CEBU, Philippines - “Sunday All-Stars” mainstay and “Taste Buddies” host Solenn Heussaff brought color to the lives of children ages 5-10 years old from Barangay Daang Tubo, Quezon City at the GMA G.I.V.E.S. Salu-Salo Together held at the GMA Network Center on June 25.\GMA G.I.V.E.S. (Guide, Interact, Volunteer, Educate, Serve) is the employee-volunteer group of GMA Network ; the Salu-Salo Together is the quarterly bonding activity of the GMA G.I.V.E.S. where they get together and learn new things (such as photo journalism using the cell phone or how to start saving for retirement) or conduct simple outreach activities.
Artistry and creativity was the theme of the second quarter Salu-Salo Together as Solenn taught 64 children how to paint on canvas using acrylic paint and oil pastel. She was assisted by the GMA G.I.V.E.S. members, who also donated the materials used by the children for the activity.
Solenn was eager to impart the knowledge that she gained throughout her years of dabbling in the arts. “I love painting so it’s nice to share what you know to others,” she expressed.
Her passion for painting started when she was just three years old but she never had any formal lessons. Over the years, she has painted a variety of subjects ranging from landscapes to abstracts and murals.
The kids were very excited to learn from their favourite Kapuso star. They were focused on their individual canvases and tried to apply all the techniques Solenn taught them to their works of art that day. Solenn also showed them the paintings she did when she was around seven or eight years old.
“It teaches them to be quiet. Kasi diba yung ibang mga bata, makulit,” Solenn shared. “But if you see them, once nasa harap sila ng painting nila, super quiet sila, super focused.”
The art worskhop was just the right timing as Solenn is preparing for her very first show.
At the end of the art workshop, prizes were given out to three young artists whose works scored the highest number of votes among the members of GMA G.I.V.E.S. A striking development was that Angel, a five-year-old, won third place. Ten-year-old Joshua placed second while the day’s big winner was nine-year-old Peter John. The children were also able to take home the materials they used so that they can continue exploring the world of art. (PR)