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Leaps of faith (1)
By Katrizha Caye I. De Leon A cup of achievements, a dash of some challenges, and equal parts of motivation and setbacks — no one person knows the recipe to success. In the pursuit of legacy, people scramble every day to search for a path. With no manual around, most settle to work towards the little goals not knowing the chances of succeeding or failing. Every step taken brings one closer to achieving success. With this, many are asking: How do you spell success? One giant leap In his book “Batong Bahay,” Clarence Batan said: “Kung hindi ako matapang na nagdesisyon, siguro hanggang ngayon, ang Batong Bahay ay isang pangarap lamang (If I were not brave enough to decide, Batong Bahay would remain a dream).” Success is defined as accomplishing an aim or purpose; the first step is vital to the outcome. Eloisa Veloira, a senior fire officer, went through the long and hard way to take that step and realize her true calling. Behind her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education was the path she was afraid to take — that was to enter the Philippine National Police Academy. Veloira instead took a detour carrying her love for children and a longing for her loved ones. Filled with the hope that all the signs pointed her to the right career path, Veloira pursued the Education course. But despite her love for kids and the satisfaction of teaching, the full-time job takes all of Veloira’s time. “Even at home, I am working. There was an instance when I even brought papers to check to a team-building event, and while others were busy doing activities, I was busy checking them,” she said. The pay wasn’t better for the 34-year-old MAPEH teacher supporting her family. “I remembered crying before my father because we had the same salary even though I had my bachelor’s degree and he didn’t finish his studies,” Veloira said. Veloira deeply cares for her students; touching their lives is something she will carry throughout her lifetime. She had no regrets about pursuing Education despite the hardships. But she has realized that staying on this path might ultimately lead to losing herself and her passion for the profession. “I was issued an administrative warning due to an incident that occurred when I filled in for a co-teacher. I was confused when they sided with the parents. Even in parent-teacher conferences, some of [the parents] act like they own us and I thought to myself, ‘Is it worth it to feel like this with such a low salary?’” Veloira said. After her two-year stint in teaching, Veloira took the leap to return to the dream she had once left behind. Veloira suffered a bad fall from the proverbial leap and was unemployed for a year. But hard work pays off. After several rejections, Veloira got back on track after being accepted at the Bureau of Fire and Protection, a profession far from what she had initially pursued. Six months of rigorous training proved fruitful for Veloira; she was assigned to the San Juan City Fire Station in January 2014. Ironically, she couldn’t escape teaching altogether but had no plans to escape this time. “Throughout the journey, my patience was tested. Being a teacher became a stepping stone and until now, I can apply teaching strategies as a fire safety educator,” Veloira said. From setbacks, detours, and giant leaps of faith, Veloira emphasizes that success is not just a choice but a responsibility. “To the people like me, do what you want, pursue your passion. Don’t doubt your abilities,” she said. “At the same time, remember the responsibility it entails, so whatever your choice is, have conviction.” The post Leaps of faith (1) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
India brings Jataka Tales to Filipino children
MANILA - Seeking closer cultural ties with the Philippines, India reintroduces to Manila the Jataka Tales, the oldest and best known Indian literature featuring the Buddha in different forms until he attained enlightenment, this time in the form of a podcast, free of charge.The Indian Embass.....»»
Etopia Kids brings science, art and technology closer to children in their urban neighborhoods
Economics and Innovation Consultant Carmen Herart during her visit to Utopia. Miguel J Etopia The youngest member of the family has acquired the Zaragoza Center.....»»
Xdinary Heroes make ‘extraordinary’ concert in Manila
Members of the South Korean rock band Xdinary Heroes showed that they were no ordinary musicians during their first world tour, “Break The Brake” last March 23 at the New Frontier Theater......»»
Vina Morales wants to do more theater after Broadway stint, plans moving to U.S.
Vina Morales shared that she’s currently working on her Green Card with sister Shaina Magdayao, which will enable them to live and work permanently in the US......»»
