PHSA helps its Yolanda victim scholars

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA) on Mt. Makiling has come to the succor of its students whose families were harshly affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda.

PHSA and Museo Pambata made them among the beneficiaries of the “Perya ni Andres” educational art fiesta held last Nov. 30 in commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio, the founder of Katipunan.

“Perya ni Andres” relived the life, works, and ideals of Andres Bonifacio during the observance of the Great Plebeian’s 150th birth anniversary. It honored the Katipunan Supremo’s enduring contributions to the country’s history, arts, and culture

Eight arts booths conceptualized by Gerry Leonardo representing the eight provinces where members of the Katipunan hailed from featured exciting and educational activities

Memory games, craft booths, pabunot, beto-beto, and art mosaics prepared by PHSA students, academic and nonacademic staff directed by Victor Emmanuel Flor and his team were presented.

Three National Artists – Philippine STAR columnist Francisco Sionil Jose, Bienvenido Lumbera, and Virgilio Almario – also shared their thoughts on “the real Andres Bonifacio”.

The PHSA students also presented songs, dances, stage and shadow plays, paintings, and rituals.

A recording of Katipunan-related songs was reproduced under the supervision of Radioactive Sago’s Francis de Veyra.

Three stories about Bonifacio, Gregoria de Jesus, and others will eventually be shown after a series of animation workshops was specially conducted by Teta Tulay, Hazel Joy Gutierez, and Inshallah Montero. A video documentary by Mirani Medina and Vim Nadera about Bonifacio had its  premiere. — Rudy A. Fernandez