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GK ExPO ’06…Milenyo can’t defeat!
by Nell Macaraeg
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But truly, our God is indeed an amazing God! He did not allow the super storm to ruin the GK Expo ‘06. A 3rd year celebration of Gawad Kalinga’s GK777 vision of building 700,000 homes in 7,000 communities in 7 years. During the typhoon, sadly, all 30 model houses for exhibit at the Expo being constructed for almost a month at the grounds of the Mall of Asia were all wiped out to the sea, some workers were hurt too. But our God is greater than any super storm, He allowed GK to rebuild the expo site again even if there’s only just a few days left before the event. Ten colorful GK model houses of different GK sites: GK Batang Kalikasan, GK Tsinoy, GK Kawal, GK Tambayani, GK Highway of Peace and Balikbayani GK Villages, stood beautifully and landscaped at the grounds of Mall of Asia depicting various Filipino cultures and traditions and showcasing different themes and programs of the GK communities.
The 3-day GK Expo was celebrated with the parade of heroes at the grounds of Mall of Asia participated by thousands of CFC Members, GK Kapitbahayan and GK Volunteers from different sectors of Metro Manila and representatives from the provinces. There were street performances also at the expo grounds and in celebration of heroisim, a GK Expo Concert was held at the main stage. Top artists guest performers were Paolo Santos, Makisig, Jericho Rosales, Heart Evangelista, Sarah Geronimo, Apo Hiking Society, Bamboo and Gary Valenciano.
Barrio Fiesta Celebration was held at the Expo Plaza, a showcase of Filipino food and talent. This event was graced by Vice President Noli de Castro, heads of corporations, local executives, diplomatic corps, foreign delegates and GK Volunteers.
A Reunion of GK heroes – a cocktail celebration and GK exhibition was honored by Her Excellency Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, cabinet secretaries, heads of corporations and government agencies, diplomatic corps, local executives and GK volunteers.
GK Forums were held simultaneously at SM Mall of Asia Cinemas. Guest speakers and sharers during the forums on Tourism and Culture, Township Development, Shelter Program, Rising from Disaster, Community Based Learning, Healthy Nation, Productivity and Corporate Social Responsibilities were GK partners from the Government, Corporations and the Academe: Sen. Manny Villar, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, DILG Sec Ronaldo Puno, DOT Sec Ace Durano, DND Sec. Avelino Cruz, DSWD Sec. Esperanza Cabral, DENR Sec. Angelo Reyes, DOH Sec. Francisco Duque III, DAR Sec. Nasser Pangandaman, DTI Sec Peter Favila, DA Sec. Domingo Panganiban, Gov. Jose Ma. Zubiri, Gov. Rosette Lerias, QC Mayor Sonny Belmonte, Escalante Mayor Santiago Barcelona, Jr. San Isidro Mayor Sonia Lorenzo, Cabiao Mayor Gloria Congco, Abubakar Mayor Abubakar Paglas, Barira Mayor Alex Tumawis; CEOs from Smart Communications, Petron, Shell, Meralco, Wyeth, Boehringer, Prudential Life, Philam Foundation, Mcdonalds, , Jollibee, Selecta Philips, HSBC, Central Bank, and from the Academe; UP-NCPAG Mr. Alex Brillantes, Jr., ATENEO de MANILA, Fr. Ben Nebres, STI Mr. Nick Jacob, Phil School of Interior Design Ms. Edith Oliveros and Recio-Casas Architects Jose Pedro Recio, PAOLO Moran of Paolo Negosyo and Jose Ma. Concepcion III of GO Negosyo.
After an overnight concert of different bands at the main stage, this historical event was culminated with a Sunday dawn mass at the expo ground.
The GK ExPo ’06 was indeed a miracle… it was blessed with a beautiful and fair weather during the day and a breath of sea breeze and a full moon during the night. It did not only celebrate our continuing GK777 vision but it also defeats the storm that is always present in every Filipino lives. Unlike those fallen billboards and trees that were uprooted by the storm that might not be the same again, Gawad Kalinga (GK) will always be there for all of us, rich and poor alike as it gives HOPE to every Filipino generation.. Mabuhay ang GK777!!
Date added 2007-03-08 18:52:27
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