Comments(0)The Halfway Mark
–Of the year 2008, that is!
…Six months after its start, the year has already proved to be full of surprises and excitement for us! We hope yours has been as well! The last two months, we’ve been busy relocating, moving house, organizng, reorganizing, and all that goes into a production like that!
As of writing this, we’re somewhat settled in our new place, and will kick off the June outreach projects soon! We’ll be doing a series of workshops and classes for ill children who can’t attend regular school. This will be coordinated with a local hospital, and volunteers from our pool of talented resources!
If you’d like to be a part of that project, just drop us a line.
ourlifeoutreach@yahoo.com
Wishing you all the best for the coming months of rainy season….who knows where the winds will blow…
Kids Valentines Party
Hi Everyone! Finally got to post the pictures from our Fun Day last Feburary. That week, we lost a little friend to cancer, but his memory was made even more meaningful by all the friends who came together to show their suport and love.
The PETA Theater Group came to perform their kids plays (including a shadow play!), to the delight of all! Then, we had a special surprise guest singer captivate us with her well-known music…click the link below to find out who, and enjoy the snapshots!
http://ourlifeoutreach.multiply.com/photos/album/19/KIDS_VALENTINES_PARTY
Newsletter for Download
Have a click for details!
Small Happenings
Hi Everyone!
We’ve just finished helping out with the production of another concert (Valentines Special) in Maximum Security, and are in the middle of preparing for another FunDay happening this week!
Just want to wish you all the best and post for you this motivational quote by Mark Victor Hansen:
…Pictures and more updates coming soon!
Happy Feburary.
Reactions from You
Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joins and supports the projects of Our Life Outreach. We are just like a little tiny candle, but together, all our lights will make a difference! Here are some of the reactions we’ve gotten from you.
Again, thanks for being a part of Our Life!
“The LAYA project expanded my definition of freedom. It showed me that I am not alone in this big balloon of hope. It’s amazing how one can have the most fulfilling conversation with the inmates. Wisdom dwells in everyone, sometimes you just need to knock and say hello first.”
–Miko Pepito (music artist, volunteer performer for LAYA Concerts)
“The experience was one of the most significant in my recent years. Sort of boosted my ego as a singer and opened my eyes as well on the huge amount of Pinoy talent brewing even inside the prison walls.”
–Carla Ocampo (vocalist for Classified Odds, editor and writer for Living Asia Channel, volunteer performer for LAYA Concerts)
“Thank you everyone for the experience of interacting with these kids. My first 15 minutes with them were really difficult, but after everything else, it was worth it.”
–Jovan (volunteer for FunDayTion days)
“The crew of Black Pearl Philippines will always remember the day we sailed with the kids of Ward 9. The kids, the staff, the volunteers were a big inspiration to us. You will always be in our thoughts.”
–Karen Kunawicz
“It’s really great. Thanks so much to all of Kevin’s donors. He’s finished his chemotherapy!”
–Marivic,( mother of KC, boy with leukemia)
“You have given us back our integrity.” –Inmate workshop attendee
Video Link: Stormtrooper Gets Stormed!
Sent in by Karen Kunawicz, Philippine Poet and FunDayTion Volunteer
http://lynnbok.multiply.com/video/item/64/Storm_Trooper_stormed_at_PGH
Classic! Pwede pa ipadala sa Bitoy’s Funniest Videos?
A FundayTion Firsthand Account
The Real Gifts: 501st’s Philippine Outpost and Black Pearl Philippines at PGH
By Regina Layug\TB-1870Philippine Outpost, 501st Legion
It was the most difficult thing for me, to see those children so frail and tiny, yet still managing smiles at our outlandish selves. Even now, weeks later, it is painful for me to recall that day, and yet I am glad we were able to go there and give them a reason to smile.
It was thanks to the efforts of Karen Kunawicz of Black Pearl Philippines, and her coordination with Nyx Martinez of Fun-Day-Tion, that we were finally able to make our first hospital visit.
Nyx regularly organizes activities for the cancer patients—both outpatient and in the free ward—of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in Manila, and she was so happy that we pirates and troopers wanted to help out. We even brought 501st activity books for them, and the pirates had foam swords and treasure-laden eggs to distribute. Nyx brought gifts to distribute at the free ward.
