16. Sass Rogando Sasot speaks up for transgenders at the UN.
On December 10, International Human Rights Day, the transgendered Filipina activist delivered a moving speech to the international community at the United Nations. Sasot, whose activities and research aim to defend the rights of the transgendered, championed the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) cause as she was warmly applauded by the UN caucus. Decrying countless human rights violations against transgenders including rape and murder, Sasot said "the sincerity of our intention to address [these violations] rests upon the depth of our appreciation of human diversity and the breadth of our understanding of why transgendered people suffer these indignities."
17. The Balangay Expedition Group makes history and saves a life on the side.
Sailing on an authentic man-made Filipino balangay called the "Diwata ng Lahi," the former Mt. Everest expedition team led by Art Valdez set sail for a four-year voyage across the globe to promote Filipino heritage, environmental awareness, and perform coastal clean-ups. Passing through Romblon in September, the crew managed to give an ailing 59-year-old much needed medical attention, saving her from possible death.
18. Eighty-five artists go green for Tik Tok Pilipinas.
Famous personalities such as Miriam Quiambao, Marc Nelson, and Lourd de Veyra are spreading awareness about climate change by being the faces of Tik Tok's campaign. Aside from a concert and scheduled school tours, the group continues its work by giving out vital information and useful tips on the Web.
19. Darwynn Garilao and Alfonso Orioste Jr. win CNN and YouTube's Raise Your Voice contest.
The duo outshone about 600 entries with their short, six-minute documentary showing the effects of Typhoon Ondoy in Manila. The two Filipinos were flown to Copenhagen, Denmark during the United Nations Climate Change Conference to share their insights with world leaders and international representatives.
20. Eat Bulaga celebrates 30 years by giving out scholarships.
Instead of having a grand production for their milestone anniversary, the country's longest-running variety show decided to give 30 incoming high school students from all over the Philippines a full four-year scholarship together with a complete set of school supplies. The "Dabarkads" said that they hope that these kids would be inspired to work harder, in the same way that the show was inspired by them.
