Nicanor Perlas and the New Politics: Cebu

Stay Awake With Nicanor Perlas

2010-05-15T15:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend,

Are you staying awake? I hope you haven’t rushed to judgment on Nick Perlas for not conceding the elections because he thinks he should have won the elections, have you?! If so, you haven’t truly understood the man nor his campaign.

We ought to know better. This is an intelligent man with a HUGE and stellar track record in awakening societies, coalitions and governments (see UN, APEC, BNPP, organic farming, micro-funding, etc. track records) towards greater consciousness, responsibility and service. Think about it. (Go to www.nicanorperlas.com for his press statement.)

We ran this campaign on new politics. And, unlike others who only used the phrase to win an election, we are standing by this platform by living it now. We know Perlas did not win the elections and, seeing the way the country has voted (i.e., weak track record for #1 spot; horrible track record for #2 spot) we’re clear it is not ready for anything but a status quo, keeping it safe and mediocre-at-best government.

Actually, we’re doing this because we are not giving up hope on the Filipino’s true essence -- the true self that heroes and revolutionaries gave their lives for to free. We think the Filipino is far better than one who breathes a sigh of relief and moves on because “at least there was less violence”, “at least there were no riots”, “at least it’s not Erap or Villar”. When did Filipinos have such low standards of itself and when are we going to realize we are and deserve far better than this low-grade-fever kind of self-esteem that is running us such that we’re actually ready to do a major sweep-it-under-the-rug to defend the success of this last election?

We have till June 30, 2010 to at least get to a place of feeling good and confident that the leaders this country has chosen (whether we like/agree with the choice or not) were chosen by a true and free majority. Let’s practice our right as citizens to keep the COMELEC - given the immense power they have to shape the future of this country – truly honest and simply “doing their jobs”.

Thank you for reading on and staying awake with me!

All the Best,
Tressa

PS- Meanwhile, reports of voters who either could not vote or were given sleight of hand tricks switching ready-filled ballots, or being sent to a seminar before voting (on day itself), and countless other anomalies, not to say the rampant breakdown of machines are coming in. (Oh, sorry, would you just really rather not know and go on with your lives?) If you did experience or observe anomalies in your polls, please report it to www.bantaygarci2010.com, a joint investigative body formed by the campaign organizations of Jamby Madrigal, J.C. de los Reyes & Nicanor Perlas.)

Post-Election Analysis: HALAL to COMELEC

2010-05-15T14:58:00.000-07:00

This is an important press statement of one Mr. Roberto Verzola from Halalang Marangal who has been closely studying automated elections for over 4 years and has been advising Comelec as an independent outsider. Halalang Marangal has a former Comelec Commissioner as a member of its Board. From a professor at UP Los Banos: “I know Obet Verzola because he is a member of our Pabinhi group. Super intelligent and credible guy, and a strong vanguard of people's rights during the elections. His involvement with Comelec goes way back, and he has always put out thorough, deep and highly credible reports.”

From: Roberto Verzola <rverzola@gn.apc.org>
Date: May 12, 2010 9:46:20 PM GMT+08:00
To: Philippine Greens <philippinegreens@yahoogroups.com>
Cc: No to BNPP <NOtoBNPP@googlegroups.com>, AER_buzz@yahoogroups.com, stopthewar.philippines@lists.riseup.net, "Korakora.org List" <kuro@korakora.org>
Subject: [NOtoBNPP] Post-election analysis by HALAL, please circulate
Reply-To: notobnpp@googlegroups.com

HALALANG MARANGAL PRESS STATEMENT (May 12, 2010)

HALAL to Comelec: Too soon to proclaim. Too many questions.

Early reports of discrepancies between machine and audit counts
in Manila highlight the need for prudence, especially since
machine-count winner Alfredo Lim was prematurely proclaimed May
11, 3 p.m., barely 15 hours after election day and without
waiting for the audit results.

People want a successful election so badly, that it is easy to
get carried away by flood of incoming election returns. Many
want to believe that a clean and speedy election has finally
happened, at last. But let not the public euphoria at the speed
of counting erase the persistent concerns about the process.

The vice-presidential election is yet to be settled. The contest
between the 12th and 13th places in the senatorial race still
has to be settled too. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of local
races also await to be settled.

Already news is coming in about delayed Election Returns (ERs),
malfunctioning, missing or otherwise questionable memory cards,
and other indicators of potential or emerging problems.

This is not to say we advocate a full return to the old manual
system, but only a prudent scrutiny of the automated process in
the light of its earlier miscounts, apart from the automated
results. In 2004, many who wanted “anyone but FPJ” embraced the
results, relieved that the elections fulfilled their
expectations, and chose to ignore the niggling questions that
eventually exploded in our collective faces as the “Hello Garci”
scandal. Let us not repeat the same mistake; let the niggling
questions be answered satisfactorily, before we finally accept
the final results.

As in the manual system, the precinct level count is always the
fastest. Even when election inspectors, watchers and the public
counted votes by hand, most of the election results had always
been available past midnight or early morning. Even under the
manual method, the biggest challenge has always been at the
municipal level and higher, where wholesale cheating operations
occurred.

In fact, the automated election system failed spectacularly its
first truly public test a week before election day, when many
candidates got zero – a “bawas” -- and some got more than the
votes actually cast for them – a “dagdag”. The results were
worse than most manual counts. An embarrassed Comelec quickly
called off the public test, and traced the problem to misaligned
ovals on the ballot. Because of a last-minute change from
single-spacing to double-spacing in the ballot layout for local
candidates, their oval locations did not anymore match the
coordinates stored in a configuration file in a memory card
within the PCOS machine.

Reconfiguring the memory cards was somewhat easier than
reprinting ballots, so that is what the Comelec and Smartmatic
tried to do.

Smartmatic only had 18,000 spare memory cards, so in addition to
the spares, Smartmatic recalled the cards that could still be
recalled; imported the rest from Hongkong and Taiwan; edited
each of the 1,631 ballot layout configuration files (unique for
every town); programmed these configuration files into 76,340
memory cards (one for each machine); delivered the 76,340 newly
reconfigured memory cards to the waiting machines all over the
archipelago; found the right machines for the right memory
cards; replaced the misconfigured memory card; and conducted a
second round of public testing and sealing of the PCOS machines.
All within a span of five days – 120 hours. Aside from some 400
machines that malfunctioned, the rest of the 76,340 machines
worked fine and gave the country its first successful automated
elections. So they say.

Can we now trust the machine results?

These machines had grievously failed to count a few days
earlier. This was followed by a mad rush of recalls,
importations, file reconfigurations, card reprogramming,
deliveries, reinstallations, and a second round of testing and
sealing. In the rush, were security procedures and chain of
custody guidelines still observed? Did anyone see an election
inspector with an ultraviolet lamp to check for authentic
ballots, for instance? (We have not found anyone who did.) What
about more subtle potential problems that a ten-ballot test set
was insufficient to detect – ovals that were misaligned by only
one or two millimeters, for example, or oval coordinates that
were purposely changed slightly to shave votes from targetted
candidates. Were tests done at all for these potential problems?

Suppose an ATM had earlier given you only half the money than it
deducted from your account, and the bank tells you the machine
is now ok. Wouldn't you count the money yourself at least once
in subsequent withdrawals? Suppose most ATMs of a bank network
shortchanged its clients, wouldn't you demand every ATM of that
network to be carefully tested and recertified for its counting
accuracy?

For exactly the same reason, every candidate who lost – and
won – in the machine-counted 2010 elections should demand
thorough post-election testing and audit for accuracy of every
counting machine and its results.

Losing candidates should demand it, because they might have
actually won.

Winning candidates – especially those who lead by a huge
margin – should demand it, because the gross machine errors a
few days earlier and subsequent doubts about machine accuracy
have devalued their victory.

Apparent president-elect Noynoy Aquino should demand it, if only
for the sake of his running-mate. We welcome his reported
intention to revisit “all issues his camp raised during the
campaign against the automation,” especially since one of the
more than 400 counting machines that failed conked out on him.
The results from the random manual audit must be awaited, and
the issues that may arise from it resolved. Questions that were
unsatisfactorily addressed before election day and especially
about the CF memory card fiasco must be answered.

There was no time for proper testing in the mad rush to the May
10 elections because few wanted the elections postponed. But we
have fifty days before June 30, when the new set of elected
officials are scheduled to take over. Remember, haste makes
waste. We still have enough time check, double-check, and be
sure about the results of the 2010 elections.

In the meantime, the Comelec and local election authorities
should not be in a hurry to proclaim winners and to declare the
elections a success. ###

Did Your Vote Count?

2010-05-13T18:33:00.000-07:00

Dear Volunteers and Supporters,

As part of our ongoing research in determining whether the electoral process is fair, clean, and accurate, we are going to cross check votes actually casted for Nicanor Perlas versus votes that were transmitted by the PCOS machine and tallied and counted by Comelec. We need your assistance in this task.

To those who are willing to contribute, may we know the following information:

1. Your precinct number and area (barangay/municipality/city/province);
2. If you voted for Nicanor Perlas;
3. The number of other people you are DEFINITE who voted for Nick in your precinct/clustered precinct (family, friends, neighbors).

We need this information the soonest.

Please e-mail us at info@nicanorperlas.com, or text us at 09088737527, 09166445806 or call at 02 4669520.

You may also verify if your vote was actually counted by checking www.electionresults.ibanangayon.ph.

Thank you for your continued support.

Tammy B. Dinopol

Is The Majority Always Right?

2010-05-08T14:58:00.000-07:00

NOTE: We usually send you to read a really good post right on their blogsite -- and you should go there anyway because Light and Shade (and everything in between) is such a source of sensible and profound wisdom. But, we so resonated with this one blog post, we want to feature it here, too! Thank you, Mary Anne! (We're following you!)

Our voting history somehow does not give much hope. We say, “We need change.” Unfortunately, it seems that such a statement for hunger for change is just a lip-service. We are not serious about wanting change. We just like how the words sound. As if by saying those words, we are truly becoming nationalists. Are we, really? I don’t think so.

Because come May 10, 2010, we are still voting for the old politics. The old bananas. Noynoy Aquino. Manny Villar. Gibo Teodoro. Dick Gordon. Loren Legarda. Mar Roxas. Bong Revilla. Lito Lapid. Juan Ponce Enrile. Ralph Recto. And the list is endless. I give my thanks and respects to the old guards like Sen. Enrile but…

What is the most tragic part here? We are voting for a president based on popularity and emotions. Not by platform or a genuine promise for a new day. (I certainly do not favor a Villar presidency. Let me reiterate my stand once again: I am voting for Nicanor Perlas.)

And so today, I woke up with sadness. Because I realized that Noynoy Aquino may just win the presidential race. The latest INC endorsement for the presidential bid of Noynoy Aquino may have just clinched the tide in his favor.

I fear another Aquino presidency.

Why do I fear his brand of politics?

I fear his brand of politics because it looks like it is based on opportunism. With all due respect to him and his Mother (I am still a Cory fan), I really think that deep in our hearts, we know that Noynoy will not even consider running for President if his Mother were alive. And that if Tita Cory is still alive now, and her son still decided to run, I am fairly sure that she will not give his blessings to him. Why do I believe so? Because Tita Cory is a woman of intelligence and discernment. She knows the capacity of her son and being a president is certainly not one of his strong competencies.

Sadly, however we look at it, the death of Tita Cory gave him the idea and motivation to run. Not even the dreams of Mar Roxas stopped him from wanting the top post. Never mind the ultimate dreams of Mar. The swelling of yellow colors right during Tita Cory’s funeral march told him, “run, run, run!” These yellow-bearing people need another hero and you are the hero, Noy! Are you, really?
In the deepest of your heart, do you really think you are the hero that we are hungry for? In the deepest of your heart, do you honestly believe your Mom wants you to run? Mga kababayan ko, is he really “the One”? Why are you voting for him?

Popularity? The emotional pull of Tita Cory’s death? His ‘clean’ image? Are these reasons enough? Aren’t we looking at the wrong reasons? We certainly need honesty and integrity. Oh, we are all crying for that! Making it No. 1 criteria for choosing the next president. But is Noynoy the only one who has that? Look at the other candidates: Nicanor Perlas, Eddie Villanueva, and JC de los Reyes; they seem to me people of integrity and better yet, had not been tainted with the colors of old politics. They are new and fresh faces. Why couldn’t we try them?