It was a Thursday in busy December 2007. TK-1330 Oneal Rosero and I traveled with TI-2821 Ron Rosero, and arrived at PGH early to find parking and scout the place. Ron and Oneal both went to UP Manila, so PGH was more or less familiar to them, despite all the changes in the years since they were in college. We walked to nearby fast food joint for a quick breakfast, and soon TD-8108 Jerome Ang, and later the pirates, arrived.
Nyx showed us to our dressing room, and amid laughter and excitement, we troopers and pirates changed into our costumes. We had our own Jack Sparrow—Karen’s cousin, Hank Palenzuela, who seems more like Captain Jack than Johnny Depp himself—and in all about six pirate wenches—Lynn, Monique, Wawi, Jovan, another Lynn, and of course, Karen.
Even as we took turns taking the elevator, and waited for the whole entourage in the lobby, people were already stopping, turning and pointing at us, stunned, smiling, laughing. A few children shied away in fear, while most happily reached out and giggled as we held their hands and played with them. Many mistook our costumes for God knows what other characters, but it was all just fun. This was before we saw the cancer patients.
Nyx led us first to the Christmas party for the outpatient kids. Already they were smiling and shrieking, and hugging us as we walked by, waved and said hello. But that was just a teaser.
We were going to visit the free ward first. Through the myriad hallways, doorways and arches of PGH, we were guided by Nyx, her family and the pirates to the pediatric cancer patients’ free ward. Almost immediately the staff assaulted us and begged for pictures, wielding cameras and phones, taking turns in front and behind the lens. Then we saw the kids.
I don’t know how other people might write about cancer-stricken children. I certainly can’t, not without my heart breaking, tears in my eyes, a lump in my throat, and an ache in my weeping heart. It’s so bad that even now I have to stop and do something else, to give me time and a chance to breathe! Only this way can I write about those dear little ones.
Tiny babies, the length of their whole bodies no longer than my own arm, their small arms wracked with tubes attached to machines bigger than they were. Small children who should have been out on the street playing, or in school, learning ABCs and arithmetic, were instead lying here, smiling at our white armor and the colorful pirate garb, laughing as they got their gifts and activity books, but you could still see they were weak and frail.
Their mothers and fathers—even grandparents and siblings—seemed relieved and their spirits lifted by our presence. Happily, they persuaded their fragile children to get up from their threadbare beds to accept our simple gifts. Gently they raised a son or a daughter’s arm to shake the hand of a passing troooper. Many a pirate stopped at a bed or two to play a short game with a child who could not even muster the strength to get up to play or pose for a picture.
Never before had I been so glad to have my helmet on. Not only was the sight of it my Christmas gift to these children and their families, but it also served to hide my tear-streaked face. As we waved at each child, posed for each picture, we later on agreed that it was all we could do to keep our sobs quiet under our helmets, our chests heaving with tears that we could no longer hold back.
Alas, the pirates were not so lucky, for their hats and bandannas covered only their crowns and their hair, but not their faces. They were perhaps braver than we, for choking back their tears, stifling their sobs and mustering beautiful smiles and Christmas cheer as they greeted patients, families and ward staff alike. ‘Savvy,’ Captain Jack Sparrow could be heard exclaiming.
Hank later told us how hard it was to stay in character while there was a lump in his throat. But bravest were those children who still found the strength to rejoice in our visit, despite undergoing pain and illness we couldn’t even understand. We were overwhelmed, and the children looked tired, and we were sweltering in our costumes. So after all the gift-giving, games, hand-shaking and picture-taking, we all waved a tearful goodbye to the kids in the free ward, and found our way back to the dressing room. Pirate and trooper alike had to sit, take a sip of water, and take a moment to breathe after our emotional visit. Soon, we were all ready to party with the outpatient kids.
The outpatient Christmas party had its own program, and we costumed characters were the finale. We mingled and made merry with kids who, though ill, were strong enough to stand and walk, to wave and to dance, to sing and squeal with laughter. They examined our costumes, touched and held and smelled each piece of armor and cloth, and asked so many questions. I had my voice amp on, and every time I answered their questions, the next question would be, ‘Are you a girl?’
