A Proud Cousin

A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending the 26th anniversary of the first EDSA Revolution. For those who aren't Filipino or have somehow managed not to listen in history class, this happened in 1986 when the people rose up against then dictator Ferdinand Marcos in a bloodless revolution. He fled the country and Corazon Aquino, wife of his political rival and martyr Benigno Aquino Jr, was installed president.

Normally, I don't particularly observe these holidays and leave the celebrations to the ample hands of the politicians and other government employees, but this time I had a better reason than patriotic feelings tugging at my heartstrings - my cousin was to be awarded at the ceremony.

Meet my cousin Mark Lozano. He's the guy on the left in the above photo. He's a master debater (competes internationally), football player (varsity throughout elementary and high school), wicked guitarist (plays the meanest Satriani), sacristan (yeah, he's a good guy), and he has his own NGO. He's also not of legal drinking age yet, with all of seventeen years behind him.

Why hello there, EDSA 1 & 2 in the same photo.

Last February 25 Mark, together with his partner Tricia Peralta, received the Spirit of EDSA award from no less than President Benigno Aquino III for the work that his organization, One Million Lights Philippines, has done. In a nutshell, One Million Lights distributes solar-powered lights to impoverished rural areas around the country. This is truly a blessing for the recipients, as they are able to save money on kerosene costs. Solar powered lights are also a lot healthier to have around than most fuels, and more environmentally friendly to boot.

I've seen Mark work on this project from the moment he came back inspired and aflame with passion from the Global Young Leaders Conference in Washington, DC in the USA. From putting everything together to finding the right volunteers, courting the right sponsors, and making sure all the materials are imported properly and on time, the monumental effort this requires is enough to warrant a full-time job, yet he accomplishes this all after his homework. They're also not about to go any slower - while they have already reached quite a number of communities last year, these should be dwarfed by the plans they have for this 2012. Next up on the list are Rizal and Mindoro, and that's all before summer ends - a pretty tall order for a guy who just the other week came from his senior prom.

Looking back at what I have just written, these may all seem like the ramblings of a proud cousin and while it may be so, I believe my pride is well-placed. I shall be following the path of Mark with great eagerness, anticipating the heights to which he may soar. He cannot even vote yet, and yet he's already poised to make a larger difference in this world than those twice his years - truly a better version of his elders.