Pia (![[info]](http://library.vu.edu.pk/cgi-bin/nph-proxy.cgi/000100A/http/web.archive.org/web/20050302224344im_/http:/=2fstat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} wanderluscious) wrote,@ 2004-07-14 23:36:00 |
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Will I fall flat on my face? Or...
WILL YOU BUY THIS DREAM?
"From August 8 to 14, 2004, Barcelona will host the 3rd World Youth Festival with the participation of 10,000 young people from around the world. The World Youth Festival is the only event completely designed by and for youth organizations from all over the world. A committed, assertive, innovative, critical and constructive space that is founded on democracy, laicity, plurality, equality and respect. The Festival is a unique opportunity for regional youth platforms and organizations from all over the world to share ideas and projects. This year's themes will be cultural diversity, globalization, sustainable development, and conditions for peace..."
--Taken from the official website of the World Youth Festival 2004.
Attending this event has become my obsession ever since I heard about it a month ago. I want to go. I WANT to go. I MUST go. I'm not sure why, or how, but I know I must be there. With my heart and soul, I know it.
So for the past month I have been working closely with a friend (who until recently was similarly obsessed with going) to raise funds for our airfare and registration. We approached several sources-- foundations, corporations, government offices, individuals, even the airlines themselves. Unfortunately, we could not get support. It was always too late, too much, too risky, too small, too silly...
My friend has already given up on the idea. But the more I run away from this dream, the more it runs after me! Now I feel more determined than ever to make it happen. It's really weird and wonderful and frightening at the same time.
So here is the situation. I need to raise $1000 or P60,000 to cover roundtrip airfare and registration fee before July 30. That is in roughly two weeks.
I'll still approach a few more foundations for help. But at best they will probably only give partial subsidy. My last hope is thus to find individuals who are free and willing to take a leap of faith with me. Individuals who are willing to believe, as I do, that there is something wonderful waiting for us in Barcelona--a lesson or experience that I can bring home and actually use for something good!
Now, my friend Alexis and I did some math and discovered that if just 100 people gave P300 each, then that would equal P30,000—half the money needed! And if 200 people helped out, that would raise the full P60,000! Now how do I get at least 100 people to help me out?
I don't want dole-outs. If people are going to help me, then I want to give something back. I want them to believe that their support is worthwhile, no matter what. I also want to challenge them to do more than just reach in their pockets.
So here is my proposal to you all. To my friends, and their friends. To the public. To all those people who believe in crazy, stupid ideas dreamed up by crazy, stupid people!
If you donate P300 to help me get to Barcelona, then I will, in exchange, perform ANY GOOD DEED OF YOUR CHOICE. Any good deed that YOU believe to be worth P300!
Yes, friends, I am serious! ANY good deed as long as…
1. It is an action that you believe makes the world, our country, or our community a better place for all.
2. It is reasonable, or within my power to do.
3. I can accomplish it within a single day.
4. I won't need (much) money to do it.
5. It does not violate any laws or rights.
So there you have it! Any service, favor, or action that falls within these limits, and that YOU believe to be worth P300-- I will do it! Just name your prize! I’ll bike across EDSA! I'll plant a tree! I’ll give my mother a hug! I’ll smile at 10 strangers! I’ll visit sick patients at a local hospital!
My goal here is to raise at least P30,000 by July 30, and hopefully more. Now, naturally, you must have some concerns. Let me try to address each one:
----
YOUR POSSIBLE CONCERNS:
How can I be sure that you're really going to do the good deeds?
I promise to document each favor that I perform-- whether in the form of video, written document, or photograph-- and send the evidence as soon as possible to the person who requested the favor! I have also set up an alternate blog (buythisdream) where I will regularly update about the good deeds that I accomplish.
If by July 30 you still don't have P30,000, will happen to the money you do get?
If I don’t have P30,000 by July 30, I will STILL perform the good deeds requested of me, but will RETURN ALL THE DONATIONS. Those who requested their good deeds can keep their cash, but I will still do what they asked me to! That is the risk I take.
I'm willing to take you up on this! What do I do now?
Yay! A brave, kind soul! Please leave a comment here with your complete name, address, e-mail addy and/or cellphone number, and your good deed of choice. Or, if you are not comfortable with posting these details online, then you can e-mail me personally at piafaustino@hotmail.com. I will perform and document your requested good deed as soon as I can, though that will also depend on what you request. You can choose to make your donation before or after I have rendered my service.
How do I give you my donation?
You can make your donation in form of either cash or check. If cash, please deposit your donation to Patricia Faustino, BPI Account Number 3085-4630-46 (Loyola Katipunan Branch). If check, I will try to arrange to have a courier pick it up on another date.
----
So there. That is my offer, and my dream. To perform at least 100 favors for 100 friends of faith! Hopefully more...
In the meantime, here goes nothing....
or everything...
What will it take?
Will you buy this dream???
---
EDIT, July 22 2004: For updates, please visitbuythisdream. I have been posting about the good deeds I have accomplished, the pledges that have been coming in, as well as new insights and thoughts I have had about this experience. Also posted there is a more detailed explanation of exactly WHY I want to attend the World Youth Festival, along with my curriculum vitae. Skeptics and doubters, please view this and this. They will hopefully quell your suspicions that this dream of mine is selfish or petty. Thanks.
