Nito has been in the entertainment business for as long as I’ve known him. Unlike some people in that business, he has always been a staunchly principled man. You can’t sweet talk him into anything. The night I ran into him at a bar and entertainment hub he co-owns, he was lingering by the entrance dressed in a T-shirt and shorts. When I asked why he wasn’t coming in, he gestured at his attire. I quickly understood, waved and took my seat. On the phone the next day, he said an acquaintance was insisting he enter the main area of the bar to socialize. He politely said, "We have a dress code." To which the person said, "So what? You own the place anyway." Nito smiled politely and sternly repeated, "We have a dress code." We spoke about this frustrating attitude that is, unfortunately, so Pinoy: Selective integrity. It was just one of many negative marks on the Pinoy psyche. We could have turned our catch-up call into a gripe session but I consciously directed it elsewhere.
I told Nito about Karangalan: A positive initiative I’ve been on the periphery of for several months now. Karangalan is a three-day conference/festival happening in January 2005. It is an event honoring everything that is good about the Pinoy and the Philippines. "The speakers and artists (in the conference) will highlight the existence of and gather support for another, much better, more exciting Philippines emerging in our midst today. This is the Philippines of moral strength, courage, vision, initiative, compassion, integrity, honesty, political will, socially-oriented businesses, artistic competence, social entrepreneurship, achievement and excellence." This is what the press release says. When I first read it, I felt I was emerging from a dark, dank space and breathing in sweet air at last.
Nicanor Perlas, spokesperson and executive committee member of Karangalan says, "There is widespread despair and cynicism about the future of the Philippines. But there is hope, and lots of it, because we have what it takes to build a better country. Filipinos have received global and national recognition for accomplishments in many areas of life. And thousands more are doing extraordinary things around the country."
Wonderful. It is time to focus on what we have that works. It probably won’t kill the cosmic and physical garbage out there but at least it will contribute to a shift in the Pinoy consciousness. Never mind that it won’t be a 24-hour, cataclysmic shift. That won’t happen anyway. But every minute degree of change will make an enormous difference. I’m more than ready to do my share. Like Nito, I am tired of the negative Philippines; even more tired of being part of it. Tired of hearing myself whine while I sit immobile, paralyzed by the prospect of going out there to change the spirit, soul and body of the Pinoy. Not that anybody’s asked. But when I attended the first meeting of Tindog Pilipinas and heard about the Karangalan festival, I knew I wanted to be part of this truer picture of the Philippines. Yes, there’s much to gripe about. But YES! There’s much to be grateful for and much to celebrate. For every General Garcia, there must be a General Taguba. Let’s put him in the headlines instead!
I thought about my conversation with Nito and how quickly it turned from negative to hopeful, just at the mention of Karangalan and its possibilities. I thought about the way he continues to live by his word, not willing to compromise his integrity, especially when he can – shorts, T-shirt and all. I thought about his ring tone and the intention that led to that choice when there are hundreds of inane tunes to choose from. That intention to do something good for your country and the world is powerful. The way you think, the honor with which you fashion your words, the integrity with which you build the hours of your life; these are but a few ways to move the world towards its divine and rightful place. Karangalan gives us a wonderful opportunity to explore the ways in which we can transform our thoughts and intentions into deed.
There is a lot of work to do and creative, intelligent, morally strong Pinoys have been quietly toiling away, bringing lots of healing and progressive energy into the country. Let’s tap into that and give it full support. It’s time for the Filipino to stand upright and in the light. Let’s get to know each other. Karangalan is a good place to start.
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