As if they knew to cling to the joys of life, they literally clung on—to all of us! With curiosity and amusement, many kids would wrap their arms around each pirate and trooper, and it was all we could do to get away for a while so we could sing them a Christmas carol! Well, the pirates sang and we hummed over our voice amps. The children clapped and danced, and those who knew the songs sang along. And a suspicious number of them seemed to be loitering near us as we sang, as though lying in wait! Turned out they were waiting for me.
The host thanked us, and everyone said Merry Christmas, and she told the kids to say goodbye. But it seemed they didn’t want to let us go. Perhaps five of them—probably more; it’s hard to count when you’re wearing a helmet—grabbed hold of me and encased me in a bear hug to rival all bear hugs. Even as I waved and tried to inch my way through the mass of affectionate children, they hung on and inched right along!
It was funny and overwhelming to feel so loved and wanted, when in fact we were the ones who were there to make them feel that way. I think I had children with their arms wrapped around my waist, my legs, my knees, even my arms when i tried to nudge them away.
I couldn’t walk for fear of crushing a child underfoot! One pirate, Jovan, came to my aid; she managed to extricate my hand from one child, and slowly guided me towards the door. But alas, there was no escaping the children! As I was led inch by precious inch to the door, the kids all inched along, giggling with me as they held me captive.
I heard someone say they were getting everything on video. Soon I was extricated from the mass of children, and once I was out the door, they swarmed the next trooper, TK-1330! But I believe it took the pirates less time to rescue him from the loving kids.
We were safely escorted to our dressing room, where we laughed over the sweet children and remembered the dear ones in the free ward. Lynn showed us the video of the kids inching to the door with me, much to everyone’s amusement.
Though we had gone to PGH to give the pediatric cancer patients the gift of Star Wars and piracy, it felt more like they’d given us the precious gift of life.
In the rush of the gift-buying, the frenzy of the parties, and the madness that we have come to associate with Christmas, it’s easy to forget the important things. These kids reminded us all that what we really need is to take what joys we can from our all too short lives.
So we should be the ones to say thank you. Thank you to the pediatric cancer patients at PGH.
Love, the pirates and the troopers.
(For pictures of this story, go to www.ourlifeoutreach.multiply.com )
Christmas Recap
December was the usual busy! Those of you who’ve been keeping tabs, we had a fantastic Christmas Concert inside Maximum Security–the second LAYA Concert Production. This time, we were treated to solo jazz artists who volunteered their time and shared their talents. Freesons took the stage again for much more than just a Jingle Bell Rock! We’ve posted pictures from the concert at this link:
www.ourlifeoutreach.multiply.com Be sure to click!
A feeding to the slums in Tondo was made possible by a longtime family friend who sent her support all the way from Japan. Many homeless and underprivileged familes feasted that Christmas Eve, thanks to her kindness.
Pictures coming soon as well!
Thank you all for the immense support, your time in volunteerism, and especially your prayers which have helped us to continue on this far. May the New Year bring the blessings back to you.
Pirates and Stormtroopers Land Ship at PGH!
WordPress is giving us a hard time, so I’ve uploaded new albums on multiply for your viewing pleasure 
Check out the FunDayTion Project last December 13…
…It’s been a busy month, as was predicted…first, the kids’ performance at the annual HandleBar ToyRun for orphans, then a day at the PGH Pediatric Ward which you’ll see in the linked pictures.
Tomorrow, we’re back in Bilibid for a Christmas Lunch with our LAYA Workshop students, and then making preparations for the Christmas Concert for 1000 inmates over the weekend.
One of our PGH volunteers, Lynn Sherman, has posted more pics over here. cheers to all of you who helped out last week at the hospital:
Gerone Olorocismo, Maria and family, Robert and Rocky, Caloy, Joshua’s classmates, Eckhart Ang, Gigi and Angelica, Cielo Lopez, the Martinez kids, Jenny Villegas, Che Nolasco and especially those volunteers who put on the funky outfits to bring Christmas to so many kids: Karen Kunawicz, Hank Palenzuela, Rej Layug, Oneal and Ron Rosero, Jerome Ang, Monique Oblagacion, Wawi Navarroza, Lynn Sherman, Lynn Montejo and Jovan de Ocampo.
