From Yellow to Orange: Our Country Wins!

No i am not shifting my support from newly-elected President Benigno Simeon "NoyNoy" Aquino III to his billion-spending ex-opponent Manny Villar. I just came from Congress this morning to witness the proclamation of the country's Pres and VP. From there, Mari and I headed imediately to Gawad Kalinga's monthly (2nd) Builder's Night at the Rockwell Tent. Yes. Believe it or not, GK's primary corporate color is orange.

My NOY bracelet. :)

The experience at the Congress was unforgettable. I was there to witness history unfolding. The proceedings went on smoothly. The only notable thing was the gusto that the crowd exhibited in showing their support for their winning candidates. On one side of the hall, were the yellow supporters of Pres Noy. Onthe other side were the distinctly massa supporters of VP Binay. It was almost like a meeting of the class A and B and the C, D, and E classes. Unbeknownst to many (especially the people occupying the floor in the middle, each with his or her own desk), there was a large scattering of people who were strongly for both President Noy and Vice President Jejomar, melding the two distinct segments. This is a winning mix of people - a phenomenon where the Philippines and the Filipino people come out victorious. This also spells a winning tandem between the pres and vice.

Imagine, with the top two men in the government pulling in the support of the people from across the social classes, they already have majority of the people's support. Now, with this in place, we only need a key to start the engine. To my mind, this key is the harmonious and supportive relationship between the two top guns. What will propel the whole vehicle forward is the passion of the volunteers... Without caring, passionate volunteers, our country will never move forward. If we don't watch out, our country might never hoist itself out of the ditch it has been stuck in for many years.

On to the GK event...

What is a GK Builders Night? It is a monthly gathering of passionate GK supporters where there is sharing of best practices, learnings and a consistent honoring of ordinary everyday heroes.

Smart's Mon Isberto talked about a concrete way of engaging a community and implementing socio economic projects.
GK Payatas 13's printing enterprise and fashion show.

Human Nature's Dylan Wilk: "I have nothing against those (talking about other Asian) countries, but the Philippines is my home." - Dylan on patronizing Filipino suppliers instead of the usual China, etc. More: "When minimum wage goes up, the economy of the country goes up. Money circulates fast, so (this means) more commodities, more jobs." Cited the budding Citronella production in Bicol. 

Here's more on how Human Nature does it the GK Way:

• As a social enterprise, we fund the expansion projects of the poor communities supplying us. Since we are buying all their products, we are duty-bound to support them.
• Lemongrass profits 1m per hectare while rice profits at 50 thousand per hectare.
• For rejected products, the cost is shouldered by the entrepreneur instead of the poor community so as not to discourage them. Php 700 thousand was lost and shouldered by Human Nature.
• My (Dylan's) sincere hope and desire: that the kids and grandkids of my employees from the GK community be born in the same conditions as I did.

Dino Pineda: "When things don't work out, don't give up. Don't leave the people behind."

Peejay Nobela: a GK resident; now a call center agent and enterprise owner.

Upcoming: First GK HOPE Ball a fund-raising/auction on October 8, Peninsula Manila. I met Belize Balkir (Chairperson for the Ball) and husband Jonathan Crooke (General Manager of Peninsula Manila).

Entertainment was provided by: John Lesaca, one of the country's premiere violinist.


End.