Let's make room for possibilities
After the elections, it is time to breathe in the new and exhale away the political tension of the past months. It is time to look forward to tomorrow and what we can be. It is a time for ambition. If we saw our presidential candidates in the last few months slugging it out for what they believe their purpose in life is supposed to be, why can’t we do the same? Why can’t we step out of the flock and look for what we are called to? Why can’t we go to unbeaten path?
It is because offbeat and entrepreneurial paths are recognized as pauper’s dreams in this country. I am a casualty of this belief. Nine years ago, I had a college choice between being a literature teacher/author and pursuing a career in advertising. I chose advertising because it would afford me a more lucrative future. Yet, here I am writing to you as a literary columnist and not in a swanky Mad Men-type Leo Burnett office. It might have saved me a world of emotional burden and almost two years of job searching to fully embrace this career path if I stuck to where my heart really belongs, which is books.
Much of my college decision was attributed to fact that I didn’t know a lot of local literary heroes, aside from the institutions like F. Sionil Jose. Also, writing stories was considered something that you did in your private journal or get your ass kicked by bullies. Fast forward to today, the art writing and literature has grown, thanks to the Internet and the hunger of people to know. Bloggers are being recognized for their opinions on topics from fashion to travel. Meanwhile, publishers in the Philippines continue to expand their portfolios to reach certain niches, like brides to homeowners. There is at least a room of possibilities for people to engage in the humanities today because there are a lot of people to look up to and work with.
Three weeks ago, Museo Pambata further pushed this creative ideal by opening a literal room of possibilities with their new exhibit “When I grow up, I want to be a writer/illustrator for kids” that was attended by Child Hope Asia and World Vision Scholars. The room engages and teaches kids how to make stories for children’s books, comic books, and other creative pursuits. And as I entered the green mango colored room with all its buzzing activity, it was an endeavor that I saw will push the arts for youth in unexpected ways.
The Comic Book Room
The new literature career room developed in collaboration with EON’s Junie del Mundo, who is also a board member of the children’s museum, is a place that finally gives our very own writers and artists their place on the canvas. For example, Rene Villanueva, Albert Gamos, Robert Alejandro, and Dr. Luis Gaitmaitan are names that you probably would not recognize until you get to know their beloved works. Rene Villanueva and Albert Gamos were the creators of Batibot and its characters Pong Pagong and Kiko Matching. Robert Alejandro, aside from his stint as an Art is Kool host, designed the Glicos mascot and caricatures, which I used to see in the arcade, and some memorable works. Dr. Luis Gaitmaitan is a medical doctor whose children’s series Mga Kwento Ni Dok explains tough medical issues, death, and cancer to kids.
Unlike Jim Henson or Dr. Seuss, most Filipino children’s book creators were never properly recognized until this room was made. Walking around the room, I felt that I was able to meet each artist personally as their quotes are stamped on the walls of the room. Their sketches, writing drafts, and journals are sealed in glass for kids to emulate their passion and work ethic. As I browsed these documents, I felt that I was in the presence of literary relics that are important.
Panel By Panel
Aside from documenting the lives of authors, the room doubles as gigantic comic book featuring Jaime Bautista’s characters Private Iris and Dalton teaching museum goers the elements of a comic book illustrated Jim, Jay, and Joy Jimenez. As you make your way around, you learn the process of creating story ideas, choosing a setting, fleshing out your characters, and even drawing them to life.
After doing a full tour of the room, it is really heart- stirring that any one of the kids running around and tinkering with the exhibits could be the next Neil Gaiman by the looking at rough drafts of these authors. It is not impossible either, because the previous career room was for the promotion of athletes and certain sports have been rewarding for us. With the likes of Manny Pacquiao going from the ring to the halls of Congress, it wouldn’t be far off that the future J.K Rowling could within my midst on the day of the room’s opening. I hope to interview them or read one of their masterpieces one day.
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You can visit Museo Pambata at Roxas Boulevard corner South Drive, Manila, Philippine. Entrance fee is at P100 for children and adults.
E-mail me at readnow@supreme.ph.
