Bringing light to the poor, one liter at a time (via reuters)

Video Description: A bottled liter of water with a few teaspoons of bleach is proving to be a successful recipe for dwellers in the light-deprived slums of the Philippines. The simple technology, made known by eco-entrepreneur, Illac Diaz, is spreading sunlight in places where it has never been, and saving residents money at the same time. 

Inspiration of the Day: If I die tomorrow...

Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico Dec '10

If  f I die tomorrow, I will have no regrets.

 I have loved to love's deepest core and I’ve been loved,
even more than I've expected. 


I've lived my passion- fighting hard for a worthy cause -
and I fight not because of you, 
I fight for my little girl. 


I may be young,
but I've lived, 
and I'm living life everyday, 
as visceral and as full as I can make it. 

Inspiration of the Day: William Kamkwamba on building a windmill

Inspiration of the Day: William Kamkwamba on building a windmill

Our lecture today in our “Introduction to Renewable Energy Class” at Yale University this summer session was on Wind Power. I could not help but think about a TED video that I had discovered years ago on William Kamkwamba that still gives me goosebumps to date.

William Kamkwamba from Malawi started life with his family eating only one meal a day.  As a matter of fact, life was getting so hard, in his own words, “because of hunger, I was forced to drop out of school.” At the age of 14, William wanted to change his life and that of his family's. With the little knowledge that he had of English, he decided to go and visit his local library. He found a book on wind energy and made the decision to build his family an electricity-generating windmill from spare parts, working from rough plans he found in the library book. He succeeded in building this windmill and powered a few light bulbs and a radio in his home. Despite his circumstance, and with limited resources, he was still able to improve his and his family’s life. Please watch his incredible story in this TED video:

William Kamkwamba on building a windmill

Introduction to Green Engineering #YaleSS

INTRODUCTION TO RENEWABLE ENERGY

Today marks our second lecture of our “Introduction to Green Engineering" class at Yale University of the summer session. The class is taught by Dr. Yehia Khalil, who has been teaching at Yale since the early 90’s. In the beginning of the first class he had mentioned that this would be his first time to teach this class during the summer. Condensing a 13-week course into 5 weeks will be intense – but so far, this class has been nothing but exciting and inspiring. Exciting to learn, first-hand, the sustainable technology that is known to be the most important issue facing the human race in the 21^st century and inspiring to learn from and engage with the future generation who are learning about current and future technologies in pursuit of sustainable development and in effect, who’s decisions will mold our future.

Our class today was incredible. We began the class learning about Wind Power and spent the other half of the class building and playing with a miniature hydrogen fuel-celled car, a wind turbine, a solar photovoltaic panel, and an electrolyzer.

Here’s a video of the miniature wind-turbine that we assembled

Here’s a video of one of my classmates explaining the mechanics of the “Hydocar.”

Here’s a video of the “Hydrogen Fuel-Celled Car” running

(apologies for our remarks)

Here are some pictures of today’s class taken from Dr. Khalil’s laboratory.

Hydrogen Fuel-Celled Car

Smallest solar-powered car in the world!

Professor Daniel Prober, our  Physics 120 "Energy, Technology and Society" professor at the Yale Summer School, shared with his students the smallest Solar-Powered car in the world on our first day of class. Here's the video:

Today was my first day to be back in class after graduating from my undergrad in '09. Having been absent in an academic setting for some time, it was intimidating to be back in school again.  We are 28 students in this class - half of whom are non-Yale students, and I am one of them. It was inspiring to listen to the input of engaged young and brilliant students throughout the class. Much more so, be taught by someone who is widely respected and has won many global awards in the field of Physics.  I may be the eldest in class but I am excited to learn from my peers who may even know more than I do! It's going to be an interesting semester!

Bagong Bayani - My first article!

My first article of my first column on Bagong Bayani on "Renewable Energy in the Philippines" just came out! I'm actually surprised to have been asked to write a column - I never thought I was much of a writer, exciting news nonetheless! To read the article, go through the magazine below, or click this link, I'm on page 32. : )  

Open publication - Free publishing - More ars nova

Recommendations from friends & colleagues

"I am encouraged by the interest and hard work of young people like you."

