Yehey! Lifestyle

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Youth power 2005 conference and expo... a great start

By: Lionel C. Gonzaga

Youth Power 2005 Conference and Expo was amazingly and overwhelmingly successful. Last February 4 and 5, over 6,000 students and youngsters flocked to the World Trade Center to witness the biggest Youth Event of the year for free.

Photo provided by Lionel C. GonzagaFrom the ideas of Pocholo Gonzales, Al Ian Barcelona and Lloyd Luna, the event was organized by Ms. Anna Bacani-Lacsamana’s Next Step Events Planner in partnership with Sterling Paper Inc. The event was also made possible by the Philippine Youth Sphere group, headed by the Voice of the Youth (VOTY) Network, the Network of Campus Journalist of the Philippines (NCJP), Samahan ng Kabataan Network, Kristiyanong Kabataan Para Sa Bayan Movement, Kabataan ang Pag-asa ng Bayan Organization, Students Network of the Philippines, and Professional Youth. Among the sponsors are GMA7, Inc. and GMA7 Kapuso Foundation, Chikka Asia, Nestle Kitkat, John Clements Consulting Firm, Dickies, and the Philippine National Red Cross Youth. The event was also endorsed by the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education and the National Youth Commission.

Voice of the Youth (VOTY) Network got a lot of volunteers coming from different parts of the country and different youth organizations like the Red Cross Youth and UP students. We have volunteers and delegations from as far as Cagayan Valley in the north, and Tawi-tawi and Jolo, Sulu in the south. It's a convergence. Hardwork, initiative and dedication were all among the volunteers. They did that in the name of youth service and advocacy to bring positive change to the youth.

What's also amazing is that all the speakers such as Senators Manny Villar and Richard Gordon, Cong. Juan Miguel Zubiri, Businessman and Public Speaker Mr. Francis Kong, PLDT Exec VP, Butch Jimenez, GMA7's Arnold Clavio, NYC Commissioner Mark Castrodes and all the Kapuso artists who performed, like Dennis Trillo, Karylle, Jolina
Magdangal, Sherwin Ordonez and Biboy Ramirez, XY Kids and Ghost 13 and Slapshock were there as volunteers as well, for FREE. Thanks to Ms. Maybelyn Dela Cruz for making those things possible. She's a VOTY member too. They truly supported the cause, the youth.

With the theme, “Initiate. Participate. Cooperate. Face the Challenges of Tomorrow,” the conference tackled the most common scenario in response to the challenges that the Filipino youth are facing today. Atty. Marc Castrodes, Commissioner of the National Youth Commission, discussed the situation of education and the quality the students gain. PLDT Exec. Vice President Butch Jimenez discussed leadership and key points to believe in the power of our dreams that they will come into reality. Cong. Miguel Zubiri, with Maybelyn Dela Cruz alongside, encouraged the youth to participate and volunteer in the name of the Philippine National Red Cross and of service. Public Speaker and known Businessman Francis Kong inspired the youth by showing a clearer picture of the real world and what it takes to succeed and develop attitude more than skills. Senators Gordon and Villar shared their almost common stories of triumph. Sen. Gordon shared how he transformed the sin city of Subic into a model city. Sen. Villar proudly revealed his secrets of “Sipag at Tiyaga.” Mr. Arnold Clavio discussed the role of the media in shaping the youth. Ms. Anna Lacsamana, the president and head organizer from Next Step Events Planner inspired the delegates by sharing her humble beginnings that led to her success. Other speakers who discussed the role of the government in youth involvement were Dr. Cielito Habito of NEDA, and Department of National Defense Usec. Ernesto Carolina. Other subjects given attention were ICT and Business Management and Jobs in Call Centers.

Fun and entertainment were also among the agenda of the event. Several students from different regions participated in the Interpretative Dance and Dance Festival competitions respectively. Schools fought for the title of Best in Duo Flair Tending. A number of delegates showed up their talents in painting. Nestle Kitkat also sponsored a mini-game for the participants.

Moving the Youth


Inspiring and empowering are the two best words to describe the success of Youth Power 2005. The fact that the event was made possible because of dedication and passion for the youth alone is amazing. Who would have thought that organizations that have no funds and never collected any fees from its dedicated members would come up with a big event? For VOTY, It’s all heart with passion and a mission. Youth Power is only just the beginning. It is a realization that dreams really come into reality, and the convergence of youthful ideas says that we can make a change for the Filipinos – for our country.