For an hour on March 27, the darkness in parts of the Philippines will not be attributed to brownouts, possible coup plots, or any other kind power failure. For once, Pinoys across the country will look forward to switching their lights off in a show of support for Earth Hour.
EARTH HOUR
Let there be (candle) light Leo Burnett Manila produced this year's Earth Hour invite. At first glance, it looks like an ordinary fluorescent bulb repackaged with the details of the event. But closer inspection will reveal that it's actually a candle in clear tubing. The team that created the charmingly clever invite was led by art director Mela Advincula and producer Benjie Puno. "We wanted to go beyond just reminding people about the event," said Alvin Tecson, creative director of Leo Burnett Manila. “The invite itself educates us about the dangers of mercury content and other harmful gasses inside fluorescent bulbs. It's very rewarding to do projects
na para sa ikabubuti ng Earth."
Earth Hour is a global initiative that encourages homes and businesses to turn off their lights for an hour to make a stand against climate change. Around the globe, lights will be turned off from 8:30 to 9:30 in the evening (local time). Global landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Sydney Harbor Bridge in Australia and the Golden Gate Bridge in California, USA are known to have participated in Earth Hour.
Philippines leads global initiative In 2009, the Philippines joined the worldwide effort and became the top contributor, with an estimated 10-12 million participants from 637 towns and cities and 611 megawatts saved – energy equivalent to a temporary shutdown of a dozen coal-fired power plants. This year, 15 million Filipinos from 1,044 cities and municipalities are expected to take part in this global event. Several local landmarks like Rizal Park, the Quezon Memorial Circle, and the Manila clock tower will also turn off their lights.
'Filipinos are taking it seriously' "Climate change is the biggest threat to the Philippines. We could lose 2000 isles to sea level rise alone – a scenario which could be made worse by dwindling natural resources," says Earth Hour Philippines National Director Yeb Saño. "This shows that Filipinos are taking the problem more seriously," he added. Now on its third year, the main countdown and switch-off event of Earth Hour Philippines will be held at the SM Mall of Asia's front facade. After the lights go off, there will be a concert top-billed by Journey’s Arnel Pineda, Moymoy Palaboy, and other local bands. Earth Hour is made possible with the help of partners like the World Wildlife Fund, Green Army, Switch Movement, the Department of Energy, and GMA Network.
Earth Hour boredom buster For the rest who are stuck at home, participating in Earth Hour need not be 60 minutes of boredom. Spot.ph suggests a few things to do in the dark during Earth Hour. Stage a silent disco by having your friends come over with their mp3 players. Each of you can listen to your own music and wiggle around without being accused of noise pollution. Finally get to use the candles given as gifts by setting up a candlelit cocktail party or having an intimate dinner with your significant other. Find other suggestion in Spot.ph’s article,
10 things to do in the dark during Earth Hour.
- TJD, GMANews.TV 
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