Earth Hour

Much has been said about global warming and its ill effects to the planet earth. Surely, it poses a great threat to life and all mankind.

To advert the pernicious effects of global warming, Earth Forum was calling all persons, natural and juridical, community and country to observe earth hour, i.e. to put off all electrical power for 60 minutes on 29 March 2008 at 8 to 9 o’clock in the evening. It was an invitation to all and sundry to voluntarily black out all power for the purpose of saving energy, and consequently, mother earth.

I found the objective novel. Spurred by the environmental spirit in me, I decided to accept the invitation of Earth Forum and to observe Earth hour on the said date.

Thus, I indulged in a little campaign to my husband and my children. It was not difficult to convince Gboy, who had always been excited about engaging in anything new. Butch found the idea weird, but did not give much fuss. Dane was a little receptive. Adrian said he would still not be home at that time. I was determined to espouse earth hour, for a large number of reasons, principally to save on electrical cost. As each day passed, I prodded and reminded them about Earth Hour, so that the idea could sip into their system, and they would appreciate the whole idea.

In the morning of 29 March 2008, Gboy and I were busy preparing for the event. We placed the candles on the colorful candleholders in brass I earlier bought from the 99 Store at Victoria Plaza, and put each on the center table and on the dining table. I also had one candlestick in the living room and in the family hall upstairs. Dane got one for her room. I wanted to line the stairways with attractive candleholders, but since I did not have enough cups or handlers, I decided to reserve the arrangement for some other time. To spur the romantic spirit in my children and husband, and to make the experience more eventful and memorable, I specifically used scented candles, and spread aromatic oils on poutpourris positioned all over the nooks and corners of the house. We had early dinner at 6.

Earth hour came. I thought of a total black out, as in switching the main power line off, but Dane to spare the TV. Butch also suggested to exclude the refrigerator. So, we simply switched off the lights and all other electrical connections, and lighted the candles. Indeed, the atmosphere was soft and romantic.

Butch had a friend who he was supposed to meet at home, but since we were on candlelight, they preferred to go to the clubhouse of the subdivision. Dane was watching TV. Gboy and I went to bed and told stories of Filipino legends or “alamat”. He also shared jokes he learned from K-Zone. We had a grand mother-son bonding.

It was a bit steamy in the bedroom. I was suggesting to Gboy to open the windows, but he brushed it aside, and said that earth hour would be over soon. He was counting each passing minute of darkness, was always looking at the clock on his cellphone, and retorted “__th minutes na lang!” We had such a good time that we momentarily forgot to watch the passing time. When we noticed the clock, it was 8 past 9. Yes, earth hour is over; we finally passed it! I immediately put on the aircon. I kissed Gboy and Dane, and thanked them for cooperating with me.

Earth hour experience is wonderful. Others might think it bizarre, but I am determined to continue observing it. Practicing it is not only helping save mother earth. It is also an effective moment to bond with the kids, and hopefully to share special moments with Butch too.