unSAULicited

The basic education sector currently faces a myriad of challenges: from the COVID-19 Pandemic, low international test results, unstable internet connection to the succession of typhoons that disrupted distance and online learning.  In line the Department of Education’s mission to improve the quality of basic education through “Sulong EduKalidad”, the Knowledge Channel Foundation and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts has completed eighty (80) video lessons with corresponding session guides on the use of local stories, culture and contexts as basis for learning beginning reading in Grade 1 under animated series “WIkaharian”. Just as important as helping children learn to read, the video series means to instill among the young learners’ awareness, appreciation and pride of Filipino traditions, beliefs, and values. This collaborative project with the title, “Culture Appreciation through Videos in Beginning Reading” has been supported by Antique Representative Cong....

I can only imagine how hectic meetings production companies undergo these days. Although virtual meetings don't require us to go out of our houses, the ease of having marathon meetings could lead to having faster burnout. But maybe not for a project such as The Manila Heritage Concert.  Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila, National Parks Development Committee, Intramuros Administration, Nayong Pilipino Foundation, National Museum of the Philippines, and Museo Pambata has teamed up with big names such as Yeng Constantino, Raymund Marasigan, Ebe Dancel, Gary Valenciano, Armi Millare, Blaster Silonga, and of course, Nicole Laurel Asensio, to give homage to Manila with the songs of Hotdog. For this grand event, Nicole Laurel Asension will be singing Panalangin at Jones Bridge. I have been there myself to witness its grandeur and even casual photos capture its majesty and the magic of the transition of day into night. Put in the mix a professional team and elegance in ...

Needless to say, everyone's December is a little bit darker this year. We've expereinced multiple losses in different aspects of our lives but yet we continue to breathe. There are some who have gone to survival mode and but all of us are taking our own journeys in being able to thrive better again.  No matter how recent the last tragedy that you encountered in the past months, it is but human to continue to yearn for a brighter finish this year. In our family, I remember my cousin saying "Quota na tayo this year!" And even if we still get another unexpected surprise, we know we'd want to make the best out of our Christmas and New Year celebrations. It is that fragile mix of yearning and commisserating that is encapsulated wonderfully in a manner only Nicole Laurel Asensio could produce. It starts with the reality of where we are right now, sprinkled with melancholic yet descriptive imagery. A little bit further and it hits you in the heart and eventually, yo...