Street kids benefit from music’s healing power

Pulling Strings II, a continuation of the ‘Music and Arts and Basic Computer Skills Development Program for Indigent Children and Youth in the Archdiocese of Manila,’ featured residents of the Tulay ng Kabataan Foundation doing violin performances of classics and popular hits

MANILA, Philippines — There was just one request that Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle made after watching 25 youngsters, who performed in a very special recital on June 23 at the Buklod ng Pag-ibig Community in Quezon City.

“At least one number during the Christmas Mass in December. At least one.”

Pulling Strings II, a continuation of the “Music and Arts and Basic Computer Skills Development Program for Indigent Children and Youth in the Archdiocese of Manila,” is a special project of the Cardinal, Ateneo Class 1977 and Security Bank. It featured graduates of the basic violin course and Grade 1 violin course in three group performances and 10 solo performances. All were residents of the Tulay ng Kabataan Foundation centers in Intramuros and Quezon City. Pope Francis paid a surprise visit to the Intramuros branch, following the Mass he celebrated at the Manila Cathedral during his visit to the Philippines in 2015.

Showing confidence and pluck, the budding artists essayed a range of selections, from classics like Pachelbel’s Canon in D and Beethoven’s Ode to Joy to popular hits Jessie J’s Flashlight and Titanic’s My Heart Will Go On. Their teacher Marian San Miguel and other volunteer coaches could only beam proudly from the sidelines.

Cardinal Tagle, moved by what he witnessed, joined the kids in the last number to sing the Mother Goose favorite, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.

The project had its genesis when Cardinal Tagle watched a concert of young South Korean musicians some years ago. It turned out that they were orphans, who had poured the pain and sorrow at being abandoned into their art. This gave Cardinal Tagle the idea that music and art would be an ideal way for the street children of Metro Manila to express themselves. In August 2017, his dream became a reality when Ateneo College Class 1977, with the generous support of Security Bank Corporation, turned over to the Archdiocese of Manila several violins, art kits, computers and printers for use of its first beneficiary, Tulay ng Kabataan Foundation.

Known as TNK, the group serves to offer “a normal life to the poorest children of Manila by providing them with a home and solutions in the areas of education, nutrition and health.”

 In 2018, Pulling Strings I, a recital and art exhibit, as well as art classes, conducted by volunteers from the ARTipolo Association which culminated in an art exhibit, was staged.