Liwanag is Here.

It has been days since Liwanag World Festival ended... but we all know, it is the beginning of something bigger as we have tapped into a larger field. We have garnered enough media attention, to keep the ball rolling.

I'm getting feedback that the whole event was "too much" for the common mind to understand. It seems like people are so used to being in one box that people would try to label and box the event as "environmental", but, no wait... we have politics too... so we are also in that box. And we have the artists which showcased the whole Filipino culture... and there were business people too, the visual artists were there, techie people were behind the whole event as well. So, what is Liwanag? it seems like a ball of many things.... that in order for you to really understand it... you have to experience it. Not just by being in the event... but by getting to know the organizers, the supporters, the people behind the whole thing.

people can't seem to fathom the idea that... in order for us to create SUSTAINABLE CITIES or SOCIETIES we have to gather all the dimensions that would make it so. In our case.. we have identified 7 areas. [ human development, spiritual, ecological, economical, political, societal, cultural ] 

We have showcased all 7 in one event... and that confuses people... because when you make events.. you have to create a certain niche. Yes, i know. But, the event was meant to thread everything together. :) 

But to those who took the risk.. albeit the confusion, the curious, the believers, the visionaries and the revolutionaries.... they would all shook their heads if you missed the event.... many partnerships were being discussed, and future projects are being made.... 

there's more work to be done... but the message during the event was really this: "inner change" comes first..... everyone understood that.

Why Padyak?

Where did it all begin?

"The summer of 2012 was when an explanation, about why we are known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient Seas’, was heard by a group of new found friends in M.I.S.S.I.O.N[Movement of Imaginals towards Sustainable Societies through Initiatives, Organizing, and Networking]. It was said that there was a string of lighthouses all over the Philippine Islands that was like a string of glowing pearls for the mariners of more ancient days. It was also during that summer where, when a group of new found
friends talking about an upcoming festival of light, the first seed of meaning for a bike pilgrimage stringing beads of light all over our beloved country was first brought forth. Activating the entire Philippines with light and meaning indeed is a deeply meaningful thing to do. To also do it to support a festival that highlights the seven dimensions of sustainability that you are working hard to bring about it in the world is a very, very nice bonus." - by  Nicolas Amando Solana III

Padyak at Liwanag

Transcripts of Messages from Kuya Jude:

Jan.9: 5:28AM - "Dia na mi karon sa Villasis in a GK site named "Namnama" (Hope). Kahapon pala may nanganak dito, the husband's name is Salvador. And we were received as the 3 magis on bikes. I could not help but notice how providence lead us day by day.  Last sunday we were in Laoag (light) and it's Epiphany Sunday pa - a feast that celebrate Jesus as Light of the world. Whew, its really awe-inspiring. DISGUSTING*!! as Nick would describe it" 

*DISGUSTING - is a MISSION term coined by Nic Perlas as "amazing,stupendous, unbelievable".

Jan 11:
5:37am - Val and I will be staying for another night in QC. Bukas 4am kami magpapatuloy sa Batangas City. Felcon will bike ahead this afternoon. Today we will be meeting with Joey Ayala during breakfast. Lunch with Fr. Pics and in the afternoon with Tony Meloto. We will recalibrate schedule today and upload pictures. 
 
11:54am- Just finished tupi session with Joey Ayala at Tandang Sora, QC. Going to Intramuros to meet Fr. Pics, the biking priest... on commuting mode. Will share pix this afternoon.

Jan. 12: "3:30 pm Text from Jude: left 7am from Joey Ayala's house, Tandang Sora. Fr. Pics guided us from the exit of C5 until Nuvali, Laguna. Here now at Makiling Elem School. Rest 5 minutes. Wish to arrive to Batangas City Port by 7:30pm"

8:30pm: Touchdown Batangas City.

Jan. 13: "We have already finished the whole Luzon (Jan2 treck to Cape Engano Lighthouse. Jan3 Sta. Ana to Aparri. Jan4 Aparri to Sta. Praxedes. Jan5 to Laoag via Pagudpud, Bangui. Jan6 to Vigan. Jan7 to Baguio. Jan8 to Villasis, Pangasinan. Jan9 to QC Circle. We met with excellent bike citizens Papa Denz, TIna and the rest of the members of Folding Bike Pilipinas and the Firefly Brigade. Jan10 Ikot Liwanag, we visited Light Bearers Joey Ayala, Father Picz and Tony Meloto. Jan 11 Tandang Sora to Batangas City. We rode to Caticlan. Today we start our Visayas pilgrimage. As I try to look back, I was amazed at how things evolved, transformed and unfolded. I now see that all these were realized with the help and support of everybody, a Bayanihan in action. I was amazed by how persons, events, things would pop up. Amazed by the level of sincerity, warmth of friendship we receieved. These have energized and made us go on. Nicanor Perlas Movement of Imaginals (MISSION) Firefly Brigade-Philippines We Want Bike Lanes in RP Movement Cycle For Life."

More snippets soon!!

They inspire me and gives me goosebumps as I imagine what they are doing!! Huwaw