One of my good friends in the Philippine Children's Literature industry, storyteller and entrepreneur Jay Madelar Menes, has organized an international storytelling festival, The Salaysay Pilipinas in Imus, Cavite on November 11, 2023. Read on Jay's journey as founder of Storyhouse and his adventures as traveling storyteller and advocate of the tradition of oral storytelling.
1. Please tell us the what and the why of Storyhouse.
Storyhouse Philippines derives its name from the word storehouse, changing the "e" into "y," just like in the movie "Pursuit of Happyness." In Filipino, we may call it "Kuwentong Bahay" because there are stories in store in the house; it was last March 2011, the year the group started.
The prime objective is to promote the Art of Oral Storytelling. It is a dynamic, innovative, and professional company that offers something magical. Our vision is to let the Philippines be part of the countries that propagate the art of oral storytelling through fun-filled performances, interactive workshops, and live events such as Local, National, and International Storytelling festivals that will teach the love for learning, culture, and the arts.
In conclusion, we want to share Filipino stories and Filipino folktales with the rest of the world through storytelling. Create, train, and enable more Filipino Storytellers to make our stories known.
2. Why oral storytelling?
In a world saturated with visual media, there's something profoundly intimate about a human voice weaving a narrative into a live audience. It invites active participation, triggering the imagination in ways screens often can't. It encourages listeners to visualize, empathize, and co-create the description alongside the storyteller onstage. Additionally, many folktales in the compiled books must be told so that younger and older generations can know them.
3. You have traveled near and far as a storyteller. what is an experience that made the most impact on you as a traveling storyteller?
It was my first international gig as an oral storyteller in Hawaii, USA, in 2013. At that moment, I told myself that if I wanted to be an International storyteller like those who visited the Philippines, namely Dianne de Las Casas, Gcina Mhlophe, and the others I met in Singapore, I had to go there.
Through the invitation of Jeff Gere in our Yahoo group, I sent my letter of intent to participate in the Talk Story Camp. Applying for a U.S. visa is another task to surpass, and purchasing the plane ticket afterward. Everything is about taking the steps to pass the test. Eventually, I did it with the help of my family and friends.
When I reached Oahu, I had no relatives or know someone who lived there; I had no credit card, and my cash was just a few thousand pesos. However, my host took care of me. The performances I've done in the festival are everywhere, from the public library, museum, black theater, botanical garden, beach clubhouse, and school. It started my journey as a Storyteller who travels to promote the Philippines' culture, arts, and stories.
4. What is in store for participants in The Salaysay Pilipinas, Imus Storytelling Festival?
The SALAYSAY PILIPINAS - Imus Storytelling Festival is the
first-ever event in the City of Imus and perhaps in the CALABARZON Region. I
want the participants to feel and experience what it is like to attend the
International Storytelling Festival.
I intend to inspire, motivate, and challenge those who have the
talent and skills to be oral storytellers in my province by showcasing this
kind of activity. It will likely result in making them interested in the
training program that I am offering for free for now. My long-term plan is to
make the festival a tourist attraction by having it as our annual
gathering.
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