…Did we miss anyone?? Thanks again, all those who made this possible. You continue to inspire us all here at Our Life Outreach! Merry Christmas and see you back here soon!
Christmas Carollers
The Martinez Kids, performing siblings, just finished a show for 200 orphans at the annual toy run in Handlebar, Makati. Soon they’ll be dancing for the Bilibid Christmas Concert and then on the 28th for 3,000 orphans.
Christmas, one of our favorite times of the year is a time for giving back the gifts we’ve been given…
Timely
Our Life Outreach is accepting donations, giveaways, and other items for two upcoming parties for 100 kids with cancer, this December 13 and early January (second week).
Please contact us for details, or to find out how you can contribute.
Thank you for working with us to inspire children this Christmas.
…Then There Was The Stick-Insect Hunter.
“Great art happens within restrictions or limitations, in times of crisis.
It forces you to be creative.”
– Andy Maluche keeps a mental note of the above, and translates that statement into his passion for art–when he can get away from shoots and endless crowds outside, you’ll find him in places most people don’t normally go to party–particularly, hanging out with inmates in Bilibid Prison, for his art workshops with the guys. (You can see his class here.)
He’s one of the volunteers for the LAYA project who has put his energy into making this happen. We’ll be featuring the others on this blog, too, so stay uploaded
From Felony To Fashion!
When we started having Fashion Design Workshops inside the Prison (as part of the weekly LAYA Program), we had no idea it would become one of the most popular classes on schedule. But as interest grew, so did the groups of artists and potential designers who come regularly to put their new skills into practice!
Thanks to Puey Quinones, Melvin Mojica, and Jay Abalos (See top picture) who keep the workshops exciting and always full of flair.
“FREEDOM WITHIN!”–The LAYA Concert!
It’s not hard to imagine a typical rock concert—screaming fans, booming loud-speakers, flickering stage lights. Throw in some energetic dancers, a couple of comedy acts, and you have a full-blown theatrical show. What is harder to picture, though, is this scenario taking place inside a Maximum Security Prison.
And yet it did, last Saturday, October 20th, in Manila, Philippines. In a never-before-seen display of all the arts combined, the LAYA Group staged their first concert on the Muntinlupa Prison grounds, bringing together theater, music, fine-arts, poetry, and fashion design! Guest performers entertained, alongside inmate artists with their music, lyrics, and creative interpretations.
Themed “LAYA!–FREEDOM WITHIN!”, the concert drew crowds of inmates to a multi-purpose covered gym inside the compound, keeping the audience enthralled for four hours straight. The inmate Rock band “FreeSons” opened the variety show, as their Guest vocalist, Chat, greeted the crowd with well-loved, popular music.
The Martinez sisters, a dance-group composed of four performing missionary kids (siblings) started the action on the dance floor, followed by an introduction to performance poetry by artist Io. Immediately afterwards came Miko Pepito, another performance artist, whose lyrics were backed up with synthesizers.
To conclude the poetry session, the LAYA Group of poets performed their original poetry, as taught weekly by LAYA volunteer PJ Gurnamal—bearing their souls and emotions to capture the attention and hearts of their fellow inmates. Next, local folk songs were sung by Carla Ocampo and her band, “Classified Odds”. Their soulful music led the way to the LAYA Theater Group’s performance. Displaying their talent in Drama, Comedy, and stunts, their play was action-packed, hilarious, and gripping, all at the same time.
Next came a couple more Guest Bands: “Nityalila”, and “Love Core.“ Rocking the jailhouse and breaking down barriers with their music, the volunteer musicians certainly got their effort’s worth. The crowd stunner came from two inmate Dance Groups: “The Megamix Dancers”, and “The Vikings”, whose choreographed moves kept everyone spellbound, anticipating an encore.
No one really expected what happened next. Professional ramp models appeared on stage. They strut down the runway in stunning designs by Fashion Designer Puey Quinones, who, together with Events Coordinator Melvin Mojica, conducts LAYA Fashion Design workshops inside Bilibid every week. Their students had the chance to showcase their artistic talent in creative designs, as worn by the models, who posed in their T-Shirt collection.
