TWO big October events are coming up that need some generous funding.
The first one is the Peter’s Prize Summit.
I have decided that the main events will be in Dumangas.
We may have some events in Iloilo City; but for now, I’m concentrating in Dumangas.
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October is also Haw-as Festival month in my hometown.
There’s an opening salvo on October 1, but the main events do not start until October 26.
I will act as the festival director and curator of the three-day film festival from October 27 to 29.
Of course, part of it will be The Peter Solis Nery Foundation International Film Festival featuring the films of the Peter’s Prize from 2019 and 2021.
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There are the Educators’ Day (October 28), and Youth Day (October 30).
I’m organizing the events of the Educators’ Day, and I hope the Sangguniang Kabataan would get their acts together so that they can work with me.
It is my brilliant idea that the topics and events taken up during the Educators’ Day will find a follow up, a one-to-one correspondence with the topics and events at the Youth Day.
But politics can get in the way.
Filipino politicians are notorious for always taking advantage of big crowds/ captured audiences to advance their own careers and agenda.
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So, why the Peter’s Prize Summit in Dumangas?
Well, this is a bid, an official first step, to make Dumangas as “the” literary and artistic hub in Western Visayas, if not the whole country.
I’m so done with just Iloilo.
Or even the whole of Panay.
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Why not include the talented people from Guimaras?
And the writers, artists, and other creatives from Negros Occidental?
There’s regular RO-RO boat trips from Dumangas to Negros, and I’ve taken pump boat rides from Guimaras to Dumangas.
There is no reason why it should not be Dumangas.
After all, it is the hometown of “the” Peter Solis Nery.
It is also now the official Philippine address of The Peter Solis Nery Foundation for Hiligaynon Literature and the Arts, Inc.
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I am moving heaven and earth to make things happen.
Already, there’s the Casa Dom Pedro with its six studios; seven, including my presidential suite at the penthouse.
I’m also building La Choza de Dom Pedro in my farm, the Hacienda Dom Pedro.
In most likelihood, the farm will be developed into a camp ground with tiny houses, and tent city.
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Why these solid infrastructures?
Well, people have always argued that Dumangas is a little out of the way.
That may have been true five or 10 years ago.
But with private cars, and shuttle vans, Dumangas is now only 30-45 minutes away from the city via the coastal road.
My brilliant question: Why rush your travel/visit?
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Why not take your time driving in, and take your time driving out?
Make Dumangas your road trip destination.
Enjoy the culture, the arts, the literary tradition.
Where to stay the night in Dumangas?
Now, you are getting smarter like me!
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My enterprising good friend suggested that the tag line, and selling point, of the Casa Dom Pedro, and even the Hacienda, should be “living under the same roof with #ThePSN”.
I can really see that happening.
The contemporary person is a lost person—easily depressed, easily anxious, easily distressed mentally and emotionally.
I’m pretty good at managing these mental health issues.
I have a calming and relaxing effect on people, if that’s what they need.
I’m also entertaining, and fun to be with.
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I do not need other people’s money to build my legacy buildings, and grand gardens.
Where would I spend my millions if not into these?
But I am not about to save the world with my money.
F*ck that idea!
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Read my lips: I am doing my kind of charity because I have so much time, talent, and energy.
My money is my money, and I will spend it the way I want to spend it.
I have my own brand of philanthropy, and it is deeply rooted in inspiring others to volunteer, and to contribute.
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The easiest way of philanthropy is to give a generous amount of money to a good cause.
Easy is not my way.
My way is making things possible so that those who do not have much time, talent, and energy (like I do) can just easily donate money through me.
My philanthropy is public accountability, and honestly directing the money of the good people to the deserving and needy beneficiaries.
Keyword: Honestly, from the noun Honesty./PN