Acciona advocates water conservation
Acciona, a global sustainable infrastructure company, recently launched its water conservation campaign to raise awareness among young children and empower them to become stewards of the vital resource......»»
PSA brings services closer to the people of Tolosa, Leyte
The Philippine Statistics Authority Regional Statistical Services Office (RSSO) VIII in collaboration with PSA Leyte, serve the people of Tolosa, Leyte during the recently concluded “Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair” (BPSF) held in Visayas State University last 23-24 September 2023......»»
‘One More Chance’ reincarnated as musical
Musical theater is booming. Pinoys are not lacking for shows to watch anymore......»»
Miss Saigon co-creator praises musical s Philippine connections
Claude-Michel Schönberg is back in the country to witness the comeback of "Miss Saigon," which has close ties to the Philippines because of all the Filipino actors who took part in its numerous stagings, beginning with theater legend Lea Salonga......»»
Super health center brings healthcare services closer to far-flung barangays of Nueva Valencia
Super health center brings healthcare services closer to far-flung barangays of Nueva Valencia.....»»
CitySavings Brings Banking Services Closer Through Bank-on-Wheels
Advocating for financial inclusion, City Savings Bank (CitySavings), the thrift bank subsidiary of Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), debuts its groundbreaking Bank-on-Wheels (BOW) mobile kiosk. The BOW services underserved regions in the Visayas and Mindanao and designated areas in Metro Manila. The Bank-on-Wheels mobile kiosk in collaboration with UnionBank, features services such as […].....»»
The Pros and Cons of Games of Chance and Sportsbooks
In recent years, the rise of online gambling platforms has transformed the gaming and betting industry. With the convenience of technology, online casinos and sportsbooks have become increasingly popular among enthusiasts worldwide. However, this trend brings forth a spectrum of advantages and disadvantages that warrant a closer examination. This article, created by OKBet online casino […] The post The Pros and Cons of Games of Chance and Sportsbooks appeared first on Kagay An......»»
Samante: Parent s crucial role in sports
Engaging in sports is more than just physical activity; it is a comprehensive experience that shapes character, instills discipline, and fosters valuable life skills. While coaches and teammates play vital roles, parents also have a crucial role to play in their children's athletic journeys. Commitment is one of the key aspects of effective parental involvement in sports. Parents are their child's first and most influential role models, and when they demonstrate commitment to their child's sports activities, it sends a powerful message about the importance of dedication and hard work. This helps children internalize these values and apply them in sports and other aspects of their lives. Building a strong foundation for success in sports requires commitment from parents. Committed parents create a stable and encouraging environment by attending practices, cheering from the sidelines during games, and supporting their child through victories and defeats. This stability is crucial for a child's emotional well-being and overall enjoyment of the sport. Sports often require long-term commitment to see significant improvement and success, and parents who prioritize consistency by ensuring their child attends practices, maintains a healthy lifestyle, and stays focused on their goals contribute to instilling discipline and a strong work ethic. Consistent commitment from parents also helps children understand the value of perseverance and the rewards it brings. While success and achievement.....»»
Philracom stages expo at Sta. Lucia East
The Philippine Racing Commission brings the horseracing industry closer to the public with the holding of the second Philippine Horseracing and Breeding Expo from Nov. 14 to 16 at the Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall in Cainta......»»
