NCCA stages ‘flash mob’ at rail stations

MANILA, Philippines - Riders of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) were treated to a “flash mob” performance by various artists at the Doroteo Jose Station in a bid to bring the arts closer to the public. 

Victor Emmanuel Nadera Jr., an award-winning poet, fictionist, playwright, and essayist and director of the Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA), said the activity is in line with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts’ National Arts Month in February.

At 8 a.m. yesterday, artists from various fields staged the “flash mob” at LRT’s Doroteo Jose station and by 10 a.m., they transferred to the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) station in Cubao, Quezon City for a similar performance.

Some performed folk dances, ballet and hip-hop while visual artist Badz Magsumbol sketched an LRT passenger for free.

“We want to encourage the people, such as the passengers of the LRT or MRT. This is one way to bring arts closer to the hearts of the people. This is to clarify the wrong impression that to be involved in the arts is costly and is only for the well-dressed people. Arts is part of the life of the people,” he added.  

NCCA chairman Felipe de Leon Jr. said holding a performance in a public place such as the LRT shows that arts is also for the ordinary folks and that they need not go to classy museums or buy tickets from the Cultural Center of the Philippines to get a glimpse of Filipino culture. 

“The arts that we inherited from the West is for the rich. But we Filipinos are also rich in art such as banig-making, flying kites, basket-making and pottery, which we are trying to revive,” he said.