Oh yes, we go back to popularity. See now? We always end up to voting for those who are popular. And then later we blame the government for the poverty around us. Haven’t we learned enough? We certainly deserve the government we voted for. We voted for popular names and so we live with it. This is not even about Noynoy per se. It is about us, Filipinos. The way we squander our voting power.
Under a Noynoy presidency, you give up the right to complain if you voted for him. If our poverty level remains the same during a Noynoy presidency, I will blame you for it. Because you, the majority, those who belong in the yellow army, took away my voice.

Noynoy reminds me of an old salesman who never really sold anything in his long career as a salesman but will suddenly earn the CEO post in his company because the owner (who is loved by millions) suddenly died.

So the millions who are enamored with the dead owner cannot let go of his memories and suddenly, just like magic, turn their hearts and souls to the son whom they think will save the company from downfall. Because he is the son of the old hero.

Sadly, the voice of the minority who knows a much better and competent manager (but who is not a relative of the dead owner) will just slowly fade away in the deafening and almost-hypnotic screams of the millions who believe that the son is indeed the savior.

Is Noynoy really clean? No one can judge. But what is ‘cleanliness’ really? Is it enough that he did not steal? That he was never associated with any scandalous transactions in government? I don’t think so. Cleanliness and integrity, when it comes to the top post in the political ladder, should always be associated with making one’s powerful position very useful. I said it once before: positions of power are privileges. You are not voted into power and then just sit there, listen, vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ or ‘abstain’, go home, and sleep contentedly at night. The votes were given to you because you are entrusted with the task of making a BIG difference. Voting for laws is NOT making a difference. Not stealing from the public coffers is certainly NOT making a big difference. Being honest is certainly not something that should earn our politicos the accolades. We thank Noynoy and vote for him because he is clean and honest? Napaka-baba naman yata ng standards natin for a President!

Let us not forget that Noynoy had three terms in Congress and one in Senate and yet we all know he did not really deliver exemplary performance. He is talking so much about corruption in his TV ads but what did he really do while he was within the system? Suddenly, now, he is talking about corruption? Naman…

Please think about your vote for another Aquino. Noynoy is of the same mold as old politics. He is not the ‘newness’ that we say (?) we need now, more than ever. He comes from an old lineage of politicos who own vast tracts of land and who up to now, refuse to relinquish ownership that would have otherwise improved the lives of thousands of farmers and workers. This is not even about the rich and the poor. I also believe that all classes should have equal rights. I never liked the campaign lines that say, “Para sa Mahirap” because it is already divisive. It is like saying one’s poverty already earns him certain privileges. I do try to avoid that kind of thinking. But yes, it is important for a presidentiable to know what to do when he is in the seat of power. Noynoy had the chance to work for meaningful changes while in Congress and Senate. At least he could have tried to do something for the farmers of Hacienda Luisita.

You may say, “But he has promised to distribute the Hacienda Luisita to the farmers in five years!” Really? But why is he saying that only now?

Because he needs your votes and sadly, you will give it to him.

LAKARAN! PASYON, REBOLUSYON, RESUREKSYON

2010-04-29T13:42:00.000-07:00

Join us on Friday, April 30, 2010 to walk the way of Our Collective Pasyon.

11:30am-2:00pm

Media Spreading the New Story of a New & Different Campaign

Media Conference at Handuraw, Lahug (11:30am-1pm)

Drop-in Interviews with DYLA, DYRF (1:00pm-2:30pm)

3:00pm-7:00pm

Lakaran! Seis Palabras Para Sa Bag-ong Pilipinas

Starting with Mass at Basilica del Santo Niño (3:00pm)

Stopping at Six Public Sites for Each of Six Pillars toward the New Philippines

7:00-7:30pm

Prayer Walk from Guadalupe Church to Langub, the Guadalupe Pilgrimage Site

8:00pm-10pm

Resurrection of the New Philippines: Ika-Siete Nga Palabra

Reflections and Conversation with Nicanor Perlas on What It Will Take to Rebirth a Country

Earth Day & Greenest Presidential Candidate Nicanor Perlas, An Easy Fit!

2010-04-24T18:25:00.000-07:00

Independent presidential candidate Nicanor Perlas was named the “Greenest Candidate” by the GEI survey conducted by the independent organizations Greenpeace and EcoWaste Coalition in time for Earth Day 2010 on April 22.

Supporters and volunteers of Perlas congregated at the Earth Day Festival of the new shopping center, Persimmon, in Mabolo to celebrate Mother Earth and they rocked the night away with musicians and artistes like TaPati, Jim Perez, Cattski Espina and Zarah Smith.

The Earth Day theme was carried in the songs the artistes chose for the jamming session. “Organik Magsasaka” (working title) by Rom Dongeto is about going organic and how pesticides and chemical fertilizers poison our land, first, and then, us. “Agila” by Joey Ayala was sung by TaPati & Jim, likening people to eagles, and the state of our endangered forests will also endanger the Agilas. Cattski’s “Hero” sang to the hero in all of us, waiting to be awakened and to take responsibility for the world we want to create.The songs all reminded the visitors and viewers at the shopping center to Think Earth, It is our home, afterall!

There were fun activities for children, organic food stalls, books on organic farming, associative economy and sustainable development, recycled chairs, tables and loveseats by quintessential artist Budoy at the festival.

A buyer of organic peanuts, and the healthiest organic bokchoy and arugula from the San Gimignano Wellness Farm vegetable stand expressed the sentiments of the earth day celebrators when she commented, “If you truly love Mother Earth, you must choose for the leader who loves Mother Earth! Perlas ta bay!”

Nicanor Perlas Campaign Caravan Comes to Cebu

2010-04-24T16:34:00.000-07:00

Nick Was Here! On April 7 he reached out and touched the hearts of many Cebuanos from Carcar to San Fernando to Mandaue to all the hot spots in Cebu City.

The beauty of it is? That the people he and we met along the way reached out and touched us right back with their excitement and sheer delight to have him among them. They were incredulous at seeing him walk among them, stopping to chat and listen, pose for photos with them, share their "butong" and "pan" with them. Through them, they could see with their hearts and what they saw in Nick was authentic and new and hopeful.

Watch this video to see portions of this magical, sun-drenched, heartwarming, spirit-lifting day! and listen to the campaign jingle that our own Cebuano artists and youth brought together from their own hearts. For only from our hearts, will the Truth be freed -- and set us free!

Spread this good news around. You can also find this on our Perlas Cebu YouTube. <<-- Click this to go to YouTube and spread the word about the true love between Nick and the Filipino people!

Butterflies and Easter

2010-04-13T03:19:00.000-07:00

Written by Fr. Tito Soquino of the Sto. Nino de Cebu Basilica

Butterflies are among the amazing creatures on earth! The physical metamorphosis of a caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly is indeed a wonder. This amazing transformation begins inside the cocoon or the chrysalis. What happens inside the cocoon? The caterpillar starts to produce liquid called “imaginal cells” which are the seeds of the future butterfly. What is interesting is that the caterpillar cells are so different from the new imaginal cells. The immune system of the caterpillar thinks these cells are enemies and starts to gobble them up. But these new imaginal cells continue to reproduce until the caterpillar immune system bogs down due to the continued reproduction of imaginal cells.

What happens inside the cocoon is actually a war of attrition. A war between the old dispensation and the new dispensation. The caterpillar used to being a caterpillar is threatened by these new invaders. Threatened, it starts to kill the initial wave of invaders. But you cannot put a good man down. Imaginal cells continue to appear. This war of attrition continues until the caterpillar is inundated by these new cells, surrenders and joins the new order!

You cannot put new wine into old wine skins. This is what Jesus said. The new order must come from a totally new creature, not from the old. Just like the caterpillar, we refuse to leave our comfort zones and acknowledge that there is indeed something new beyond the horizon. ...

Jesus was the greatest imaginal cell! He came to us bringing a new way of living, never before thought of, a new life, a new hope. But just like the caterpillar, people resisted his advances. We are just too comfortable with our life, being a worm. But Jesus tells us that we are not worms, we are butterflies! We have to get out of our caterpillar mentality in order to have a butterfly mentality!

The violence that happens inside the cocoon is similar to the struggle that we experience within ourselves, the fight between the old and the new, between good and evil. In the end, the good will prevail. The first waves of imaginal cells, the prophets were killed because people refuse their message of change. And finally, the greatest of them all, the greatest Imaginal Cell, Jesus Himself, suffered, crucified and died. He entered his “cocoon”, and in three days he arose again, and becomes “The Butterfly”.

The butterfly has been as a symbol of the resurrection since ancient times. Today we seldom see butterflies, for the environment where butterflies thrive has disappeared. Butterflies live in clean environment. If we are to become butterflies, we have to change our caterpillar mentality. We have to create an environment where butterflies can thrive. By the way, the only role of butterflies is to lay eggs for the next generation. It does not even eat; it totally gives itself until it fades away.

Jesus gives himself totally for us to give us life. He is the New Life. He is the New Creation. He is the New Hope.

Happy Easter to all!

Written April 3, 2010

Cebu Artists Take A Stand on the Stage with Perlas for a New Civil Society & Philippines

2010-04-10T19:58:00.000-07:00

The artists came, eager to bring their voice and art to jam for a New Philippines and to connect with the man they believed would partner with them in paving the way for ART to have its rightful place in the development of our society. Singers, songwriters, event organizers, interior designers, painters, poets, writers

I hosted & emceed the evening with Tapati Tarongoy, lead singer of Joey Ayala’s Ang Bagong Lumad. We opened with reflections of the day, caravaning to far off towns of Cebu province and walking deep into the inner streets of Cebu City. We earnestly spoke of our belief in Nick’s stance -- that we are all artists, our own life being the medium for our art, to create the inner and outer landscape of our world.

The following artists then gave heartfelt performances, each expressing their commitment to a brighter future for all:
* G.K. Band playing rastaninja music in the call for peace, freedom and love, and in tribute of another peacemaker for civil society, Bob Marley.
* Cattski “The Cat” Espina, independent recording artist, singer of infusion of pop, folk & modern rock music.
* Poet Kabino performed “Gugmang Napusay” by Engr. Inday Zener with such panache evoking the audience in dramatic and humorous fashion to check our assumptions before closing our minds around what we think we already know.
* Budoy Mirabiles – Budoy! Budoy! the people on every street corner chant their recognition and delight as he passes out Perlas leaflets -- of Cebu-based Junior Kilat Band and reggae musician, songwriter and TV host. Budoy, after singing his signature song Ako si M-16, proudly and excitedly introduces Nick Perlas as his next president of the Philippines in 2010.

Nick comes on stage with an illuminating and inspiring talk on the place of ART in the new civil society as part of reclaiming our true soul as a Filipino people. He exuded passion and dedication to endorsing and supporting this belief in every way he can.

His rousing call to stand up as artists of our lives and world was received and warmly embraced by the audience. In a silent reflection led by Barba T. Godinez, leader of Access Road, a group of visual artists, Nick and then many of the audience walked up to the board to write “My Wish for a Brighter Philippines”. Nick’s Wish: “A new Philippines powered by artistic, creative, conscious and knowledgeable Filipinos” followed by audience wishes for “Musikultura!”, “A Wowow-wee-free Culture Philippines”, “Peace not War”, “Creative & artistic education” and other beautiful wishes. Followed by the silent lighting of candles in a dimly-lit Handuraw, as Fr. Tito Soquino led a group through prayer evoking the power of one little candle lit inside each one of us and together, to make into reality the hope and vision for a new Philippines.

At the count of three, audience held their wishes in their hearts and blew out their candle while the drums exploded into the powerful and upbeat Cebu-composed Perlas Campaign Jingle, “Perlas Kitang Tanan” (to mean, we are all pearls and we are all for Perlas).

As Tapati led the Perlas jingle with her powerful voice, the audience jumped up to dance and chant “Perlas Ako! Perlas Ng Silanganan! Perlas Kamo! Perlas Kitang Tanan!” and cry out for the new Philippines -- “Bag-ong kinabuhi! Bag-ong pagsalig” (New way of living, New way of believing”) and “Buhi-on ang Bag-ong Pilipinas” (Free and make alive the New Philippines).