When Guest singer and jazz artist Ricky Quiogue filled the break with “What a Wonderful World,” it seemed that Louie Armstrong himself had walked into the auditorium. The song played out beautifully, as KULAY Painters (also LAYA workshop students, who are taught by artist and LAYA volunteer Andy Maluche every week) completed the two panels of giant murals on stage, which, as a live backdrop, they had been abstractly painting all along.
The “FreeSons” then brought back their music, with vocalist Luis singing in Spanish to the delight of all, followed by Chris Martinez (LAYA volunteer vocalist) belting out hardcore rock. Luis ended the set with an original song “I Still Would Have Died for You”—an inspirational message that was supported by a big-screen playing clips from the movie “Jesus”.
By sundown, the stage was set for more drama still. A skit mimed by LAYA volunteer and theater/film actor Gio Respall was chilling and surreal. His act of a man who tries everything to find a way out of his own confined world concluded with another heart-wrenching song from Chat about finding freedom in spirit. For this captive audience, the concert had come to a close, and had exceeded all expectations!
“Laya”, in Tagalog, means “Free”. Regardless of their past, prisoners are still human beings, each with a gift to give back. Their lifetime may be spent behind bars, and this is their reality. Yet in life, true freedom is only found within the chambers of one’s heart.
Photographs by Digby Ross, Mike Alvir, and Nyx Martinez
Please contact us to see how YOU can be a part of the ongoing LAYA (Living AcademY of Arts) Project.
Fun at Villa San Miguel for Kids with Cancer
We’ll let these pictures from our last FunDay at Villa San Miguel speak for themselves!
–Our thanks going out to those who made it possible last Monday–David’s Salon, Andy Maluche, EMCB Buslines, Ruel and Doris Martinez, the Chan family, and those big hearts who wish to remain anonymous.
More thanks to all those volunteers whose hands-on help contributed to many lasting memories, and a whole lotta fun!
FunDayTion FUN and Updates!
Tomorrow, we get to go to a natural hot-springs resort in Calamba, Laguna! Hoping it won’t rain, as all 100+ of us (kids with cancer and their parents) will be loading 2 buses to cross the highway for a day out of the smoggy city!
Thanks to everyone who dropped off toys and giveaways for the event! You can be sure we’ll have lots of great pictures to upload here…
…Meanwhile, the FreeSons, our LAYA band in Maximum Security gave their first performance last weekend when Rock the Rehas brought in visiting celebrity bands.
You should have been there…THEY ROCKED!!!
Lunch Party!
Last Thursday was a special one at the Cancer Ward of the Philippine General Hospital.
Our little friends (all with cancer) and us had a lunch party! –No one’s birthday this time…because every day can be like Christmas, if you want it to be! Thanks to those who helped out, including our anonymous donors, plus Becky’s Kitchen, who delivered yummy chocolate crinkles!
Click the pictures–here’s the kids, parents, and all the volunteers helping out. We were over 100 people!
“If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain.
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.”
–Emily Dickinson
Upcoming FunDay!!!–And Request for Toys, etc.
The FunDayTion is having fun again!
On the second week of October, we are
taking 70 kids with cancer (plus their parents–@ 150+ people in all) to a
hot springs resort near the cool Mt. Makiling in Laguna, Philippines!
Prior to that day, Our Life Foundation is collecting donations of toys, books, clothes, etc.
(hand-me-downs accepted, too!) Plus, milk, vitamins, and other goodies for
the kids.
If you have or know anyone who can contribute any of the above
items, please call (+63) 915-881-2478, or reply here. (In this country,
never too early to start some Christmas cheer!)
Thanks in advance!
The LAYA Project
LIVING ACADEMY OF ARTS
“Where tHE ART is free.”
“Laya” is the Filipino word for “Free”. The “Living AcademY of Arts” (LAYA) is an inter-denominational and multi-cultural group of volunteer- artists within and without the Maximum Security Compound of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa, Philippines.
LAYA’s Mission:
To enhance and develop creativity amongst inmate artists; to provide those gifted in the arts a channel to produce and perform; to educate in all fields of art; to inspire and generate hope through the expression of living art.