- Sering Falu Njie, Deputy Director of Policy, Millennium Campaign, United Nations

“Esperanza is a competent young professional, with much attention to detail. She has unusually well-developed people skills for a person of her age group and conducts her work with a spirit of enthusiasm, friendliness and attention to detail that help make everyone happy with her work. It is an asset to have her as part of any professional or business group.” 

- Ambassador Oscar de Rojas, President, Intercontinental Consulting and Investment, Inc

"Esperanza, I had only know you for a very short time, however I'm proud of you and your charisma, you have a great future ahead. 

I see you as one of Philippines Natural leader, whom could bring an era of success and generational changes to your country."

- Daniel Mejia, Chairman, The Sun Land Group

"I'm so so so proud of you. Congratulations. One day I will work for you."

 - Cameron Sinclair, Founder, Architecture for Humanity 

"This is a good time to tell you how inspired I am in watching you and the things you do. You are bright, articulate, innovative, committed and passionate. What an amazing combination of qualities. The world will be a better place for with you as one of tomorrow's leaders."

-       Dr. Tony la Vina, Dean, Ateneo School of Government


to "I wanted to tell you how impressed and inspired I am by the work you are doing. I have been actively involved in international climate change law and regulation for the past decade and have published several articles and delivered many presentations on these issues in the U.S. and abroad.  But the world needs more people like you who are immersed in and believe in this important cause of building global environmental awareness and who live that mission every day."
-

Randall Abate, Professor of FAMU College of Law

“I have had the honor of working with Esperanza at the South South News Team as one of the peer consultants designing content management systems. The project was very time sensitive and high profile as it required to be submitted to heads of the social institutions from various countries. She was amazingly patient and dedicated with her skills and profound judgment was exercised even under pressure.I found her to be brilliant with her soft skills of empathy and respect for her team members. The dexterity and flexibility with she accepts new ideas and presents her own is truly commendable.She goes out of way to make her team members feel appreciated, validated and respected.I would love to work with her on any project in the future.”

- Dilshad Deyani, President and Founder of We Will Global Council 

“Esperanza is phenomenal. She organized an entire youth delegation within days and supported the promotion and planning on top of a full-time day job! In addition to her remarkable contributions in planning, PR, and outreach, Esperanza's participation during The Global Summit set the bar for integrity, sincerity and issue relevance. In conference full of early adopters and many known experts in the global sustainability movement, Esperanza was a star! Given the opportunity to dedicated her passion to protect our environment, we will all be in better hands."

- Melanie St.James, Managing Director, The Global Summit

“Esperanza has proven to be the most dedicated, the most trusted person that a company should surrounds itself with. Her very high level of energy and enthusiasm would make a company shines so bright that the North star will be blushing!
With Esperanza in your team, your success is only a step to take.” 

- Michele Queyroy, Project Manager, Arch Builders Across Nations

“Esperanza is innovative, creative and articulate. I have personally collaborated with her on on a number of major projects, in a number of roles and with a number of organisations. During her time on the MDG Awards Committee, I watched as she recruited, trained and developed an active team of volunteers. She also coordinated their work on the night of the MDG awards at the Waldorf Astoria. She was a positive, supportive and realistic leader. Esperanza has consistently proven to have strong problem solving abilities and a talent for creating strategic partnerships. She is an expert at utilizing her impressive interpersonal skills to resolve conflicts and encourage active participation. I have always found her to be enthusiastic about her work, passionate about new ideas and clever at developing new initiatives. Esperanza has a talent for networking, communicating, and motivating those around her.” 

- Saba Loftus, Director, International Youth Council

“Esperanza is a powerhouse leader and executor. She is particularly skilled at building consensus and driving forward motion in settings that can often lend themselves to obstacles. I had the opportunity to see Esperanza in action several times, in Copenhagen and at the United Nations in NY. She defined herself as a leader while exhibiting the utmost respect for those she led. I recommend Esperanza for all endeavors she chooses to take on.” March 7, 2011

- David Novack, Filmmaker (Producer/Director), Odessa Films

Recommendation Letters

"From my vantage point as a professor of both graduate and undergraduate students (in  environmental policy, philosophy, and political science), Ms. Garcia stands out among the top 1% of students I have mentored and seen through thirty years of teaching....I have personal knowledge of her brilliance, imagination, capacity for hard work, and character.... Make no mistake: Ms. Garcia is a future leader of the Philippines and Southeast Asia."

