MANILA, Philippines – Midlifers are likely to link the word “play” to images of children running free, climbing trees, or playing Filipino games like patintero, taguan and tumbang preso under the moonlight until their parents call out for them to come home and sleep. Nowadays, while some of our kids may move from the basketball court to the soccer field, a good many of them play in virtual worlds, building complex structures, conquering fierce enemies in bloody battles, and interacting with friends across the globe all from the comfort of their computer consoles.
But no matter how we do this, playing is a basic human need for all children from two to to 92. Dr. Honey Carandang, a clinical child psychologist, goes further to say that, “to play is not just an essential activity, it is a moral obligation.” Find out why it is so when writer, editor and innkeeper An Mercado-Alcantara shares the fun of playing with clay and her journey toward being a clay storyteller on Nov. 28, 9 a.m. to 12 noon at Miriam College Environmental Science Institute.
An Mercado-Alcantara is known for her simple, playful, child-like clay creations that pay homage to the many facets of Filipino family and small town life. Her charming works, multiplied by local men and women of San Pablo, Laguna has found its way to artisan fairs. They are museum pieces at the Museo ng Kasaysayang Panlipunan ng Pilipinas, in Angeles, Pampanga, the first museum in the Philippines to offer a panorama of Filipino social history.
The event is organized by the Philippine Association for Child and Play Therapy (PhilPlay). It is open to teachers, counselors, psychologists, coaches and anyone working with groups in different circumstances. Now in its 6th year, PhilPlay has been offering introductory and foundational workshops in play therapy and different expressive therapies. It is also a support group for anyone who values play as a supportive resource in their work with children and even with adults.
For more information on the Clay Storytellers talk/workshop on Nov. 28, email playtherapyphil@gmail.com or call 0916-435-4662.