Risa Hontiveros: There Is Much to be Grateful for; There is Much to be Done

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Our long wait is over. After seven years of waiting and heartbreak, of hoping and then failing, of “almost-there but not quite”, we are finally there. We are in the Senate – borne on the shoulders of more than fifteen million Filipinos who believe that it is now time to open the Upper Chamber to ordinary people.

It has been a long wait, but it has not been a lonely one. I have had the good fortune of being surrounded by the foolhardy and the stubborn, you who had the audacity to believe that the Senate dream was within reach. To those who spent time knocking on doors, campaigning for me, raising funds, inviting me into your barangays and your homes, even sharing our social media posts, to those who stood by my side after the elections of 2010 and 2013 and who never gave up on the idea of an activist in the Senate, I thank you with all my heart.

Tayo ay nangahas, at tayo ay nagtagumpay.

But as this seven-year project comes to fruition, a new and bigger one begins. There is work to be done. We will bring the fight for universal health to a new platform, cognizant that the  uneven access to health care services are but reflective of larger structural inequities. We commit to do our part towards an independent and strong legislature, which is the best check against executive or judicial overreach. Most of all, we will be a voice for the sectors and a representative of the underserved – they for whom we push for reforms, they from whom I will constantly seek direction and inspiration.

There is much to be grateful for; there is much to be done. Our grand adventure begins. Sa Senado na ang larangan ng mga laban na hindi binibitiwan.

History Announces Cast and Contributors of Upcoming Global Docu-Drama ‘Barbarians Rising’

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Premiering 7 June on the same day as the U.S., the cast of Barbarians Rising includes Tom Hopper, Steven Waddington, Richard Brake, Kirsty Mitchell, Ben Batt, Gavin Drea, Emil Hostina and Nicholas Pinnock.

HISTORY, announced today the cast and contributors for the global eight-part docu-drama, “Barbarians Rising.” The cast portrays the legendary warriors as they’re engaged in one of mankind’s most timeless struggles – the fight for freedom.

“Barbarians Rising” features the true stories of nine of history’s greatest warriors, the cast includesNicholas Pinnock (Captain America: The First Avenger; Fortitude) as Hannibal, who vowed a blood oath at the age of nine to destroy Rome; Ben Batt (The Edge of Love; “Shameless(UK)”) as Spartacus, the slave-turned-rebel who led a barbarian revolt; Kirsty Mitchell (“The Royal Today;” “River City”) as Boudica, the avenging Celtic warrior Queen; Tom Hopper (“Black Sails;”“Merlin”) as Arminius, the son of Germany surrendered to Rome; Emil Hostina (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Parts I andII) as Attila, scourge of the east; Gavin Drea (What Richard Did;“Love/Hate”) as Alaric, the king of the Goths; Steven Waddington (The Imitation Game) as Fritigern, the warrior who took down anEmperor; Richard Brake (Batman Begins;“Game of Thrones”) as Geiseric, the last barbarian standing; and Jefferson Hall (“Vikings;”“Game of Thrones”) as Viriathus, the shepherd-turned-rebel leader.

To reveal the fact-based history behind the legends, HISTORY and October Films amassed an eclectic group of experts and contributors that includes General Wesley Clark, U.S. Army (Ret.) and Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander; Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, one of the first female combat veterans’ in the U.S. Congress; Rev. Jesse Jackson, Civil Rights Leader; Dr. Clarence B. Jones, speechwriter and advisor to Martin Luther King Jr.; CSM Eric L. Haney, U.S. Army(Ret.); Dr. Darius Arya, American Institute for Roman Culture(U.S.); Professor Barry Strauss, Cornell University(U.S.); Dr. Virginia Campbell, University of Oxford(U.S.); Dr. Dan-El Padilla Peralta, Princeton University(U.S.); Dr. Steve Kershaw, University of Oxford(U.K.); Colonel Kevin W. Farrell, military historian(U.S.); Professor Noel Lenski, Yale University(U.S.); Professor Peter Heather, King’s College London(U.K.); Vanessa Collingridge, author(U.K.); Valerio Massimo Manfredi, archaeologist and writer(Italy);and Professor Walter Pohl, University of Vienna(Austria).

“Barbarians Rising” tells the story of the rise and fall of the Roman Empire from the perspective of the barbarian rebel leaders. It is a visceral journey into the heart of a wave of rebellions against absolute power. The Roman Empire called them “barbarians” – tribes the Romans viewed beyond the fringe of civilization that lived a brutish and violent existence. However, these were also men and women who launched epic struggles that shaped the world to come.

The eight-part docu-drama reveals the true story of the 700-year battleto bring down one of strongest empires the world has ever known, “Barbarians Rising” is a global co-production for HISTORY in the US and internationally. This limited event series is slated to premiere on 7 June 2016, Tuesdays 9pm.

“Barbarians Rising” is a global co-production for HISTORY channels worldwide produced by October Films. Executive producers for HISTORY are Kristen Burns, Russ McCarroll and Paul Cabana. Adam Bullmore is executive producer, Simon George (HISTORY’s "World War II From Space") is executive director, and Michael Waterhouse (HISTORY’s “The Bible”) is series producer for October Films.

A+E Networks handles worldwide distribution for “Barbarians Rising”.

HISTORY is available on SKYCable Ch 67; Cable Link Ch. 43; Dream Satellite Ch 30; Destiny Cable Ch 57; and Cignal Ch 125.

On Pages And Changes

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This weekend, I celebrated my birthday. Another fruitful year of my life has passed… a year of necessary endings and meaningful beginnings, meeting new friends and partners, traveling to new places, and motivating and empowering more of my fellow Filipinos. As I turn the page of a new chapter in my life, I am looking forward to new adventures to encounter and conquer.

This is also a crucial period for our country, because the National Elections that has been talk of the town for several months is finally happening. In a matter of weeks, our country will have a new set of leaders… leaders that have promised to bring about the “change” Filipinos have been yearning for.

CHANGE is such a funny thing. We want it so badly from other people but not for ourselves. We know it’s “the only constant thing in this world,” yet we resist it when it’s upon us. In a world where people got used to living out a routine, it’s quite understandable how change can be frightening and uncomfortable for most people.

Today, I’d like to challenge your perception on change. Instead of fighting change, why don’t you INITIATE change?

When I was 16 years old, I left my home in Mariveles, Bataan to study in the University of the Philippines, Diliman. It was also then when I began my voice acting career after winning a radio drama contest in DZMM. Since then, my life has taken twists and turns that I have never imagined for myself, and I mean that in a good way. Traveling the world as a youth advocate, building my own business, becoming a motivational speaker, creating the largest youth media organization in the country… none of those were part of the plan. But when life presented me with those opportunities, I knew it was my choice whether or not to take it. So I did.