With the clear, sunny days giving way to a rainy, cooler weather, the sizzling summer season is finally over. Not the summer spirit, though.
In Siquijor, its two-month flurry of summer escapade ended with a blast during its grand finale night in Salagdoong Beach, Maria, Siquijor recently.
The exhilarating performances of three of ABS-CBN’s Philippine Dream Academy (PDA) celebrities couple Chivas and Bunny from Tanjay City and the dapper gentleman from Toledo, Cebu Jay-R Siaboc drew a huge crowd to the beach.
The Cebuano stars who were all excited to infuse their personalities onto their legion of Siquijodnon fans let out their astounding singing talents all throughout the show.
‘Wow! This is exactly my dream vacation!’ I was really thrilled when we were invited to perform here in Siquijor. The white, sandy beaches here and the friendly people are just so awesome”, said Chivas in an interview.
Bunny said that what she liked most about Siquijor is its peace which she said is “priceless”, its laidback lifestyle and the tasty foods served by the friendly cooks at Hotel Agripino.
“Really it’s a rare travel experience. I can’t get enough of Siquijor because we are leaving very soon. I and Chivas are planning to come back here, maybe next year, solely for a vacation”, Bunny added.
She said she will certainly invite some of her friends and family to go along because “Siquijor is a place to go sans the clatter and sounds of showbiz and city life”.
When asked about the negative feedbacks on Siquijor being a creepy place, Chivas said he doesn’t care.
“My dad came from Cadiz where lore about witches and black magic also abounds. But myths of such kind cannot outweigh the beauty of the place. Personally, I am confident that kind of publicity will only make help the tourist industry here grow.
When asked what they can suggest to improve Siquijor, Chivas said connectivity should be a concern. “I hope there will be a direct flight to Siquijor”, he said.
Meanwhile, Jay-R Siaboc who recently appeared in ABS-CBN’s Imortal claimed he’s no complete stranger to Siquijor since he’d been here before as his sister married a Siquijodnon.
“What I remembered most were the beautiful beaches. That was a few years back. I wish I could spend more time here so when I was told that I was invited for a gig, I grabbed the opportunity”, he said.
The actor-singer confessed that all he wanted everytime he performs is a participative and spirited audience.
“I am thankful that Siquijodnons applauded me. At first, I was a bit doubtful if they would like me, but during the course of the show, I saw their liveliness, their energy”, he said.
Jay-R finally said that he is grateful to any blessings that come his way – be it a TV or movie project or an out-of-town show. “I don’t have the right to refuse any offer because I’m only a talent and I’m paid to do it. Entertaining people is my happiness and singing is what I love most.” (Rizalie A. Calibo/PIA-Siquijor/Eda Lou T. Manigo & Renan Ansing)
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Feature: Olang Arts Park offers sanctuary for artists
FOR artists who seek an ideal sanctuary that is both peaceful and relaxing, a popular destination in Maria province of Siquijor promises an unforgettable experience for the body, mind and soul – the Olang Arts Park.
Amidst society’s technological marvels and life’s hurried pace, Olang Arts Park remains grounded with its plethora of natural wonders that can quiet and rejuvenate the weary soul in many ways.
Recently, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts(NCAA) together with the Department of Education, and the Siquijor State College in partnership with the World Bank, Oxfam and Museo Pambata recently held a capability building workshop for teachers in Siquijor at Olang Arts Park with the theme: “Climate Change and the Arts: An Integrated Learning Experience for Teachers”.
There were at least 25 participants for each workshop in Music, Visual Arts and Theater Arts.
The workshop was basically ARTS ACROSS THE CURRICULUM, integrating science, values, local history and social studies into the arts to make teaching more animated and exciting and introduce science concepts in a creative way.
Resource persons during the workshop were Dr. Belen Calingacion of the Department of Speech Communication and Theater Arts in UP Dilliman, Prof. Dennis Gupa of UP Los Baños, Aileen dela Cruz from UP Dilliman and Alma Quinto, visual artist and facilitator for NCAA’s Artists for Crisis and DepEd’s Special Program for the Arts.
Also the gracing the event were Film Director Maryo J. Delos Reyes and actor Yul Servo.
At the end of the 4-day workshop the participants were able to; a) grasp the basic and relevant concepts related to climate change and the arts; b) create and appreciate works that reflect issues related to climate change using mostly found objects and natural materials; c) develop relevant modules using the arts to explain the concepts and issues of climate change which can be used in their respective schools; d) produce simple and creative performances and artworks that depict environmental issues or themes through the process of integration and collaboration and; e) plant trees as an initial action for a better environment.
Formal opening of the park and premiere showing of the short documentary film “Traffic Life” directed by Olang Arts Park founder Minnie Solomon-Crouse culminated the event.
Olang Arts Park is a three-hectare eco art space located in Barangay Olang, Maria, Siquijor which is founded by Crouse in December 2005.
Crouse said it is envisioned to be a sanctuary for artists and environmentalists to create and collaborate and interact with the community as a way of cultural exchange.
She said it is open to the people of Siquijor to hone their talents in the arts and develop sensitivity towards care for the environment. (Rizalie A. Calibo/PIA-Siquijor/Eda Lou T. Manigo)