"From August 8 to 14, 2004, Barcelona will host the 3rd World Youth Festival with the participation of 10,000 young people from around the world. The World Youth Festival is the only event completely designed by and for youth organizations from all over the world. A committed, assertive, innovative, critical and constructive space that is founded on democracy, laicity, plurality, equality and respect. The Festival is a unique opportunity for regional youth platforms and organizations from all over the world to share ideas and projects. This year's themes will be cultural diversity, globalization, sustainable development, and conditions for peace..."
--Taken from the official website of the World Youth Festival 2004.
Attending this event has become my obsession ever since I heard about it a month ago. I want to go. I WANT to go. I MUST go. I'm not sure why, or how, but I know I must be there. With my heart and soul, I know it.
So for the past month I have been working closely with a friend (who until recently was similarly obsessed with going) to raise funds for our airfare and registration. We approached several sources-- foundations, corporations, government offices, individuals, even the airlines themselves. Unfortunately, we could not get support. It was always too late, too much, too risky, too small, too silly...
My friend has already given up on the idea. But the more I run away from this dream, the more it runs after me! Now I feel more determined than ever to make it happen. It's really weird and wonderful and frightening at the same time.
So here is the situation. I need to raise $1000 or P60,000 to cover roundtrip airfare and registration fee before July 30. That is in roughly two weeks.
I'll still approach a few more foundations for help. But at best they will probably only give partial subsidy. My last hope is thus to find individuals who are free and willing to take a leap of faith with me. Individuals who are willing to believe, as I do, that there is something wonderful waiting for us in Barcelona--a lesson or experience that I can bring home and actually use for something good!
Now, my friend Alexis and I did some math and discovered that if just 100 people gave P300 each, then that would equal P30,000—half the money needed! And if 200 people helped out, that would raise the full P60,000! Now how do I get at least 100 people to help me out?
I don't want dole-outs. If people are going to help me, then I want to give something back. I want them to believe that their support is worthwhile, no matter what. I also want to challenge them to do more than just reach in their pockets.
So here is my proposal to you all. To my friends, and their friends. To the public. To all those people who believe in crazy, stupid ideas dreamed up by crazy, stupid people!
If you donate P300 to help me get to Barcelona, then I will, in exchange, perform ANY GOOD DEED OF YOUR CHOICE. Any good deed that YOU believe to be worth P300!
Yes, friends, I am serious! ANY good deed as long as…
1. It is an action that you believe makes the world, our country, or our community a better place for all.
2. It is reasonable, or within my power to do.
3. I can accomplish it within a single day.
4. I won't need (much) money to do it.
5. It does not violate any laws or rights.
So there you have it! Any service, favor, or action that falls within these limits, and that YOU believe to be worth P300-- I will do it! Just name your prize! I’ll bike across EDSA! I'll plant a tree! I’ll give my mother a hug! I’ll smile at 10 strangers! I’ll visit sick patients at a local hospital!
My goal here is to raise at least P30,000 by July 30, and hopefully more. Now, naturally, you must have some concerns. Let me try to address each one:
----
YOUR POSSIBLE CONCERNS:
How can I be sure that you're really going to do the good deeds?
I promise to document each favor that I perform-- whether in the form of video, written document, or photograph-- and send the evidence as soon as possible to the person who requested the favor! I have also set up an alternate blog (
buythisdream) where I will regularly update about the good deeds that I accomplish.If by July 30 you still don't have P30,000, will happen to the money you do get?
If I don’t have P30,000 by July 30, I will STILL perform the good deeds requested of me, but will RETURN ALL THE DONATIONS. Those who requested their good deeds can keep their cash, but I will still do what they asked me to! That is the risk I take.
I'm willing to take you up on this! What do I do now?
Yay! A brave, kind soul! Please leave a comment here with your complete name, address, e-mail addy and/or cellphone number, and your good deed of choice. Or, if you are not comfortable with posting these details online, then you can e-mail me personally at piafaustino@hotmail.com. I will perform and document your requested good deed as soon as I can, though that will also depend on what you request. You can choose to make your donation before or after I have rendered my service.
How do I give you my donation?
You can make your donation in form of either cash or check. If cash, please deposit your donation to Patricia Faustino, BPI Account Number 3085-4630-46 (Loyola Katipunan Branch). If check, I will try to arrange to have a courier pick it up on another date.
----
So there. That is my offer, and my dream. To perform at least 100 favors for 100 friends of faith! Hopefully more...
In the meantime, here goes nothing....
or everything...
What will it take?
Will you buy this dream???
---
EDIT, July 22 2004: For updates, please visit
buythisdream. I have been posting about the good deeds I have accomplished, the pledges that have been coming in, as well as new insights and thoughts I have had about this experience. Also posted there is a more detailed explanation of exactly WHY I want to attend the World Youth Festival, along with my curriculum vitae. Skeptics and doubters, please view this and this. They will hopefully quell your suspicions that this dream of mine is selfish or petty. Thanks.