Marjorie Gorospe
INQUIRER.net

MANILA CITY, Philippines — Most kids at the age of eight are probably busy playing their favorite toys or playmates.

Julian Duque, 8, is unlike those kids. He loves to play but using his little fingers on the violin.

Duque was six years old when he started playing the violin. None of his parents were interested in music. This didn’t stop him from learning the instrument.

At his current age, he can already play classical music from Mozart, among others.

He can also plays medleys that can give one comfort on a stressful day.

Duque’s talent was known when he was chosen to portray the role of a boy named Onyok in the film Boses by Ellen Marfil.

Boses is a finalist in the 2008 Cinemalaya. Through the film, the young lad showed that he also had a knack for acting, as he took on the role of a mute child battered by his father. So it was through music that he finds healing and solace.

Ian Keneth Duque, Julian’s father, admits that it takes greater responsibility to take care of a gifted child.

He says it is a blessing to have a gifted child. But it is also important that the young Duque enjoys his childhood.

The young lad dreams of becoming a pilot someday. But at the moment, the young Duque is preparing for his upcoming competition in National Musical Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA) in 2009.

“Someday, when he can choose which career he wants to pursue, we will let him. But for the meantime, I will guide him as his father,” Duque says.

Marjorie Gorospe
INQUIRER.net

ALTERNATIVE education is the flagship program of Educational Research and Development Assistance (ERDA) Foundation, Inc. It is a response to the growing number of out-of-school youth in the country.

Fr. Pierre Tritz, founder of ERDA Foundation, saw the need to take action on the need to get these young people back to school. Thus he gave up his foreign nationality and acquired Filipino citizenship to continue his mission in the country.

ERDA has started various programs for these young people, including those found scavenging, wondering the streets and indigenous children who disregarded by society.

Seeing that the key to a better future is education, hence, ERDA put up the Tuklas, Kalinga, Laruan, Aralan at Sanayan (TuKLASan) Center for street children in San Juan, Metro Manila and the Sanayan ng mga Batang Nanambakan (SaBaNa) Center for young scavengers in Tondo, Manila.

“We’re glad that the children whom we have granted alternative education do not go back to scavenging anymore,” says Eugenia Celario, program officer of ERDA Sabana.

“The toxics they have to [be exposed to] in the smoky mountain are dangerous to their health,” Celario adds.

As of the moment, the foundation has targeted more than 500 children for its SaBaNa program in Tondo. Their program has produced 258 elementary students, 147 high school students and 11 college students distributed among the three barangays in Tondo.

Celario says SaBaNa provides non-formal education using a module approved by the Department of Education. These students are then required to take an examination and if they pass, they can continue studying without getting embarrassed about their age.

“When [young scavengers] are provided alternative education, most likely, they will not go back to scavenging and they can see that their dreams are not too far from them to reach,” Celario says.

But more than being a cheerful nation, the Philippines is a chosen land, hence, the title, “Lupang Hinirang.”

I remember singing Lupang Hinirang in my elementary years under the heat of the sun every morning in school. Back then, I felt that the national anthem had lost its meaning, as we sang it everyday. Of course, that was before. Today, you will hear the national anthem played in movie theaters before it opens and closes. So it was refreshing to hear a new version of the national anthem complete with new visuals.

For several minutes, I was enthralled, as I saw, for the first time, the recent movie screening of Mae Paner’s Lupang Hinirang at the Rockwell Powerplant Mall.

Here’s the same video uploaded on YouTube:

Advertising executive and director Paner’s interpretation of the Lupang Hinirang hopes to restore the Filipinos’ national pride.

It begins with a young boy walking. With ragged slippers, he paces until he finds a little Philippine flag covered in dust on the ground. He picks it up and shakes off the dust. The boy continues walking, sees an empty flag pole. He moves towards it. Without hesitation, he removes his slippers, places the flag in his pocket and begins climbing it. The boy struggles to climb until he reaches the top. He then takes the flag from his pocket and waves it with a smile and pride. Meanwhile, a slower cadence of Lupang Hinirang played.

I must admit I had goosebumps as I witnessed Paner’s interpretation of Lupang Hinirang.

Watching the public screening of Paner’s Lupang Hinirang are Roadrunner’s Ric Hawthorne and NBN-ZTE controversy star witness Jun Lozada.

Later in an interview, Hawthorne admits Paner’s music video portrays and instills national pride, which should start in every Filipino at a young age.

Lozada was touched by the music video.

“It appeared to me that it was so symbolic [especially with] the flag lying on the ground. Parang ganyan ang nangyayari sa bansa natin ngayon [It is similar to what’s happening in our country now] that national pride and national dignity is being stepped upon by so many of these corrupt officials. Somebody has to pick it up,” Lozada adds.

