Earth Day at CCP
MANILA, Philippines - The Cultural Center of the Philippines recently celebrated Earth Day in various venues of the CCP complex and Manila Bay area with the theme “Save Manila Bay.†The event was presented by the CCP with Haribon Foundation, Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation Inc., Philippine Coast Guard, GreenPeace, Kalikasan People’s Network, RockEd, Department of Environment & Natural Resources, National Youth Commission, Bureau of Plant Industry, LJC Restaurant Group, Winner Foundation, Philippine Biochar Association and the 98B Collaboratory.
The event began with a Save Manila Bay Fun Run around the CCP Complex at 6 a.m., followed by an opening program hosted by Mae Paner a.k.a. Juana Change and Jonathan Tadioan held at the CCP Ramp featuring a “Dance Ritual for Mother Earth†performed by the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, an excerpt of the stage production of Ibalong by Tanghalang Pilipino, special message from Kim Robert de Leon, one of the 2011 Makabagong Rizal Awardees. The opening of “Sunset Block — Installation Art†by 98B at the Front Lawn was held, and the Philippine Coast Guard did a cleanup of Manila Bay as well.
To further create awareness among the people, especially within the City of Manila, the artists, cultural workers and participants formed a Green Link along the seawall at Roxas Boulevard from the Manila Yacht Club up to the US Embassy. This human link transformed the seawall promenade into a venue for stand-up comedy, dance, play, music, and other performances while facing the Manila Bay for one hour.
Other highlights of the celebration included the paddlers-boat chain by the Philippine Canoe-Kayak Federation and Kalikasan People’s Network, and another chain of Bikers from Pasay City, opening of the exhibits-fair by Haribon Foundation, GreenPeace, DENR, Siklo Pilipinas (household items), Gifts & Grace (Toys & novelty items), Kilus Foundation (women’s organization of Pasig), Vinci’s Deli (organic food products), Philippine Biochar Association, BanToxics at the CCP Liwasang Kalikasan area. At the Liwasang Kalikasan area, kids and family activities were held such as art-making, storytelling, film screenings by Haribon Foundation, Arts & Crafts, face-painting, sketching by Kasibulan, performances by the Bagitos Drummers and MMDA Band, RockEd band concerts featuring Kaleidoscope, Vin Dancel, Ebe Dancel and Noel Cabangon, cooking demonstrations by the LJC Restaurant Group, performances by the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, Bahay Musika Children’s Choir, and the Philippine Coast Guard Band.
