The Good Balita

As the camera pans the audience, you can see CNN/YouTube Debates winners Paul Darwynn Garilao and Alfonso Orioste, Jr. together with Google executives, distinguished panelists, international journalists, and global leaders who were invited to witness the CNN/YouTube Debates on climate change last December 15.

The panel included Yvo de Boer, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change; U.S. journalist and author Thomas L. Friedman, Bjorn Lomborg, author of the “The Skeptical Environmentalist”; Hollywood actress and environmental activist Daryl Hannah and former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan who is live from Geneva.

Excerpts from their award winning documentary film were shown in the program as one of the featured videos. Anderson said, “Alfonso and Paul are actually the first people to submit the video unto our YouTube site and according to you – the viewers – (it’s) one of the best.” As of the moment, their YouTube entry received 9,000 views.

Right after the program, Anderson interviewed the Pinoys for the show Connect to World that was aired last December 15. Alfonso Orioste shared, “We were inspired to make the video because of the Typhoon Ketsana that hit Luzon few months ago. I had a firsthand experience as our house was flooded in Manila.”

When Anderson asked about their next steps, Garilao answered, “We will share our key learning experiences to school, private sectors, and the media.” Aside from them, another Filipino was featured in CNN/YouTube Debates. Paula Regina Kho, a nursing student from University of Sto. Thomas, asked if global leaders are willing to take action in the usage of non-echo materials.

Meanwhile, Anderson said she liked the way the young Pinoys narrated their concern for the environment. “Your video – it was a worthy winner because it showed exactly what was going on in one place. It made me feel energized about the issue on climate change. It was good narrative”

Anderson furthered, “It was a good narrative and it showed pictures – that’s what television is all about.” Thomas Friedman, author of “Hot, Flat, and Crowded”, was also impressed with the video production.

The two Pinoys were also guests in a Filipino gathering in which President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is the keynote speaker. In her speech, Arroyo congratulated the young Pinoys for their major role in raising issues about climate change. She said this is an indication the Filipinos are actively participating in climate change talks.

When they arrived in Copenhagen, Garilao and Orioste were heartwarmingly welcomed by the Filipino Danish Community. Emulating the spirit of bayanihan, some residents also shouldered their food allowances. CNC Travel and Tours donated 1,000 kroner (10,000 pesos) and a one week free stay at the Coco beach Resort in Mindoro. The Jesus Is Lord Church Denmark chapter will provide them shelter for three days.

The CNN/YouTube Debates will be aired on CNN International.

 

Related posts:

1. Vote for Pinoys in CNN/YouTube climate change video title
2. 2 Pinoys win in CNN/YouTube Debates contest
3. Garilao, Orioste’s Copenhagen video diary on Google
4. Pinoys raise voice for UN Climate Change Summit
5. Pinoy CNN/YouTube winning entry on-air in Copenhagen

 

 

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