YOU often see crocheted bags made of threads and yarns. But have you seen one using plastic?

The Invisible Institute, a non-government organization (NGO), is now using plastics as material for their homegrown crocheted bags.

“As we all know, we have many poor women who really need more income generating activities because they have so many people depending on them. What we’ve done is to take those people whom I call ‘invisible’ or ‘unseen’ and put them together with invisible waste, which I consider factory waste,” Invisible Institute founder and artist Ann Wizer said.

The group uses “clean trash and garbage bags” as materials to teach poor women to crochet.

“It’s a very simple skill. And we’re also teaching any men who are willing,” said Wizer.

Crochet is a French term that literally means “hook.” It describes a “series of interlocking loops onto a chain using a slender rod with a hook at the end,” according to CrochetDoilies website.

Wizer began the organization in collaboration with another non-government organization called Gems Heart, which gathered women in Malibay, Pasay in October to train every Tuesday afternoon.

“In this project, I have given very little design advice because I was trying to see what they would come up with themselves first,” said Wizer.

Virgie Buencochillo and Rene Sison, two of the participants in the workshop, related how the program changed the way they eventually see plastic.

Buencochillo, for her part, said she now saves plastic bags from groceries and uses them as materials for crocheted bag. She also uses empty containers as another material.

Sison admitted plastics turned into bags can generate extra income.

“Sometimes, our budget is insufficient since I still have kids who are studying. That’s why I use the money that I get [from this new livelihood] when we’re short of budget,” Sison added.

So far, Sison has created bags out of scrap materials, such as rejected syringe, plastics, excess carpet. He said he has earned about P 4,000. Buencochillo has also finished some bags which has earned her a total of P 1,950.

Sison said crocheted plastic bags are very cheap to make. You don’t need a lot of capital since the materials are junk. Rejected and unused syringes, for instance, cost less than P 100.

“It’s a self-empowering skill,” added Wizer who admitted that the organization still needs funding to hire more experts and staff.

“The next step for the Invisible Institute is to get some design expertise. I love to see more designers and artists involved. We also need funding because we have to make this a real, legal entity and a real cooperative and later run by Filipinos so that they can feel the benefits,” explained Wizer.

TAGUIG CITY, Philippines – A group composed of children of Filipino war veterans continue to fight for the benefits due them.

Joining the celebration of Veteran’s Day at American Cemetery, the Philippine Veterans Legion (Sons and Daughters) (PLV) Laguna Chapter said they will persist on helping beneficiaries of the veterans during the World War II.

The group was established in the 1980s but was only formally recognized last January 30, 2008.

“We aim to unite the sons and daughters of veteran and so together we can combat for our benefits because of the sacrifices of our parents during the war,” said Carmelita Bumatay, president of the PLV Laguna Chapter.

Bumatay recalls her father who served during the World War II.

During the liberation in Laguna, her father, Lt. Jose Rodriguez Sr. was raising the flag not knowing that there were still enemies in the location. He got shot but managed to live. He later died of a disease.

Bumatay now receives pension through the help of US Embassy and her organization but the fight is not over.

“I only had mine but what about the others?” she added.

Bumatay lamented that many people have already forgotten the Filipinos who fought with the American during the World War II. For the relatives of these war veterans, their bravery will never fade.

Many relatives, however, are losing hope in getting the benefit they deserve.

Bumatay said that due to the delay in the processing of benefits, some are falling to fixers who offer to facilitate the processing.

Bumatay advised her fellow beneficiaries not to give up their right and join their organization.

“If not for their sacrifices, our nations will never be free. They are the reason why we can vote peacefully, freely and with excitement actually,” said Kenney who joined the honoring of the war veterans.

Kenney said she appreciated the enduring friendship between Filipino and Americans, as she acknowledged Filipinos who served the Americans during the World War II.

“My grandfather and father is also war veteran,” Kenney said, as she disclosed why this day was also close to her heart.

In an interview with reporters, Kenney shared her excitement about the new government under President-elect Barack Obama.

However, she stressed that she is waiting until January when Obama finally settles into the White House.

“If not for their sacrifices, our nations will never be free. They are the reason why we can vote peacefully, freely and with excitement actually,” said Kenney who joined the honoring of the war veterans.

Kenney said she appreciated the enduring friendship between Filipino and Americans, as she acknowledged Filipinos who served the Americans during the World War II.

“My grandfather and father is also war veteran,” Kenney said, as she disclosed why this day was also close to her heart.

In an interview with reporters, Kenney shared her excitement about the new government under President-elect Barack Obama.

