GEARTAP mini magazine

Art as Solidarity TOWARDS COVID-19 FRONTLINERS IN THE PHILIPPINES

ART AS SOLIDARITY GEARTAP y13 DEPARTMENT OF LITERATURE Towards COVID-19 Frontliners in the Philippines AY 2020-2021 04 06 11 14 15 How Art Has Helped How Art Aided the Songs for Online Virtual We Heal as One Rise of Digital Heal Response for the Frontliners Concerts for Visual Art Pandemic Fundraising

EDITORIAL BOARD MCIHKUKAO JEARYIMKAA LLAERAOLYZNA LPIZAAMREDLOA PAMNIGKAANEILBAAN Despite these trying times, we hope we all could reflect and fuel our hopes as we solidarize for the healing of the world. We hope that through the power of word, we can advocate readers to champion wellbeing and support our frontliners with the endeavor to ‘Heal as One'. Sincerely, The Writers & Editors

How Art Has Helped Heal by Erika jayma Although most may no longer remember this, March 15, 2020 marks the start of the first lockdown to be ever experienced by Filipinos, especially those who’d lived in Metro Manila at that time (Aspinwall, 2020). Many had been hopeful that it would be contained and the usual day-to-day living would return. This would not be the case, as we’ve all come to learn painfully. Plenty of lives have been lost to this virus. Fearful of it from taking, even more, people have taken to arming themselves with personal protective equipment (PPE), but even then, it’s not guaranteed protection (CCOHS, 2021). PPE merely reduces the risk of exposure, and this is a most critical disadvantage to those who deal with the infected on a daily basis: our front liners. Frontliners are mid- level to community health workers whose current role in society is to provide health care services at a more local level to reduce the risk of infection (WHO, 2021). These people are sacrificing their lives, and for what? To save the lives of others and to instill a sense of security in the people around them. 04

How Art Has Helped Heal by Erika jayma What many tend to forget is that underneath their masks lies a human being who too is scared. The same kind of thoughts plague them (Gimeno, 2020)—will I be next? Will the person beside me be next? Will I be able to go home? These workers who put themselves in danger on a daily basis have families too. They are parents to children waiting for them at home. They are siblings waiting for the other. And they are children to their parents who are bereft to do nothing else. This kind of living for the frontline workers has proven to be as detrimental as the virus, impacting both mental and physical health in a degrading manner. Although the choice to quit is right in front of them, many have chosen to turn their backs on that and continue to help, proving how humanity in its kindest can shine through the cracks of this dreary pandemic. This act of bravery has not only been recognized by the media but also by the people who are being protected. The image below (Concerned Artists of the Philippines, 2020) is just one example of numerous posters, infographics, and much more artwork dedicated towards our front liners. Such works hold messages inside of them, calling to attention the struggle of our fellow countrymen and bringing to light these issues. Art like this is meant to comfort our frontline workers that even if we aren’t physically there, we are watching and cheering on their efforts to save lives. Examples such as the one above are meant to convey how they aren’t alone in their endeavor and relieve them of what negative feelings they have. The Filipinos are aware of this fight against the COVID-19, are aware of how our front liners are at the forefront of this battle, and that those at home are doing the best they can to contribute in their own way to lift what burden is shouldering these workers down. 05

How Art Aided the Rise of Digital Response for the Pandemic by Mikaela Danielle Panganiban The The Digital Age... Pandemic The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic changed the world’s perspective invoked a new-normal situation into the completely in 360. It took the things that we’ve neglected but at world. The drastic changes brought by the the same time enjoyed – the proximate. But by living in this pandemic raised uncertainties. Along with the resilient world, connections became tangible. It is believed by virus, the epidemic of loneliness sparked Sgourev (2020), that with the digital age, digital platforms bridge like embers as the world quarantined – relationships and cultivate a new art of connection among extensive precautionary measures, social humans. With that, I firmly believe that with the advent of the distancing, self-isolation – per se is the rise of digital realms, technologies became an avenue to connect a new contemporary era. Humanity and countless souls and be the representative and the voice of chivalry expanded into greater realms to information and social causes through artistic horizons. champion these challenges that we are facing and combat the spread of the virus. UNICEF’s Maitem (2020) recognized that humanitarian workers – front liners, medical personnel, and public servants, risk their lives every day to save others and go beyond the call of duty to provide lifesaving sacrifices to conquer this health crisis. 06

