Chin-Chin opens nature theater in Japan

The melodic strains of Philippine lullabies echoed across the lush cedar forests of the Shigaraki mountain range, when Filipino artist and environmental advocate Chin-Chin Gutierrez opened the Shumei Natural Agriculture Shigaraki no Sato open-air theater last May in Shiga, Japan.

Performing songs from her album, Uyayi: A Collection of Philippine Lullabies, the stage was set amidst a breathtaking landscape of verdant trees, a crystal-clear stream that collects into a mini-waterfall, and a delightful myriad of wildflowers, birds, butterflies and other woodland species. Chin-Chin, who brought honor to the country as Time Magazine’s Asian Hero for the environment in 2003, was at home in such an inspiring ecological setting.

"When we first met her in Manila, we immediately knew that she would be the best artist to inaugurate the nature theater," said Hiroko Koyama, president of the Shinji Shumeikai, which sponsored the event through its natural agriculture network. Aware of her commitment to promoting environmentalism and cultural heritage, the Shumei officials agreed that Chin-Chin best exemplified their organization’s ideals of spirituality, respect for nature and the expression of beauty through art.

Attended by 400 Shiga residents and Shumei officers and members, the public performance had the atmosphere of a Sunday afternoon picnic, where the usually reserved Japanese audience gamely participated in doing the Igorot "eagle dance" and singing along to Filipino tribal chants.

To the delight of the crowd, Chin-Chin also performed the timeless classic, Sakura, accompanied by the Shumei Taiko Ensemble on flute, and the inspirational World of Beauty – at which point, she was joined on stage by the song’s lady composer, Hitomi Kuroishi, who had recorded its original version.

"I feel very honored to hear you sing my composition," Kuroishi told Chin-Chin after their surprise duet. "I can see that you have a pure heart and are very sincere in your mission as an artist. And you are also very beautiful."

True to her advocacy, Chin-Chin was dressed in local fabrics hand-woven from pineapple, coconut and banana fibers, with shoes and accessories made from braided water lilies, created by Davao-based designer Garimon Roferos. Audience applauded in delight the minute she emerged on stage, with many remarking that the lovely Filipina artist resembled a "woodland fairy" whose exquisite charm was as captivating as her melodious voice.

As a prelude to the theater inauguration, Chin-Chin also performed the same Uyayi repertoire to 200 VIP guests at the celebrated Miho Museum on May 28. Designed by the venerated architect, I.M. Pei, the museum is known for its spectacular design and impressive collection of artifacts and objets d’art that represent some of the finest legacies of the Asian and Western worlds.

Inspired by the way Japanese had been able to harmoniously weave art, nature and architecture in an idyllic setting, Chin-Chin hopes that we could achieve the same in our own homeland.

"I’d love for us in the Philippines to rekindle and rebuild a culture of honoring not just what we were or what we are supposed to be, but valuing whatever is already beautiful in our creative spirit, which society should love and support," ends Chin-Chin.