- Dr. Tony la Vina, Dean of Ateneo School of Government

"Though I have had many employees, Esperanza is one of the most impressive employees that has worked for me. I believe Esperanza is destined to be a leader in this field, and therefore is an excellent candidate for your school." 

- Senator Loren Legarda, Republic of the Philippines

 "Esperanza Garcia embodies a true youth leader. I have no doubt that she will be a positive influence on all those that she encounters in the future. She is capable of anything she puts her mind to."

- H.E. Ambassador Francis Lorenzo, President of South-South News

Dr. Antonio La Vina 

Dr. Tony la Vina Recommendation for Esperanza Garcia

Senator Loren Legarda


Senator Loren Legarda Recommendation Letter for Esperanza Garcia


Ambassador Francis Lorenzo


Ambassador Lorenzo Recommendation Letter for Esperanza Garcia


Ambassador Lorenzo Recommendation letter for Esperanza Garcia

My blog reaches 20,000 readers

My first blog on this link

Birth of Ecohope


Two years ago I wrote my first blog. The blog entry was about my eco-friendly design for the children's section of the San Francisco Public Library, Park Branch. My intention for this blog was for it to become a personal directory for my interior & architecture designs, but then it evolved into something more than that. The blog became a venue for untold inspirational stories, a space to share amazing stories of youth leaders who are fighting for our survival, a place where dreams, and hopes, and aspirations are expressed. 


Highlights of Ecohope


To be honest with you, for sometime, I was embarrassed about having a blog since I wasn't quite confident about my writing skills. However, this blog has enabled me to connect with people like Brian Bilal, who told me that I inspired him to pursue his PHD in the environmental field and Nico Barawid, an undergraduate student from Yale, who is now serving as an official youth delegate of the Philippines at the UN Climate Change Conference. Though, this may not be enough for other people, all that this blog has done thus far, is more than enough for me. If I can inspire one life,  it is more than I could ever ask for. 

Showing Gratitude


Last week, I received a letter from Senator Legarda via snail mail. She had sent me a hand written thank you note for the chocolates I had sent to her over a month ago. I was amazed at how for a woman who is as busy as she is, she still has the time to personally thank all those who show her gratitude and send her gifts of appreciation. Like Sen. Legarda, I wish I could personally thank each and every one of your for your supportive role throughout the years, unfortunately, it almost seems to be impossible. 


Though I remained an inactive "blogger" throughout the year of 2011, I'd still like to celebrate how this blog has progressed since its birth. I'd like to celebrate the people that I have met through my blog, the lives that have been touched because of the inspirational stories of others that are told in this blog, and the people who have personally touched my life because of this blog. For your unrelenting support, encouragement, and love - I'd like to extend my heartfelt thank you to the readers of Ecohope (I'm surprised I even have any readers).

An inspiring story of Jean Paul for my daughter

It is inspiring stories of hope and success, like Jean Paul's, that will get me through being away from my little girl.

A Day in the Life of A Climate, Geek(?)

Have you ever entered class only to find yourself in complete shock to hear your teacher announce that you're just about to take one of the biggest exams of the semester? You look around in class and everyone around you seems to have known about the exam, but you on the other hand, are in shock, asking yourself, "Why didn't I get the memo?" 

I had one of those moments today, except I wasn't in class, and I didn't forget about a big exam. I was at a pet store with my siblings choosing fish for our house-pond when it dawned on me that I had missed an event that would have been (or so it seemed) one of the most historical moments of my life. Okay, well maybe I'm being just a tad bit dramatic, I could probably settle for, one of the biggest moments of my year, (and also one of the top moments for my country too). 

