PATTAYA PATRIOTS

Gloria talks to Chem Perez 

I am using the term Patriot for a series of articles to feature in the magazine. Firstly because I love the alliteration, and secondly because I wanted a word to describe some very special people who live amongst us here in Pattaya. Sometimes given a military connotation, the word patriot actually describes someone who deeply loves, supports and defends their country (or, for the purposes of this article, their city). They often demonstrate loyalty through service, sacrifice, or civic engagement. True patriotism goes beyond mere pride—it involves striving to make improvements for all, for freedom, and for progress. To see the previous Pattaya Patriot articles go to pattayatrader.com.

Restoring Humanity Through a Cleaner Planet: The Good News #planetcleanup

Chem Perez, (an English teacher from the Philippines) founded The Good News #planetcleanup here in Pattaya. A grassroots movement aimed at raising awareness about our global garbage crisis, Chem’s journey began with a moment of quiet reflection, a realization that we live in an increasingly materialistic world. Everywhere he looked, people were chasing possessions: bigger homes, faster cars, the latest gadgets, all in pursuit of happiness that never seemed to last. Chem Perez was no different until asking a powerful question: What truly endures? The answer hit with clarity—nothing material. We spend our lives accumulating things we cannot take with us when we die. In that moment, Chem understood that the true legacy we leave behind lies not in what we collect, but in what we give, in the lives we touch, and in the future we help build.

That awakening inspired Chem to shift focus from investing in things to investing in people. Chem wanted to empower others to see the same truth and to act on it. Believing deeply in the idea that if we want to see change in the world, we must first become that change, he launched The Good News #planetcleanup in 2019. Pattaya, with its stunning beaches and bustling tourist life, was the perfect place to begin. But beneath its beauty, the city was struggling with a problem shared by many places around the world: GARBAGE. Littered streets, plastic-choked waters, and polluted public spaces were becoming the norm. Rather than complain, Chem decided to act.

Cleanups were organized, Chem invited students, friends, neighbours, tourists, and even strangers to join in. What began with just a handful of people quickly grew, as more and more individuals saw the impact—not just on the environment, but on each other.The cleanups became more than just acts of environmental activity; they became gatherings of hope, connection, and purpose. Children joined in with smiles, parents brought their families, and volunteers from all walks of life contributed their time. People who had never spoken before became friends and through it all, everyone began to remember something important: that we are all share responsibility for this planet we call home.

However, in 2020, the momentum was temporarily disrupted by the global COVID-19 pandemic. As lockdowns and restrictions on social gatherings were enforced, PlanetCleanup activities had to be put on hold. But this didn’t stop Chem Perez from creating good news. In fact, it marked the beginning of something even more profound. Instead of organizing cleanups, The Good News shifted focus toward humanitarian aid. Recognizing the growing number of people who had lost their jobs, become homeless, and were struggling with hunger due to the pandemic, Chem began organizing feeding programs for the less fortunate. This new direction gave birth to #planetcleanuphumanity, an extension of the original mission—still centered on healing the world, but this time through compassion, food, and solidarity in crisis. Volunteers and donors came together, and thousands of meals were served to those most in need.

What began as a local initiative in Thailand slowly evolved into a global movement. By 2023, The Good News #planetcleanup has expanded into six additional countries: the Philippines, Malaysia, Uganda, Nigeria, Pakistan,and Dubai. Each location brought its own challenges, but the spirit remained the same—cleaning the planet, restoring humanity, and spreading good news. Through all of this, Chem Perez has continued to harness the power of social media—not as a tool for fame, but as a platform for mobilization, storytelling, and inspiration. In a digital world dominated by negativity and division, The Good News offers a breath of fresh air—real stories of people taking real action, proving that even in the darkest times, kindness and collective action can shine through.

At its core, The Good News #planetcleanup and #planetcleanuphumanity—is more than just a campaign. It is a movement to reawaken our sense of responsibility, not only for the Earth but for one another. Every piece of trash collected, every meal served, and every life touched is a step toward restoring balance, compassion, and connection in our world. Today, Chem Perez continues to lead with purpose, reminding people around the world that real wealth lies not in what we accumulate, but in the good we do. In the face of climate change, pollution, and social division, The Good News #planetcleanup stands as a testament to what is possible when ordinary people unite around a common goal.

Chem asks us all what legacy will we leave behind? A world weighed down by waste and indifference—or a world lifted by care, hope, and responsibility? Let us be the change. Let us protect our communities, our planet, and each other. Because this planet is not just where we live—it is our home. If you would like to find out more go to their website planetcleanup.org or their Facebook page: thegoodnewsoftheworld