The Niña Maria Arts
Hub, a component initiative of the Niña Maria Scholarship Program in Tambo,
Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City, organized an Art Exhibit and Christmas Charity
Concert with the theme, “Bata, Kaugmaon Mo, Awiton Ko” (literally meaning, “O
Child, your future I will sing”) on December 6, 2015, at the Ayala Centrio Mall
from 9:30 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. The twofold aim of the activity was to showcase the
ongoing activities of the Arts Hub and to invite interested collaborators
and/or benefactors to the arts program.
The day, being the Second Sunday of Advent, commenced with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist with our own scholars in the choir. The day was dedicated to God, reminding each and everyone that when God is put first, everything else falls into the right place. From the onset of the event, all were offered for His greater glory.
After the Eucharist, the Nina Maria Arts Hub scholars with their talents took center stage.
The Arts Hub is primarily dedicated to strengthening creativity, sharpening the mind, forming discipline and values, and fostering the holistic growth of the scholars who are under its music and arts program. Its building used to be the kindergarten classroom of Niña Maria Learning Center until its transfer to its new location at 10th-15th Street, Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City. It is practically run by volunteers, mentor artists included. All the modules are offered for free to economically disadvantaged but artistically gifted kids and youth. At present, there is a mix of around 30 kids, youth, and young adults, distributed in the different art classes on drawing, painting, note reading, guitar or ukulele playing, and poi dancing. Some of these students come from a relocation site for Sendong survivors, Indahag Habitat Village, an outreach extension community of the Niña Maria Scholarship Program. The positive development of the hub since it started in April 2015 necessitates an approach that could facilitate the sustainability and institutionalization of the initiative. The Art Exhibit and Christmas Charity Concert were an attempt to respond to this need.
As for the kid-scholars, they were excited. They had a good time playing and running around, but when it came to showing time, they all did their part and executed their roles beautifully. I personally hope that in the process, they also become more aware of their situation and the opportunities that were made available to them. That, they never cease to seek the beauty of life despite their struggles.
The whole day was
filled with the hustle and bustle of music and art. There were workshops that not only showcased the kids’ talents but also brought in support from the
audience as more and more people participated in soil painting, poi dancing,
and ukulele playing. Up until evening, music and art continued to flourish
through the various artists who willingly offered their time and talent for a
cause greater than themselves. The Christmas Concert indeed showed the scholars
what talent coupled with hard work and discipline can create and accomplish.
It was great being a part of the whole thing as a volunteer. I am not really the best one nor the best member of the Lestonnac Flame Circle, an ODN youth organization at Xavier University, but taking part in a wonderful event for a great cause is fulfilling as it is. Time and energy were indeed well-spent as I saw everything fall into place. It was great working with fellow youth and young adult volunteers who also are willing to answer the call of self-giving in the form of volunteering for the whole event. The knowledge that I am part of something that could help even a single child’s future is already a good enough reward.
As they say, it takes a village to raise a child. The event also gathered the rest of the community together. Those who were around that day, especially the organizing team, the volunteer artists and performers, donors, parents and families of performers and scholars, friends, and ODN sisters, were a great sight to behold. Everyone was excited about the event and all pitched in in big or small ways. It was a great opportunity for the community to provide and show love and support to the kids for what they do and for the Niña Maria Arts Hub.
Overall, it was an event of solidarity. It was a great avenue for the scholars – kids, and youth - to showcase their talents and skills and for them to gain confidence in what they do. It is always important to show a child that he/she is supported and cared for. Seeing the whole event and everyone who worked so hard for it did just that for them. And it was all for the greater glory of God!
By Jae Anne Asperin
Jae Anne is a second-year Biology
student and is a member of the Lestonnac Flame Circle of Xavier University.
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