LAYA’s Vision:
By allowing for freedom of expression and the fruition of talent within Maximum Security, inmates are given the chance to live productively and enhance their knowledge of the arts. Art improves the mental and emotional condition of inmates, regenerating a sense of pride in what the individual is able to create for the good of society.
Through positive construction, we intend to restore hope in the lives of men in bonds. And through adopting programs which enable them to showcase their talent, we will work to inspire reformation and/or improvement in the individual.
To assist inmates in rehabilitation through the arts, LAYA conducts the following workshops bi-weekly:
· Theater Group (Performing arts, dance, stage, acting, choreography)
· Fine-Arts Group (Painting, photography, drawing, rendering)
· Literary Arts Group (Poets, playwrights, writers)
· Music Group (Bands, sound design, music productions) Each workshop is done with the goal of a staged performance, exhibition, or showcase of talent after a determined period of months.
An essential part of LAYA’s outreach involves bringing volunteer artists into the Maximum Security Compound, and enabling them to contribute their own talents in whatever field they may be gifted. Guest speakers inspire; volunteer teachers give classes. And by interacting with prisoners in a constructive and positive environment, they play a key role in the rehabilitation programs of the Bureau of Corrections.
LAYA seeks to capitalize the success of artists, whose works inspire and empower others through the realization of personal responsibility and guided values, encouraging potential artists to use their creative gifts to enhance the quality of life for themselves and others, regardless of status or environmental conditions.
We regard prisoners as human beings, each with a gift to give back. Their lifetime may be spent behind bars, and this is their reality. But through the participation of volunteer artists sharing their artistic talent and skills with LAYA group members, we hope to communicate that, in life, true freedom is only found within the chambers of one’s heart.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: Why devote time to prisoners and condemned criminals?
A: As Christian missionaries, we feel it is our duty to help the needy, regardless of race, culture, or social status. In the past 10 years of engaging in Prison Outreach ministries, we have seen many positive changes within prisons and institutions where the love of God is manifested in real and caring ways.
Q: Why do they look so happy in the Prison? Aren’t prisoners supposed to be suffering?
A: The culture of Philippine prisons is very different than the average idea of prison cells. From the media, we get pictures of bars, rigid confinement and uncontrolled chaos. If one were to step inside the Maximum Security of the Philippines today, one would find a little “barangay” or village in operation, complete with sports clubs and markets, a place where families are allowed extended visits and even overnight stays once a week. There is a certain social system, which has proved instrumental in giving inmates an alternative lifestyle, even within the compound. Although the circumstances are less than desirable, we try to help improve their current lives by offering constructive programs to inspire positivity. We believe that if we have helped to change even one life for the better, we have changed our part of the world, and have done what we could to make a difference.
Q: Who are the Volunteers for the LAYA Project?
A: The LAYA Project was started by Lamb of God Foundation and Our Life Outreach. We welcome anyone who has the desire to unselfishly help service the world through their time and talents. Because the LAYA Project revolves around the arts, we encourage artists and performers who have special interests in using their gifts to give back something positive to a place that needs it the most. We currently have a team of actors, artists, and people who want to have fun while serving!
Q: Isn’t it dangerous inside the Maximum Security Prison?
A: Of course, there is no safer place than in the Center of God’s Will. Because we know that this ministry is our calling and place of service, we feel secure in His Divine Protection. Still, we have never experienced any type of physical harm or danger all these years. Our efforts to help have been welcomed by the inmates, and friends inside have also seen to our safety and protection. We request your continued prayers, though, and are grateful for them!
Q: What about counseling services and other means of outreach inside the Prison?
A: We still conduct personal-counseling and prayer visits, besides the regular arts workshops. We bring spiritual and moral values into our classes, and encourage everyone involved to do so as well.
Q: How can I be a part of this work? What can I contribute?
A: In any way you wish! We need volunteers who can give their time and assist us as we go, plus donors who would like to sponsor transportation, food, and expenses of these trips (which are often 3x a week). As our workshops grow, we are in need of band equipment, theater props, art materials, etc. Please let us know how you would like to help. Together, let’s make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