Over a month ago, I received an invitation from the Philippine Department of Energy Secretariat to attend the grand launch of the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) that honored Philippine President Benigno Aqunio III, to be held at the Makati Shangrila Hotel this morning. The invite had been sent to me twice, and the confirmation email of my attendance, sent to me over two weeks ago (as seen in picture below). The attire for the event was the native formal wear, a barong tagalog for men, and a filipiniana for women. Like every girl when it comes to "big" events, I already had an attire in mind-- A filipiniana I've only had the chance to wear once, designed by Philippine fashion designer, Oliver Tolentino. 

Confirmation letter of Dept. of Energy Renewable Energy launch

As a sustainable solution junkie (call it, if I may), missing this event was a total tragedy for me. For those of you who do not understand why, I'd compare it to missing a first date with someone who'd you'd think would be a potential "love of your life," or for die hard soccer fans, it would be like missing the FIFA finals, which only happens every four years. The invite itself was a big deal for me. Having been told by my elders to "stop my passion," by passion meaning my environmental advocacy, I had discontinued contact with most of my colleagues in the environment field over the past few months. It was encouraging to know that even despite my absence, there were people who still recognized my climate work in the Philippines, a government agency, to say the least. 

Invitation 

In the next two weeks, I will start my studies at Yale Summer School studying an engineering course on "Green Energy" & a Physics course on "Energy, Technology and Society." The NREP event would have been a great pedestal in providing me with the appropriate knowledge on the developments of renewable energy (RE) technology in newly industrialized countries, like my own. With members of the diplomatic corps, legislators and policy-makers, non-government organizations, RE developers, energy sector stakeholders, community leaders and members of the research and scientific communities in attendance, it would have also been a great opportunity to rub elbows with the "Who’s who” of renewable technology in my country. This also meant that the Republic Act 9513 "Renewable Energy Act of 2008," of which my previous boss, Senator Legarda, was a co-author of, was being implemented. I recall campaigning for this legislation during the Philippine elections of 2010, the promulgation of the RA 9513 through the NREP was most definitely overwhelming. 

Realizing my stupidity, I came home from the pet store, with fish in oxygenated plastic bag in my hand, and immediately googled the event. To those of us who missed the event, at least we get somewhat of a preview in this video:

Inspiration of the day: Tererai Trent

Over an hour or so ago, I had an “anonymous person” respond this to my blog. In their words:  

I think it is funny that people think this way.

This inspired me to write the story of Tererai Trent, a woman born & raised in rural Zimbabwe, lived without running water, electricity, and access to education. She was married at 11, had three children by 18, and her husband beat her every day. "In my village girls had no hopes, only boys had the opportunity to go to school" Terarai said in an interview with Oprah. “As a little girl, I was desperate to learn, I was secretly doing my brother’s homework.” She said.

Terarai wrote her dreams down and burried them in a tin can under a rock. She struggled and fought to achieve her dreams in moving to the US and attain an education. "I truly believe in these dreams, and I hope one day to work for the causes of women and girls in poverty." Terarai was able to successfully achieve her dreams. Today, she is remarried and currently finishing her PHD in Oklahoma. After every achievement, Tererai returned home to Zimbabwe, unearthed her tin of dreams and checked off each goal she accomplished. Her story has made her a symbol of hope around the world.

Please watch this inspiring and moving video of her incredible story.

http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Tererai-Trents-Story-Video

I can relate with Tererai’s experience. I too have had my education taken away from me. When I was studying at an all-girls Catholic college in the Philippines, I was told by the Dean of my former college to take a leave from

Inspiration of the day: The Elders

http://www.theelders.org

The Elders are an independent group of eminentglobal leaders, brought together by Nelson Mandela, who offer their collective influence and experience to support peace building, help address major causes of human suffering and promote the shared interests of humanity.

That's Why I Chose Yale

Although I am only spending a summer semester at Yale, watching this video entitled "That's why I chose Yale" made me much more excited about going back to school.

In the next two weeks - i'll be living in New Haven, back in campus and living the dorm-life once again. In the Fall, I will be continuing my studies pursuing my post-

Philippine Dream Team

Philippine Dream Team: With the great leadership of Lucille Sering, the powerful and respected voice of Bernarditas Muller, the incredible guidance of Naderev Saño, the great mentorship of Tony la Vina, the unrelenting support of Segfredo Serrano, and the brilliance of each delegate in the Philippine team, it has been an honor to be part of the Philippine delegation at the UN Climate Change Conference in Cancun, Mexico last December.