Evening proceeded with a wide spectrum of musical genre in the talented bands of Cebu gifting their music and hearts to Nick and the campaign for Nicanor Perlas for President. PG-18 belted hiphop rock; Islandrudebwoy and selassiesons dj playing world music; Acid Burn playing alternative rock and Blacksmoke playing classic rock.

The place was rocking to Nick Perlas as he exited close to midnight, exhausted but warmed and buoyed by Cebu’s most talented and artistic endorsement!

Nicanor Perlas' Cebuano Campaign Jingle

2010-04-10T19:21:00.000-07:00

We are SO excited to be able to play Nicanor Perlas' new Cebuano Campaign Jingle, "Perlas Kitang Tanang'.

You can play it by clicking on the audio player below:

Perlas Kitang Tanan

Perlas ako
Perlas ng Silanganan
Perlas kamo
Perlas kitang tanan

Bag-ong kinabuhi
Bag-ong pagsalig

Bag-ong paglaum
Bag-ong pag-tuo

Dali na Sugbu!
Dali na Sugbu!

Dali na Sugbu!
Dali na Sugbu!

Dali na
Dali na
Dali naaaaaaa

Kitang tanan kay Perlas
Buhi-on ang Bag-ong Pilipinas!

Kitang tanan kay Perlas
Presidente sa Bag-ong Pilipinas!

Copyright 2010 Perlas Cebu

Since we know you will want to share this with your friends, we have two download links for you.

The first is a shortened version of this you can use as the ringtone on your phone. Please click on the link below, then save the download so you can load it into your phone from your computer.

Perlas Kitang Tanan Ringtone (Short Version)

(The exact link for this ringtone is: http://tinyurl.com/ya2pfw2.)

And if you have friends with internet capability on their phone via WiFi or directly, you can copy the link, text it to your friends, and THEY can download it directly into their phone from the link. Just tell them that after they have downloaded it to save it as their Ringtone. Only problem here is that EVERYBODY is soon going to be using this as their ringtone, so how do you know whose phone is ringing? :)

The second is the full version of this jingle, suitable for loading into your computer or once again directly into phones using the exact link.

Perlas Kitang Tanan Ringtone (Full version)

(The exact link for this ringtone is: http://tinyurl.com/ybqukhe.)

PLEASE -- pass this on to your friends!

Cebu as a Stage for New Politics

2010-04-03T07:43:00.000-07:00

I heard Nick's talk during the launching of his candidacy in Cebu last Feb 13... and I understood why Cebu is strategic in the game of politics, and why he chose Cebu as the launching site of his candidacy. Roughly, here are the points that he mentioned, with my addition:

1. Cebu or the Visayas is in the heart of the Philippines. This connects to the principle ...that the heart of the revolution is the revolution of the heart. Indeed this strong heart sense manifests in the region's strength in arts and music.

2. It was in Cebu that Christianity was first implanted (remember the first baptism... of Rajah Humabon and his wife; ... the Magellan's cross?). The essence of Christianity remained, despite the flaws... and we are considered to have the biggest heart and spreading this love principle all over the world.

3. It was also in Cebu that the "first resistance" to invaders was staged (Lapulapu vs Magellan)... Now another invader is to be conquered. That which remained from the past is now deeply internalized, thus for societal change we need start from within.

4. In Cebu the people's consciousness of the "rural reality" is still very strong and integrated. This is not so in the bigger cities. Cebuanos still strongly feel the reality of the farmers, fisherfolks, urban poor and other sectors of society.

I am sure there are other reasons. May I invite you to add to the list? Also feel free to modify the expression to make it inspirng? I'd like to add too that the phenomenon of the Sto Nino is a great unifying factor. Then there is the fact that Cebuano politics runs very differently from those in other influential cities. And the synergy of the volunteers in the province is just incredible.

Cebu, continue to be the shining star for New Politics. You will do a quantum leap very soon.

Posted by Pam Fernandez

Women, It's Our Turn!

2010-03-31T14:03:00.000-07:00

I am a woman. And while I do not spend my days consistently thinking consciously that I am one, I am. And there are times, though, that a statement made by someone, perhaps in jest, or an incident happens or simply noticing a beautiful new bloom on my mother's hibiscus plant brings home that beautiful fact of my life....I am a woman.

This morning my friend Becky sent me Cosmopolitan Philippines' online issue which had a four-page exclusive interview with Nick Perlas. As I read their exchange, and perhaps only other women would understand this, I could actually see & feel the women asking Nick the questions and listening deeply for his responses. As each question and thoughtful response was laid out, I had one of those moments when the fact of me being a woman was brought home to me. I am a woman. With interests, curiosities, cares and concerns very near and dear -- and present! -- to a woman.

It made me realize how important it is that we women truly go in search of the candidate who not only knows and respects women, but also, as a man sharing this life and world with women, truly gets the difference of being women. The type of difference that does & will make a difference in our world.

Nick gets it. Read the interview to know in what ways he does, and then, go share it with your girrrrlfriends!

Women, like Nick, YOU can take a stand for women & make the difference in our world. Begin with your choice for prez in 2010.

Thanks, Cosmo! http://tinyurl.com/ydl5lfr

A Hopeful & Comprehensive Education Agenda by Nick Perlas

2010-03-28T20:57:00.000-07:00

Nick Perlas through the Partido ng Marangal na Sambayanan (Pangmasa) presented a four-point action plan to carry out his education agenda.

* Identify the top 100 secondary educational institutions of the country, provide support for their innovative practices, document and disseminate their creative educational practices, and enter into partnerships with them as hubs of educational excellence.

* Do an in-depth study, involving all stakeholders, as basis for the gradual transfer educational services to the cultural non-profit sector of society especially in partnership with the community.

* Create the policy environment for strengthening the role of private education in all levels of the school system.

* Increase the usage of educational vouchers to widen the choices of parents. Increase focus beyond just quantity of education services to quality of education services including more holistic educational approaches that develop multi-talented, creative, critical-thinking, socially-oriented students and citizens

“By a holistic approach to these problems in education we will be able to provide affordable education as a right of every citizen that goes beyond our generation into the next,” the party said.

Representing Nicanor Perlas

2010-03-28T11:06:00.000-07:00

"What am I doing here?!?"

Here was at the Coliseum of the St. La Salle University of Bacolod filled with over a thousand college graduating students, faculty and administrators of the university and about a hundred more guests. It was packed, warm and the students had already been sitting there for an hour or more going through the final requirements and drills of graduating.

And now they were about to sit through another hour and a half on the upcoming May 2010 Elections, starting with an orientation on the use of the new electronic voting machines and following it up with a forum wherein a representative of each presidential candidate was to speak about their candidate and their candidate's platform for 10 minutes (or the mic would apparently be turned off) and then finally there would be a Q&A session between the audience and the reps.

That's what I was doing here. I was here to represent my candidate for president of the Philippines, Mr. Nicanor Jesus Pineda Perlas III. Given that I myself had only met Nick and started to read about his work a mere 4 1/2 months before getting on that stage; and given that I'd only gotten the part a day before the forum because the person who was to do it couldn't make it; and given that the others who shared the enormous stage with me were campaign managers or the wife of their candidate or had been on the campaign trail with them for many years, one would expect - as I did - that I'd be shaking like a leaf. But, I wasn't. Instead, as I said to Nick himself in a text after the forum, I was calm, centered...and on fire.

Well, yes, I had spent the whole night up reading both Nick's and others' writings, news clippings, and blogs; and watching a few (quite powerful) interviews of Nick. And, yes, I had spent the 7-hour bus-ferry-bus ride slicing through 10 pages of material to have it be as close to the strict 10-minute rule. And, yes, when I practised reading my talk over lunch to my two fast friends Eleanor and Mario, I was still over by about 20 minutes. And, yes, when I looked out over the vast sea of faces, I could easily see the huge splashes of yellow in front, and red and dark green to the sides, each one out in force for their candidate. And, yes, while seated among the reps, I got to listen to stories about the parties they'd been to and why the other wasn't there, giving me the distinct sense that they have been moving in the same circles over many years.

So, given all of that, why did I just not want to sink right through the floor, suffer from amnesia and never be seen again? I'll tell you why:

1. I had something to say and that something was the truth. When that happens, don't you just want to jump out and shout it out to the world? Nick, his platform and his track record are so clear, so genuine, so uniquely and refreshingly grounded in truth and integrity, that speaking of him is not only the easiest, but the most joyful thing to do.

2. Nick, the man, his genius, his heart and his platform are a huge gift to society. And so, speaking of these to the audience felt like I was handing over to them the best gift of their lives -- a real and viable and stellar option for the next president of the Philippines of their own choosing! This is why my opener was "Do you know how lucky you are?!?" As the Manila Bulletin article, The Race of His Lifetime, of March 23, 2010 said: "If slowly but surely wins the race, then Nicanor 'Nick' Jesus Pineda Perlas III may just end up being the leader that the country never even knew it had." I just felt thrilled and honored to be able to hand this gift to them.

3. Friends like Eleanor and Mario (how precious to see their glowing faces clearly in the crowd) who believe in you and remind you at each step that, no matter what, speak from your heart. And so, through each extremely complex and unrehearsed question tossed, though I had no idea in my head what I was to say even as it was my turn to grab the mic and head out to the audience, what came out of my mouth was honest, truthful and came from my heart which is, like yours, connected to our collective heart that is the source of the greater wisdom. The reminder is critical -- that we only have to empty ourselves of ego and of a full, overly active, smart mind, to let the deeper wisdom through. (Hey, don't get me wrong, studying the audience and their hot topics/issues beforehand would have helped tremendously! So, study, too!)

4. When you know without a shadow of a doubt that you are exactly where you need to be, when it feels like the universe has colluded to get you there, and when you get that you've been preparing for moments like these (even or especially when your mind is still trying to make sense of it...and is failing miserably), then - and only then - do you enter a zone. To me, a zone is when you are simultaneously aware and connected to everything while also in laser-like quality aware of yourself (without ego) as a unique channel of the greater wisdom that is wanting to be revealed. Make sense to you? It shouldn't perhaps at the level of mind, but it's real nevertheless. Nick has been tapping and spreading that wisdom in his words and deeds all his life. Now, is calling upon each of us to do the same.

At the end of the Q&A, here were the words I remember hearing that attest to what I say above had a positive impact on those around us:
1. The rep beside me, whose candidate shall remain nameless, said he had been reading Nick's writings and has followed his campaign closely and is so impressed. And that I was very "cool" and "the coolest speaker of the 10-min speech" (which I decided to do semi-extemporaneously)

2. Mayor Kate Gordon who was there to represent hubby and the Vice Chancellor of La Salle each came up to me and together said how much they have always admired Nick, his works, the person he is and his convictions and they are so glad he is fighting the fight. And how impressed they always are with what comes out of his campaign.

3. One man appeared from the crowd eager to volunteer to campaign for Nick in Bacolod and has been true to his word since.

A final interesting note. Someone who wasn't there asked me if the audience clapped louder for me than for the other reps. I'm not sure. Maybe not. I wasn't connecting in with the audience in that manner. Perhaps, just like surveys, clapping and cheering is all fanfare and fun and games. What matters the most is how much in each moment we get to touch our hearts and speak from there in a way that touches and speaks to their hearts, too. Hand over Heart, and Heart-to-Heart.

Thank you Nick and dear friends for your support throughout that time and for the opportunity to speak from the heart of our campaign! Such an honor to be in this journey with you.

Waking Up Civil Society Through the Arts

2010-03-28T06:28:00.000-07:00

The first encounter between the Cebu Volunteers Perlas for President and some of the most respected Cebu artists on Wednesday (March 5, 2010) was a mind-stirring and heart-warming (heart-tugging) revelation about the life of artists in this part of the country.

Artists expressed feelings of repression. Not that they are prevented by anything like Martial Law from expressing their thoughts and feelings. What constrains them is that their art cannot sustain even their mundane needs. How can it then buy them the tools needed to hone their craft? Many have to hold regular jobs like call center jobs and other available means of living, making them fall short of the demands of their jealous muses.

