'People power' on a different level

MANILA, Philippines - “No corruption.” “A compassionate government.” “Culture of good leadership.” “Modern agriculture.” “Opportunities for Filipinos.” These statements are some of the more than hundred “visions of the Philippines 25 years hence” of participants of the ReImagine Pilipinas Bukas Conference held at the Meralco Development Center in Antipolo recently.

 The event gathered almost a hundred participants representing the best minds from various disciplines, advocacies and sectors of society. It aimed to discuss various national issues and come up with concrete solutions to usher in genuine reforms in the country. The participants were also tasked to envision the Philippines 25 years from now, setting this early a path for real transformation.

 Breaking convention, the event sought to encourage the flow of fresh ideas by reinventing the mold of a typical “conference.” Instead of having speakers and formulaic talks, discussions were jumpstarted by emotionally-stirring, thought-provoking performances of some of the country’s best homegrown talents. Peer group meetings were broken down to allow crossing over and interaction between the various groups while “culture” was chosen as the central theme.

 “We are honored to be chosen as the venue of a very important event such as ReImagine Pilipinas Bukas,” said Agnes Fidelino, Executive Director of Meralco Development Center. “We are proud to be associated with a group yearning to build a consensus towards national change and development.”

 Reaffirming its significance, Marian Pastor-Roces called this event “People Power on a different level.” And just like in the first People Power, location played a very significant role in the success of the event.

The Meralco Development Center proved to be the best venue for this auspicious gathering. A world-class, one-stop training center, the facilities matched the varied activities of the three-day conference.

 Activities such as a mini-concert, garden dinner socials, different meal venues for small meetings, plenary for consolidation of ideas, etc. were accommodated in the center’s various rooms and outdoor spaces. Only a venue with the flexibility to allow its clients to hold anything from intensive, highly-technical workshops to fun, light-hearted gatherings could ensure that the Conference would achieve the mission it set out to accomplish.

 “The Meralco Development Center is a very flexible events and trainings venue. We have catered to small VIP groups to entire companies, from SME’s to multinational corporations who have appreciated the center’s facilities for meetings and learning, and the green surroundings which is conducive for relaxation and outdoor activities. Aside from the venue, our guests appreciate the personalized service of the Center’s staff and our attentiveness to details,” said Ms. Fidelino.

 Jim Paredes of the Apo Hiking Society, who was also one of the convenors of the event, noted the Meralco Development Center in his column and described it as having “a lot of areas to hold different activities, breakout sessions, and meals.”

 Some of the esteemed personalities who attended the Conference included Senators Francis Pangilinan, Teofisto Guingona III, and Sergio Osmena, Jr.; former Representatives of the House Risa Hontiveros and Neric Acosta; artists Noel Cabangon, Jim Paredes and Mae Paner; former Isabela Governor Grace Padaca; writer and cultural theorist Marian Pastor-Roces, among others.