What Keeps Us Alive: Art, Music and Storytelling

Before the Holy Week break, I had the wonderful opportunity to tell stories in two different occassions. The first one was in the Ayala Museum during the Himig Pasasalamat event of the Ayala Foundation to its sponsors, donors and partners. The second one was the opening exhibit of Peek-A-Book at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), where 13 Women Artists and Illustrators showcased their studies and illustrations on the picture books and storybooks they worked on with authors and local publishers. I had a grand time in both events, of course!

My storytelling at the Ayala Foundation thanksgiving ceremony was part and parcel of the main show where the UP Singing Ambassadors serenaded the guest, visitors and partners of the foundation with songs and choral pieces brimming with messages of love and service. In the second part of the UPSA’s program, I told and narrated the success stories of the foundation’s projects and the recipients of the scholarships and people empowerment programs they had. Having done training programs with and for CENTEX, I am a living witness to the inspiring real life stories of the children, teachers, parents and communities that CENTEX have helped and continously helping. 

 That night, I met old friends from the foundation. It was a memorable and meaningful moment for me too. Teacher Car Fernando whom I have worked with numerous training sessions and module writing projects with Centex remains the positive and generous person I have known back in our Sa Aklat Sisikat Days. Cheers to more years of service leadership, Teacher Car!

A few days after, on a Saturday before Palm Sunday, I found myself heading towards Roxas Boulevard. My shoulder was still frozen then, but the pain did not stop me from attending the opening of Peek-A-Book!

In CCP, I had fun reading aloud Habulan (Anvil Publishing, 2016) by Kora Dandan and Beth Doctolero. There were children present in the opening day of Peek-A-Book and the adults who were with them were as eager as they were in participating in the storytelling.

My book, Sparrow Makes A Home (Lampara, 2013) a wordless picture book illustrated by Bernadette Solina-Wolf is part of the art on exhibit. The art works are on display until May 6, 2018. So, if you are in town or in the Roxas Boulevard neighborhood, drop by the CCP to view the art works by 13 leading women book illustrators of this generation. 

There are art workshops and book launches scheduled on Saturday, April 28, 2018. 

Music for a Cause: Songs for ERDA Tech Scholars

Mrs. Alma Rivera-Yu, a former co-teacher in Xavier School sent me her son's letter regarding a campaign for ERDA Tech. Niccolo, a grade 10 student in Hong Kong Academy, is in the process of completing his Personal Project (PP). In an IB school that runs the Middle Years Program, the PP is a required project that will help form skills essential for the next program in the IB Continuum, the Diploma Program. As for Niccolo, he works on what he loves which is music and pushes for a service component to help scholars of ERDA Tech continue their studies.

Here is Niccolo's letter, posted with permission from his parents, and information on how you can help him raise funds for ERDA Tech scholars.

Dear Tita Zarah,            

            I extend a warm greeting to you. I am currently a 10th grade student in Hong Kong Academy. During this period in our academic year, we are assigned to create a personal project. The personal project is a “student’s piece of work that is the product of the student’s own initiative and creativity” (International Baccalaureate). As I reflected on what my personal project would be, I wanted to incorporate both my interests and service learning together so I can enjoy the process and at the same time have the satisfaction of helping others in a significant manner.  Through your help and support, the success of my personal project can go a long way, particularly in lending a helping hand towards individuals who most need it.

            While coming up with an idea or theme on what my personal project was going to revolve around, I thought that music was most suitable. Music has always been a passion of mine. I thought that creating a music album with my five original compositions seemed like a fulfilling concept.  However, considering the purpose and impact my project would have towards others, I thought that a music album in itself would be rather shallow and irrelevant. Adding a service learning aspect would give my product more meaning as this would benefit others who need help the most. As I traveled back to the Philippines to search for a charitable organization I could work with, I stumbled upon a perfect opportunity.

            ERDA (Educational Research and Development Assistance) Tech is an institution that provides technical and vocational secondary education to students that are financially less privileged. The students are taught various technical skills that will allow them to be employable once they graduate. This allows them and their families to help fight the cycle of poverty. However, the students of ERDA Tech fully rely on scholarships. Students receive their education through ERDA Foundation’s efforts of bringing in sponsors to help raise funds for the school. Knowing this, I thought that fusing ERDA and my music album together as one project would result to an astounding idea.

            Selling my music album was the idea I came up with. I decided that all the funds that I generate out of selling my music album will be for the benefit of the students of ERDA Tech. This would provide them a better opportunity to finish their schooling and possibly lead to a better future. I wish that you would support this personal project of mine by purchasing my music album and possibly promote this to other people as well. With your strong support, we can help these children end their hardships and achieve endless possibilities.

       

Thank you very much.

Yours Sincerely,

Niccolo Yu

Grade 10

Hong Kong Academy

Note: The “Order Form” is attached herein and I look forward to your positive reply.  Kindly send in your order form to the following email address:niccolo.yu@student.hkacademy.edu.hk and niccolo_erda@yahoo.com

Ako'y Isang Mabuting Pilipino

Rehabilitation Process

Rico Blanco has a new song, BANGON, for all of us who went through Ondoy.

So he says --

Countless Filipinos have heroically gone out of their way to help our brothers and sisters in this time of need. This is just my humble contribution as a singer and musician. I hope, in my own little way, I can help raise additional funds for our countrymen affected by the typhoons, and perhaps give a little boost to their morale to help them get back on their feet again.

Now, the rehabilitation process begins. Bangon, Pilipinas Kong Mahal!