Budoy’s experience was revealing. From Samar, he came to Cebu to train and be a visual artist. Since he found that this art form could not sustain his needs, he shifted to another art form. As Junior Kilat he rose in the local music scene. Still, he needed media exposure in Manila to hit it big. This came to him courtesy of a stay in the Pinoy Big Brother house. With it, he became public property. Unfortunately, the public had a different appreciation of the image they wanted him to project. Budoy had to find new options.

Who shall support the artists?

Is it the government? Zarah Smith, a popular musician and song writer pointed out that some countries like Switzerland support their artists, to the extent of allocating funds for them to share their art with other peoples of the world.

But how can a political administration give consideration for the special needs of artists when it cannot deliver basic services to the majority of its people? How can a political leadership provide a nurturing environment to artists when during its watch there was a considerable rise in number of journalists and media practitioners killed?

Is it business? As an event organizer, Fil acts as bridge between the artist and the business client. Forging a contract between these two is not easy. Artists value their sense of identity. For some of them to sing the songs they did not write goes against their principle. On the other hand, business puts premium on earnings on any given transaction. It is important to business sponsors that their chosen artist can bring in the patronage avalanche for the company’s products or services.

Is it civil society? Paolo Varela, a radio/TV host who is apparently a witness to the struggles of artists said, “culture of this society is not ready for their art.”

Why is this so, when culture (and art with it) gives identity and builds values and moral fiber of society?

Unfortunately our identity is still chained to our colonial frame of mind. This loss of identity became worse with the destruction of democratic structures and institutions during the regime of President Marcos. (The military was politicized; civil service was bloated by patronage, the control of the economy in the hands of few.) Moreover, with the Arroyo’s administration’s desensitization of our national psyche to corruption, violence and abuses, we are demolished at the core. There seems little left of true ideals and time-honored values.

According to Becky Smith, head of the Information Section of the Cebu Volunteers Perlas for President, “ this situation pushed Nicanor Perlas to run for the highest political office.” If the current callousness is allowed to prevail, a point will be reached when our society will lose its soul. After this, it will be difficult to restore our sense of spirituality or regain our capability for the sublime.

A President can trigger social transformation. According to Nicanor Perlas, “culture is an exciting dimension of Philippine excellence that has yet to be fully mobilized for national development.“ It is people constituting institutions. When people change their mindset and their values, collectively they can change institutions and work towards obtaining their aspirations. For us the Cebu Volunteers of the Perlas for President campaign, the election is just the beginning. We are in this for the long haul.

What will the artists contribute to this social transformation?

Music artists, who have risen in their craft, like Zarah Smith and Cattski Espina, believe that the artist must “do it himself,” pull away from frustration and low esteem, focus on creating quality work and a distinct identity -- an authentic voice. Cattski Espina and other artists have formed a cooperative for mutual support. On process is the promotion of song writing in Bisaya and enabling artists to produce their own songs.

Cebu is now known for excellence in reggae. G.K. Gonzales, reggae musician, culled from his experience in Hawaii, “ we artists have to start with ourselves, we have to have a sense of community by helping each other and we have to also become part of a larger society.”

Teresa Ruelas, who heads the Secretariat of Perlas Cebu articulated one realization, “This campaign is a bit like the artists’ experience of being marginalized because we are not mainstream, traditional, popular. Together, starting with ourselves, we are to awaken civil society. How do we do that?”

There was so much to think about, several proposals and suggestions and a number of concerns but the meeting had to come to an end. As a meeting ender, Becky shared a beautiful lesson drawn from her experience working with the Cebu Volunteers of Perlas for President, “if the intention is clear, the mechanism will appear.“

For me, the evening still offered another beautiful perspective. Budoy shared with us his social development project. He is making furniture from industrial wastes with the idle kids in an upland neighborhood. Certainly, he shall enrich the community with his visual art, which , being his first love, shall enrich his soul as well.

Shall this -- the coming together of one's true purpose and art and applying it in service of something bigger than oneself -- might this be one way of awakening and enriching civil society? In this conversation between the Cebu Artists and the Cebu Volunteers for Nicanor Perlas, we realized we had come together to live the question.

Partido Kalikasan Joins Coalition for New Politics

2010-03-05T07:40:00.000-08:00

For immediate release

05 March 2010

PARTIDO KALIKASAN JOINS

COALITION FOR NEW POLITICS,

Declares Support for Green Presidentiable Nicky Perlas and Launches “GREENING CAMPAIGNS” for the May 2010 Elections

“Partido Kalikasan (PK), an emerging national Green political party operating in 15 bioregions nationwide; today, formally joins the COALITION FOR NEW POLITICS and declares our endorsement for the Presidential Candidacy of “Green Candidate” Nicanor Perlas, reports Cagayan de Oro environmental lawyer Maning Ravanera, PK Chairperson & National Leader.

We join a growing number of social and political movements across the country who are fed up with the massive graft & corruption in government & other sectors of Philippine society and with unsustainable forms of development policies & programs that are driving the triple crises in our environment, economy and culture; adds Environmental Engineer Dr Michael Nunez, PK Vice Chairperson from Cebu.

PK Secretary-General Roy Cabonegro from Rizal reminds everyone that the Filipino people deserves NEW POLITICS NOW and by joining this Coalition, we claim our direct stake in “…eradicating poverty, improving health and livelihood, removing corruption, improving the quality of life for all, establishing genuine peace, regenerate the environment, provide quality education, harness the Filipino creativity, energize broad-based economic development”.

Towards this end we shall mobilize our members, supporters, other Greens in the country and like-minded Filipinos, here and abroad to “…create a sustainable nation capable of taking its appropriate role in world affairs” adds Cabonegro, quoting from the agreement signed today by PARTIDO KALIKASAN and PANGMASA (Partido ng Marangal na Sambayan) as founding members of the Coalition for New Politics during the “2nd Perlas ng Silangan” Festival at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani in Quezon City.

PK National Spokesperson Jules Penales of Metro Manila explains further that for this coming May 2010 elections, Partido Kalikasan believes that supporting national and local candidates who carries the “GREEN DEVELOPMENT POLITICAL AGENDA” of Partido Kalikasan within the context of NEW POLITICS is the way forward given the imperative to challenge Traditional Politics and the need for decisive actions for the environment; particularly the challenge of climate change.

For the office of the President, Penales adds that PK has reviewed the competence, integrity and political agenda of all Presidential Candidates and have come to the conclusion that it is Nicanor Perlas; who heads PANGMASA, who is the best option consistent with PKs Green Development Political Agenda. We are therefore declaring him as our Presidential Candidate and calls on all our members and supporters and other greens to mobilize and support his campaign.

PK Cordillera head Ms. Liberty Talastas reminds us; however, that while the powers and authority of the Presidency is the most potent political force that can be mobilize for our intended new politics and green reforms and actions, it will take more than one green and new politics President for this country to confront our many challenges. It is therefore imperative that we campaign and win genuine Green and new politics candidates running in the other national positions and more importantly at the local levels where the real fight for the environment is.

For our part, Talastas reminds the public that PK local groups have endorsed and is now campaigning for some of our members who are running for local post carrying our green agenda and within the context of new politics. These include; organic farmer Padz Pangan running for Governor or Zambales, peace advocate Arbee Talaslas running as Vice Governor of the Mountain Province. Aeta leader Lito “Tubag” Jugatan running as Zambales Provincial Board member and anti mining advocates Rodney Galicha and Domingo Marin running as Sibuyan Provincial Board member and town councilor respectively.

PK Secretary General Cabonegro concludes that for this coming elections, we will run several campaigns to identify, rate and convince local & national candidates from Vice President to Senators and Party List who carries new politics and the green development political agenda to sign a “PEOPLES’ GREEN COVENANT” with us.

On April 26, at the eve of the elections, Partido Kalikasan will present to the public these “GREEN CANDIDATES” whom we shall endorse together with Nicky Perlas, concludes Cabonegro.

For more information:

Jules Penales, National Spokesperson. Mobile 0928 4611873 Email: jules@partidokalikasan.org

Roy Cabonegro, Secretary-General Mobile 0929 4418247 Email: roy@partidokalikasan.org

Visit our website at: www.partidokalikasan.org Follow us in twitter; facebook

PK National Secretariat: Room 119 Ground Floor, Asian Social Institute (ASI), 1518 Leon Guinto Street, Manila

Press Release - New Coalitions Arising!

2010-03-05T07:08:00.000-08:00

Green Presidential Candidate Nicanor Perlas of Partido ng Marangal na Sambayanan (PANGMASA), Partido Kalikasan and the Anti-Trapo Movement of the Philippines launched Coalition for New Politics

Press Release
March 5, 2010

“Partido Kalikasan (PK), an emerging national Green political party operating in 15 bioregions nationwide; today, formally joined the COALITION FOR NEW POLITICS and declared their endorsement of the Presidential Candidacy of “Green Candidate” Nicanor Perlas, reports Cagayan de Oro environmental lawyer Maning Ravanera, PK Chairperson & National Leader. At the signing of the memorandum of agreement between Pangmasa( Partido ng Marangal na Sambayanan) and PK were Nicanor Perlas, the Green Presidential Candidate of PANGMASA, Jules Penales, spokesperson of PK from Partido ng Kalikasan Metro Manila and Roy Cabonegro, Secretary General of Partido Kalikasan. Joining them in the coalition is Leon Estrella Peralta, Founding Chairman of the Anti-Trapo Movement of the Philippines, a politcal and human rights activist and official candidate for Congressman of the 2nd District of Quezon City of the Buklod Political Party. The MOA was signed by the different parties at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Memorial in Quezon City, today March 5, 2010.

Please see statement from Partido Kalikasan

Media contact for Nicanor Perlas and Pangmasa:
Cecille Ferrer
Volunteer, Media Team Nicanor Perlas 2010
Telefax:02-6345058
Cell:09155336189/09178997603

The GIFT of This Journey -- Campaigning for Nick Perlas

2010-03-05T07:02:00.000-08:00

i also don't have any idea what's going to happen in the future...all i know is that i am enjoying this journey with all of you...i wake up each morning wondering how's our campaign doing, how i'll be able to fullfill my share, what new things i am going to learn from all these...maybe that mystery of what the future holds for us is the thing that keeps us going. uncertain yet unafraid we tread the path because we have faith that there is still hope for our people...for this nation. may we continue to keep the faith alive in the deepest part of our being.

gingging

15 Reasons Why I'm Campaigning for Nicanor Perlas to be Next Philippine President

2010-03-04T19:49:00.000-08:00

[Pam Fernandez’ adaptation to the postings of Panjee, Noid and others who provided some ideas/template through their own reflections]

1.      A man of spiritual virtues and goals; practices clean and wholesome living: He has been consistent in pursuing his purpose: serve earth and country through his most authentic self, despite risks and other challenges. Honesty and integrity are something that he lives in. He practices clean living, doesn't smoke, drink, and eat meat. He was a certified athlete thus imbibed values such as teams-manship. He eats lower in the food chain (vegetarian).

2.      A practical visionary- vision translated to action: His initiatives are visionary or are linked to the greater good, the higher forces; to inner values, personal development and community service. And these initiatives are well grounded, and are affirmed by highly respected visionary groups at the global level. He has a vision and a complete platform of what needs to be done. Included in his platform is to mainstream VISIONARY initiatives. In other words, he welcomes and facilitates manifestation of innovations and creativity. He works to implement them on a broader scale. He also sees the need for civil society as a collective institution to serve as a check to the excesses of government.

3.      Strong on Threefolding: He is effective in bringing together initiatives from the 3 realms: culture, economic and political. He has a broad concept on the basis and processes of this threefolding. He has a holistic approach to our country's problems, seeing the need for the government (POLITICAL sphere), business (ECONOMIC sphere), and civil society (CULTURAL sphere) to work together most effectively and spiritually.

4.      Balanced person, with integrated head, heart and will; practices what he preaches about societal change; led wholesome national movements of global impact: He is very intelligent, well-read, broad minded and thinks at the “synthesis” level. His thoughts and vision are written in an international bestselling book Shaping Globalization: Civil Society, Cultural Power, and Threefolding which has been translated into at least 9 languages. He is highly sought after on a wide selection of topics. He is also initiator, founder, co-founder of civil society movement: KARANGALAN which celebrates the various talents, achievements, and innovations by Filipinos. PAGASA which seeks to develop the spiritual and cultural well-being of the Filipinos, which will eventually make for a better country. Truthforce is a web-based global magazine that celebrates truth and good news, providing creative solutions and hopeful events and concepts so we may find strength, hope and greater connection in our earthly work. He also lives the philosophy of freedom of each human being as he didn't compel individuals nor the organizations to which he belongs to join him in his candidacy. Instead, he left if up to them whether to support him or not.