However, she stressed that she is waiting until January when Obama finally settles into the White House.

IT is said that one could find a Filipino in almost every corner of the world. And in a charming little corner in southwest Brittany, France called Quimper, a provincial lass from Mauban, Quezon sparkles.

Quimper pronounced “kem-pair” is a quaint, medieval town with cobbled streets, low flat bridges that cross the river that glides along the impressive Saint-Corentin cathedral.

Half-timbered buildings are festooned with geraniums and chrysanthemums this time of the year. Within this ancient city, the oldest cities in Brittany actually, are ultramodern buildings that blend tunefully with the city’s old world charm. Quimper is a storybook land from the medieval quarter. And this is where Margo Calderero-Palud’s story unfolds.

Down the boulevard of cafés and creperies, and among pottery shops and other tourist attractions is a much loved jewelry store, owned by a humble yet feisty Filipina. In fact, Margo Calderero-Palud heads and runs not just one but three well-known shops in this fabled city, in southwest Breton — Bisoux, which sells high end, fine jewelry pieces, Kisso Kisso, which specializes in the more fun and funky trinkets and charms, and Pilgrim, a jewelry, fashion accessories and fashion store.

Margo’s fairy-tale like story began in 1992, when she married Intercontinental Manila’s celebrated French Executive Chef Michel Palud. After 4 years, the couple flew to France to start their own restaurant, Le Spices. Margo, a University of Santo Tomas Fine Arts graduate and stranger to a foreign land, was determined to support her husband no matter what. And as a dutiful wife and partner, she summoned every fiber in her body to help make their restaurant a success.

Expectedly, Michel was lord of the kitchen, while Margo worked on the concept, interior, packaging, marketing and entertaining. See? She was into multi-tasking even before the word became every career woman’s mantra! So it wasn’t a surprise that in 12 years, Le Spices became a one of the town’s more adored spots. But just when Margo thought that her life would continue its storybook sequence, a chapter suddenly ended! Her husband Michel decided to sell the restaurant and move on to bigger ventures abroad. It was probably the artist in her kicking in, for this time, Margo decided to stay in France instead of joining him. She wanted to etch a name for herself and made a name, she did.

Guided by instinct and thrilled to venture on her own, Margo saw the light when she came across a jewelry store that was for sale. She knocked on their doors but instead of buying it lock, stock, and barrel, she asked the owner if she could work there for a few months to check its profitability. Here’s a great tip from Margo: “When buying a business, don’t take the owner’s word for it. Experience it firsthand, then give your price.”

In three months, the sales of that store doubled! The secret? Surely, it was Margo’s innate charm and her attention to clients’ needs. One can probably add the Filipino’s inherent hospitality into the mix. She explains further, “In the resto, I did my best to know my diners by heart. I knew how they liked their meals cooked, or what time they would come in for their café.” Margo adds, “this attention, I used in the jewelry store, so sales flourished. And because it did, the owner decided not to sell!”

Downcast, she thought of moving back to the Philippines. But she remembered her commitment to succeed in foreign shores. Talk about faith and Fate! Soon after, another jewelry store was up for sale. Margo snapped up the chance. Without missing a beat, she flew home to Mauban, Quezon, sold her property and this time, bought the business lock, stock, and barrel. There was no turning back for this feisty self-proclaimed probinsyana.

Bisoux was born and a new chapter in her exciting life had begun.

The store was a labor of love. Margo painted the walls, assembled the furniture and fixtures herself. She asked suppliers to place their merchandising in her store. The result was a quaint shop where shoppers would walk in, chitchat with this warm Filipina, and walk out with their fine purchases.

Initially, she was into selling certain pieces she got in Manila’s Greenhills tiangge (mini stalls).

Today, she purchases her wares from South Africa, Columbia and Italy. She also attends shows in Hong Kong, Paris and Italy to keep updated with the trends. However, her thrust now is to promote and sell the Philippines’ Pride — golden south sea pearls and indigenous Filipino jewelry to Europe through her stores. Not forgetting her roots and wanting to give back, Margo also initiated a livelihood program for her townsfolk in Mauban.

Tapping on Filipino ingenuity, she created a cottage industry of jewelry pouches from old Barong Tagalogs, and made jewelry hangers from the local woodcraft. And that wasn’t enough. Margo also established the Ninong and Ninang Foundation, to help provide education to Mauban’s children. The mandate is simple: French sponsors adopt a child for a year and provide for his or her education and educational needs. Imagine. She started with 5 kids, now her foundation has sent 32 kids to school this year. Margo knows education is important in shaping children’s young minds. She has two wonderful kids herself, Natalie who is 16 and Christof, aged 20.

