I WAS TALKING ABOUT CONTENTAINMENT 23 YEARS AGO

I WAS TALKING ABOUT CONTENTAINMENT 23 YEARS AGO.

I gave this speech in Caux Palace, Switzerland in July 23, 2000. Formerly called Moral Rearmament (MRA) now known as Initiatives of Change (IofC), many world and spiritual leaders such as the Dalai Lama, Kofi Annan former Secretary General of UN, and other heads of states had participated in various conferences here.

To those people who believe in my cause, please give me the support in creating entertaining programs that will help change our country for the better. Here is my speech I delivered in Caux, Switzerland in the the year 2000 during one of the Moral Rearmament conferences.

 Entertainment for the Holistic Education of One’s Self (ENTHEOS)

" In terms of social and political unity and economic development, the Philippines today lags behind its rapidly developing neighbors in Southeast Asia. The majority of its people remained mired in poverty, divided by a large gap between the rich and the poor, unable as yet, to fully muster the discipline, the drive, the social and political cohesiveness and will to uplift themselves up from the mire of underdevelopment. 

More alarming than its lack of resources, huge national debt and unemployment woes is the value system imbedded in the Filipino psyche. A value system that has, in large part impaired the Filipino’s ability to rise above his lot, shift his focus from himself, take responsibility and consider himself part of a collective whole in terms of shaping the national destiny. Among the deadlier components of this value system are a sense of apathy and uninvolvement- “the nation’s problems are someone else’s fault and responsibility- not mine,” a double standard morality- where appearances, what other people will say, determines behavior, rather than rock-solid personal convictions of right and wrong, and a personal commitment to adhere to what is right whether or not there is a policing or surveilling authority; lack of discipline, diligence and perseverance- the desire for the “quick fix,” immediate gratification, for living it up here and now; backward religiosity and a faulty concept of God and His expectations of man- the measuring of Christianity by the externals; by rituals and paraphernalia rather than the evidence of inner renewal and the power to live the Christ-like way of life. That is, the ability to be genuinely concerned for the common good; the development of a true work ethic- “whatever thy hands find to do, do to the best of your ability; more sincerity and integrity in the national character; respect for the law and authority as one’s duty before God; a higher standard of morality; proper stewardship of wealth and natural resources triggered by a sense of personal accountability before God; true desire for social unity, peace and progress flowing from an inner compulsion to obey the directive to “love thy neighbor as thyself.” 

There is a saying that every nation that rises and falls, rises or falls first from within. If Filipinos are to rise above their present state of affairs, the work has to begin from within. There must be an overhauling and a reshaping of their value system. True national development can only begin from the development of the individual Filipino’s character. And what shapes his character? During the recent elections, educated Filipinos were both appalled and amazed to find that nearly every entertainment personality that entered the contest won the votes. 

Our lack of cultural depth, or a dominant and authoritative governing force have made entertainers and the entertainment field perhaps the most influential, most socially binding force. 

Already, Filipinos have been listed as the most avid moviegoers (and movie makers) in Asia, if not the world. Entertainment personalities, and the values they espouse have become the models and trendsetters of every household. A grave and heavy responsibility is given to entertainers and the entertainment industry as a whole. But at the moment, it is neither aware nor concerned. This proposal is to ensure that it begins to be both. This proposal is devoted to the formation of an organization called Entertainment for the Holistic Education of One’s Self or ENTHEOS. (The word enthusiasm comes from the Greek word “entheos” which means God within, or inspired by God. We should always be enthusiastic with how we live our lives because God is within us. That enthusiastic feeling is a sign from God.) Its objective is to mobilize the entertainment industry, with stress on the movie, television, music industries, social media and other digital platforms which are the most pervasive nationwide, as a force for values, and ultimately social buildup and change. It seeks to combine both entertainment and developmental goals of captivating audiences and subliminally transforming them from within. It seeks the participation, cooperation and commitment of socially- responsible, development-oriented entertainers within the industry, as well as those in the political field. 

The objective of Entertainment for the Holistic Education of One’s Self organization or ENTHEOS is to launch mass appeal shows, or work through existing ones precisely for the purpose of modeling and promoting the values so vitally necessary for shaping what the Filipino thinks, believes and acts out in life. Artists, producers, directors, and other creative talents from the film, stage, music and broadcast and social media  industries will be tapped to join forces for a very pressing purpose; to disseminate and instill direly needed positive moral, social and spiritual values, through a potent, but largely self-serving and unharnessed entertainment industry. 

Several years ago I hosted a youth-oriented radio program called “Boses Ng Kabataan”(Voice of the Youth), in Radio Veritas, together with high school and college students. We offered our young listeners new lifestyles that helped develop in them positive and wholesome self-images, formation of worthwhile goals and ambitions, and the acquisition of Christian values and attitudes that made them strong and enabled them to understand the harmful forces controlling our society. I also produced and hosted a one-hour musical radio program in Radio Veritas entitled “Great Values from Great Songs,” where listeners were given a chance not only to listen but also to reflect on the meaning and significance of the lyrics of some of the most beautiful and memorable songs we have heard through the years. Each song was introduced by a one or two-minute spiel that brought out hidden truths, golden insights, and yes, great values from the lyrics of each song like love of neighbor, honesty, the readiness to forgive, a willingness to turn the other cheek, choosing spiritual rewards over materialism. The premise is that music is perhaps one of the most subtle, yet powerfully influential medium for forming mindsets and changing perspectives. It is able to invade and shape the subconscious by repetition and constant exposure of its message. The music industry can create a new culture, particularly youth culture. It can shape values and lifestyles of the young. Music in reality belongs to the industry of communication. It is an outlet, an expression of our emotions. Music can also communicate negative messages. Songs whose lyrics promote sex, drugs, freedom from commitment and responsibility have negative effects in our emotional lives. Slowly, our way of thinking is affected and over a period of time we wake up and discover that the situations that used to shock us are now amusing and tolerable. 

What I call as ENTHEOS concerts were also started a few years back. I produced, together with some celebrities, concert tours in key cities and provinces and had singers together in one show sing inspirational songs and even had them share to the audience how the messages of those songs touched their lives. I was also involved in a nationwide tour of an all-celebrity basketball and volleyball teams composed of superstars. In between games, the stars talked about relevant issues like drug addiction, environmental concerns, and spiritual matters. There have been many movie and television producers who have produced spiritually uplifting movies based on the lives of saints, and also inspiring films based on the lives of our national heroes and even ordinary citizens who made a difference in their lives. 

The concept of using entertainment for developmental and transformational purposes is already happening but I want more participation and commitment from everyone in the entertainment industry to become socially responsible and development oriented. I wish to transform the business of entertainment into another form of public service."