Enchanting Chin-Chin

Twice awarded as one of the finest actresses in Asia, Chin-Chin Gutierrez has evolved into one prized musical artist, cultural worker and environmental advocate over the last ten years. Cited for “using her celebrity stature to promote environmental awareness” in the Philippines, she appeared on the cover of Time Magazine as one of its Asian Heroes for 2003 and she was named among The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service in 2004, also for environmental advocacy.

Her ecological work extends to health and wellness, animal rights, the conservation of indigenous cultures and peoples, as well as peace and ecumenical initiatives. She is a sought-after lecturer on Eco-Spirituality, Inner and Outer ecology, and Sustainable Development, and is currently the Founding Chair of Alaga LAHAT, an organization committed to preserving the integrity of Creation in all aspects of life.

Her commitment to Motherland and Mother Nature has expanded to the realm of music, when she produced the album “UYAYI: A Collection of Philippine Lullabies,” which won the 2003 Catholic Mass Media Award for Best Secular Album and has been performed in concerts all over the archipelago, as well as in France and in Japan.

Recently, Cebuanos took an enchanted musical journey back to the soothing joy and comfort of the cradle with the actress, singer and environmental hero, as she performed choice selections from her highly successful album of Philippine Lullabies in “Uyayi: Womb Songs of the Filipino Spirit – An Evening of Canticles and Cradle Songs” held at the University of San Carlos Gym.

The evening’s repertoire was derived from Chin-Chin’s album, “Uyayi: A Collection of Philippine Lullabies,” a compilation of indigenous songs which she personally researched and recorded over a span of three years, traveling North to South of the Philippines.

As an independent artist and producer, her painstaking efforts were rewarded when “Uyayi” won Best Secular Album at the 2004 Catholic Mass Media Awards, together with a Special Award of Recognition for having initiated this groundbreaking project. Since then, the concert has delighted audiences in key cities of the Philippines, as well as in highly successful performances in France and Japan.

“This concert is a homage to three important sources of inspiration: the living, present and active Motherland, by celebrating indigenous people and diversity; our Mother Nature, for the precious biological diversity that forms the environment and the tireless advocates who work towards protecting it; and our Divine Mother, the maternal facet of God, who is the Source and Nurturer of all life,” said Chin-Chin.

Also recognized for her indefatigable work as a committed advocate  for the protection and preservation of Mother Nature, Chin-Chin, upon her recent visit in Cebu, planted mangroves to intensify the campaign of the “One Million Mangroves for Cebu” program as sponsored by the Rotary Club of Mactan, Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, PTFCF and the Province of Cebu.

Chin-Chin’s “Uyayi” concert was a fund-raising event to benefit the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Carmelite Order in the Philippines.