pencils, and Jollibee meals for Jan Kim and his classmates at the Union Elementary School in Sta Rita, Samar. 

Aside from Jan Kim and his 21 classmates, 235 students from their school also received help. 

Netizens are heard after they call on Venice Grand Canal to scrap 'floating lanterns' gimmick

To mark Earth Hour on March 30, the Venice Grand Canal mall at McKinley Hill in Taguig City planned to sell floating lanterns to the public. However, it canceled its plan after drawing flak from netizens and environmental advocates.

People found it ironic that while the event meant to be aligned with the global movement on climate change, it was going to generate more trash.

In a Facebook post two days before the event, Venice Grand Canal said: "Yes, we hear you! No lights and no more floating lanterns."

While the sale of floating lanterns was dropped, Venice Grand Canal's Earth Hour event still pushed through with the switching off of lights.   

Donations pour in for fruit vendor paid with fake thousand-peso bill

The frustration in the eyes of 76-year-old fruit vendor Solomon Alfanta was evident when he was paid a fake P1,000 bill at the New Market Place, Minglanilla in Cebu City on April 21.

This happened after an unknown customer bought P100-worth of bananas from him using a fake P1,000 bill. Alfanta didn’t realize he was paid with a fake bill until he used it to purchase meat. 

Six hours after the incident occurred, Angelie Mabanta, a resident of Sibunga, Cebu, took to social media to document what happened to Alfanta.

Mabanta recounted that she went to the market and noticed the number of people surrounding the old man. She then went live on Facebook calling help for Alfanta and thanking those who did. 

After the post went viral, Alfanta received monetary donations from concerned citizens, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from the United States. He said he received a considerable amount of donations, and some more was promised to him.

Mabanta also purchased a cellular phone for Alfanta from the monetary donations given to him since he didn't own one yet.

Baby Aki will always remember how he was helped

The heartwarming story of why Antonio Detablan was selling homemade banana cakes on the streets of Calamba, Laguna touched the hearts of Filipinos, as a photo of him with his child and baked goods went viral online late June.

Detablan started selling homemade banana cakes at P120 each in the hopes of raising P1.6 million for his son's estimated P1.6-million liver transplant.

His one-year-old son, Baby Aki, was diagnosed last November 2018 with biliary atresia, a rare infantile disease of the liver and bile ducts. 

From selling bags, perfumes, shell curtains, to their famous banana cakes, there was nothing that the Detablan family wouldn't do for their son.

Two months after the photo went viral, they were able to get more than enough donations to fund Baby Aki's medical needs. (READ: VIRAL: Father sells banana cake for son's liver transplant)

Donations were used for the operation package, air fare, transportation, lodging, and other supplies.

Although Baby Aki’s long battle with biliary atresia ended weeks after his operation in India, his family remains grateful to the donors who extended their help. 

Iloilo visual artist finds a new home for his paintings

A lot has changed for 52-year-old artist Larry Casinao since he first displayed his artwork on the sidewalk of Jaro, Iloilo.

Casinao has been making a living from selling his art for 25 years now, struggling to make ends meet, given the twice-weekly dialysis sessions needed by his wife.

In late June 2019, Ilonggo student Sal Molinos posted photos of Casinao's paintings displayed along a corner street near Jaro Plaza – a major thoroughfare in the city.

The viral post encouraged many benevolent people to reach out to Casinao, whom netizens fondly called the lolo artist, to offer help in their own ways.

There were times, however, that Casinao was unable to set up his artwork at the public plaza due to spells of rain. Thankfully, after seeing the viral post online, a local mall offered him space to exhibit his artwork. The Festive Walk Mall Iloilo offered him space at the ground floor, where he could house his artworks for 3 months – just in time for the rainy season.

Casinao said that before his posts went viral, he was able to sell only about 4 charcoal portraits and 3 paintings every month. After the viral post, he received numerous commissions and orders coming from Manila, Cebu, and many other places. 

Actress, painter, and known art patron Heart Evangelista herself was struck by Casinao’s story, and called him to personally commission two artworks.

