FEATURE
For Art and Heart’s Sake
By Leica Carpo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:24:00 12/14/2008
Filed Under: Charity, People, Arts (general)
WE live in troubled times. Troubled times create needs, and needs call for responses.
There must be a million and one causes out there right now that need our attention, time, and funds. However, the painful reality is that, despite how deeply one feels and how greatly one wishes to help, one soon enough realizes that there will never be quite enough attention or time to go around for all the needs that must be met. Narrowing down the options is a task in itself (and yes, can even take the good feeling out of giving). Does one choose breast cancer over HIV awareness, or go for education scholarships over homes for orphanages?
It seems simplistic to say that one should simply choose a cause they personally like, but that’s really the best way to begin. Follow that up with more practical matters like making sure that the advocacy of one’s choice has clear-cut objectives as well as a strategy that achieves solid results and genuinely appreciates one’s inputs. Although generosity is its own reward, it’s always heartwarming to put names on the faces of the recipients of our acts of kindness.
These causes were chosen not only because they’re close to home but also because they’re focused, sustainable and had events that I could actively participate in. Here’s my very short list of advocacies for 2009.
The Asian Cultural Council Philippines Fellowship Program for 2008
Life without art is possible—but then, would it really be worth living? The question’s been asked before, and is purely rhetorical in my opinion. Art is what gives passion and beauty to life, never mind that it’s often not a necessity, sometimes highly impractical, and even considered a luxury that few understand but all are inspired by.
So why choose art? Because it would be untenable not to.
An organization that knows art and has the resources to support it on a scale that leaves no doubt as to its commitment is The Asian Cultural Council (ACC), a foundation supporting cultural exchange between the United States and Asia. Their Fellowship Program, established in 1963 by John Rockefeller III, allows for local artists to study, collaborate with fellow artists and immerse themselves in the arts scene in the US.
The ACC has provided over 100 grants to Filipino artists since the 60s, and most of them have gone on to achieve prominent leadership positions in their respective fields. The fields of award include archaeology, architecture (design, history, and theory), arts administration, art criticism, art history, conservation, crafts, dance, design, film and video, museology, music, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and theater.
Malu Gamboa, an active member of the Council, explains, “Individual fellowships to the United States and some Asian countries are the main focus of the program and the grants are for periods ranging from one to 12 months, and may include round-trip international transportation, travel and living expenses, medical insurance, and miscellaneous research costs.” Preference is given to applicants with little or no previous opportunity for research and study in the US. Moreover, the grantee is expected to pass on the training and experience gained upon return to the Philippines at the conclusion of the fellowship program.
Application procedure: Individuals and institutions wishing to apply for grant support should send a brief description of their plans to the Asian Cultural Council’s office in New York.
Asian Cultural Council, 6 West 48th Street, Floor 12, New York, NY 10036-1802. Email: acc@accny.org
The Asian Cultural Council Philippines Fellowship Program (http://www. asianculturalcouncil.org/pfp/fellowships.html)
The Rotary Gift of Life Charity Run
Founded in 1969, by successful young overachievers with a serious yen to help the less fortunate members of Philippine society, the Rotary Club has spearheaded many socio-civic and charitable activities that they have sustained through the years, such as the Gift of Life Open Heart Surgery (GOL), Hemangioma Facial Deformity Operations, Harelip and Cleft Palate Operations, Artificial Limbs, Water for Life, Wheelchair distribution and Gawad Kalinga.
Consistent with their motto of “Service Above Self” the club will hold a benefit event dubbed “Rotary Gift of Life Charity Run” on February 22, 2009, Sunday at Fort Bonifacio. Participants will “run for their lives” —“their” being the over 1,000 indigent children born with congenital heart disease who are on the waiting lists of donors in four major hospitals.
Larry Ocampo, past president of the Rotary Club of Makati West and chairman of the RCMW Gift of Life Foundation, recalls, “GOL was introduced to our club in 2004 by Lou del Rosario and Marietta Santos. The case was so compelling that we could not refuse. Helping these children out to achieve such an amazing end, we can’t help but feel we’ve done some good.” The club, in partnership with other Rotary Clubs, Western Union, and the doctors, nurses, and management of Makati Medical City, PGH, Philippine Heart Center, Asian Hospital, and Iloilo Doctors Hospital, has completed nearly 120 surgeries since the first operation performed on Vandre Serafico on December 21, 2004.
The charity run hopes to attract around 2,500 participants for its 3km and 10km categories. “We chose a run because many of our members participate in running races, with more than a few marathoners and triathletes. We’ve seen the growth of running in terms of participation and awareness. We felt that a charity run would be the best vehicle to showcase and raise funds for more GOL surgeries. If we do this right, we should be able to raise funds to save the lives of 40 more children.” says Ocampo.
For more information on how to extend support for the Charity Run, contact the RCMW secretariat at telephone numbers 753-3474 and 753-3098; cellphone numbers +639209052139 and +639175018105 or email them at rcmw@pacific.net.ph, and look for Amie or Arian.
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