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Kalayaan na Tumakbo: Let “U and A” Meet

What if you only have a few more days left to live? Or what if you have a loved one in such a predicament? How about if you can actually help out in extending the days for one who’s about to “go”? Can we make that connection work amidst the digital connection that we’re currently more drawn into, investing in and spending on? Is there a fun way to do so?



When having fun could be a responsible thing...

Amidst today’s technological breakthrough and social media generation, a substantial means in manifesting fun is through the convenience of digital spectrum. One doesn’t have to leave a room (or should we say “one does not even leave a room”) yet virtually connects with that of anything that makes one have fun...

On the other hand, some go out of the way if only to project (or brand their image as) some “virtual reality” of their own version of fun as much as it is “more than a profile” but it is for validation, acceptance, affirmation or for whatever reason that suits them perhaps.

Ironically, despite online’s wide-ranging capacity for us to see and explore a bigger picture, we are limited to that of what we “preferably click on” so to speak. Little do we know, we’re already consumed by this digital influence. Backed by human nature’s opinionated frame of mind, everything seemed to be coursed through social media; may it be suggestions or solutions, expressions or concerns, even tantrums or sulking, make-believes or what-have-you... in exchange for what? Consensus?

Consumed as well by our own thoughts and temperament more than a better approach to address these issues/problems, lest we neglect or forget that these matters are actually petty compared to others whose bigger concern is how to even live for another day...

Take those patients undergoing dialysis for instance. The process which aids them to see the light of (the next) day costs about P2,000 per session; and they need to have 3 sessions a week. What if they don’t have the means? Wouldn’t it be generous and benevolent to extend a life even if it’s just for a day not only for the patient but for the family as well to be given an opportunity to spend the remaining (quality) time together until the last minute? What if you have even just a fraction of that amount to spare as a sacrifice instead for a supposed “cellphone load amount” perhaps?

You could be the answer... Time to make a difference...

Uncles and Aunties, let us unite for a cause. There have been requests for a meet-up (eyeball) among members for all its worth. Let us do so while we still have the capacity for it. More so, let it be more than for a good reason but more than anything else, let it be with noble essence.

We’ve been called to serve... We thought and conceptualized an event where we can actually achieve more than just the sharing of time and resources. We came up with the “Kalayaan Fun Run, Food and Music Festival” slated for June 9 in time for and in celebration of “Araw ng Kalayaan” (June 12). A fitting partnership with the brave men willing to fight for our lives (the 21st Armed Forces Group Reserve), we ask you to also reserve some of your generosity for our June 9 Kalayaan event for the benefit of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center dialysis patients.

Now, as insinuated, it’ll be a responsible kind of having fun as we‘d likewise address how to relive that old-Baguio feel. Uhmm, isn’t it a fitting Uncles and Aunties kind of experience, right? A possible family bonding moment (sans the “gadgets-on-hand”) while enjoying:

  • 3k Kiddie Run or
  • 5k Beer Run or
  • 10-Miler Trail Run (Yellow Trail)

Registration fee: P350, P550 and P1,000 respectively, inclusive of singlets, race bibs and drinks; registration area is at the ground floor of Porta Vaga Mall or at St. Vincent Gym.
This will somehow be a way (even for just a day) to do away with gadgets as some means to spend quality time together...

At the finish line where everyone is to convene for an epic gathering of “free spirited” peeps (hence, kalayaan), expected are the food festival’s wide array of delectable treats converged into a “chili cook-off sort of a set-up” similar to that of the 80’s. It’ll be at the (wide) open field of Scout Barrio (near Camp John Hay). Likewise a gathering of local food establishments in support of Baguio’s foodscape; thus, for those of you who are in the food business and are interested to participate, you can likewise course your benevolence through this. (It’ll be on a first come, first serve basis - we will keep you posted on the registration details).

Whereas for the music, other than there’ll be DJs playing varied genres in setting the mood and for added harmony, there’ll be several bands that will as well provide us with tuneful entertainment from revivals, 80’s music to reggae and so much more (Woodstock kind of concert probably?) For Uncles and Aunties who are into this or with a band, you might want to consider belting it out. Country music perhaps or what-not; why not?

We will be updating you on further details. For now, we need your support. For the right way to express freedom (kalayaan), this is it! More than a meet-and-greet sort of an “eyeball”, it’ll be “let’s MEET and be GREAT” for it’s for a greater good.

Mabuhay ang Kalayaan Uncles and Aunties!!

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