DAKILA

Modern Day Heroes

“To die is easy; to live amongst the chaos yet to give yourself when you also need more is far more heroic. The call today is no longer ang mamatay nang dahil sa’yo (to die for you) but rather ang mabuhay nang dahil sa’yo (to live for you).”

We always have the chance to take a step forward, to show that we care and to prove that Filipinos are not indifferent to our current situations. It is never too late for us to make our move to becoming a hero. It is not a requirement to shed blood for the people, but to perspire as we aspire to committing to our dream of being the superhero of our own selves.

As an advocate of social change, DAKILA, Philippine Collective for Modern Heroism, consisting of a group of artists, students, and individuals, can be our inspiration. Just like them, we can take the risk of remaining unheard despite the heavy effort that they give for Filipinos to wake up from centuries of unconsciousness to the essence of progress.

People might look positively or negatively to such organizations, but it is far more obvious that these people care. That wherever they go whatever path they take and whoever comes their way, they will instill people with social awareness bringing with them the brighter future of our country.

And if we just lift a finger, we can absolutely do just the same.

DAKILA Members

Profiles

Lourd Ernest Hanopol de Veyra

Musician, poet, journalist, broadcast personality and activist

The president of Dakila is a four time Palanca awardee and arguably the hottest man on television today (We got paid for this).  Known for his quirky lines like, “Ang tunay na lalake, walang abs,” it’s no wonder that he has captivated the youth in his a-lot-of-times sarcastic-but-very-witty social commentaries whether in his show, Word of the Lourd or through the songs of his band, Radioactive Sago Project. He has gained millions of audience who listen to his words of wisdom and who lines up for hours if just to get their books signed. He and his show have done what other celebrities and other shows have failed to do: make the youth interested and involved in social issues surrounding the country.

NOEL CABANGON

Singer, composer, writer

Noel Cabangon has captured the nation’s heart when he sang during Philippine President Noy’s inauguration and made all politicians present pledge to be “Mabuting Pilipino”.  He epitomizes the power of art in his ability to provide elegant social commentary without sacrificing melody and heartfelt expression.

ARVIN “TADO” JIMENEZ

Actor, comedian, radio personality, activist

More known for his comedic antics as Tado and putting the letter “T” in BrewRATs, there’s more to this long-haired comedian than just being funny. An activist himself, Tado has a slew of advocacies which include anti-drug use, tobacco control, labor rights, and anti-naming of government projects.

 RONNIE LAZARO

Actor, director, theater actor

The versatile Ronnie Lazaro is considered one of the country’s finest actors and has appeared in some of the most critically acclaimed films in recent Philippine cinema history including Oro, Plata, Mata, Misteryo sa Tuwa, Bayani, Sa Pusod ng Dagat, Raymond Red’s Cannes-winning short film Anino, Jose Rizal, Bagong Buwan, Hubad sa Ilalim ng Buwan, Heremias and Sigaw just to name a few.

COOKY CHUA

Singer, band vocalist, composer, writer

Cooky is the lead vocalist of the rock band Color it Red which rose to fame in the 90s. Cooky has won awards such as the Golden Voice of Asia in Hanoi, Vietnam in 1998. Her band was selected as Best New Artist at the Awit Awards. Her voice emits a powerful blend of red-blooded sensuality and earthy confidence. Clearly, she is Pinoy Rock’s goddess. Unlike other female vocalists, Cooky doesn’t need to wear quirky or skimpy clothes to be noticed. In fact, she is comfortable with her standard black outfit and barely dons on make-up. All she needs to get the attention of her audience is her voice — and maybe with a little bit of her favorite drink on hand.

POCHOY LABOG

Composer, writer, band member

As the front man of the rock/rap/grunge band Dicta License, he penned songs carrying political and nationalistic themes addressing the Filipino youth. During the band’s peak in the mid-2000’s, they released their first album Paghilom, and received nominations and awards from MTV Pilipinas and NU 107. It was also at this time that Pochoy juggled his law studies with volunteer work for social advocacy groups Gawad Kalinga, RockEd, Visayan Forum, and Dakila.

  

JIM LIBIRAN

Writer, filmmaker, producer, journalist, activist

A native of Tondo, Manila, Jim is a multi-awarded writer, documentary filmmaker, activist, educator, television producer, and journalist. He keeps a frenetic schedule working on short films, TV documentaries for television, and literary pieces. His work includes documentaries and reportage on the eve of the wars in Iraq; the Taliban defeat and the Northern Alliance takeover in Afghanistan; the rebellions in Mindanao; the EDSA DOS uprising. Twenty years in television news and the print media  has whetted his aptitude for capturing stories about the Filipino culture and condition. While working as a newspaper journalist, he was also a labor union activist and a grassroots organizer/educator.

TOOTOOTS LEYESA

Photographer, director

Tootoots is a seasoned photographer whose talent always aims to break free from the conventional. A jack of all trades, he has ventured in to film directing, sound and editing but remains true to his unconventional styles. His naturally inquisitive and dysfunctional mind breeds brilliant concepts that add flavor and twist not only in his art but also in his various advocacies.

REFERENCES:

http://dakila.org.ph/new/who-we-are-2/