Essence Ligaya Rabago-Visaya Art in giving

Helping others to some can be perceived, oftentimes or if not in most cases, reciprocity. Lately, to me it has become second nature for us Filipinos to help those in dire need. Calamities unite and bring out the kindness in us. Going out of one's way, one doesn't have a second thought of lending a hand-a significant human experience, a way of life.

Watching service-oriented television programs, apparent are scenes depicting groups conducting humanitarian missions in Bohol. Diverse initiatives from various organizations and institutions have been organized aimed at helping our Boholano neighbors. They have lost their loved ones and properties from the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that struck last October 15, 2013. Though not spared from the wrath, Cebu is blessed as it wasn't badly hit.

Not far from the scenes, right in Mandaue City, I was informed that an initiative was done by a college whose part of its mission is for students to be responsive to the needs of the community. And in response to the call of time, they have organized such a creative way of helping others.

Borne out of the consultative spirit, Benedicto College has formed a committee that would look into finding an innovative way to raise students' level of social awareness and the value of helping one another. The Student and Community Affairs Office, National Service Training Program, Supreme Student Council and the Guidance Office have joined forces last Oct. 29, 2013 at the Artists' Hall as they asked their students to watch the Cebuano indie film Di Ingon Nato (Not Like Us).

Written and directed by Brandon Relucio and Ivan Zardarriaga, it was one of the nationwide entries to the 2011 Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival held at the Shangri-La Plaza Cineplex, Manila. It starred homegrown Cebuano talents like Franco Reyes and Donna Gimeno and a few Manila-based actors like Mercedes Cabral. I was fortunate to be part of the film where I played the role of Chit, wife of the barangay captain played by veteran actor Rez Cortez. As a supportive wife and very much concerned of the family affairs, I was very fortunate and proud of the film as I worked with young and brilliant filmmakers. I remember when it was premiered at SM Cinema Cebu, together with my UP students and colleagues. After the showing, they kept on asking me what happened to my character as I was out of the picture toward the ending of the film. When all characters were brutally killed and devoured by the zombies, my vanishing remained a mystery.

It highlighted the opposing forces of religious faith, superhumans/creatures and medicine. The peoples' faith, the reliance to science and the supernatural beliefs-were put to a test. Filmed in the mountain barangays of Manunggal and Cambinucot, Cebu, in trying times, the film put on view the locals' unwavering support and concern for others.  

To have access to the movie, students donated canned goods, rice and noodles as entry passes. These are the very items that our Boholano brothers badly need. Indeed, a creative, overflowing manifestation of the Bayanihan spirit-the Benedictian way of helping others.  

The usual practice in a lot of organized humanitarian efforts is donors giving cash, goods and services to the victims. This creates sometimes a feeling of exhaustion on the part of the donors especially when one calamity occurs after the other. For others, sadly, it is a source for self-aggrandizement and even corruption.

But for those who showed their concern and love for their fellow not expecting of any favors, I know, their benevolent endeavor would be paid back in many unexpected ways. It may not be immediate but in His time.   

The cliché "hitting two birds with one stone" has truth in it, as it clearly served a twin purpose: appreciation of our very own art and culture and the ability to help others in need. Indeed a creative blending of culture and humanitarian undertaking.