Casinao also expressed his gratitude to Molinos for sharing photos of him and his paintings online. 

Support pours in for trans woman after workplace discrimination tweet

In a tweet that went viral in July, 21-year-old trans woman Aeron Jade Parena, a research and development manager in a government institution, recounted her experience of discrimination in her workplace when their human resource (HR) manager allegedly reprimanded her for “dressing inappropriately.”

Parena was wearing a skirt and blouse when the HR manager insisted she follow the male dress code.

Seeing her tweet, many netizens expressed their support for Parena to dress however she wants.

After the incident, the HR manager and Parena's bosses spoke with her and allowed her to wear her preferrred clothing.

Parena expressed gratitude to all those who supported her. She hopes that all forms of gender discrimination in the workplace would soon be eliminated.

“I am really happy that we fought for this, because I might have sparked an opportunity for other trans people in the workplace to speak up and be respected in their own skin,” she said.

Erlande Monter takes note of the Filipino community’s kindness 

In November 2019, teacher Arcilyn Azarcon shared a photo of 16-year-old student Erlande Monter who was jotting down notes on a banana leaf. 

Netizens admired Monter's dedication and perseverance despite the lack of resources. 

Since Rappler posted the viral photo on its social media pages, netizens started asking how they could extend help to Monter and to students of Lianga Comprehensive High School. 

According to Azarcon, donations poured in when she posted the photo of Monter on social media.

These are just some of the moments in 2019 when people spread ripples of change in their own way. It all starts with one act. What's your move? – Rappler.com

On December 19, 2019, Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes of Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 released the verdict on the gruesome Ampatuan Massacre, which killed 58 people, including 32 journalists. Members of the powerful Ampatuan clan, including former Datu Unsay mayor Andal Ampatuan, Jr. and former autonomous region governor Zaldy Ampatuan, were sentenced to reclusion perpetua.

This proved to be a victory for press freedom and democracy in general. It showed that rule of law still prevails in the Philippines. Despite reports of threats and bribery, Judge Solis-Reyes stood firm and continued to deliver justice to the victims.

Even government officials lauded this move. According to a news report by Headline Pilipinas, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said that the monumental victory could remove the Philippines from the list of the worst countries for journalists.

But I keep on thinking, how is this to happen if the President himself, and the Filipino people in general, are harboring hatred for media practitioners?

How is this to happen if the President continues to embarrass journalists during press conferences? 

How is this to happen if the President continues to shoot tirades against media outlets who are critical of his policies?

How is this to happen if the President, out of a personal vendetta, threatens to shut down a leading media network?

How is this to happen if the President continues to file trumped-up charges against journalists who did nothing but expose the follies of people running the government?

How is this to happen if Filipinos continue to lambast journalists, calling them biased, money-loving, and rumormongers?

How is this to happen if Filipinos continue to patronize bloggers with a reputation for disinformation, rather than legitimate news outlets, just because all they want to hear and read are positive news about the President, whom they idolize so much?

How is this to happen if trolls abound, and these trolls love to share memes and fake news to destroy the so-called enemies of the President?

How is this to happen if there are still people who try to revise history and discredit people behind the very democracy which they enjoy?

How is this to happen if there are still people who would label you as “dilawan” and “anti-Filipino” if all you did was share a comment critical of the government?

How is this to happen if there are still people who hate reading pieces like the one you're reading now?

Indeed, there are still many “how’s.” The list of questions seems unending.

These questions need to be answered, and they need to stir the minds and hearts of every Filipino who still believes in democracy. (READ: [ANALYSIS] What the Ampatuan massacre verdict could not – and did not – address)  

The fight for true press freedom is far from over. As long as there are still Filipinos who choose to be misinformed and disinformed, the Philippines will still be a dangerous place for journalists. Now, it’s up to us if we will continue the fight and make the country safer for journalists. – Rappler.com

Billy Jason Vuelta is a graduate of the Cagayan State University-Andrews Campus, Bachelor of Secondary Education, Major in Physical Science. He was a member of the Editorial Board of The CSU Communicator, the official student publication on campus.