Earth Day Jam 2018by Bam Azores | 03-05-2018 00:14 |
|---|
      I really think I have been so fortunate to be part of this longest-running music event for the environment in the Philippines, which is called Earth Day Jam. For the third year now, I have been invited to be one of the youth leaders that gets to speak to thousands of people who come together once a year for this Earth Day celebration. Last crowd estimate was about 10,000 people. This year's Earth Day Jam theme focuses on the key elements of water, air and trash. Earth Day Jam actually brings together musical giants - as in bands and celebrities - in an 8-hour concert that aims to educate citizens mostly the young about environmental protection. Some of the biggest Philippine stars who performed included Abra, Barbie Almalbis, Chicosi, Grace Note, Mayonnaise, Philia, Rouge, Sandwich, Sud, Tanya Markova, the Chongkeys and Slapshock. In between the performances were short inspirational messages from environmentalists. Youth leaders always get invited to speak to the thousands in attendance. This year, I joined other young people like Commissioner James Ceasar Ventura of the National Youth Commission and Ms. Tieza Santos , founder of Sustain My City. Several prominent speakers from civic society, government and other organizations also discussed other interesting environmental issues. An interesting part of the program was the Salamat Citations. Salamat is a Philippine word for Thanks. At this point, non-governmental organizations were recognized for their work in helping to transform poor communities through social enterprise. There were also GAIA Awards to recognize Green Governance, Green Institutions, Earth-friendly Music Artists and many other special awards and citations. Gaia is known in mythology as the Mother Earth goddess. Prior to the start of the concert, there were interactive activities including an on-the-spot painting contest, green poetry reading, drum-beating workshop, film-showing and exhibits on best environmental practices. Being a part of the Earth Day Jam inspires me to keep on trying to do my part in conserving, protecting and rehabilitating our natural resources. I am thankful to Ms. Lou Bonnevie, who continues to organize this yearly event to instill environmental awareness in people's minds and hearts. |