So what can be gleaned from Margo’s heartwarming story? That every Filipina who has talent, a strong belief in one’s self, and the determination to make it no matter how big or small the odds, can become successful anywhere in the world. And like Margo Calderero-Palud, sparkle and shine.

But wait! Margo’s love affair with jewelry and the ancient beauty of France isn’t over yet. The next interesting chapter is still being written. And she hopes you won’t miss it.

This article is also published in the Proudly Filipina blog, an online magazine and social network that simulates the warm, intimate and safe environment of bonding with your sisters or best girlfriends. Through a selection of articles on love, sex, hobbies, soulful stories, inspiration, health and wellness, advocacies and women’s issues and that are targeted towards enriching the Pinay’s heart, body and spirit, it’s every Filipina’s virtual coffee-and-cupcake time at the click of a mouse.

Her debut in directing commercials came in 1997 when she came out with “Black and White.” Since then, she has found herself drowned in a career of “selling” soap, political personalities and products appealing to a certain target market.

Paner is a stage actor in the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA). Aside from directing, she has been a commercial talent, appearing in a funny Boysen paint commercial as the nagging mother-in-law to a man painting his home. In the commercial, the nonchalant son-in-law keeps painting the wall white until he decides to paint over Paner who continues nagging him.

For years, Paner thought she was doing okay with her chosen career as an artist until she saw Rodolfo Noel Lozada, Jr.’s expose on the controversial National Broadband Network project during a Senate investigation.

“I was crying as I watched him. I felt so sad knowing that this is how terrible corruption is in our country,” Paner said. She realized that as an artist, she must do something to promote love for country because the greed for power and money is rooted in the lack of love for country.

Paner later invited her friends to join her in an advocacy but very few responded. This did not stop her. She and some friends eventually formed a group called “Convergence Team,” whose objective is to promote nation building through art. The group also hopes to encourage good governance.

The group eventually came up with a modern and inspiring music video of the Philippine National Anthem, “Lupang Hinirang,” which practically slowed down the way the anthem was sang from its usual 4/4 cadence to a slower, heartfelt beat.

Paner directed the video. She also got the Loboc children’s choir conducted by Alma Taldo to sing the national anthem.

While it may sound cliché, Paner believes that the children are the country’s future.

Not surprising, the music video of the Lupang Hinirang features a child.

The music video is simple: it shows a child walking and eventually finding a little Philippine flag on the ground. Next, the kid starts climbing a flag pole, and towards the end of the anthem, plants the little flag on top of the flag pole.

“What will a kid do when he sees a flag on the ground?” asked Paner.

In the music video, Paner shows that children who symbolize innocence will take and clean the flag. But it goes beyond that, as the child makes an effort to put the flag where it belongs.

The kid’s presence in the music conveys innocence and pure intention.

If only Filipinos would also show such love for the country, then we can all move forward as a nation, Paner said.

“I am done with selling political ads and products, now I want to sell our nation,” she added.

Indeed, incorporating social values is a rare practice in profit-oriented businesses.

Paner suggests companies should also help in nation building.

The Lupang Hinirang music video has so far been getting positive responses from people. Paner said her group is thinking of more and similar projects in the future. One problem they have encountered is delay in production due to tight budgets.

For now, the group is using the Internet to spread the music video. People has already found their music video on YouTube.

Due to his persistent desire to learn, he volunteered to be an assistant to a magician for free. In return, he was taught how to be one until finally he has polished the craft.

Samson was eventually known for combining sleight of hand with charm, making sure he maintains rapport with his audience.

Samson is one of the founding members of Inner Magic Club of the Philippines. It is one of the pioneering clubs of magicians in the country.

In an interview, Samson says that he has gotten used to skeptical audience. One trick he has learned is to invite these skeptics and make them as part the show.

I later asked him how has magic evolved as a form of entertainment in the Philippines.

“We are glad that people now recognize magic as a form of entertainment, apart from the usual sing and dance numbers you see in different occasions,” Samson says.

He recalls back then that magicians called up media to perform to get free exposure. Today, they are getting invited to perform along with celebrities.

As a magician in the Philippines, Samson hopes to perform magic just like David Copperfield.

“If only we have sponsors like him, we can also perform as he does. His performances need a lot of support like from engineering and all,” Samson added.

I then asked him what traits an aspirant magician must have.

“First is interest in magic. Patience is also one because you cannot learn it overnight. But most of all, practice, practice and practice,” Samson says.

As we concluded our conversation, Samson defined magic as a therapy for his audience.

“In just few minutes, you make your audience think how magic happens and help them forget their problems for a while,” he says.

But one thing I learned: magic will never be magic if magicians disclosed their secrets. If they do, magic will lose its mystery.