Three times the funin Eastwood City township
The country’s friendliest global indoor multi-activity park from Finland opens in Megaworld’s 18.5-hectare Eastwood City township in Quezon City. The new SuperPark Philippines brings a plethora of fun from three themed zones and wows visitors with 21 high-energy activities that people of all ages will enjoy. Megaworld Corporation, through its subsidiary MegaPark Philippines, Inc., has collaborated with SuperPark for the exclusive license of two global multi-activity establishments in Metro Manila. “We are thrilled to open the doors of SuperPark Philippines and share the joy and adventure that SuperPark is known for worldwide. Megaworld Lifestyle Malls has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life, representing our commitment to creating a world where everyone can experience the joy of movement and play,” shared Juha Tanskanen, chief executive officer of SuperPark LTD. An unparalleled experience for thrill-seekers, sports enthusiasts and families looking for a day of fun and adventure awaits at the fourth level of Eastwood Mall in Quezon City and soon in McKinley Hills in Taguig City. Known as the world’s friendliest activity park, this dynamic facility will present a diverse range of synergetic world-class activities tailored to individuals of all ages and fitness. “We are excited to introduce a new dimension of entertainment to our valued patrons at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls. SuperPark Philippines is set to be a flagship attraction at Eastwood City, providing a dynamic space for Filipinos to bond, play and create unforgettable memories,” Graham Coates, head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls shared. Thematic zones The ADVENTURE AREA provides a play haven for kids and their parents, featuring a multi-story playground — with climbing structures and obstacles, a toddler’s ball game and a digital wall. The zone promotes an active playstyle with visitors having the option to go for TapWall, FunBall or Sliding Mountain. Participants will be tested on their reaction speed, memory power and coordination in TapWall. For free-spirited fun, the FREESTYLE HALL awaits, sharing a mission of promoting health, happiness and a vibrant fitness culture. Guests can run around, jump into trampolines complete with a giant airbag, immerse themselves in mixed-reality games and scale digital climbing walls. The professional-grade trampoline airbag is safer and more hygienic than the usual foam pit. Try the Valo Jump, which comes complete with digital sensors and allows guests to bounce with plenty of missions and never-ending fun. Enjoy the Bagjump and Augmented wall climbing for some Augmented Reality fun. Patrons can engage in sports-themed activities and unique freeform mixed-reality games with digital twist parkour experiences in the GAME ARENA. The themed activities are fully augmented to focus on enhancing motor skills, improving balance and agility, and boosting stamina. The zone with the most number of activities and attractions boasts exciting stations that include: Iwall, Superball, Sub Soccer, Hot Stepper, Street Soccer, Skill Hoop, Table Soccer, Air Hockey, Cyclobeat, Super Dash, Valo Arena and Sissy Fox, Super Pinball and Street Game Court, among others. Since 2012, it has captivated audiences from Finland and became globally acclaimed in 2017. With Finnish roots influencing its approach, SuperPark values delivering joy through active play, fostering social interaction, prioritizing inclusivity, blending digital with physical movement, investing in research, embracing their Finnish heritage and believing in the power of joyful play. Creating safe, high-quality venues brimming with fun and activity across Asia and Europe, has made SuperPark a sought-after destination for corporate team-building events, recreational activities and celebrations. It’s not just any global indoor multi-activity park, SuperPark strives to bring endless smiles, laughter and “all-you-can-play” activities to all birthday heroes and their guests. A minimum of 15 people are needed for such bookings with the friendliest indoor park. SuperPark is one with the world to celebrate the most exciting season of the year — Christmas! SuperPark is ready to provide a perfect venue for super Christmas parties, super valuable bonding and get-together experiences. The park is uniquely facilitated for a SuperTeam Building. The activities also come with a SuperSquad Challenge where teams can decide the sequence of the tasks they wish to complete. Guests can book tickets and prepare for all-out fun via the SuperPark website or pay over the counter upon arrival at the park’s reception area. Tickets come in affordable packages with Junior Tickets available for P200 all days of the week. Adults who wish to partake in the fun activities have a weekday rate of P650 from Monday to Thursday, and a “Superday” rate of P750 from Friday to Sunday. Special grip socks that are needed inside the venue are sold at P75 per pair. The friendliest indoor activity park is also open daily during mall hours. Customers can also follow SuperPark on Facebook or Instagram for more information and to avail of special promos. The post Three times the funin Eastwood City township appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Message of PM Anwar Ibrahim