5.      Has vigilance and does effective work in citizen-based watchdog: He is honest, and has zero tolerance for corruption http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2WQpLYH1ZQ. He has been fighting corruption from the time of Marcos to Cory to Erap and to Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Despite threats to his life, he fought for the closing of the corrupt-ridden Bataan Nuclear Power Plant during the time of Marcos and succeeded in stopping it from operating. He did this while living in penury in the United States. He was also the Environmental Representative in the Steering Committee of KOMPIL II that developed the detailed strategies that eventually succeeded in removing President Estrada from office. He is highly instrumental in the banning of 32 dangerous agricultural pesticides, and in protecting farmers from trade liberalization esp during the big APEC meeting held in the Philippines in 1996.

6.      Clarity on analysis and vision about the environment: He warned us of global warming, climate change ; super typhoons, and the tragedies it would bring, despite being called a fear-monger. These are mainstream topics now. His understanding of the science of nature is deep. Strategies based on this deep understanding would consequently be more effective and long-term.

7.      “Cosmic” Agriculture: I have seen that his kind of “energy agriculture” or “quantum/cosmic agriculture”, or biodynamics (one form of it that he has been practicing and promoting) truly works, and has spread to more than 3,000 families in the country. Such system of farming produces high yields and considerably much less inputs and cost; but more importantly, it gives quality that is better than what organic farming gives. Nicky became not only an agronomist but a farmer who is well sought-out by people wanting to learn alternative ways of farming. His dream of becoming a physicist got translated to a kind of agriculture that affirms indigenous practices, quantum science based approaches and thus greatly helped our highly marginalized and poor farmers. He further deepened sustainable agriculture and organic farming; thus, freeing farmers from the bondage of pesticides and poisonous chemicals, as well as bulky inputs.

8.      Alternative Economics: He helped the poor set up businesses via microfinance. This has helped over 200,000 farmers. He had been advancing associative economics where externalities or the other cost of production, as well as household-level affairs are part of the equation.

9.      Global recognition of work in threefolding and others: He is recipient of the 2003 Right Livelihood Award (also known as the Alternative Nobel) "for his outstanding efforts in educating civil society about the effects of corporate globalisation, and how alternatives to it can be implemented." He also received other global and national prestigious awards. These recognize that he “walks his talk”, that his accomplishments are well grounded and that could serve as template for development efforts in other counties and organizations.

10. Strong on the cultural and artistic means of transformation: He is the artist's candidate, because he sees the need for the CULTURAL sphere (meaning, the rest of us) to remind government and businesses of what really matters at the level of “culture and spirituality“ and not just money and material things. He also advocates and developed initiatives that promote creativity in all aspects of life. He himself is a living example of creativity. He lives the saying “the revolution of the heart is the heart of the revolution”.

11. Genuinely uses and is effective in participatory processes: One can observe this when he is in workshops. He includes everyone in decision-making. He listens to what everyone has to say and treats them with respect and as equals. He is a down-to-earth kind of guy, without airs, and you feel you can approach him anytime. He has a great sense of humor, and has an endearing belly laugh.

12. Has magic effect on people; connect them to their higher purpose: You don't have to think of 'gimmicks' or tricks when trying to convince voters to vote for your candidate. You just let them know about his achievements http://www.nicanor-perlas.com/About-Nicanor-Perlas and the kind of person he is, and it's an easy sell. He has that kind of aura that makes people resonate with him, even before they meet him in person. He inspires people who get to know or listen to him. These people get connected to their higher self and deep purpose in life. He was in my journey to finding myself and my life work in the academe and outside.

13. Engages the “ordinary” to be part of birthing the New Philippines: He inspires hope and makes one’s participation in the campaign light and fun! You get to collaborate with very creative and passionate individuals, who like him, has a vision of New Politics and a New Philippines. You get to participate in a momentous event in the history of the world. This is an opportunity, to work actively for a vision of a New Philippines and with a visionary who has the track record to back it up comes along very rarely, and I don't want to pass it up.

14.   Paved the road for my personal growth (esp in holistic thinking) and world service: He is strongly a part and highly instrumental in my journey as mother, teacher, scientist and farmer partner. He opened the door for me to the second scientific revolution, the science of the impossible. This led me to my own exploration and expanded my resonance with …Quantum agriculture and Agnihotra, Alternative education, Alternative medicine and healing, and Alternative lifestyle.

15. It is the right time for this momentous event that has global impact, and he is the carrier of this change. The New Politics is being born and the Philippines is its place of birth. It is a global shift happening and we are significant players in this event. Such require new consciousness, new processes and great creativity. Only an authentic, spiritual, well-grounded person, who has the ability to connect to this collective intelligence may lead in this process.

Noynoy or Nicanor Perlas? Comparison is pointless, but, sure, why not...

2010-03-04T19:29:00.000-08:00

I was given very informative and useful information about Noynoy and his achievements. I read it from top to bottom. Not substantial nor inspiring by any stretch of the imagination...and not what our country truly needs. So, I am campaigning for Nicanor Perlas, because of his stellar understanding and work on New Politics, and on quantum transformation, and his complete service to the greater society over his own personal needs...as proven over the 40+ years of his work.

Noynoy had problems in Cebu in one of his sorties... the elitist came out. Many NGOs are actually for him. But what they say is something I cannot resonate with. They say, "Sa kanya na para maipush ang ating sariling agenda; Kaya sya imanipulate natin." What a loss of thinking....self-centered, non-holistic, non-systemic thinking, which, from reading the Bills Noynoy has led and passed, are from that same limited capacity to think. His bills are simply palliative measures, forwarding more of the same. In his history as House Representative and Senator, this is clear -- the status quo remains and rules. Nothing new and transformational on the horizon.

His issues in Ha Luisita are whitewashed. Agrarian reform? [Don't even get me started on that one.]

I believe we need a non traditional politician, someone who can make each voter reach deep inside their being and realize that they are part of the real solution. And it can start with actually voting for the real solution.

I am not worried about the voter numbers. Miracles can be harnessed...! If you've ever been a change agent yourself, remember the 100th monkey effect? The pond story? Presencing? Margaret Mead's words on never doubt that a small group of citizens can change the world, in fact they are the only ones who have? Besides, our vote cannot be placed on who we think will win. There goes that follied, limited thinking, again!

Vote on who you think (and fairly assess) to be the right person for the job -- mentally, historically, spiritually -- and who shares your true heart's vision of what it means to have a better world, a better future -- for all! Don't settle!

There are many reasons talaga why we choose someone. To me, the basic is track record, authenticity, quantum approaches, deep and conscious spirituality, effective change agent, real heart for the poor/masa/farmers/fisherfolks and global in perspective. I hope that Acacia people are including these discussions as a way of threefolding.

Climate change -- where to begin?! -- also needs a very untraditional approach and quantum is the realm we need to activate to make the strides we need to heal our planet... Tell me, who is clearly the leader in this movement, way before we understood and cared about the environment in this country?

We need to cross dimensions into a new kind of country if we are to break out of our pattern of underdevelopment. And a leader must help create that field that gives us courage, stamina, hope and approaches to cross the bridge. Who has had the focus, intention, work and acknowledged domestic and international success on sustainable development?

This is a momentous time in our country's and earth's history. My hope is we all can ride this wave of change, for the greater change of the world. The leader we choose needs to be truly authentic, one who leads with thoughtful, responsible, conscious paradigm shifts guided by spiritual change. We badly need this for our country and the world.The question is are you - citizens of the Philippines -- ready for this change? The planet is. Our farmers and fisherfolk are. Our students, teachers and artists, too. Our urban poor, yes.

This for now....

Regards to all,
Anon

I Know You're Busy, You Can Still Be Part of the Movement

2010-03-04T14:35:00.000-08:00

I just had a nice email exchange with a new friend I immediately like and respect. I appreciate his note because it gave me the pause in my own busy day to sit and reflect. Thinking (not thoughting) is always such a gift to yourself and others around you! Thanks, Kenneth!

On 3/3/10 10:45 AM, "Kenneth" wrote:

Hi Teresa,

It's good to hear from you. As much as I want to help on the cause due to previews commitments, I can't join you.

I am with you in spirit and I wish for his success. Kudos to all!

Kenneth

Hi Kenneth,

Thank you for your note! I totally understand, we are all busy busy people. And, there are many ways to journey with us without the traditional volunteering, such as:

In conversations, one-on-one or in small groups, just challenging the status quo gently; just asking a question like “do we really want to vote based on popularity or who is winning or on who inherited legacies (having a great mother does not make one great, too)? Or do we want to choose our real dreams and principles for our country?” More assertive would be: “How can we live with ourselves knowing we chose someone because he was lesser of all evils?” Less assertive might be: “Let’s just think again and assess what real track record means and who has it...” or whatever your unique style would call for.
Use the great line you wrote in your Twitter: FREEDOM isn't something that is given to you, it is something that you have to take.
You have twitter and blog, continue to raise your thoughtful questions and perspective there!
Connect us with others who share the vision....or simply the questioning.
We are collecting contact lists for text-blasting...which gives people chance to say no when they get first message. You know we will respect people’s privacy & delete from list when they say “unsubscribe”....if I sent you the template, would you fill a sheet or couple of sheets of it?
Read/follow us on www.twitter.com/perlascebu; read the works of/by Nick at www.nicanor-perlas.com; our www.perlas.blogspot.com. Connect to us on FaceBook!

I bet you could think of creative ways of how, in the course of your work & busy life, the opportunity to just have people pause, think, awaken them from their automatic thinking (we all fall into this...we need each other to keep us awake/conscious)...or to simply breathe from your heart and breathe that heart-thought to the person or persons around you...to soften the hard shell of learned helplessness, cynicism, hopelessness, fear to let go to the new...this is all.

Thank you, Kenneth! Take good care and thanks for all you do and are that especially serves the greater good!

Tressa

Taking It To the Streets -- North Bus Terminal

2010-02-27T05:11:00.002-08:00

Nicky Perlas was right. You come from your heart and show what is in your heart through your eyes and your smile, and they will see sincerity, care, passion, authenticity. Who can resist that?

He also said, that when connecting to your regular fellow Filipinos, especially the poor, there is no need for intellect and words, no need even for reason. They connect through a different intelligence -- through their heart, through their senses, through their intuition. They can smell truth-speaking and no b.s. right off the bat.

I had a direct personal experience of this yesterday at the North Bus Terminal. Many people were moving quickly to catch buses to go to homes in the province for the weekend; others waiting for their rides, waiting for a sale; still others just sitting and waiting, not sure for what.

After my initial trepidation at intruding on their preoccupations, I took a deep breath, approached a bench of what may have been bus drivers or operators sitting around, stuck out my first Perlas flyer and before I could run away, I dared myself to look them straight in the eye, and smile (admittedly, a little shakily).

"Unsa man na?!" demanded one of them, without extending a hand to receive my offer.

After a quick look around for my buddy who was by then nowhere to be found, I gulped and must have said something half-way intelligible (and maintained our eye contact!), because he straightened up from his I'm-busy/lazy-don't-bug-me slouch and said, "o sige beh, patan-awa ta ni-ana."

On cue, everyone else stuck their hand out to receive their copy. Phew! (And how heartwarming to see them actually reading it!)

So, yes, look them in the eye and smile with all your heart! That, and, your heart's deep knowing of the truth that Nicanor Perlas is our only hope for real and substantial change towards a better future for our Philippines...will get you everywhere! ;-)

NICANOR PERLAS’ SPECIAL CONNECTION

2010-02-27T05:11:00.000-08:00

Nicanor Perlas pinning a volunteer tag on one of his "prayer warriors"

Outside the gates of the Basilica del Sto. Niño in Cebu City, you are bound to meet vendors, pushing their candles and images. There they were at the church entrance, just when we were coming out of a mass that culminated a whole day gathering of the supporters of NICANOR PERLAS. This time these middle-aged peddlers were there not out to sell their wares but to catch a better glimpse of a man inside the church that they felt was someone important. And they asked our help to connect with him.

