10 things young Pinoys can do in 2010

There are a mullion things we can do this new year but it's nice to start somewhere. Plus writing it down forces us to think it through.

1. MAKE THE MOST OF FREE INFORMATION ONLINE!

2. PREPARE FOR THE NEXT ONDOY.
Many of us know this by heart and so your family or school may already have a system in place for the next rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts. But let's check if the barangay is ready too. And in the spirit of Item 1, share http://72hours.org/ with your barangay.

3. OWN THE 2010 ELECTION.
This will be the first time I get to participate in a presidential election and so do millions of other young Filipinos. Owning it means doing more than just the bare minimum: 1) Registering 2) Knowing the issues plus the candidates 3) Voting. Involve your family, your barkada! My vote counts only if I get others to vote with me too.

4. LOOK AT THE GOVERNMENT'S BRIGHT SIDE TOO!
Good things have emerged from our own government. learn about these best practices at GalingPOOK.org. If you find something relevant from the 235+ ideas, nag your local officials to do it in your area.

5. TRY EXPERIMENTAL TRAVEL!
It's excitingly different and it's as fun and cheap as you want it to be, sometimes even free. Check out http://www.lonelyplanet.com/experimentaltravel/.

6. Learn a new dialect, language.
Chances are you have at least on friend in your network who is in another region of the Philippines or the world and who can benefit from learning a new dialect or language, say Bisaya. Why not learn along or try http://livemocha.com/.

7. TRY SELLING SOMETHING
I heard on a morning show that the basic buy-and-sell business model is the best and easiest way to start and learn the ropes of being an entrepreneur. If that model is too basic for you or if you want help, more ideas are on GoNegosyo.net and Entrepreneur.com.ph.

8. FOLLOWING EFREN...
Even before a Filipino was hailed as CNN Hero of the Year, we really had no excuse not to make a difference in whatever way we can. We can start our own organization like Efren Peñaflorida's Dynamic Teen Company(http://dynamicteencompany.org) or volunteer in existing ones. Like a new business, the first steps are the hardest but there's no harm in trying and trying it right.

9. RETREAT
We all need to slow down. At least once this year, schedule time off and devote it to a spiritual retreat. I'm not talking about high school retreat but just time allotted for personal reflection and discernment. It's best if it's some place away from the usual or if we do it with a spiritual guide or mentor but so long as we set aside time and stick to it, then that would be time well spent.

10. WRITE IT DOWN
Whatever 'it" is, writing it down (or typing) really forces us to think it through. this year and decade will truly be ours in the fullest sense.