Aethen

TITO BUGOY'S RUN FOR A CAUSE A run to help a fellow runner's dad, who sustained a head injury and is in a coma from a vehicular accident June 30, 2012, Saturday 5:00 A.M. Bonifacio Global City-McKinley Hills 5K/10K Assembly time: 4:30 A.M. Assembly Area: Park In front of Riovana Store BGC, 28th St. cor. 9th Ave., BGC Gun start: 5:00 A.M. No registration fee Donations gratefully accepted Registration Venues: Online: To be updated On-site on race day: Assembly area For donations: BDO: SA 690 001 1550 (Maria Juliet Maccay) BPI: SA 978 360 3214 (Joey Neil Canaya) Send us copy of receipt at teamtitansrun@gmail.com for acknowledgement For more details contact Mark at Mobile +63 927 339 1454

Can you imagine life without farmers? A team of scholars from the Young Minds Academy (YMA) Season 5 leadership program can’t. They harnessed the power of marketing strategies mostly through the new media to promote a farmer empowerment project in Consolacion, Cebu. Because of the on-going training that the farmers are undergoing, they will soon yield better and abundant harvests in their respective farms all over Cebu. The online community has been abuzz with the iluvfarmers farmers campaign that champions hero farmers in Cebu. About KabalikatsaKabuhayan Team CPMPC of the YMA program of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. created a campaign for the “KabalikatsaKabuhayan.” The project aims to educate farmers in vegetable and fruit production and innovations as part of the poverty alleviation goals of the Municipality of Consolacion. Around 120 farmers go to the 5,000 square meter demo farm site in Brgy. Danglag to learn from the trainers from Harbest Agribusiness Corporation and...

Love of own native land On August 16, 2011, Apl.de.Ap went back to the Philippines to inaugurate his Apl.de.Ap Music Library and Studio in his alma mater—Holy Angel University, in Angeles City.  It contains a state-of-the-art music studio, said to be first in the Philippines, and various music CDs all over the world shipped directly from US.  He also extends help in his own baranggay in the same city called Sapang Bato, by opening his first “computer laboratory program.” This is in Sapang Bato National High School.  All of these are manifestations of his gratitude to the land where he once belonged.  By improving the lives and contributing something for his kabalens , he can also show his own “taya para sa bayan” which reflects his love for the Philippines.  He is also looking forward to replicate this program in other provinces in the Philippines soon.           This is a great example of contributing for the deve...

Batang Bayani would like to think and celebrate that the project is really all about inspiring people; to start their own cause no matter how small it is. Come celebrate and inspire with Batang Bayani! For inquiries on the birthday project, please contact Batang Bayani. Or if you want to know about how to help, click here.

Sharing with you a letter below written by a fellow paddler for the President to Save the Philippine Dragon boat sport. I hope to help the federation by spreading and making this issue reach media's attention. Dear Mr. President, We would like to seek help from your office to give immediate attention and guidance to the current situation of the dragon boat sport in this country. The Filipino dragon boat paddlers under the supervision of the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation or PDBF brought home numerous international awards in this sport, defending WORLD CHAMPIONS and WORLD RECORD HOLDER to name a few, yet the Philippine Sports Commission under the leadership of SOMEONE CLOSE TO YOU do not recognize the federation, stripped down all its rights as member of NSA without due process, and created a separate dragon boat national team under the the Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation or PCKF. Current statistics show that PCKF has around 40-50 members only compared to PDBFs more t...

Talk of ‘saving the planet’ doesn’t make sense. The Earth has been and always will be in a state of flux. It drives and is driven by nature (including us). The question is will we save ourselves or will we join the long list of extinct species that have walked this Earth?

I will continue to work on a society wherein there is equity to access quality higher education which empowers and molds future Filipino leaders who will work for the development of the Country.

Why would a fellow Filipino described “Filipinos are stupid”? This happened on one of my wall posts regarding the topic of DOT's marketing strategy for tourism. The conversation was diverted to blaming Filipinos being stupid. If you are concerned about this thought, care to share your findings?

The presidential race is on. From how it looks, the presidential election will a battle against personalities, not really on platforms. I hope Filipinos will be able to discern and choose the right leader for our Country not only beacuse the candidate speaks well or has empathy for the poor. We must vote based on a candidate's plans and stand on key issues because good diction can only go so far. This morning, a friend tagged me in Facebook the picture below. The information on it about the presidential candidates maybe limited but very useful for a reference, take time to study each plan-of-action. God bless the Philippines!