How Art Aided the Rise of Digital Response for the Pandemic by Mikaela Danielle Panganiban As the world faces challenges to A great example is how large and small companies psychological health and as set aside their monetary objectives and rather, humanitarian workers and front raised funds to extend solidarity to the frontline. liners risk their own lives to save With the zeal of service, we were able to tolerate others, there is no doubt that art political indifferences and serve unitedly. With the takes place to champion their call to help through the art of social media, voice to move forward. According Organizations raised funds to provide PPEs, to Kapoor (2019), art is the advocate medical equipment, testing kits, food and supplies of solidarity despite these for survival. Agreeing to Radermecker (2020), uncertainties. It is a symbol of through the utilization of state-of-the-art reminder to champion our techniques in the digital world, such as virtual wellbeing and support front liners events to fundraise, maximization of media and with the endeavor to ‘Heal as One'. digital platforms to exhibit information and With the corporeality of arts and awareness, and to seek compassion for others. It the digital world, the ‘Bayanihan gave the Filipino people the hope of healing and Heal as One’ was spread to resiliency through chivalry and humanity. everyone despite the lack of proximity. The Philippines became 07 more united in the spirit of communal unity – our solidarity.

HINAYABHow Art Aided the Rise of Digital Response for the PandemicENOSA by Mikaela Danielle Panganiban Organizations provide emergency response through the help of media art AN WE HEAL 08

Digital art tribute for the frontline Digital World as a voice in seeking compassion, support, and information for awareness Digital Art for Solidarity in Resiliency \"WEAR THE MASK, LIVE THE LIFE,\" “SACRIFICE,” LENDL ROMERO, QUEZON BY HEROD MONTIEL, 2ND PLACE CITY, METRO MANILA, PHILIPPINES Virtual art contest of UN Ph to showcase the Filipino youth's 09 COVID-19-resilient spirit

How Art Aided the Rise of Digital Response for the Pandemic by Mikaela Danielle Panganiban The art’s firmament patronized digital leadership into these times. With the will power of humanity and chivalry to persist during uncertainties, breaking the boundaries between the horizon of arts and the realms of the digital. Art has aided the digital response as it became the symbol of hope, healing, tribute, and solidarity for one. Art is the heart- façade for the call of Filipino resiliency, the call for continuous ‘Bayanihan para sa bayan’ as ‘We heal as One’. 10

Songs for Frontliners by Pamela Lizardo As an art form, music, as it always has been, became a tool to commemorate common and shared experiences especially in a pandemic when more and more experiences have become ubiquitous. (Lago, 2020) The COVID- 19 pandemic severely affected the Philippines. With strict lockdown restrictions, normal life has been put on hold. During the beginning of the lockdown, non-essential workers were not allowed to leave their homes. In an article by Granados (2020), he described that the digital creation and consumption of music are escalating, especially in the midst of the new reality presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the case of music creation, the sole choice for most is virtual collaboration wherein live video sessions and back-and-forth exchange of lyrics and music files replace what used to occur in a recording studio. The production of high- quality music videos, on the other hand, has proven more challenging during the pandemic. During the era of social distancing, artists opt to instead showcase user generated material, which allows scenes from the comfort of their own home. Everyday, Filipino frontliners put their own safety and well-being aside to render life-saving assistance to those in most need. Regardless of the numerous hazards, Filipino front line workers perform their work, delivering support to those in most need in a dedicated and unselfish manner. Artists have not overlooked these heroic efforts by our frontliners and have instead created music to honor them. As such, many artists inspired by the courage of Filipino frontliners, released songs that pay tribute to them. In this article, I will be reviewing some of these songs. 11

Songs for Frontliners ALAY SA MGA FRONTLINERS by Pamela Lizardo by Dr. Agerico BABANGON Milat TAYO BAYANIHAN by the Concerned Artists of the by Christian Philippines Dumapilin through Philpop Foundation BAYANI NG MUNDO by Dr. Carl E Balita & Venhee Saturno 12

