Sunday Silence 7

consistent
agreeing or accordant; compatible; not self-contradictory; constantly adhering to the same principles, course, form, etc.; holding firmly together; cohering; fixed; firm

Sunday Silence 7

May 25, 2007, Sunday, 3pm till sunset,

at the Baywalk Stretch across Malate Church,

Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

The Sunday Silence is a year long activity [November 2007-November 2008] that happens every third Sunday of the month. Conceptualized by Ronnie Lazaro of DAKILA and Gang Badoy of Rocked Philippines, the Sundays of Silence reflects the current state of this generation. The activity itself (whether a Sunday Silence or a Sunday Siren) is a statement in itself. It is a gathering of individuals to express their stands on various social issues and concerns. Sunday Silence is a collective rehearsal against apathy.

Together with Rocked Philippines and Lomo Manila, the 7th Sunday Silence is a test of consistency to our advocacies and beliefs. Every third Sunday of the month, we gather, wear blue, discuss/talk among ourselves issues, concerns that we are passionate about then when the sun begins to set, we stand facing the sunset, enjoy the majestic view and the few minutes of silence. That is our statement.

The 7th Sunday Silence is all about consistency. We have done 7 Sundays and 5 more to go. Our goal is to form a line along the whole stretch of Baywalk from CCP to US Embassy. Our objective for the 7th Sunday is to be consistent to our principles, call, stand, advocacy, concept and belief.

So, we call on all DAKILA members (old and new) and invite the public to join us for the 7th Sunday of Silence. We will gather at around 3pm.

For the new members of DAKILA and for those interested to be part of DAKILA, please come for the orientation session that will be held there. We would also like you to meet your fellow DAKILA members.

For more info, e-mail dakila.philippines@yahoo.com or text 09054292539.

You can also visit the following sites:

http://www.dakila.org.ph
http://www.dakilacollective.multiply.com

Sundays of Silence

Photo Credit: gabby, vj villafranca and rocked website

SUNDAY OF SILENCE

PAYAPAIN ANG LIGALIG NG MAGHAPON

Hayaang salaminin ng banayad na hampas ng alon
ang papalamig na ningas ng araw;
ang tilamsik nito ay hahagod, bibigkis
sa magkadikit nating balikat.

Dakila ang payapang pagtindig.
Bughaw ang kulay ng pansamantalang pananahimik.

Silang mga namanhid, hindi nakinig
ay mabibingi sa kawalang-tinig;
at magbubunga, babangon kinabukasan
ang ningning ng sinag na naging hiyaw.

-Axel Pinpin*

*Sometime in October last year, poet Axel Pinpin found himself writing a poem for a political prisoner captured in the Southern Luzon province of Batangas; only to find out several months later that he would become a political prisoner himself. Axel or Antoy to his many friends is now detained in Camp Vicente Lim in Canlubang, Laguna. He and his group called the “Tagaytay 5” were arrested by the Philippine National Police for rebellion charges. Axel and his companions were but victims of repressive tactics of the Arroyo administration against progressive organizations
A BS Agriculture graduate, Pinpin is currently serving as consultant of the peasant organization Kalipunan ng mga Magsasaka sa Kabite (Kasama-Ka). He was abducted by elements of the PNP in Tagaytay City on April 28, 2006. Abducted together with Pinpin were other Kasama-Ka members Riel Custodio and Aristedes Sarmiento and drivers Enrico Ybanez and Michael Masayes. It took the PNP three days before presenting the Tagaytay 5 to the media in a press conference on May 1. On this occasion, there were visible signs that the detainees had suffered in the hands of their captors: Custodio for one, had his legs wrapped with bandages; Sarmiento on the other hand could not walk properly; and Pinpin looked as if he just had an asthma attack. (source: panitikan.com.ph)

Pinpin sent this poem to express solidarity for our SUNDAY of SILENCE. Obviously, he can't join us. 11 Nov. 2007. @4pm until the sun sets. Roxas Blvd stretch by Baywalk. Sit down, side by side in silence. Walang imik. Dahil WALA NA TAYONG MASABI SA MGA NANGYAYARI SA BAYAN. Come in blue.
Silent majority, have your silence felt.