 Sharing with you a post-release article on EB hero.  A Story of Mark, the EB Hero: Creating a legacy of fulfilling dreams The true heroes I honorably represent are these tireless, selfless and super dedicated young volunteers! The butterfly effect states that even a small act, such as the fluttering of a butterfly’s wings, can bring about a tornado somewhere in the world. In the same way then, a random act of kindness can make an impact in the lives of many people. This is the guiding adage of Mark Aethen Agana, co-founding member of the T’nalak Youth Group (TYG) – an organization composed of college students from the Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) in South Cotabato. TYG has devoted itself to help graduating students from public schools make it to college through a specialized tutorial program run by students of NDMU themselves. While most young people would usually spend their Saturdays hanging out in the mall or spending time with family and friends, Mark ch...

Television’s longest running program is celebrating its 30th year in a special way by giving tribute to ordinary people whose deeds touch the world around them. Each deed may be quiet and small. But together, countless small actions can be likened to many lighted candles that can turn darkness to light. Each small and heartfelt action is like a seed that grows into a tree that bears many fruits. By showing the actions of ordinary heroes, Eat Bulaga hopes to influence positively the lives on millions of viewers.  Last Saturday, 14 November 2009, I was one of the 10 Eat Bulaga Heroes selected from various sectors and areas all over the Philippines. In their 7th episode, a short documentary slash tribute about my civic activities and group, the T’nalak Youth Group was featured on primetime and national television. Muli, salamat at sinamahan niyo po kaming humabi ng mga pangarap para sa edukasyon ng lahat na kabataan na gustong makapagtapos ng pag-aaral. Batid po naming wala pon...

"Many families still in need of help. Join GK and Go Negosyo rebuild lives in Operation Walang Iwanan." HOW TO HELP: (1) GOODS:   underwear, sleeping mates, blankets, rice, canned goods, noodles, biscuits, drinking water, and medicine. DROP OFF at RFM RELIEF CENTER (Gymnasium) at the back of RFM CORPORATE CENTER Pioneer Street, Mandaluyong City 1550 MM You can also deliver straight to our command centers at the following areas: 1. GK Camacho, Marikina (Bodoy 0917-888-8276) 2. GK Tatalon, Quezon City (Bobby 0918-906-9075) 3. GK Brookside, Quezon City (Rabbi 0906-462-7232) 4. GK Sitio Ruby, Quezon City (Benjie 0906-286-4447) 5. GK Sitio Pajo, Quezon City (Mar 0919-208-8784) 6. GK Selecta, Cainta (Dolphy 0928-604-4632) 7. GK Caliuag, Pasig City (Ryan 0922-859-6453) 8. GK Pinagsama, Taguig City (Raul 0919-229-1416) 9. GK PBA, Pateros City (Cesar 0905-235-7929) (2) VOLUNTEERS: to repack, distribute, and clean-up. CALL GoNegosyo Hotline (Benette): 637-922...

Television’s longest running program is celebrating its 30th year in a special way by giving tribute to ordinary people whose deeds touch the world around them. Each deed may be quiet and small. But together, countless small actions can be likened to many lighted candles that can turn darkness to light. Each small and heartfelt action is like a seed that grows into a tree that bears many fruits. By showing the actions of ordinary heroes, Eat Bulaga hopes to influence positively the lives on millions of viewers.  On Saturday, 14 November 2009, I am one of the 10 Eat Bulaga Heroes selected from various sectors and areas all over the Philippines. As pilot episode, a short documentary/tribute about me and my group, the T’nalak Youth Group will also be shown on primetime television. Muli, samahan niyo po kaming humabi ng mga pangarap para sa edukasyon ng lahat na kabataan na gustong makapagtapos ng pag-aaral. Batid po naming wala pong mas matamis na tagumpay kung di ang ibahagi it...

A Chinese philosopher once said, “Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will eat for the rest of his life. ” The same concept is the inspiration behind Bayan-anihan—Gawad Kalinga’s (GK) food sufficiency arm, which was established to eradicate hunger by empowering poor families to produce their own food via backyard or organic farming. It advocates for a hunger-free Philippines under the battlecry, “Goodbye Gutom! Empower the poor. Eradicate hunger.” Young adults, teens, and children can play games, while the adults will have a cooking session using the harvested vegetables. As a fitting end to the ceremonial harvest day, delicious and nutritious meals made with the harvested vegetables will be shared by everyone. Since this is a multi-sectoral movement, the national and local government units, schools, corporations and individuals, and the NGO’s, and the youth can be involved in several ways. The government can help out by providing infrastructure, land...

