Batang Sining 2012

Day 3, 4 and 5 of CCP Batang Sining at Mauban Quezon

On the third day of Batang Sining, my camera had a major, major accident and I could no longer transfer photos to the MacBook. Good thing I have my iPod ready to capture those moments of learning and discovery. I have uploaded most of the photos in my FB account so I'll just breeze through highlights of the remaining three days of the workshop.

CCP Batang Sining was made possible by Mauban's Tourism Office with the support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the Department of Education and the local government of Mauban, Quezon. Super thanks to Ms. Anie Calleja, tourism officer and a true blue Maubanin, for making this possible. It was a memorable experience for me. I was with great company - Hermie Beltran, Bing Tresvalles and, friend and colleague (in the writing industry that is) Luis "Tito Dok" Gatmaitan were all experienced Batang Sining facilitators and speakers. The participants were amazing! They were naturally talented, spontaneous and very sincere! I learned a lot from their use of the Filipino language. Maubanins have, in fact, their own Tagalog-English Dictionary. The town is situated at the edge of Quezon province but they have a rich culture to call their own.

Day three and four activities consisted of puppetry, buri weaving, book making,  human art activity and storytelling. On the fifth day, participants practiced on their group presentations for the culminating activity in the afternoon. It was a fruitful and fun workshop indeed! 

Here are photos and stories on the last three days of the CCP Batang Sining workshop.

Teacher Isa concentrates on the illustrations of the book she is making. I think, this was the most challenging activity since it involved several cognitive skills at the same time. But the teachers delivered and much to our delight, a good number of teacher made books discussed the culture and traditions of Mauban. Mayor Dingdong Llamas was impressed when he saw these books on display during the culminating activity.

Teachers gamely sculpted their way into living and breathing human sculptures. They worked in pairs in the first round and then in groups. We had to emphasize the relevance of this art form as a visual art. More than trust and confidence at the hands of the sculptor there are basic concepts to consider when making this art form. Balance, synchronicity and concept. Then again, Filipinos in general are natural storytellers. Their art works have stories to tell.

We know about tandem telling, right? Here's a trio reading aloud Luis Gatmaitan's book on pregnancy and anticipation of a sibling. Naku, May Baby sa Tiyan ni Mommy was illustrated by Pepper Roxas.

One of the puppet shows I loved during the workshop was Unang Araw sa Eskwelahan by Group Alis-is. It tells of the first day experience of children in school. The puppets were made by teachers and they wrote a script for the show. The group was proclaimed one of the top four puppet shows so they had the opportunity to regale the mayor who watched the whole event from start to finish!

Here are two panel boards that display and showcase the art works, puppets and books made by the teachers. Hopefully, the teachers will be able to infuse their craft with more art and aesthetics as well as, use the art techniques we shared in the classroom.

The very supportive mayor of Mauban, Mayor Dingdong Llamas. He was never short of good things to say to his constituents, to us, guests and visitors and to his staff who worked hard to make the CCP Batang Sining a success! More power to Mauban! More power to all Maubanins!

Batang Sining Day 2 - Tableau, Puppetry and Music Art

SMART Network in Mauban, Quezon is a big disappointment. The signal is so slow I could not post photos of the CCP Batang Sining workshop. I could still blog though, so I should still be thankful.

Day 2 of the workshop had been a combination of visual and performing arts. Teachers were game in the tableau-dramatization activity and were so engrossed in making their very own puppets out of recycled materials. After lunch, they followed their feelings and gut feel by doing art work on illustration board. Thanks to music! The teachers produced abstract art ala Picaso.

Towards the end of the afternoon, teachers were practicing their puppet show presentations for tomorrow. Needless to say, they had fun! Art is magic! 

Live Blogging: Batang Sining - Group Games & T-shirt Art (Day 1)

Right after the ceremonial opening of Batang Sining, Luis and I moved to unlock the meaning of Batang Sining so that teachers could further connect their context on the workshop's objectives. We then explained the many benefits of arts and culture; how it can enrich teaching strategies;  transform one's self confidence; and build character. Hopefully, they would be able to pass on to their students the many activities designed for creative expression.

To perk up the big group, we did some group dynamics that allowed participants to speak and know each other. When we asked for volunteers to share, five teachers eagerly went to the stage and shared! Now, the teachers are working on their t-shirt art activity.

The activity prompts them to describe themselves and their qualities that they are proud of. They are making designs on the shirt that highlight their talents and hobbies. They're all engaged! It's snack time but they would not leave their working tables. Later, we will ask them to present their work of art! 

Live Blogging: CCP Batang Sining @ Mauban Quezon 2011

The opening ceremony of CCP's Batang Sining (Child of Art and Culture) at Mauban, Quezon has begun. Mayor Fernando Q. Llamas has given his opening remarks and now, Mr. Hermie Beltran is giving an introduction on cultural identity and the brief history of Batang Sining. Dr. Luis Gatmaitan MD is the lead facilitator while I will be the assisting facilitator of the week long arts and culture workshop. 

This year, the workshop is focused on creative expression in the visual and performing arts as well as literature. In previous years, children age 8 and above attend the workshop. This time around, CCP and the local government unit (LGU) of Mauban, Quezon decided to have a creative expression workshop for teachers. This way, teachers who care and look after children will be first hand models of creative expression and will initiate the continuous development of the creative process.

Ms. Anie Calleja, Tourism officer has been the most generous and accommodating host. She made sure that we're well fed and happy. She introduced us to the mayor and stakeholders of the town. Will blog more on the events and activities of the day.