Crisis brings out the best and the worst in man. It reveals his true persona behind the façade of photo-shopped and public relations-created images. Amidst the Israel-Hamas war, former president Rodrigo Duterte outrageously advised Israel President Benjamin Netanyahu to make “Gaza the world’s biggest cemetery.” And just recently, our ambassador to the United Kingdom twitted on social media (taken down later) that “Palestinian children should be killed . . .” These comments went viral among Moro netizens who unleashed a barrage of angry libelous words against the source. Now, juxtapose this with the public statements by regional leaders about the crisis. And from the gallery of regional statesmen, I pick Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’Seri Anwar Ibrahim whose poignant messages earned the praise of not a few, including non-Muslims. The reaction of these leaders betrays the dichotomy of opinions along religious lines. The Muslim countries, true to their affiliation with the Muslim Palestinians, as members of the World Brotherhood of Muslims or “Ummah Islamiyyah” stood should-to-shoulder with the Palestinians. On the flip side are the non-Muslims led by the United States which condemned the 7 October surprise attack by Hamas on Israel. The world is now on edge because of the strong words of revenge of rightist President Benjamin Netanyahu using the world media stage for his threats of annihilation and cutting off of basic supplies of food, medicines, water, electricity, and fuel to the Palestinians of the Muslim City of Gaza. According to jurists, these are crimes against International Humanitarian Law and other UN covenants and Geneva Conventions. And they claim that while Israel has the right to defend itself, that is not a license to commit genocide. Prime Minister Ibrahim stood tall among Muslim leaders in expressing the sentiment of his government. He had been vocal at every turn of the crisis. He must have had a premonition of the impending catastrophe. His eloquent speech before the United Nations General Assembly on 22 September, which in my book is in the same league as the “What it means to be a Muslim” speech of King Abdullah of Jordan, has earned praise from many observers. He said, “In the Middle East, the politics of dispossession continues with a vengeance with more illegal settlements being built, stripping Palestinians of land that rightfully belongs to them. This constitutes a gross violation of international law. It also poses an insurmountable obstacle to a two-state solution, not to mention the continued killings. There is also flagrant hypocrisy in dealing with the issue of Palestine. The international community must speak up against the atrocities committed towards the Palestinians even as they so vehemently speak out against human rights violations, injustice, and abusive regimes.” When the war broke out on 7 October, one of the countries that reacted immediately was Malaysia. PM Ibrahim issued a statement expressing his country’s solidarity with the struggles of the Palestinians and reiterated his indictment of the international community for its “one-sided actions regarding . . . cruelty and oppression against the Palestinians. The confiscation of land and property belonging to the Palestinian people . . . done relentlessly by the Zionists.” After the bombing of the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, which killed more than 500 innocent civilians, PM Ibrahim described it as being “on an insane and inhumane level. What is most regrettable is that Western countries, which speak about human rights, seem to differentiate between peoples, with some considered first-class and others as subordinates.” PM Ibrahim knows how geopolitics works. There will be consequences for standing up against the position of the world powers, the US and Europe, which had expressed total support for Israel. There might be a price to pay. Economic, trade, and political relationships might be put in jeopardy. But the Islam in him outweighed other interests. And for that, Muslims salute him. We are proud to belong to the Malay race. amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com The post Message of PM Anwar Ibrahim appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hamas’ direct order: Attack civilians
