GK1mB Concert Rally (Sydney) - A future full of hope for everyone
By KATRINA ZABALLA Date Posted: August 02, 2008
The night of Saturday 21st June
was a night that many will not
forget any time soon. If you had
been a by passer of Parramatta
Town Hall, you would have been
engulfed by the sheer enormity
and enthusiasm that was GK1MB
Australia, where not even the cold
could deter the crowd from
gathering for this most memorable
event.
Gawad Kalinga Isang Milyong
Bayani (GK1MB), or in English
meaning One Million
Heroes/Builders, is an initiative of
GK to gather and unite volunteers
to help in achieving the aims of
GK777, which is 700,000 homes in
7,000 communities in 7 years.
GK1MB has been adopted by GK
Australia as a multi-step program
to encourage both current and
future partners and volunteers to
further their involvement with
raising awareness for GK within the
Australian community, whether by
partaking in the administrative or
communications arms of GK in
Australia, fundraising for GK or by
actively participating in building
programs in the Philippines.
The turn out for the Concert Rally
was unprecedented and saw
Parramatta Town Hall filled to the
brim with committed volunteers
and partners of GK. Not only was
the audience impressive, but the
exuberance of the performers and
sharers alike were a major force
for the event's success. The
audience were exposed to many
heart felt and moving experiences
shared by a variety of volunteers
who had been involved in various
GK programs.
The highlight of the evening,
however, was the much anticipated
address by Kuya ('Brother') Luis
Oquinena, the executive director of
GK, who gave inspiration and
encouragement to all who attended
to continue their efforts and
maintain their passion in helping the poorest of the poor. In an earlier interview
with Kuya Luis when asked to comment about
GK1MB in Australia he said:
“It's not about the money that can be
raised, but its the solidarity that we are able to
establish in the hearts of the 1MB here in
Australia...its really about building a new
culture, building a new lifestyle where, especially
Filipinos will have a real and honest concern for
the least and weak among us. That is where our
greatness lies, we will become a great people if
we can show the global community that we are
indeed our brother's keeper.”
To say the least after hearing his words, a buzz
could be felt in the audience, a sense of renewed
enthusiasm and passion for helping those in
need, who cannot speak in a world desensitised
and disillusioned to their pain and suffering.
As proven by the success of the GK1MB concert
rally, we must continue to hope here and
continue to be the voice for those silenced, and
as Kuya Luis said “we need to encourage each
other” and to not lose sight of the bigger picture
in returning the dignity and hope within the
poorest of the poor, not only in the Philippines
but throughout the world.
*** Please visit our GK Youth Australia Photo Gallery for photos of the GK1mB Concert Rally ***
The highlight of the evening,
however, was the much anticipated
address by Kuya ('Brother') Luis
Oquinena, the executive director of
GK, who gave inspiration and
encouragement to all who attended
to continue their efforts and
maintain their passion in helping the poorest of the poor. In an earlier interview
with Kuya Luis when asked to comment about
GK1MB in Australia he said:
