Artists' plight
Death is inevitable. The journey toward it can be unforeseeable thus fearsome for others. It is appalling when it is nearing; one is obstinately faced by many confounding eventualities. In one's twilight years, it is the fear due to lack or absence of financial backing, and that nobody will take care. Despite the honor and glory one has given to the community. One's oblivion is a flagrant possibility.
This case, I would consider, is common to our artists. It is probably the inherent irregularity of their work that on a "project-based" nature, they oftentimes have little left for tomorrow which makes their future relatively bleak. This is the reason why individual efforts or even groups are initiating activities to fill in this perennial quandary.
I received an invitation from a fellow thespian and veteran radioman Nicolas Ampatin who happens to be in the academe already as chair of a communication program. As a trustee and Vice President-Internal of the Cebu United Radio and TV Artists, Corp. (CURTA, Corp), he is in the forefront of the group's initiative to hold a "Dinner for a Cause." It is a fundraising project for its medical aid program at 6:00 pm on December 9, 2014 at the Sacred Heart Center Convention Hall, D. Jakosalem Street, Cebu City. The invitation states that "the medical aid program aimed at supporting its financially-challenged retired and semi-retired members cope with problems of medication, hospitalization, and rehabilitation."
"Since Christmas is practically in the air, CURTA, Corp. is appealing to one's benevolence by sharing an evening the privilege of dining with them. Aside from enjoying dinner, the group is guaranteeing a memorable night of fun, laughter and songs to be provided by the city's top-rated entertainment personalities."
Looking back, who could have imagined that endowed with versatility and youthful dynamism, cancer would struck Director Daisy Baad. Daisy could be well recognized as one of Cebu's top stage artists whether directing or script writing. Theater groups in Cebu under the umbrella of United Artists of Cebu held a benefit show for Daisy Baad. She has now joined her great Artist.
Noteworthy to mention are other ailing artists who need medical assistance. Probably not the composer but the prize-winning song Ka-usa Nabasa ang Tubig can easily be recalled. But screen and play writer-director Alan Jayme Rabaya's contribution to the development of Cebuano music and arts cannot be devalued. Alex Uypuangco, a year ago, I met him in his improv theater production held at Handuraw, on his wheelchair already but still very much active in developing promising stage actors.
In Cebu's theater circle, who could forget Director Al Evangelio? The last time I saw Al was when he had an intimate play presentation, The Gift, at the CCTN chapel with Mary Rose Villacastin-Maghuyop as lead actress. It was actually meant to raise funds to sustain the director's needs, specifically for medicines. Al's contribution to the propagation of Cebuano culture through theater is peerless. From start and until now, his belief and efforts to promote Cebuano talents are unbending. Passionate in discovering and developing local talents owes to his belief that Cebuano talents are the best talents in the world. And because of this, he has produced local talents who are creating waves in national and international scenes.
Evangelio, Rabaya, and Uypuangco-their contributions to Cebuano art and culture are indisputable. Cebuano music, theater, and movies would have never been as vibrant and dynamic without their uncompromising love and dedication. And I am really wondering if they do have something to look forward to especially in their twilight years.
Every time we have these well-intentioned and sporadic causes, I am always reminded of the need for an intensified call for concerned government, non-government agencies, and patrons of the arts to support for concrete measures that would ensure a well-deserved place for our artists.
Let's be one with the group's aim to help those who have contributed in giving significant meaning to our identity. Life is full of blessings but sometimes we are just too blind to see them. We are more fortunate and blessed than others.
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