Hamas terrorists who raided southern Israel were given explicit orders to pillage, kill, and take hostages, including seizing the elderly, women, and children, an interrogation of captured gunmen revealed. A joint announcement by the Israel Securities Authority and the Israel Police said Hamas terrorists from the Nukhba Unit who took an active part in the massacre on 7 October were questioned. The terrorists made statements indicating the intent of the terror leaders and the marauders: • “Whoever kidnaps a hostage and brings them to Gaza gets a stipend of $10,000 and an apartment;” • “The instructions were to kidnap elderly women and children;” • “Cleanse the houses, and kidnap as many prisoners as possible;” • “Her dog came out, I shot him;” • “We took a 15-year-old girl, took a selfie with her;” • “Her body was lying on the floor, I shot her. The commander yelled at me, said I was wasting bullets on a corpse,” and • “We finished, then we burned 2 houses.” In the recordings of the interrogation, the main points that came up repeatedly were that the senior commanders of the military wing of Hamas, of company commander rank and above, stayed behind, protecting themselves in safe houses, while they sent their people to fight, die or be arrested in Israel. In the ISA investigations, terrorists provided detailed information on the morning of the raid and the massacre, including information used to attack targets in the Gaza Strip. In the joint statement, the security forces of Israel ensured the settling of all accounts with terrorists who participated in “the massacre on 7/10.” 120 OFWs going home Meanwhile, 120 Filipinos working in Israel have requested the government’s help to return to the Philippines. Department of Migrant Workers officer-in-charge Hans Leo Cacdac said the agency is processing the repatriation requests. “When I say process, we are calling them twice or thrice to make sure that they really want to go home. Second, we are ensuring that they’ve finished their contracts and that they’re really scheduled to go home,” Cacdac said. “As for the others, we make sure that their separation from their employers was okay and that there was no job abandonment,” he added. Jing Villamente The post Hamas’ direct order: Attack civilians appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Spotify, PPOPCON driving global appetite for P-pop
In the past five years, the P-Pop genre has experienced remarkable growth, captivating audiences with its impressive visual cues, coupled with infectious beats and compelling narratives. From PPOPCON captivating audiences two years in a row to Spotify driving an over 800-percent increase in daily P-Pop streams since 2018, the genre is fast becoming a global genre to watch. According to Blackstar Entertainment, producer of PPOPCON Manila 2023, and PPOPCON executive director Jon Pinto, “The success of PPOPCON 2023 and growth of the P-Pop community has been overwhelming, and together with Spotify, the future holds endless possibilities for P-Pop music for the rest of the year.” With more than 9,000 attendees at PPOPCON 2023, Spotify continues to see the appetite for more of the genre all year round. The especially curated P-Pop On The Rise playlist witnessed a 36-percent surge in streams, connecting artists with fans and enabling music discovery. [caption id="attachment_200891" align="aligncenter" width="306"] THE growth of the P-pop community has been overwhelming the past years, with fans from all ages. | Photographs courtesy of Spotify[/caption] Attendees to the event were also treated to exclusive Spotify online content and exciting on-ground activities that made them feel closer to their P-Pop idols. The phenomenal growth of P-Pop is a testament to the talent and dedication of Filipino artists. Leading the pack is SB19, whose powerful vocals and show-stopping performances have earned them over 2.7 million monthly streams on Spotify. Joining the ranks of top talents for 2023 are RADAR artists ALAMAT, BINI and RADAR alumni BGYO. Solo acts like FELIP, Josh Cullen and PABLO are also making waves. Emerging P-Pop artists KAIA, VXON and G22 add to the list of promising acts, leading to an impressive 250-percent increase in streams on Spotify since early this year. SB19’s track “GENTO” has now surpassed 46 million streams on Spotify. Other notable tracks gaining traction on the platform include G22’s BANG and “Maharani” by Alamat, and “Wild Tonight” by Josh Cullen. The post Spotify, PPOPCON driving global appetite for P-pop appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Millions of children affected by climate disasters – UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund warned on Thursday that weather disasters brought on by climate change caused 43.1 million child displacements between 2016 and 2021 and criticized the lack of attention given to the victims. Co-Author Laura Healy told American for Prosperity, or AFP, that the data only indicated the “tip of the iceberg,” with many more possibly affected, in comprehensive research on the subject that included the heartbreaking stories of some children affected. Khalid Abdul Azim, a child from Sudan, recalls his terrible experience in a flooded village that can only be reached by boat. "We moved our belongings to the highway, where we lived for weeks," he said. In 2017, sisters Mia and Maia Bravo watched flames engulf their trailer in California from the back of the family minivan. "I was afraid, in shock," Maia said. Statistics on internal displacements caused by climate disasters generally