Ada , Fjordz , and I attended the ANC 2nd Leadership forum at UP Diliman last June 5, 2009 . I don’t know if it was a variety show or a leadership forum or are they just being them during that event. Bayani Fernando and Loren Legarda Former President Erap Estrada and Makati Mayor Binay Here are some of my notes: Is it really true than no one is above the law? How about BF? Erap was okay but I want him to be an actor! I’d like to live in Makati where everything from cradle to grave is free. Loren really looks good and beautiful in person, I just hope she will stop beating around the bush and answer directly. Definitely it was a show, a show of who they are and what kind of leaders we have. And of course somebody said we could not judge a book by its cover, still we'll have an idea. What do you think?

TOSP 2009: Call for Nomination Mabuhay! We would like to inform you that the 2009 Search for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) has officially started through the support of our partners, most especially the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) TOSP is an annual search which honors Outstanding Filipino Students in Malacañang started in 1961. In recognizing the best students, the annual TOSP search looks for graduating college students who not only have excelled academically, but have dedicated their talents and leadership abilities in making a difference and becoming socially involved in their respective communities, organizations and fields of interest, for the greater good of their constituents and members. Colleges and universities in Regions II, III, V, VI, VII, CAR, and NCR are under Regionalized Areas. Those situated in Regions I, IV-A, IV-B, VIII, IX, X and CARAGA, XI, XII, XIII, and ARMM are under Non-Regionalized. For Regionalized Areas, all duly accompli...

"Volunteers are not paid not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless." Aside from December being the month dedicated to Overseas Filipino Workers, it is also dedicated to the other version of Pinoy modern heroes, the Volunteers. Photos in the above slideshow were taken during the Awarding of the Outstanding Volunteers of the Year organized by the Philippine Association for Volunteer Efforts and the National Economic Development Authority held on December 8, 2008 at Manila Hotel. Mark Aethen Agana (South Cotabato) is one of this year's awardees, in the Youth Category (that's me). Being a volunteer, it elated me very much being surrounded by fellow Filipinos who see volunteerism and community service a potential force of nationbuilding. This National Award for Volunteerism I received is dedicated to my fellow volunteers in Mindanao. This is OUR fruit of love to realize and weave the dreams of the Youth in South Cotabato, guys. To the T'nalak You...

I just don’t know but I have to tell the whole online community about this. When I went home in South Cotabato, I was surprised to see Bayani Fernando’s pictures and posters pasted on the light posts specifically located in the national highway of the City of Koronadal and in some streets of General Santos City (I have not taken pictures of those posters but it's everywhere). What does Fernando or the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority have to do with these provinces or any provinces for that matter? Whose money was used to pay these posters? Does it comes from his payday loans ? In relation to this, what’s the matter behind all this “Bayani” stickers that I see all over Metro Manila? What do these stickers hope to achieve other than early campaign? Hey, 2010 is still a long way to go, why they are in hurry wherein fact there’s still need more attention to the traffic problems here in Metro Manila.

THERE'S a booklet making the rounds in Metro Manilathat every Filipino who loves his country should gethold of and read, and hopefully put the points itraises into practice, in order to help our nation... " Twelve (12) Little Things Every Filipino Can Do ToHelp Our Country ," by Alexander Ledesma Lacson, may bea "voice in the wilderness"; but as Fr. Ruben Tanseco,S.J. puts it, what Alex proposes are "very concrete,practical and doable" actions for us ordinaryFilipinos 1. Follow traffic rules. -- Why is that the mostimportant? The answer is simple. Traffic rules are thesimplest of our laws. If we learn to follow them, itwill be the lowest form of national discipline that wecan develop. Since it is totally without monetarycost, it should be easy for us to comply with, andtherefore should provide a good start. 2. Whenever you buy or pay for anything, always askfor an official receipt. -- If a seller does not issuean official receipt when you buy a p...

Would laughter be as expensive as diamond? Would it be as rare as the rain in summertime? Could we still find a minute to laugh when everything around us is a picture of crisis? Or a face of poverty? Could we still hear laughters in the air? What Poverty is really all about? What are the different faces does poverty today and tomorrow will look like? …. Poverty is hunger. Poverty is lack of shelter. Poverty is being sick and not being able to see a doctor. Poverty is not being able to go to school and not knowing how to read. Poverty is not having a job, is fear for the future, living one day at a time. Poverty is losing a child to illness brought about by unclean water. Poverty is powerlessness, lack of representation and freedom. Poverty has many faces, changing from place to place and across time, and has been described in many ways .Most often, poverty is a situation people want to escape. So poverty is a call to action -- for the poor and the wealthy alike. Sta...