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If you think the youth has been plagued by apathy and indifference, then knowing this young girl from Zamboanga, surely proves you wrong. Sharwina Gonzales-- “Wina”, as her friends call her-- has been lauded for her efforts to organize an event that communicates a message from people her age to politicians and leaders of today. Held last April 30, from 4:00 pm to midnight at Plaza Pershing, Zamboanga, she staged a concert entitled, KONSYERTO NG KABATAAN PARA SA KINABUKASAN.
In a short interview I had with her, hear what this young lady has to say about our current political climate and her hopes for her country:
MAYUMI: WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS VENUE?
WINA: I chose the venue because it is where the abandoned youth of Zamboanga City is found sniffing rugby, engaging in prostitution, etc.
M: WHAT DID YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE THROUGH THE CONCERT?
W: Ever since the campaign period started, there has been very little participation and prioritization of the youth. The concert aimed to voice out how the youth can participate [in the elections] by expressing our concerns and sentiments through music. Unlike other concerts, this one was interactive. There were speakers from youth organizations in Zamboanga City who spoke about the different concerns of the youth that the government must answer. There was also an open forum that allowed the audience to air their comments about the electoral process and other issues concerning the youth (e.g. pre-marital sex).
M: WHO PARTICIPATED?
W: There were 9 bands from Zamboanga City that performed during the concert. However, those people from the audience who wanted to perform, were also allowed to take the stage. As mentioned in the previous question, there were speakers from different youth organizations who voiced out the different concerns of the youth of Zamboanga City.
The audience came from all over the city. The venue was full ! There was barely an empty space in the plaza!
M: JUST CURIOUS, HOW DID YOU PREPARE FOR IT? WHAT DID YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH?
W: For the venue, I asked permission from the city administrator for the use the venue on the said time and date. I wrote a written request 2 weeks before the event.
For security during the concert, I wrote a written request to the city police asking for their assistance, which they generously gave during the night.
The other necessities, I got with the help of friends and family.
M: WHO HELPED YOU WITH THE EVENT?
W: I had my relatives to help me. It were my cousins and their friends who helped with the errands during the event. My mother and her friends helped with the finances. My uncle was responsible for contacting the bands. It was a consolidated effort.
M: WHO/WHT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION?
W: In the University where I am studying, UP Diliman, I realized that I should make a difference in society. I was taught and trained to not just sit-down and wait for anything to happen—you have to make it happen. I did not want to spend my summer break not doing anything that can possibly touches lives. I think I got that from my philosophy class under Prof. Isidro Valero. Personally, it was finding meaning in little things that I do and by these little things, find a bigger meaning in its impact in society.
M: ANY MESSAGE FOR OUR (ASPIRING) LEADERS?
W: The youth says NO TO DIRTY POLITICS, NO TO MONEY POLITICS, YES TO CLEAN and PEACEFUL ELECTIONS. May you not deprive us of a better future. It's about time you listen to us.
M: AND LASTLY, ANY MESSAGE FOR THE YOUTH?
W: The youth of Zamboanga City have already spoken, we have voiced out our sentiments, and called for tangible solutions from our leaders. It is not too late for the rest of you, to do the same.
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