do not account for the victim’s age. The Internal Displacement Monitoring Center, a non-governmental organization, and UNICEF collaborated to analyze the data and uncover the hidden toll for children. Four types of climate disaster (floods, storms, droughts, and wildfire) has led to 43.1 million child displacements in 44 countries in which frequency of the said disasters has increased during global warming, the report says. Ninety-five percent of those displacements were caused by floods and storms. “It’s equivalent of about 20,000 child displacements every day,” Healy lamented on AFP highlighting how the afflicted children are then at risk of suffering other traumas, such as being torn away from their parents or being the prey of child traffickers. As one child may be uprooted more than once, the numbers reflect the number of displacements rather than the number of children affected. The number of displaced people as a result of drought is “radically underreported,” according to Healy because they are less abrupt and hence harder to measure. This is just the tip of the iceberg based on the available data that we have," she said. "The reality is with the impacts of climate change, or better tracking of displacement when it comes to slow onset events, that the number of children who are uprooted from their homes is going to be much greater." Healy added. UNICEF Report Reveals Alarming Predictions for Child Displacements Due to Climate Events In a recently released UNICEF report, startling forecasts have been unveiled for specific climate-related events. According to the report, the next three decades could witness a staggering 96 million child displacements due to flooding caused by overflowing rivers. Additionally, cyclonic winds are projected to force 10.3 million child displacements, while storm surges may result in 7.2 million displacements. It's worth noting that these estimates do not factor in preventive evacuation measures, raising concerns about the potential scale of displacement. UNICEF's Executive Director, Catherine Russell, emphasized the profound impact on those compelled to flee, including the fear of an uncertain return, disruptions to education, and the possibility of further relocations. Russell stressed that while migration may save lives, it also brings significant upheaval and challenges. "As the impacts of climate change escalate, so too will climate-driven movement. We have the tools and knowledge to respond to this escalating challenge for children, but we are acting far too slowly." She added. At the COP28 climate summit in Dubai in November and December, UNICEF urged world leaders to take up the climate issue. According to Healy, children, particularly those who have already been compelled to move must be prepared “to live in a climate change world”. While the effects of climate change are spreading across large portions of the planet, the UNICEF report highlights some of the most susceptible nations. The biggest number of displaced people (almost 23 million in six years) occurred in China, India, and the Philippines because of their massive populations, strategic positions, and precautionary evacuation measures. However, in proportional terms, Africa and small island states are most at risk; in Dominica, 76 percent of all children were uprooted between 2016 and 2021. More than 30 percent of the said amount went to Saint Martin and Cuba. The post Millions of children affected by climate disasters – UNICEF appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Anak Datu’ opens a rush of truth from ripples of trauma
A year after it premiered, Anak Datu is returning to the stage, opening the 37th season of Tanghalang Pilipino, the resident theater company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. When it debuted, it immediately became a landmark production in several ways. It was one of the first plays to be mounted with a live audience after the lockdowns and restrictions of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and 2021. And it was the first play to be staged at the newly opened CCP Black Box Theater or Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez. Anak Datu is one of the few plays on the Tausug and Moro people and cultures of Mindanao, portrayed with marked sensitivity and apparent diligence. It was lauded by critics and audiences, with former Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo as one of the prominent people who trooped to CCP to watch the play on 1 October 2022. The play went on to win six awards at the 13th Gawad Buhay and five at the 35th Aliw Awards. [caption id="attachment_192618" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] the tausug pangalay dance is incorporated into the play.