Rockers and rappers warn it’s now or never on climate change
BY ROME JORGE LIFESTYLE EDITOR

The musicians, filmmakers, painters and fashion designers comprising the artist advocacy group Dakila have long been critical of President Gloria Arroyo. But now, they want the President to know that they support her on one crucial issue—climate change.

Dakila, the Philippine Collective for Modern Heroism, is asking the President to stand up to the rich industrialized countries at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, ongoing until December 18. As head of the G-77 of developing nations, the Philippines should demand a legally binding agreement to reduce carbon emissions by no less than 40 percent by 2020. Today, industrialized countries such as the United States, which is responsible for much of the carbon emissions that cause climate change, resist a legally binding agreement.

At 3 p.m. on Saturday, more than 50 artists and celebrities will hold a 12-hour concert at a place that was submerged during devastating floods wrought by Ondoy: the Marikina Riverbanks Amphitheater. Titled TikTok: Rock for Climate Action, the concert coincides with others to be held worldwide as part of the Tck Tck Tck campaign by international poverty alleviation and justice advocacy nongovernmental organization Oxfam.

Performers and speakers include Abby Assistio and Speedy-G, Acel, Alenaire, Alessandra de Rossi, Ang Bandang Shirley, Angel Rivero, Bayang Barrios, Callalily, Carlos Celdran,Camerawalls, Cardio Boys, Charms Tiamzon, Chef Laudico, Color it Red, Cynthia Alexander, Dante Garcia, Diether Ocampo, Duster, FMD, Francis Reyes, Franco, Gabe Mercado, Gloc 9, Imago, Itchyworms, Jeepney Joyride, Johnny Alegre & Affinity, Johnoy Danao, Juan Pablo Dream, Kalayo, Kalila Aguilos, Kate Toralba, Kjwan, Kooky Tuason, Jim Libiran, Malay, Manix Abrera, Marc Nelson, Mich Dulce, Miko Pepito, Miriam Quiambao, Moonstar 88, Nerrissa Guevarra, Nicole and Carlo, Nityalila, Noel Cabangon, Paolo Soler, Paraluman, Paramita, Pedicab, Peryodiko, Ping Medina, Radioactive Sago Project, Ramon Bautista, Reema Chanco, Reklamo, Rinka Collective, Risa Recio, Ronnie Lazaro, Rovilson Fernandez, Roxanne Barcelo, Sinosikat, Sleepwalk, Steph Zubiri, Tado,
Taken by Cars, Techie Romantics, Tim Yap, Top Junk, Tribu Rap Artists, Typecast, Up Dharma Down and Urbandub.

A music video featuring the collaboration of some 50 artists and written by Noel Cabangon titled “No Time to Waste” will also be screened.

Cabangon said, “Climate change is happening around the world and no one is spared from its cruel impact: rich or poor, women and children, young and old. Act now while we still have enough time to avert another catastrophe.”

Poet and Radioactive Sago Project front man Lourd de Veyra said, “Copenhagen is more than just an issue of ecology—it’s also an issue of justice. Developed countries need to take responsibility in the increasing damage brought about by climate change. This is an issue of debt. It is unfair that rich countries benefit from industrialization while poorer countries struggle with strange, destructive changes in weather systems.”

Clem Castro, vocalist for the Camerawalls and label manager for Lily Stars, admonishes the youth to know the facts for themselves: “Don’t take our word for it. Find out why.”

For more information and details about the concert, call 435-4309 and 0905-4292539, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.dakila.org.ph.