To those who took the time to mentor the youth delegates, thank you for recognizing our work and giving us the opportunity to negotiate our future. We are all here today fighting for our lives. I would not want to be in this battle with anyone else other than the team I was with.


It was both a privilege and a great honor to have joined my country’s delegation at the UN Cancun Climate Talks. As youths, the future is ours. We are grateful that our country understands the importance of youth participation in international climate negotiations. After this opportunity, we aspire to make the necessary and dire change in our homefront.

"I have been in many Philippine delegations to climate change negotiations and this group is one of the strongest of the delegations I have worked with." - Dr./Atty. Tony La Vina, COP15 chief negotiator on the UN initiative known as “Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD)” and member of the official Philippine delegation.

Desiree Llanos Dee, Vivienne Zerrudo, Christopher Yu, Anna Oposa, and Esperanza Garcia; The youth delegates of the official Philippine delegation at the UN Climate Change Conference in Cancun last December 10, 2010.

Inspiration of the day: 10 Youtube videos every entrepreneur must watch

For those of you who are interested in entrepreneurship & socially responsible business models, watch 10 Youtube videos every entrepreneur must watch compiled by Business Insider. One of the videos featured is of Nobel Laureate, Muhammad Yunus, talking about Grameen Bank's business model and the solutions to ending global poverty.

Muhammad Yunus asks, 'WHAT KIND OF WORLD IS THIS?" in his speech on "Creating a World Without Poverty" at the Commonwealth Club.

Muhammad Yunus: Creating a World Without Poverty

Bangladeshi economist Muhammad Yunus runs one of the few socially responsible banks in the world: Grameen Bank, which provides small loans to poor people and entrepreneurs with no collateral to help them become financially self-sufficient.

Climate Heroes of 2010

Senator Legarda awarding the Climate Heroes of 2010

In 2010,  Luntiang Pilipinas and PHILYCM (Philippine Youth Climate Movement)  travelled all over the Philippines to hold the "Climate Hero" forums to educate Philippine youth on Climate Change and award Climate Heroes. The young climate stewards were recognized for their efforts in making a difference in their communities and contributing to climate change solutions. Here's a list of some of our "Climate Heroes."




Mr. Elpidio Magante, President of Bohol State University
Mr. Emmanuel Albano, President UP-Ecological Society
Engr. Virginia dela Cerna, Academic Head, STI College, Lahug Cebu
Ms. Gemma Perez, Western Mindanao State University, NSTP Coordinator
Ms. Mark Popioco, President of Green Movement in WVSU/ Bayer Youth Awardee, West Visayas State University IloIlo
Ms. Rowena S. Cabahug, President, AMA Computer Learning Mandaue Cebu
Erwin C. Andaya, President of the Student Council, University of Cebu
Nelson Nadela, Teacher of Natural Science
Dr. Benny A. Palma, President of ASU, Aklan State University
Aren Rubin, Future Leaders of the Philippines, President, Aklan State University
Adam Jesus Bering, FCC-NSTP Coordinator, Filamer Christian College
CMSC Green Iskul (Nestor Necesito), UP Visayas Ilo-Ilo
Father Raul L. Buhay, Vice President for Administration
Aljoriz M. Dublin, Social Science Teacher (Recipient of Luntiang Pilipinas Seedling), University of Visayas
Francis Rey Padao, Faculty Member, University of the Immaculate Conception
Louis Quihada, SSG Vice President, Davao Oriental State College
Van Melchor Mariano, President, Environmental Alliance Club, Mati Polytechnic College

Esperanza Garcia awarding Climate Heroes Nestor Necesito & Mark Popoico of Western State University

This list was taken from Luntiang Pilipinas.

Vote Philippines for New 7 Wonder of the World

MORE INFO CLICK HERE

Text from DigitalInquirer.com

Found 50 kilometers from the northern city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines, Puerto Princesa Underground River is among the elite 28 official finalists in search for the New 7 Wonders of Nature.