Together with these urban poor women, we retraced our steps and waited for Nicanor Perlas to emerge from the prayer room. The minute they came face to face with the Presidential candidate, there seemed to be an instant connection. He smiled and looked at them in the eyes as they bared their life situations. He was the first political candidate who interacted with them- listened to their woes and inspired them with his vision. They lamented that they had no such opportunity with other political candidates whose bodyguards effectively screened them.

At nine o clock in the evening, these marginal earners still had to bring their day’s income to their families, living as far as Carcar, a town about 40 kilometers from the city. Yet, their mundane cares were brushed off like the dust from their worn-out slippers as they danced for heaven’s blessings. As they raised their candles to the Supreme Being, they became the prayer warriors for NICANOR PERLAS’ sublime intention - the rebirth of this nation.

Tito Nicky Gets Writer's Vote

2010-02-22T14:01:00.000-08:00

My friend's nephew sent this....from Politics.Inquirer.net. I love how the youth are not as attached nor beholden nor socialized to "how things have always been", and therefore can recognize truth and heart-based reason when it is staring them in the face.

Hi,

I like this article. You can read more here

http://politics.inquirer.net/view.php?db=1&article=20100220-254313

Quotes from the writer.
What does it matter if the candidate falls first or last in the surveys? What matters is that the voter believes. That is the logic of true democracy. Anything less than that is a compromise that measures the limits of democracy and the maturity of voters.

Voting is a moral imperative. The single person has an apparatus of judgment inside her. This is an apparatus ever so complex because it has been born out of millions of years of human existence. It expresses itself through a deep feeling for what is right. All humans know when a thing is ugly or beautiful. They can feel it. Stealing is ugly because it feels ugly. One can reason its ugliness but that comes after the feeling. This is why reason is always problematic and suspicious. Anything can be reasoned out, especially the act of voting for one who steals.

This is the logic of voting for Nicanor Perlas. Choice and voting are as sacred as birth itself. It is a way for humans to determine what comes closest to the truth for everyone. It is a way much more dependable than one writer sitting alone in front of a computer writing her own beliefs about what the truth is. This, even if the writer begins with: I lie. The Maker is wrong to muddle his mind with too much intellectual garbage. The moral purity of choice is the very foundation of modern democracy itself.

YOUR INVITATION to Join the Perlas Campaign Launch on February 13, 2010

2010-02-07T12:08:00.000-08:00

We invite YOU to CELEBRATE WITH US
as We Launch Our Campaign
for Nick Perlas for President
Right here in Cebu City.

It's happening February 13th, 2010, and we want YOU to be a part of it!

All who are ready for a new and authentic way of living are welcome!

Questions or RSVP, please write us NOW at perlascebu@gmail.com.

PLEASE CLICK ON THE POSTER IMAGES BELOW

TO READ ALL THE DETAILS

OF THE CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCEMENT INVITATION

AND TO READ THE "SIX PILLARS" OF PERLAS' PLATFORM!

Our World's Most Promising Green Candidate

2010-02-03T23:07:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

I wish to write you one last time, as the active Canadian Liaison regarding Nicanor Perlas, before the nature of my volunteer efforts as Liaison change and take on new forms once the political campaign begins officially in the Philippines and very shortly.

I thank you in advance for your time, patience and interest as well as for the support from those of you who reached out to actively volunteer, big or small.

Synopsis of Our World's Most Promising Green Candidate:

I) A Rare Pearl of the Philippines
Nicanor Perlas, considered the world's most promising Green candidate, officially announced in June of 2009 he was going to run for president.

[...] he has a deep understanding of political systems but is not personally tied into the systemic corruption of government in his own country.

He is entering politics as one of the highest representatives of civil society, an emerging movement of citizens seeking to empower themselves and renew social life. Think the earth's immune system response to social ills.

II) The First Victory for New Politics
In mid-January 2010, a victory was made for New Politics in the Philippines: a politics that is about participatory democracy, about governance over government. A politics that is deeply based in societal threefolding also known today as tri-sector partnerships.

After the commission on Elections at first disqualified Nicanor Perlas' candidacy based on unjust and undemocratic principles (among the reasons outlined were not enough money to run a traditional campaign), the world stood up and without skipping a beat circulated a petition signed by people from over 60 countries. [...] COMELEC finally decided to approve Nicanor's presidential candidacy signaling worldwide that politics not backed by dynasty, without "money-power" or the corrupt organization of self-interests, is indeed still possible!

III) Envisioning the Promise to Ourselves
Integral Sustainable Development is at the heart of Nicanor's New Politics. It can only come about with the will of the people. Its opposite, corruption at all levels, is a sign of an increasingly disempowered populace and it is our duty towards ourselves to ensure we do not choose lives clouded by ignorance about our own dignity as human beings or our essential roles in shaping our societies worldwide.

Though this political scenario is unfolding in the Philippines, its outcome will have global implications if the people choose Nicanor Perlas.

He has already drafted and delivered one of the most innovative policies on sustainable development in the Philippines known as PA 21 though currently it is not employed due to the corruption in government. His current and complete 24 page political platform outlines in detail the ways in which society can be rebuilt throughout all its sectors and the resources as well as innovative methods that his government will use to achieve this.

IV) Spearheading the Paradigm Shift
How do we as citizens far removed from this archipelago, known as the Pearl of the Orient, act to help this vision anchor itself more fully into our "local lives?" The obvious ways are no longer going to be valid once February 9th comes along and it is illegal to donate funds or interfere with the political process as a foreign organization or individual.

The answers are very simple: learn more about Nicanor and his work in the world!

Spread the word that there is a hope and a shift in the political landscape unlike any up to date in the history of Asia!

With people like Nicanor Perlas potentially coming into positions of executive leadership, "creatives" across the globe will find their voices represented in the world, in a way that has never yet been done. In a way that will bring us ever closer to our selves. To one more blessing on the road to achieving our highest potentials in life. Tayong Lahat! Ngayon!

Vassag Hovsep Baghboudarian
A People for Perlas
Global citizens supporting Nicanor Perlas for President of the Philippines 2010

Attached JPEG's and PDF's are for electronic distribution and private use only.
Do not print on behalf of a foreign organization after February 8th 2010.
Posters are made by individual Canadian volunteers.
Thank you.

Watching Our Intrepid Young Campaigner for Nick!

2010-02-03T13:54:00.000-08:00

From Nurse Carlie's blogsite Viva La Vida Gabe, comes this blog post in between her speaking engagements and TV, radio and newspaper interviews. You gotta hand it to her, she's got spunk!

VOTE FOR NICANOR PERLAS FOR PRESIDENT!!!

ETA: OMG Mr Perlas tweeted about me! I'm happier than when I learned I passed the exam ::faints::

I'm a pretty low-key person (I really would have preferred to pass and finally get my license without all the fanfare), but I thought, "Hey, why not use all this once-in-a-lifetime attention to promote a cause greater and way more important than me?" So Rex (love of Pam's life), thank you very much for mentioning Nicanor Perlas, who needs all the press he can get. Your mentions made the entire media circus worth it ;)

An aside: I also brought up Mr Perlas at the end of a live radio interview with Bombo Radyo Cagayan de Oro, after which they promptly hung up on me without saying goodbye :((((( Another interview with a local paper:

Reporter: Naa ka mensahe nga ikadungag 'day?

Me: Sir pwede i-mention nga supporter ko ni Nicanor Perlas?

Reporter: ..............................

* * *

Perlas Challenges Philippine Air Force to Release Pogoy Immediately

2010-02-03T09:01:00.000-08:00

The Nicanor Perlas campaign just issued the following important Press Release regarding Captain Joenel Pogoy's detention by the Philippine Air Force. We felt it was important to post it here -- immediately -- in its entirety.

*********************************
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4669520
Tuesday, February 2, 2010

PERLAS: CAPTAIN JOENEL POGOY AN ANTI-CORRUPTION WHISTLEBLOWER NOT A MILITARY CRIMINAL

ADOPTS POGOY AS GUEST SENATORIAL CANDIDATE

Presidential Candidate Nicanor “Nick” Perlas today challenged the Philippine Air Force to stop violating the human rights of and release Air Force Captain Joenel Pogoy from harsh detention. “Captain Pogoy is a victim of human rights violations not a military criminal. He is a whistleblower exposing widespread corruption in the Philippine Air Force. Pogoy has documented the selling by military officers of spare parts and inadequate maintenance, the kind of corruption that produces defective planes that then endangers the lives of people,” said Perlas.

“We should be honoring, not punishing, men who have the guts and courage to expose corruption at the highest levels of government. This is the reason why, upon mutual agreement, I have included Captain Pogoy as my guest senatorial candidate. I encourage the Supreme Court to affirm Pogoy’s candidacy,” continued Perlas.

The Perlas agenda of government includes the eradication of corruption and advancing moral and effective governance in society among its top priorities. “I encourage and support all whistleblowers, whether they be in government, business, or civil society. We have to have a concerted, society-wide effort to get rid of the deadly disease of corruption in this country,” asserted Perlas.

Perlas made his announcement in the wake of the recent crash of a Nomad N-22B twin prop airplane and media reports linking him to Captain Pogoy. The plane crash killed nine people in a residential area in Cotabato City. The plane crash brought public attention once more to the allegation of Captain Pogoy’s of corruption in the Philippine Air Force.

Capt. Pogoy graduated from the Philippine Military Academy, Class 1999. He was last assigned with the 220th Airlift Wing in Mactan, Cebu. Capt. Pogoy has been under detention since October/November of 2008 and was only charged in March of 2009 before the military tribunal. The Philippine Air Force claims that Capt. Pogoy violated Articles of War 96 and 97 (Conduct Unbecoming of an Officer and a Gentleman & Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline, respectively.)

Pogoy was detained after videos surfaced on the popular video site YouTube alleging massive corruption among Air Force officials including the cannibalization of airplane parts in lieu of the purchase of new materials.

Pogoy also cited in his Blog captainpogoy.blogspot.com, in a post titled “PAF Press Release against Captain Pogoy,” dated April 8, 2009, two instances of the Nomad being involved in accidents: 1) “years ago” when a Nomad was forced to ditch/crash because of fuel pilferage; and, 2) a Nomad 87’s landing gear collapsing which Pogoy attributed to cannibalizing “items from junked aircraft to replace the discrepant parts.” He added that “millions of pesos” are stolen because of these corrupt practices.
*************
As always, we welcome comments on this at the end of this post. We can assure you we'll quickly forward them on to Nicanor Perlas and the campaign team.

Family Reunion Leads to Perlas

2010-02-02T06:02:00.000-08:00

So, I’m minding my own busy, full, rich life shared between caring for my beloved mother in the last phase of her life’s amazing journey and co-creating a presidential campaign of a lifetime, for our lives, when another seemingly innocent slew of emails begins to proliferate my email inbox.

It is all about the family reunion of the Bandala-Mangubat clan that’s happening this year in July. Like many of these, you can imagine what happens - connecting and reconnecting after many years absent, bringing up old-&-should-be-forgotten childhood memories, endless teasing, and finally, an honoring of our brilliant relatives out there in the world. We’re obviously a very proud clan.

Two of highest mention – so far! - are Chef Jay Cabatingan who won 1st place in another US national cooking competition in Ohio; and newly announced Topnotcher (#1) of the last Philippine Nursing Board Exams, Clarie Morales Bontol (in the photo at left) from Iligan City. So, okay, I’m a proud aunt – even if in truth, I’ve never met either of them.

So, you ask, what’s this got to do with the campaign of a lifetime?! Here’s what. I’m waking up at my now usual 3:30am check on Google Alerts for what’s new in Nick Perlas country and I came upon the lead piece in the Philippine Inquirer.net entitled Nursing exam topnotcher: “No drama, just all hard work" and I’m going, huh?! I mean, great, they’ve written about my niece, but why the link to Nick Perlas?

Check out the final paragraph of the article!

Upon realizing that the Inquirer took interest in her story, she made a special request: to mention that she is “a proud member” of presidential candidate Nicanor Perlas’ Pangmasa party.

She said she would like to emulate Perlas, an environmentalist who chose to stay on in the country and serve the Filipino people.

Goooo, Clarie! Gooooo Nick! Goooooo Family! Goooooo Philippines!