[/caption] Fine-tuned production Despite the accolades and being one of the most important theatrical events in 2022, the play was faulted by some for what was seen as its confusing storytelling, its shifts in timeline and milieus, and the cumbersome sets. The second staging afforded the creative team the opportunity to fine-tune these and other aspects of the production. According to director Chris Millado, former CCP vice president and artistic director, they were able to make the storytelling clearer and supply an elevated platform to make the designs of the light projections more visible. For Dennis N. Marasigan, current CCP vice president and artistic director, “[o]n its rerun, Tanghalang Pilipino's Anak Datu is tighter, its storytelling and technical aspects clearer and crisper, and its staging even more affecting, effectively overlaying story, myth and history.” The restaging marks another milestone in the journey of the play, which started in 2018 from talks that artist Toym Imao, son of the late National Artist for visual arts Abdulmari Asia Imao, had with Millado and veteran actor and TP artistic director Fernando “Nanding” Josef about making a stage adaptation of the elder Imao’s short story for children, written in 1968, the year Toym was born. The team recruited award-winning playwright Rody Vera to write the script. The plan became more concrete when Josef decided to make the project TP’s first original play after the pandemic lockdowns. By then, the play has evolved into something larger than the original story. Serving as Anak Datu’s set designer, Imao recalled the anxieties they felt during the first stages of production, especially the prospect of one of them getting sick and shutting down the show. “But we were able to tell an essential story that was important, especially for a nation that was coming out of the devastating election of May 2022 for a lot of people. It is something important for us na nakapagkuwento kami (we were able to tell a story),” he said. [caption id="attachment_192619" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Ramli Abdurahim as the pirate Jikiran.[/caption] Three stories Anak Datu tells three stories — Toym’s childhood with his father (Paul Jake Paule) and mother, Grace de Leon (Toni Go-Yadao); his father’s short story; and the recent history of his father’s people, the Muslim Tausug in Sulu Archipelago and the Moro, the collective Muslim ethnic groups, of Mindanao. The Imao family portion shows Toymie (Carlos Dala) growing up with Voltes V and other preoccupations of middle-class children in Metro Manila. Then there is the story of the disputed 1968 Jabidah Massacre, told through Jibin Arula (Gie Onida), the lone survivor — how young Tausug men, mostly illiterate, were recruited by the military, transferred to Corregidor and then massacred upon the discovery of a suspicious plot. Also dramatized is the 1974 Palimbang Massacre, in which the military allegedly murdered more a thousand Moro men inside the Malisbong masjid in the province of Sultan Kudarat, while 3,000 women and children were detained and about 300 homes were burned down. These incidents were said to have sparked the conflicts and armed struggle in Mindanao that would scar the region for decades. Along with the contemporary scenes is the retelling of the short story Anak Datu, set in a pre-colonial time and rendered in mythical mode, combining both the familial and the tragic. The Tausug village of datu Karim (Hassanain Magarang) and his wife Putli Loling (Tex Ordoñez-De Leon and Lhorvie Nuevo) is attacked by pirates, led by Jikiran (Ramli Abdurahim), who kidnaps the pregnant Putli Loling. She gives birth to Karim, who grows up knowing Jikiran as his father but later learns the truth. [caption id="attachment_192620" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Artist Toym Imao taking a picture with the cast and creative team.[/caption] Graceful movements All throughout, the play shifts among these threads of stories, each one compelling and multi-layered. Counterbalancing the oral storytelling is the dramatization through graceful movements, choregraphed by Magarang using the pangalay or Tausug traditional dance, a shared art form with the Yakan (pamansak) and Sama (igal) peoples, thus rendering the stories more visual and adding allure and distinctive cultural flavor to the play. The dances are accompanied by a live kulintangan or gong ensemble. The stark interiors of the theater come alive and burst with colors courtesy of the lighting by Katsch Catoy and projection design of GA Fallarme, who uses Abdulmari Imao’s paintings and traditional Tausug and Meranaw motifs such as the okir as inspirations. Toym’s set pieces are highly movable to keep up with the constant shifts in storytelling, and the bigger ones are like art installations, contributing to the visual richness of the production. Harnessing memory, myth and history, Anak Datu is able to weave its stories into an enthralling whole, establishing interconnectedness and consolidating the story of a person, a family and a community into the very story of a nation, like three or more streams converging into a great river. Tanghalang Pilipino’s Anak Datu runs 29 September to 15 October at Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater). The post ‘Anak Datu’ opens a rush of truth from ripples of trauma appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»