Filipina Soul

Welcome again to ‘Two Cups o’ Coffee’, our own series of interviews where we casually chat with bloggers over a good cup of coffee, albeit imaginary, and exchange stories and ideas, pick brains or just get some “face”-time in the blogosphere.

Here’s an interview I did with MARICRIS SARINO, a Yabang Pinoy advocate and volunteer, one of Manila’s five loveliest, nature-lover, scuba-diver.

FILIPINA SOUL: Maricris, you got me interested about the Yabang Pinoy campaign when you emailed me last week. How did you come to hear about the organization ?

MARICRIS SARINO: I’m part of Children’s Environmental Awareness & Action Foundation (www.ceaaf.com). Yabang Pinoy is a project of ceaaf.

FS: Why did you decide to join? For you personally, what does it mean to be an advocate?

I supported “Yabang Pinoy” because I truly in believe in “Yabang Pinoy”. I believe that one of the biggest problem that our country is facing is Filipinos not believing in their nationality and fellow Filipinos. This is SAD !!!! “Yabang Pinoy” or being a SHOUTING PROUD Filipino is a state of mind. Actually, since the “Yabang Pinoy” Campaign started, I am more conscious on my actions especially my spending habits … since I wear it in my arm so every time I get money from my wallet and see it … it reminds me to try to buy LOCAL. Now, I try to always look for Pinoy alternatives to foreign products. I believe this simple habit of mine will help one of my countrymen.

And the campaign is so simple … just wear the “Yabang Pinoy” band …. When people ask what that is … Spread the “Yabang …” …. Suportahan at tangkiliking mga sariling atin .

FS: What do you volunteer in?

I volunteer by introducing the “Yabang Pinoy” Campaign to Filipinos. In “Yabang Pinoy”, this is what we call the “magandang tsismis”. We spread the message one Filipino at a time. We use the Yabang Pinoy band as an object of conversation among Filipinos to talk about the importance of having national pride.

FS: Aside from the abaca band, what other activities does Yabang Pinoy do to spread the word about Filipino pride?

Yabang Pinoy volunteers go to schools and business organizations to give talks on “Yabang Pinoy”. It also uses the projects of ceaaf to instill pride among the Filipino youth. Yabang Pinoy also organizes events that aim to boost national pride among the youth. Our upcoming event is the “Rock ng Republika” event on Dec. 2 in Rockwell. Loft.

FS: Thanks, Maricris, you’ve been super. Oh, and the Children’s Environmental Awareness and Action Foundation? It’s seeks to raise national consciousness and effect behavioral change among the youth to protect and sustain the rich biodiversity of the Philippines. Check out their website here and see how you can get involved.

Tags: Filipino pride, Yabang Pinoy, CEAAF, abaca wrist band

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