Tapping into creativity in the face of adversity
With each new day in this coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis comes the latest government action plan or private sector project that aims to alleviate the public health situation. Covid-19 may have single-handedly impacted the world, but it is not strong enough to dampen the creativity and fighting spirit of Filipinos, most especially those in the film and audio-visual (AV) industry.
In these difficult times, we tap into our creative juices to cope with distress and find ways to help those affected by the pandemic.
I have always admired my husband, Ice Seguerra, for his volunteer spirit. From flying on C-130 planes for a medical mission during Yolanda and riding on military trucks to visit evacuation centers during the Marawi siege, to jumping on pump boats to save flooded residents during Ondoy, he is always there to help our less fortunate kababayan. The spirit of doing something for others in times of need is so inspiring to witness, and you can’t help but be inspired to do your part.
Early this year, Ice, together with his former colleagues in government, formed the Volunteer Corps PH (VCP) to “formalize” the spirit of volunteerism in the country. It was just in time before the pandemic hit and it allowed the organization to reach and encourage others to sign up and be their own volunteers. Ready to heed this call to action, those who came out and showed up to give their full support to the cause of aiding the industry include filmmakers Tey Clamor, Aya Topacio, Paolo Villaluna, Dan Villegas, Antoinette Jadaone, Cesca Lee and Rahyan Carlos, and actors Richard Quan, Nadia Montenegro and Kakai Bautista, among others.
Donations in any amount, whether cash, food items, sanitation kits, or personal protective equipment (PPE), are welcomed by Volunteer Corps PH. To date, it has four programs: 3H (Hot Meals for the Heroes and the Homeless), Adopt-A-Family that gives weekly grocery packs, VCP medical mission for children and elderly in remote barangays, and Psychological First Aid Station (PFAS) for those going through mental stress or anxiety because of Covid-19.
Being a professional chef, I volunteered to cook meals for the 3H Program. What started out as an individual effort became a heart-warming family affair. Ice’s mother, Mommy Caring, cooked her delectable chop suey using our vegetable donation from Benguet. Our driver, Kuya Tony, made adobo while our helper Jenelyn cooked rice for 300 persons. Even our 12-year-old daughter, Amara, started her volunteer work by helping Ice and I pack hundreds of meals for frontliners. This was such a bonding moment for us, which made us stronger to face the crisis as one family.
In this time of need, it is comforting to know that volunteerism abounds in the AV industry. Angel Locsin, well-known for her humanitarian efforts especially during disasters, created a donation drive to build isolation tents for hospitals. Bea Alonzo co-founded the I AM HOPE organization with producer Rina Navarro and restaurateur Cathy Binag. She was joined by fellow celebrities like Vhong Navarro in making face shields, donating bedsheets, and cooking hot meals for hospitals.
Marian Rivera, Dingdong Dantes, Judy Ann Santos, Ryan Agoncillo and Pokwang also prepared hot meals and made DIY face shields. Bela Padilla, through GoFundMe, raised P3 million to buy food packs. In the regions, the “John Denver Trending” team held a donation drive for its location in Pandan, Antique. These public figures are driven not just to support those in need but also to use their influence to inspire others to be part of the solution.
The Department of Health and Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), supported by Epicmedia and StraightShooters productions, recently produced “Let’s Heal As One” viral videos to remind everyone about proper health and sanitary measures against Covid-19. Jodi Sta. Maria, Dingdong Dantes, Bela Padilla, JC Santos, Bianca Gonzales and Melai Cantiveros willingly shared their talents for this advocacy. Other viral videos like “We Heal As One,” spearheaded by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, and “We Smile As One” by the Department of Tourism paid tribute to our modern-day heroes—the frontliners.
Online concerts and sessions are also the trend these days. Lea Salonga, Karylle, Ebe Dancel, Gloc-9, Ben&Ben, and Ice are just some of the OPM artists who staged fundraising online concerts. The Lockdown Cinema Club (LCC), which offers films in exchange for monetary donations for low-income film workers, has several online sessions: Q&A Dialogues with filmmakers and actors, 24-Hour Cinema, Cinema ‘76 #KwentuhanLang Sessions with directors like Jerrold Tarog and Mikhail Red, and Lockdown Cinema Club Nights script reading and discussion with JM de Guzman, Angelica Panganiban, and director Antoinette Jadaone. The Lupon ng Pilipinong Sinematograpo collaborated with LCC for the Cinematography Q&A Series with directors of photography such as Dan Villegas, Lee Briones, and Matthew Libatique.
Open House, an online fundraising project for displaced freelancers in the performing arts sector, also holds creative roundtable discussions, live script readings, streamings of selected scenes, and workshops on voice, dance, music and improv. Mr. C (Ryan Cayabyab) served as a mentor for creating Filipino musicales, Audie Gemora taught about song interpretation, and Lisa Macuja-Elizalde held ballet barre classes.
Just last Tuesday, April 14, I conducted the “Olé Flamenco: Introduction to Baile Flamenco” workshop for Open House. It was an absolute blast because I got to channel my inner dancer while encouraging others to learn flamenco for a cause.
The film industry, meanwhile, gained newfound appreciation as more free movies were made available on social media platforms and streaming apps. This proves that Cinema is still our refuge in times of despair. The Philippine Animation Workers Association (PAWA) has a free to watch, pay what you can playlist of Filipino short animated works. Thanks to PAWA, TBA Studios, Regal Films, Viva Films, Star Cinema, Black Sheep, 2076Kolektib, Cinema One and independent companies and filmmakers, the free online streamings gave Filipinos and even some foreign audiences the chance to discover Philippine Cinema gems.
Notes from the Chair is part of the Filipino Champions section of The Sunday Times Magazine published by The Manila Times. Click HERE to view the article on The Manila Times website.