Here’s the link to the whole beautiful article written about Clarie — not just of her achievement (sweet!) - but of her as a person, which makes me & my family even prouder!

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20100201-250742/Nursing-exam-topnotcher--No-drama-just-all-hard-work

Does God work in mysterious ways, or what?!

Perlas Advocates Child Centered Education

2010-01-30T08:51:00.000-08:00

This blogpost originally came out at Ordinary People, Ordinary Day Blog:

"Education should be child-centered. We should not put the child into a framework early in his or her life," says Nicanor Perlas during the Youth 2010: Ako ang Pagbabago Presidential Forum.

Nicanor Perlas is one of the ten candidates for President of the Philippines. He is not that popular and has no machinery but has vast knowledge on various issues most prominent of which is the environment.

Little do people know too that Perlas is an advocate of Waldorf education. This educational idealogy is a pedagogy based upon the educational philosophy of the Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner, the founder of anthroposophy.

Learning is interdisciplinary, integrating practical, artistic, and conceptual elements. The Waldorf approach emphasizes the role of the imagination, developing thinking that includes a creative as well as an analytic component. The overarching goals of this educational approach are to provide young people the basis on which to develop into free, moral and integrated individuals, and to help every child fulfill his or her unique destiny. Schools and teachers are given considerable freedom to define curricula within collegial structures.

Perlas added that if a child-centered education is done it is best to use regional language or dialects during the early stage of development, Filipino during the formative years from 8 and above and then English thereafter.

He stressed that most of us can readily learn local languages rather that focusing on developing a pure English-based education and curriculum.

In fact to back this up it was found out by the Department of Education that a Cordillera-based school outperformed any other school in the Philippines. This Cordillera school used local language in their curriculum development and classroom instruction.

When put at par with other candidates an education under a Nicanor Perlas administration will prepare a student for life and not only for work and for jobs. The student's skills will enable him/her to have excellent life skills rather than just work skills.

Why Nick? 20 Reasons...What's Your Fave?

2010-01-29T15:55:00.000-08:00

On the PerlasCebu Twitter site, we posted the question, "Why Nick?" Easiest question to answer!

Filipino Writer did a very thoughtful, comprehensive and fun set of his responses, leading to great video clips and links. "20 Reasons Why I'm Campaigning for Nicanor Perlas for President" Check it out -- and click on the green links in each line to read more!

Here is the quick-list version. What's your favorite? (...or feel free to add your own!)

Realizing that ours is an agricultural country, Nicanor Perlas gave up his dream of becoming a physicist, and took up agriculture so he could help our poor farmers.
He helped the poor set up businesses via microfinance
He is honest, and has zero tolerance for corruption.
He has a holistic approach to our country's problems, seeing the need for the government (POLITICAL sphere), business (ECONOMIC sphere), and civil society (CULTURAL sphere) to work together.
He co-founded KARANGALAN which celebrates the various talents, achievements, and innovations by Filipinos.
He co-founded PAGASA which seeks to develop the spiritual and cultural well-being of the Filipinos, which will eventually make for a better country.
He warned us of global warming, climate change & supertyphoons, and the tragedies it would bring, despite being called a fear-monger.
He has a vision and a complete platform of what needs to be done. Included in his platform is to mainstream VISIONARY initiatives. In other words, he welcomes innovations and creativity, and will work to implement them on a broader scale.
He is very intelligent and well-read (and can allude to Joseph Campbell to George Lucas and to J.R.R. Tolkien and their works).
He has written an international bestselling book Shaping Globalization: Civil Society, Cultural Power, and Threefolding which has been translated into at least 9 languages.
He is recipient of the 2003 Right Livelihood Award (also known as the Alternative Nobel) "for his outstanding efforts in educating civil society about the effects of corporate globalisation, and how alternatives to it can be implemented."
In this campaign, he practices what he preaches. He sees the need for civil society as a collective institution to serve as a check to the excesses of government, so he didn't compel the organizations to which he belongs to join him. Instead, he left if up to them whether to support him or not.
He is the artist's candidate, because he sees the need for the CULTURAL sphere (meaning, the rest of us) to remind government and businesses of what really matters – culture and spirituality – and not just money and material things.
He promotes creativity in all aspects of life, and is very creative himself.
He includes everyone in decision-making. He listens to what everyone has to say and treats them with respect and as equals. He is a down-to-earth kind of guy, without airs, and you feel you can approach him anytime. He has a great sense of humor, and has an endearing belly laugh.
He is an athlete and practices clean living, doesn't smoke, drink, and eat meat.
You don't have to think of 'gimmicks' or tricks when trying to convince voters to vote for your candidate. You just let them know about Nick's achievements and the kind of person he is, and it's an easy sell.
He is the only candidate who inspires me and makes me get off my butt and campaign for him (even while I'm sick right now. :P)
Because this campaign is fun! You get to collaborate with very creative and passionate individuals, who like Nick, has a vision of New Politics and a New Philippines.
Because, this opportunity, to work actively for a vision of a New Philippines and with a visionary who has the track record to back it up comes along very rarely, and I don't want to pass it up.

International Community Raises Funds for Perlas

2010-01-27T17:14:00.000-08:00

Dear Members and Friends,

We would like to inform you about an initiative to support Nicanor Perlas for president of the Philippines.

As you may know, Nicanor Perlas has been working in the world out of Rudolf Steiner’s ideas on Social Threefolding (Biodynamic Agriculture) for many years. He has been a recipient of the Right Livelihood Award (Alternative Nobel Prize) for his advocacy work on globalisation and sustainable development, as well as the UN Environmental Program’s Global 500 Award, amongst others. His campaign for president of the Philippines is an opportunity for these ideas to be practiced in the world on a large and visible scale.

He is now one of only 10 presidential candidates, and with support he has a very real chance at success.
His team needs $130,000US before February 8 in order to continue successfully carrying out the campaign. International donations can only be accepted before February 8 (in order for money to clear, donations should be made by February 5). After that time, all donations must come from inside the Philippines.

Imagine that 1300 people each donated $100US. Reaching the amount of $130,000US then becomes a real possibility. Your $100US contribution would be greatly appreciated. But, of course, donations of any size would be very welcome. To donate to the campaign, and to help bring Social Threefolding further on the national level, go to: http://www.facebook.com/l/a0db5;www.nicanor-perlas.com

To keep updated on the presidential campaign, visit A People for Perlas: http://www.facebook.com/l/a0db5;apeopleforperlas.ning.com

Please forward this email to anyone you think would be interested in contributing to this movement!

Also supported by:
Seth Jordan (ThinkOutWord, A People for Perlas); Elizabeth Wirsching; John Stubley, PhD (Threefolding for the World, A People for Perlas); Katie Dobb (Threefolding for the World, A People for Perlas); Caitlin Balmer (Threefolding for the World, A People for Perlas); Robert Karp (New Spirit Ventures, LLC); Valentin Vollmer (Idem – Identity through Initiative, Youth Ambassador of the World Wisdom Council); David Masuch (Idem – Identity through Initiative); Jannis Keuerleber (Engagement and Consciousness Training Weeks, Stuttgart); Dawn Stratton; Michaela Nijs, MD; Dave Luborski; Juliana Hepp.

Some of the many people who signed a petition supporting Nicanor’s candidacy:
David Suzuki, Manfred Max-Neef, Senator Bob Brown (Leader of the Australian Green Party), Ute Craemer, Orland Bishop, C. Otto Scharmer, David Korten, Enno Schmidt, John Beck.

Youth Leaders Speak Their Hearts Out to Nick

2010-01-26T18:38:00.000-08:00

We prepared a space of warmth & beauty for the Student Leaders who were eager to meet this man, Nick Perlas. They heard he would be President!

We read poetry together. This one seemed to call out. It was written by my friend, poet, author, teacher Dawna Markova, "I Will Not Die An Unlived Life".

I will not die an unlived life.
I will not live in fear
of falling or catching fire.
I choose to inhabit my days,
to allow my living to open me,
to make me less afraid,
more accessible,
to loosen my heart
until it becomes a wing,
a torch, a promise.
I choose to risk my significance;
to live so that which came to me as seed
goes to the next as blossom
and that which came to me as blossom,
goes on as fruit.

They came with their most heartfelt Questions:

How do we know who is sincere?
How do we solve the ailment in our country of vote buying?
How can we tell when a leader is running truly to serve people or only after their own agenda?
Do I settle for the "lesser of the evils" or risk going against the grain of popular thinking?
Why public office? The government is not to be trusted anymore to do the right thing, so why?
How does a leader handle the diversity of cultures? Our country has such diversity.
What is the need to advertise? They spend billions of pesos trying to compete on advertising, and we end up voting on the fanciest, not on the truth.

They left with their most soulful Reflections:

I assumed the election was over when the list of candidates came out. Now I realize the elections are not over yet. And that there is something I can do about how it turns out in May.
I do not see other candidates be able to be in reflection as I see in you, Sir Nick. Makes me feel there is hope.
I can see how what happens next is massive. I want to be a part of that.
I have never been interested in politics because it doesn't really change anything or make a difference. It's all the same. Now having been in this morning's conversation with Mr. Perlas, I feel I have to look beyond the superficial to the deep side of politics.
When I think of political candidates -- especially ones running for president -- I never dreamt I would be speaking to a real person, not just a politician trying to win my vote.
I am amazed at how sitting here, how Sir Nick allowed what I and we know of leadership. He did not preach. He helped me to see what I know.
Knowing you Mr. Perlas, I now understand and have a new perspective and respect for agriculture and how important it is in the making of not just the health of our bodies, but the health of our culture.
Today I am inspired that I can make a difference. We talked about me and not just about only the candidate.
I am inspired that I am powerful. Mura'g ako ug gamay nga suga nga na-on unya bright na kaayo karon. And I want to use that power like Mr. Perlas to do good for others. Not just think of myself.

And he said:
I am touched by the integrity of this group. You spoke your mind and heart openly. You verified that there is a deep longing for a new kind of politics. This morning, a flame was lit. It will pass on and continue to burn brighter and brighter. It is infinite.

May your light shine bright and forever!

The Next Buddha

2010-01-26T15:05:00.000-08:00

They say the next Buddha will be a group. I have experienced this in all our Nick Perlas circles. I think it is why I choose to come, again and again.

Each time we gather to listen for what is ours to hear, attend to, speak and do — as long as we have sat down in circle, facing each other, taken a few deep breaths, opened a sacred space through poetry, song, prayer, deep breaths, and we speak and listen — again and again — from the Heart, truly and consistently, the greater truth and wisdom arises. Each and every time.

Last night’s circle was no different. Individuals came in from a long day of school or work, dinner mostly forgotten, some arriving after a 2-hour bus ride. Each time, the circle expanded by one, two, three chairs. Each time, we invited their speaking and storytelling. Each time we listened and nodded.....mulling over, chewing on what was being offered, from one heart to the heart of the group.

As the evening drew late, the conversation remained lively and thoughtful. As we’re learning about “how this works”, the circle process inevitably comes upon a snarl. Something being planned is not feeling right. Some confusion, some frustration is felt. Tiredness begins to set in. Flow is suspended as people venture to offer ways to untangle and clarify. Into the center, silence falls. Is allowed, welcomed.

And then, a few lean forward, and a new level of speaking begins. It is palpable. Something is arising, and members of the circle one by one sit up straight, listen, catch the energy drift of those speaking. And a new and clear way is open. The Buddha in our midst has spoken.

Why Nick? Because I like the company he keeps and the circle process we are learning to live by and the Heart that brings us our truth and wisdom. Each and every time.

You oughta try it sometime.

Journey Towards Your Choice for President

2010-01-26T13:40:00.000-08:00

We all have our story of how we've come to the choices we've made. I read Miko Samson's beautifully-written post in The Misadventures of Wonderboy and His Broken Hearts, carefully outlining his own journey of assessing each of the presidential candidates. Alas, his conclusion was as follows:

All told, 2010 will be interesting because it is a year of change: The person in Malacañang will change. The way we do elections will technically change. But at the same time, some things indicate that things will stay the same: We still have a crop of candidates that do not have any indication of speaking very clearly to us about what change is supposed to mean and how they intend to bring it about. The way forward remains unclear. The tension and irony that we are faced with underscores the fact that 2010 will be an important year, regardless of what happens.

