Day 85: Turn Off the Lights

8:30PM.  I was in a cab on the way to meet my sister for dinner, when the city turned a bit darker - literally.  Ayala Avenue's streetlamps were turned off, hardly any visible signage was on, and a city that never sleeps was enveloped in darkness.  But it did not feel dreary, or somber, or even scary.  The only lights functioning were the ones needed for businesses to continue running, traffic lights, and candles. 

It has become an annual event for me to follow for the last three years, and it requires such a simple act.  Turn off the lights for one hour.  Not much sacrifice, if you ask me.  What's an hour to give back?  Earth has given us so much more.  It's phenomenal to watch for me.  I love lights in the dark, but seeing it all turned off at the same time for a cause is even more amazing. 

Music in the dark: Turn It Off (Paramore)

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A little bit of history, Earth Hour was initiated in Sydney, Australia in 2007 as an act for people to take a stand against climate change.  It has become a global voluntary cause since.  The gesture it requires is so simple, but the message is so resounding.