Humanitarians Ernie and Michelle Lopez: Love Is Good
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Newlyweds Ernie and Michelle Lopez are changing the world for the better, with love as the answer, on G-Diaries. (Photo courtesy of Ernie and Michelle Lopez)
It is a scene from the G-Diaries. Ernie and Michelle, appear in a short, fun-filled video program, which hooks the viewer with lively jingle lyrics: “Change the world together, change it for the better…’coz love is the answer.”
Newlyweds Ernie Lopez and Michelle Arville have such generous hearts that they agreed to be interviewed in a video chat while on their honeymoon, after their recent wedding in San Francisco. The willingness to talk about the G-Diaries, and their philanthropic work, during their personal down time, revealed how passionate they are to make a difference.
Ernie Lopez, Director for Advocacy for the ABS-CBN Foundation, has taken over the G-Diaries, a virtual platform started by his late sister, Gina Lopez.
Ernie Lopez and wife Michelle Arville Lopez, co-star in G-Diaries, an online video program about stories that inspire. (Image courtesy of Ernie and Michelle Lopez)
G-Diaries is a virtual program that shares inspiring stories. It’s about people who help other people.
“The G-Diaries will showcase what others do to effect a positive change,” Ernie said, as he described the platform’s eighth season this year.
“You can’t solve world poverty. But we start with one area first,” Ernie said..
The project approaches Philippine socio-economic problems by focusing on one barangay at a time. It was created by the late Gina Lopez, environmentalist and former Philippine Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Serendipitously, Gina was the cupid who was matchmaker in Michelle and Ernie’s love story, which eventually led to their marriage.
The virtual show has three thrusts:
Bantay Bata, a program for child protection from pedophilia. It has set up a hotline to report child abuse and pedophilia. Ernie cited the Philippines as the number one procurer in the world of sexual exploitation of children.
Bantay Kalikasan continues Gina’s biggest project, the La Mesa watershed. This has provided drinking water to 12 million Filipinos.
Ernie and Michelle said: “Our relationship has to serve a purpose. We give back to the community. We have to be a channel of blessings.” (Photos courtesy of Ernie and Michelle Lopez)
Sagip Kapamilya provides humanitarian relief during disasters. A previous project was for disaster aid to Typhoon Ondoy victims. From public funding, four “typhoon-resistant” schools were built.
“The best funding is when you empower the less fortunate, and they are eager to help,” Ernie said.
As for funding: “For example, we get one peso each from 20 million people. You get more people involved. They have to be confident to see where their money is going. You have to be accountable to people. That’s continuing the legacy of my sister, Gina,” Ernie said.
He outlined the wholistic approach of The Lopez Group Foundation for area development, consisting of seven clusters: Humanitarian actions; Sagip Kapamilya; Environment; Education; Entrepreneurship; Wellness; Art and Culture.
“We would like to get as many people to join us. We can make a difference if the whole country is involved. The Philippines has so much resources, and talent,” Ernie said.
But they had to face challenges, which limited their outreach. The pandemic was major, and cut off their physical visits to communities.
“I break the problem into small pieces, and try to solve it. It’s easy to point problems to the government. It doesn’t matter to me which side you’re on. I want to work with everyone. “
“It’s about being constructive. Area development is a priority in my life.”
As for the naysayers, Ernie is pragmatic. “Criticism is healthy. No one is perfect. We all make mistakes. I am always looking out for the kernel of truth in criticism.”
“I look at what the other person is saying, whether it’s unjustified, unfair, or painful.”
Michelle believes their love is their strength. “Marriage isn’t easy. We both were married before. But I believe we came in each other’s right timing.”
Working with one’s spouse has its pros, as there are cons, which Michelle addressed.
“Ernie and I are a new couple, and an old couple, age-wise. Early on we were one in saying we are committed to fulfilling God’s purpose for our union, that our relationship is not just for our pleasure and happiness, but to be a blessing for others,” Michelle said.
In July 2020, both Ernie and Michelle got sick with Covid19. Michelle’s lungs got scarred as a result. They stayed home, rested, and took medications. Both decided to turn the deadly virus they caught, into something good. When they recovered, each donated their plasma, for four times, to help others who had Covid.
“Filipinos are kind and generous people. There is no lack of people who want to help.”
Ernie suggested, “Start right where you are. Meet with a friend. Find out what their challenges are. Pray for each other.”
The G-Diaries are not limited to locals. Filipinos who live overseas can help. The program can be viewed on these channels: The Filipino Channel; ANC News Channel; Metro channel; Kapamilya channel; YouTube; Facebook.
“Comment on Facebook. Share skills and talents with us. Reach out to people we’ve reached. Message us on Facebook, and tell us how you can contribute,” Ernie said.
“There is more than just money to give. Viewers can send us stories of others who need help,” Ernie said.
When you cease to have hope for goodness in the world, or when your faith falters, watch Ernie and Michelle on the G-Diaries and be inspired. My own spirit was renewed after our online chat. A conversation with Ernie and Michelle was like hitting the refresh button on my device.
Ernie and Michelle’s love is infectious. Their faith shines bright. Their commitment to change the world for the better, gives me hope.
“It’s difficult, but it is not impossible,” Ernie Lopez emphasized.
An episode of G-Diairies:
Elizabeth Ann Quirino, based in New Jersey, is a journalist, food writer and member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP). She blogs about Filipino home cooking and culinary travels to the Philippines on her site AsianInAmericamag.com.
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