While I love the posts that ring the truth about Nick because of how they resonate with my own thinking, reading posts like the one above -- as long as they are not written by closed-minded, raving lunatics -- makes me pause longer. Forces me to STOP. Take deep breaths. Listen inside for how I am moved. And then move to speak from the heart. Here is the comment I left on his blog.

I applaud the thoughtfulness and care with which you have considered both the situation of our times leading up to Elections in May 2010 as well as each candidate's situation/position in the race. At the same time, I would offer that while thoughtful and careful, it is not anywhere complete. Not that you promised that. None of us alone has the complete picture.

So, if I may offer that if you were interested in moving towards a picture more whole and closer to truth (I know, tricky-slippery concept), you might lean in a bit more and find ways to learn about the candidates beyond the debates and forums, TV ads and even surveys. Choose a venue you trust and (1) read in depth of their track record and how they have spent their lives as citizens of the country and see what alignment they have to their words/promises; (2) visit/listen in a venue like BlogWatch where they have invited each candidate, spending more than the two-minute flash-dance segments in forums and listen both to the answers as well as to the questions; tune into the energy of the conversation in the room. Sometimes, the greater truth will sneak in in the most unexpected places.

Finally, a word about change. Change has many many layers, from the most superficial to the most transformative and system-wide. What is our country in truth (there's that concept again) needing at this time and who among the candidates has the best understanding of this; has been able to see the vision of such a level of change needed and - most importantly -- has not been waiting to be given the post of presidency, to act on his vision, but is already, if I may, LIVING, exemplifying the change now. Finally, look to see who surrounds the candidate, who is starting to listen and sign up for not just the campaign to win, but sign up for a different life than the one we know and have today; and sign up for starting the change within.

As the CBCP entones, please look again and listen within the part of you and in all of us that already KNOWS what this country is crying and ready for. Therein lies the complete picture and the true candidate.

Thank you for the space to share.

Read his blog post and share your own thoughts -- here, there, everywhere.

Ticked off

2010-01-26T08:32:00.000-08:00

by P. Z. Aberasturi

I do not like polls or surveys. A poll or survey will immediately ask you for a Presidential candidate, and you, without conscious deliberation, will pick one. It robs a voter of the chance for an informed vote.
I just realized that I choose people everyday. Who makes breakfast? Who watches the kids? Who drives me to places? Who runs my shop? Who do I spend the rest of my life with? And how do I pick them? Definitely not through a list with tick-off boxes. And definitely not only because everyone else said so. It would be like going around the household, the office, or my little world, with a sheet of paper, my candidates lined-up and choosing the one with the most number of ticks. I will not have it. The ticks will have weight, but not bear its brunt. My fortunate cook, nanny, driver, employee, and the unfortunate husband, have been chosen after insightful and earnest evaluation, and especially with as much freedom as I can muster.
Evaluations sheets. That ought to be the cardinal way in choosing a President. The candidates are pitted against each other based on objective yet high ideals that you have set. Your own criteria of what makes a perfect President. Mine would be: (1) Wisdom; (2) Integrity; (3) Adherence to Truth; (4) Compassion; (5) Morality; (4) Competence; and (5) Past Record of Achievement. There might still be some element of bias, but the process allows more objectivity, and will especially require me to think/feel through my answers.
It seems foolish that we do evaluation sheets when we choose our employees or partners and yet have a different means for choosing our President. Being swayed by surveys would be like choosing an employee or a husband, because everyone said so. Would you choose an employee, based only on his popularity, his high marks, or contacts? Will you be lured by his smile and promise that he will work his ass off for you? Of course not. At a minimum, you will do a background check, and see what he has done in the past. With a host of boyfriends, whom do you marry? The one who everyone likes? A dashing debonair who’s all wit and charm but has nothing but a muddied past to show for? The millionaire who promises you diamonds, this and that? A boyfriend you once left because he hurt you? Of course not. At a bare minimum, you will give each boyfriend a fair chance and apart from the promises of a happy life, you will know whom to choose by looking at what he has done for you all these years.
And yet, while we make informed choices in picking partners, our employees, even house help, we prevail on tick boxes and popular choices for our President. Come on, this is the Presidency! I truly hate surveys and polls. It’s an affront to human intelligence and freedom.

Many New Photos of Perlas on Our Facebook Page

2010-01-26T04:06:00.000-08:00

We've just added a number of new photos from some of the many events Nick Perlas and our Cebu Volunteer group have been involved in -- on our Facebook page.

To give you some examples, the first picture shown here (at left) is from the wonderful dialogue Nick Perlas had with some of Cebu's student leaders in a very special event on Friday, January 22nd.

A second picture from the collection, shown at right, is from Nick's historic meeting with the Tribal Leaders of Bohol just days ago. People from the tribes also came from all around for the opportunity to meet with this very different Presidential candidate.

Click this link to go directly to our facebook photo page and see all the pictures. And while you're at it, please sign up as a fan, participate in our discussion section, tell your friends, and contact us at perlascebu@gmail.com to find out how you can get even more involved in this Campaign of a Lifetime.

The Kosmos Supports Nick Perlas for President

2010-01-22T17:56:00.000-08:00

Kosmos Founder & Editor Nancy Roof wrote:

How wonderful to know we are all on the same page when it comes to supporting Nicanor – one of the first new consciousness people to have the courage to run for office. We are all rooting for him...what a coup this would be.

Warm wishes to all!

"Kosmos Journal: the journal for world citizens creating the new civilization" published a thought-provoking feature article on the emergence of values-driven leadership. Who else should they call on but Nick Perlas?

The piece is called, Nicanor Perlas, Presidential Candidate, Philippines: An Interview with Nicanor Perlas by Nancy Roof published in their Fall/Winter 2009 issue. (Click on title to read.)

Read it! And let us know of the insights, questions, dreams that got evoked. Take the conversation forward, into your own circles, homes, gatherings...we are here to listen and join with you.

A Balikbayan's Letter to Her International Community

2010-01-22T14:26:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends mostly outside Philippine Soil,

As many of you already know, the rest of my life when not focused on my mother’s final stages of her life’s journey, has been a rather surprising engagement with another campaign for presidency...this time in Philippines. (On the periphery of the international scene, but oh, what a space & true potential we hold!).

Go to www.nicanorperlas.com to understand the man we are behind. And to www.apeopleforperlas.ning.com, the community gathering internationally to support his candidacy. And a new twitter that Brad, I and few others just started and will be gaining momentum soon: twitter.com/perlascebu. We are taking on an area of the Philippines that includes my hometown of Cebu — about 2.5 million voters — and are being invited to take on the larger Visayas Region of some 10 million voters. (I know, I know, mindboggling and insane on one hand, but totally natural and fulfilling on another. Go figure. Actually, don’t! ;-D)

Anyway, picking up on the international thread, I wanted to alert you to this growing body of international volunteers who have started websites, blogs, and more recently Skype calls — from France, Germany, Canada, India, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, US, Belgium & other places I don’t even know about — to engage in strategic thinking to support Nicanor Perlas’ campaign for presidency. If you check out their developing campaign strategy, you will see high involvement among Anthroposophists and Waldorf School leaders. So you know the heart and the principles that this movement for new politics and a new Philippines shares with each of you.

I understand that there is in particular a 3-week period starting now in which international donations are allowed. After that, we’re on our own. The dollar goes a long long way in the Philippines. Things I am asking you to consider doing?

Read the above sites & blogs, especially Nick's, and his growing community of ALL VOLUNTEERS.
Go tell your buddies in education and social transformation (the kind we all aspire and are dedicated to) that there is a man running for president who has the mind and heart of an educator you would love to start an educational revolution with, a love and passion for the environment, a dedication to right governance, the vision for a new civil society (see his three-folding writings) and now a dear friend.
Join A People for Perlas and/or be in touch with Seth Jordan who heads the group (I’ve copied him here) and listen for what you might be able to give to support this huge and beautiful endeavor.
Contact your own Filipino friends — in the North & South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, etc., even back here in the Philippines -- and share this.

THE IMPACT OF THE INTERNATIONAL — YOUR -- VOICE: Early in the filing of candidacy, the Philippine Commission on Elections (COMELEC) denied Nick Perlas his candidacy because he had no money, no political machinery, had not run for political office (his real track record for what he has done instead with his life is in his website) and not a descendant of a political clan. An immediate response worldwide rippled through the cyberspace and in two weeks some 2,000 petition signatures from 44 countries were signed, and letters to COMELEC by the Green Party in Australia and France and other Green Parties arrived. The international presence and voice is well heard and paid attention to here in the Philippines. COMELEC rescinded their initial decision and put Nick Perlas as an official candidate for President of the Philippines in the Election on May 10, 2010.

Thank you beloved community for all you are and continue to be for me, for the work and for our beautiful planet.

All Love, Always, and In All Ways,
Your Tressa

Calling All Cebu Youth Leaders: Meet Nicanor Perlas on January 22

2010-01-20T01:15:00.001-08:00

For all Student Council and Youth Group Leaders of Cebu City:

On Friday, January 22, 2010, from 9 to 11 AM, you will have the rare opportunity to meet Presidential candidate Nicanor Perlas up close and personal here in Cebu! We are looking to gather young leaders from across the city to talk about what matters most to them in this extremely important election.

Would you like to have your voice heard about what matters most to you for the future of the Philippines -- and what you would like the next President to take on as most important? Are you interested in getting involved in the "New Politics" of Nicanor Perlas in a big way?

If so, this is your event -- and we want you there. You will be with others just as interested as you are in making a major change for the future of the Philippines, when election day happens on May 10, 2010.

Seats are limited!

Please click here to email us, learn more about this event, and get signed up!

On black swans and things impossible

2010-01-19T15:16:00.000-08:00

Our friend and Projek Samadhi member, Arjun, pasted an Adidas magazine ad on the door of 577 (PS Headquarters). It says:

P.R. Sarkar has encapsulated this thought in one line: ‘As you think, so you become’.

One of Papa’s books I read when I was a little girl, says ‘Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, the mind of man can achieve’.

Bestselling book The Secret discussed the Law of Attraction. Attract and it will happen. Much like the pious saying, ‘Lord, I claim it and it’s mine.’

In the movie ‘What the Bleep do we know?’ Quantum Physics is defined as the science of possibilities. Basically it says that we have the power to choose among infinite possibilities what to make of ourselves and our lives. This is not very easy to digest, since we have been indoctrinated from childhood that our life has been charted for us despite our so-called free will.

The conditioning we receive from birth until we become old enough to think for ourselves makes it very hard for us to accept that the reality we thought IS, could ever be changed. That is why we are shaken when something unexpected happens. We are pushed from our comfort zones, unbelieving of the new reality that faces us.

All our choices are happening now, that is why whatever we choose is destined to happen. This choice may be in thought or deed or both. Our choice becomes our experience, which is our reality. With an understanding of this, it seems not so hard to appreciate that we can choose our own reality. In fact, we can make our own reality. In believing, half the battle is won.

Indeed, the impossible is possible. If we don’t know something, or if there is no proof (yet) of its existence, we believe that it is never going to happen. Black swans used to be an impossibility until one explorer saw an actual black swan in Australia. Like many other things impossible before it, it opened up a whole new world of possibilities. Remember when people believed that the world is flat?

In the book The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable, Nassim Nicholas Taleb writes, ‘We concentrate on things we already know and time and time again fail to take into consideration what we don't know.’ Maybe because of this, we fail to see the infinite possibilities out there.

Maybe we just need to accept the possibility of the impossible to realize the fullness of our being, the infinite living within us, and the Divine that can make everything possible.

Am I hardwired like everybody? Is it not possible for me/us/our country/our world to realize my/our full potential? Yes, I am/we are hardwired, but it IS STILL possible for me/us to be our highest possible self/nation/world. In believing so, half the battle is already won.

Now it's Joey!

2010-01-19T08:30:00.000-08:00

my cebuana friend tapati who is with bagong lumad texted me the other day saying joey a and band mate onie badjang is supporting nick's candidacy. i would not be surprised. nick=new politics, joey a=bagong lumad...get it? a cosmic convergence of artists as ordered from the cosmic creator! heee haaaa!!!

artists are coming together to support nick perlas and new politics. our design group projek samadhi works for his campaign designing info and campaign materials. MORE>>