For nearly five decades now, Earth Day has been commemorated with events like green protests and tree planting activities. This year’s celebration is historical because leaders from around the world will come together in New York to sign the Paris Climate Agreement, a United Nations initiative that aims to help slow down global warming. Our own Environment secretary, Ramon Paje will be there to sign in behalf of the Filipinos. 

In Manila, small but meaningful events are being organized to help our planet heal. There will be awareness campaigns, concerts and tree-planting activities.

Here are some events you can join!

1. Attend a UP College of music concert, Bulan at Karawitan (Moon and Music)  

Apr 22, 7pm. Enjoying good music under the light of the moon… now doesn’t that sound dreamy? Bulan and Karawitan is part of the “Diliman Earth Fair”, a UP-organized outdoor festival in honor of our dear planet. The event will feature UP Tugtugang Musika Asyatika (UP Tugma), Auit Vocal Ensemble, and works by UP Composers of New Music (CONEMUS). Appreciate the beauty of music and nature in this event inspired by Japanese moon viewing ceremonies. Make sure to clean as you go! UP Diliman Ampitheater, UP Diliman, Quezon City; +63 2 981800. Free

2. Talk about the environment and our climate problems 

Apr 22. 2pm-3:30pm. Climate change has become a buzz word nowadays, but do you understand what it really means? Environmentalist Ayeen Karunungan invites you to “Let’s talk planet”, a forum deisgned to explain the realities of climate change. It can help clarify answers about cimate action and the ongoing UN negotiations. The nice thing about it? It’s an online forum, so you can participate even in the comforts of your own airconditioned home. Visit the Facebook events page for more details. Free

3. Go to an Earth Day Jam at SM by the Bay 

Apr 23, 5pm. Guitar-donning ambassadors of the planet will take the spotlight at the Earth Day Jam happening at SM by the Bay. More than just a concert, this annual musical gathering organized by Lou Bonnevie and the Earth Day Jam Foundation, has become an anticipated street party with a cause. Some of the artists included in the line up are Abra, Barbie Almalbis, Brigada, Flying Ipis, Kitchie Nadal, Kjwan, Silent Sanctuary, Sitti, Slapshock, The Chongkeys and many more! SM by the Bay Central Park, Seaside Boulevard, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay; Free

4. Bring light to the homes of families from the Dumagat Tribe 

Apr 23, 3pm-5pm. Liter of light is an eco-friendly source of light made from used platic bottles. This solar technology is ideal for the families of the Dumagat tribe, an isolated village in Nueva Ecija. For a few hours, you can be a solar engineer and create light for others. 100 LIter of Light bottles are needed so you might want to bring a friend! 26Th Street Bistro By Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Taguig; +63 2 720 9558, PHP950.

5. Change cloth diapers

Apr 23, 11am. Help spread the word about cloth diapers and their numerous benefits. The great cloth diaper change is happening this weekend. It is a gathering of moms who change reusable cloth diapers together to make a statement about the environment. #GCDC2016 is actually a worldwide movement with worldwide events that help spread the word about cloth diapering. Dance Vision Arena Events Place Madison Square Bldg. 264 N.Domingo St. Cor. M. Paterno st., infront of Little Baguio Terraces Condo; +632 7272578. PHP150

6. Tour the metro on two wheels 

Apr 23, starts a 7am. Indeed the world will be a much better place if there were less cars on the road. Join UP Sabay Lakbay and experience how convenient it is to bike around the Metro. Select eco-parks in Quezon City will be included in the itinerary, and there will be fun activities included in every stop. The bike tour will end with a breakfast at the Sunday market. Don’t know how to ride a bike? Well here’s a little bonus for you. You can opt to join the biking lessons in front of the UP Quezon Hall instead. If you don’t have your own bike yet, you may rent one from UP’s Bike Share. Quezon Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City. Free.

7. Tree planting at the Hinulugang Taktak 

In celebration of #1Earth initiatives, the US Embassy in Manila  organized a tree planting activity, where they will organize the planting of 1,000 bamboo saplings in Antipolo. The Hinulugang Taktak is now being threatened by years of pollution and damage. The bamboo sapplings can help in the park’s rehabilitation. Unfortunately, the planting session is not open to the public, but it’s good to know that there will soon be trees to bring back life and color to the park.