Songs for Frontliners by Pamela Lizardo Although every song was dedicated towards our Filipino frontliners, all songs had its own specific message it wanted to share to its intended audience. Babangon Tayo by the Concerned Artists of the Philippines was very inspiring. The main message of the song. sung by such lovely voices, is that everything is better together, and together we are stronger. Bayani ng Mundo was specifically addressed to the medical frontliners who have sacrificed so much for their patients. The lyrics talked about the sincerity of our nation’s medical frontliner thus, they are dubbed the ‘bayani ng mundo’ who should be appreciated. The music video for the song displayed footage of those in the medical field and paid homage to those who passed away doing their duty. Whilst, Alay sa mga Frontliners offered a more soulful rendition of the message with lyrics that talk about the weight that frontliners’ carry seeing as it is their hands that caress the hope that relieves the sorrow of those they heal. Lastly, Bayanihan, composed by Christian Dumapilin, shares the sentiment that every Filipino, no matter where they were, are heroes. It celebrates bayanihan culture that calls for unleashing community mobilization by being a hero. Personally, I found Dimapilin’s voice was very uplifting and well suited for the song. All songs received a 10 out of 10 rating from me because honestly, I enjoyed listening to all of them and I believe that that was the intention of those who made it, in the first place. 13

Online Virtual Concerts for Due to the community quarantine, a lot of people were unprepared and were negatively affected. To Fundraising Public gatherings were all canceled Image Source: manilamillennial.com.,2020 alleviate the problem regarding the supplies for the by: Lealyn Laroza starting March 15, 2020, until the front liners, several Original Pilipino Music (OPM) Image Source: Smart.com.ph.,2020 present to encourage social distancing artists have virtually gathered together to have which is a crucial factor in ensuring the online fundraising concerts. This series of virtual safety of the citizens. With this halt in concerts were supported and partnered with Smart our normal lives, it is undeniable that communications and by Ryan Cayabyab, the the pandemic has rewritten how we live. Philippines' National Artist for Music. The online It also significantly affected our cultural concert started on March 23, 2020, and lasted up to events such as how we celebrate May 15, 2020. The said virtual concerts were festivals. However, we are grateful for performed by 6Cyclemind, Pedicab, Gracenote, the advantage of technology which was Banda ni Kleggy, Imago, and Ultra Combo very useful in trying times like this. With (Rappler.com 2020). the help of the technology and internet, concerts were made possible in an Aside from the online concerts for Image source:Adobomagazine.com.ph.,2020 online set-up. front liners, the National Artist for Music, Mr. Ryan Cayabyab has also During these trying times, artists have not only organized a separate fundraising event showcased their talent just to entertain but to also to address the scarcity of food supply aid people with their needs by organizing virtual and personal protection needs of the marginalized and most vulnerable 14 concerts. communities in the National Capital Region. This online concert featured performances from Mr. Cayabyab himself, Ebe Dancel, Sponge Cola, Top Suzara, Noel Cabangon, and Bayang Barrios, among many others. (Bworldonline.com., 2020). Moreover, Ben&Ben, a famous OPM band in the Philippines had their one-hour live stream session in which all proceeds were donated to COVID-19 testing kits and relief goods for citizens. This virtual concert was called Puhon: A Ben&Ben FB Live event for COVID-19 response effort wherein puhon here came from a Cebuano dialect that means hope (Gomez, 2020).

We Heal as One Visual Art by Mikko Chua A light shines to send hope to those who are suffering as a Art provides a way to express one's feelings in order to sign for healing. No matter the circumstance, God reveals his emphasize the state of a person in order to come up with a plan to not save from sin but to heal the entire nation from solution in no time. To embrace the healing to all people in the destruction. The Beauty of Art is emphasized to create the world, their artists' talents provide a capacity to drive them emotions and feelings of different people. In this case, the away from anxiety. It is there to fight different challenges and works of art advocate the sick people to let them know that uncertainties in life to advocate support during the world there are a wide range of opportunities in curing the sickness pandemic. Art therapy has a purpose to survey the people’s and despite not living in a perfect world, God only knows reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic. These sessions provide what is best for them. Portraying the roles of the society, the an opportunity in engaging all the senses and aesthetic allocation of funds for the sick starts with selling the paintings experiences in learning new ways of appreciating art. It is made by patients or families themselves online in order to being studied that physically and mentally ill patients were generate more funds due to an influx of people inspired by cured through the power of art therapy . (Kaimal, n.d.) different arts for medicines or vaccines for different hospitals and healthcare centers. Art is a powerful tool to drive patients 15 away from their struggles. (pigeon, 2020)

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