Last day...... 5 days, 3 municipalities in Ifugao, over 200 kids & adults taught on Pastel Painting, over 600kms, and Paolo Typhon Signal No.4.
It was a last minute decision to go with The Travelling Pastel Project - Ttrapp Ifugao Series.
I received a call from Julius Legaspi (one pf the country's best Pastel Art Painter) one day asking for volunteer assistance from our art group for his Ifugao Series. It was a no-brainer that he was also asking me to go.
With the everyday challenges that I am facing in the last months, my soul and physical body was so drained. At that moment, I am still facing a gargantuan problem that I was trying to fix. The thought of going with TTRAPP and teach kids and adults Art and Pastel Painting, I suddenly yearned to see the majestic sceneries, fresh air, and the advocacy to make art available for everyone.
Unfortunately, I also knew that I would not be able to go unless I fix my current problem. I didn't want to travel and teach while subconsciously I was problematic and depressed. But strangely enough, I did not say No right away. I still went ahead and searched for other volunteer artists for the trip.
When everyone finally met the night before our travel, I was still undecided. I was still concerned that I have not fixed my challenges. Discussing about the itinerary and workshops over Nachos gave me excitement. But I still did not say yes.
Julius, and Jao kept egging me to go with them. They kept including me in the workshop operations and travel. I still didn't say no.
When I got home, I spoke with a good friend. She said: "Sis why don't you go with them? It will be good for your mental health.".
It got me thinking.......... I imagined the road trip, the sceneries, and spreading our love of art. We will not be paid. We do not even know what our accommodations look like. What food will be given. This is just for our love of art, and to share our love.
At 5am, I messaged them: I am going with you.
My daughter Karissa was practically pushing me out the door. She kept repeating impatiently that I should go on this trip to Ifugao. She said that in my eyes she is only 5, when she is basically an adult already.
We met a lot of students, most of them held a pastel paint for the first time. We heard stories of art, of life, of history. We met government officials, and a grandmother who studied Pastel at our Workshop. Kids, that despite the Typhoon Paolo Signal 4, were present and studied pastel with gusto and beaming smiles. And we met Maya her team, and Ms. Janni. Passionate people for their causes. 🩷💜💚
We lacked sleep, we are travel weary, we re-used clothes (we did not sweat anyway because of the weather), but we laughed and laughed! We saw majestic sceneries presented by Mother Nature, we listened to the Historic surrender of Japan during WW2. We planned for the next location to each art. We visited museums, a shrine, and saw beautiful cultural weaves of fabrics.
We forged a family bond.
5 days, 3 municipalities in Ifugao, over 200 kids & adults taught on Pastel Painting, over 600kms, and Paolo Typhon Signal No.4.
I went on this trip depressed and uncertain, I am going home with hope, love, happiness and a new found purpose in life.
The Travelling Pastel Project is not just to teach, but it's also for the healing of the one teaching.
Madamo nga salamat Julius for thinking of me on this trip. Jao, our new found friendship and more years of laughter & tears. My kids Vhen and Alice. Thank you for the prayers before meal Jericho. Ding for your smile that makes the sun shine all around you! 🌞☀️
Padayon lang!!