BAYANIHAN THROUGH Waste Trading Markets

I really think there's a bayani in everyone.  Here's one way we can fan the bayanihan in everybody--helping the environment.    We can start by segregating our trash and putting them into its right place.  There are "Waste Trade Markets" around the metro.  All we have to do is find one and drop some of things that can still be re-used, or recycle like glass, paper, plastics, batteries etc.

In Makati and Alabang Zapote Road for example, every first Friday of the month at the Gold Crest Car Park, Ayala Center (along Arnaiz Ave. Makati), and Every third Friday of the month) at the Alabang Town Center (Alabang - Zapote Rd), you can find a Waste Trading Market.

SM Supermalls also have this kind of advocacy and calls it SM Trash to Cash.  You can bring reusable and recyclable wastes there every first Friday to Saturday of the month from 8 AM to 2 PM at all SM Supermalls. WHAT THE WASTE MARKETS OFFER; 
Trade scrap paper for new (office/ mimeo) paper!
 Trade used ink cartridges for new!
 Sell your electronic waste (junk computers) and old / broken appliances
Sell your used lead acid batteries
Redeem the following for cash: PET plastic bottles and other plastics, aluminum/tin cans, scrap glass 
Drop off points also provided for junk cellphones/ cellphone batteries/ styrofoam

Recycling now is made convenient and accessible through the Waste Markets.  All the more for those who frequent the Shopping Malls.  Let's make recycling a habit!

Bayani noon at ngayon

When I was kid, I had dreams of becoming a "hero". I dreamt of having powers, incredible strength and defeating the bad people who do bad things to others. Of course I also liked the costumes, the boots and the bodacious hair that go with it, thanks to The Justice League and our local hero Darna.

Hero in tagalog is Bayani. And since grade school our notion of Bayani were the likes of Dr. Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Tandang Sora, Emilio Jacinto, I think you know what I mean.

We know they’re BAYANI because one way or the other, they died fighting for our country—our kasarinlan or Independence. But, have you ever wondered when an ordinary person can be called a "bayani"? Because I do. Did Rizal become a hero instantly when he was shot in Bagumbayan (now Luneta correct me if I am wrong) or was it even before that?

Now, the new heroes or the bagong bayanis are Doctors, teachers, laborers who work abroad and leave their family behind. But do we have to leave the country to be counted as bayani? Or should one have to be killed in the line of duty before their act of heroism gets acknowledged?

Why do I ask these questions? Maybe because, Ligot invoked his right to self-incrimination and the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee can’t do anything about it. Maybe, because OFWs are stuck in Libya and the DFA aren’t doing a good enough job to help them out. Maybe because there are many people who still remain poor and many politicians are still corrupt as ever. Maybe because we just don’t care enough.

I would love to see one day people try to become hero in their own little way. Help people out in the streets. Teach small children. Read to the elderly and the sick. Give something valuable to the less fortunate. Keep the environment clean. Volunteer for a cause.

It was Gandhi who said “be the change you want to be.” So I’ll commit to doing it. I’ll be the change I want to be.

Introduction

When you ask someone about the meaning of bayanihan, the first thing that comes to mind would be-- community members, helping move the house of neighbor literally-- by carrying it from one place to another.

But, bayanihan is also “Bayan” which means a nation or country.  It could even mean a town, a municipality or even just a small community.

Detail of mural Bayanihan by Carlos 'Botong' Francisco

Bayanihan, hence, is a concept to make something impossible--POSSIBLE by simply uniting as one. So, when a neighbor relocates to another place, the entire members of the “bayan” are called upon to help and make it possible.  This spirit became part of the Filipino tradition.

People- Power Revolution is a good example of bayanihan.  From February 22-25, 1986, millions of Filipinos civilians as well as several political, military and religious figures, trooped to the streets of EDSA (EPifanio de los Santos Avenue in Quezon City) to fight for freedom and end the 20-year tyranny of the Dictator Ferdinand Marcos.


Photos from EDSA Revolution 1986

The E.D.S.A Revolution was known to be the first of its kind in the history of the Philippines, perhaps even the world. No blood was shed during the 4-day uprising. People gradually became one. Hand in hand, the Filipino people made a stand and this act was testament to the true Bayanihan spirit that was alive in every Filipino.

Now I said "WAS". Because i am inclined to ask now-is BAYANIHAN still alive today?