By THERESE J. CAMET
Two decades ago, a number of celebrated American artists led by the US ‘king of pop’ Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie joined forces for a special project and called themselves ‘Band Aid.’
Together with Stevie Wonder, Kenny Rogers, Billy Joel and other singers, the group came up with the phenomenal song titled “We Are The World.”
This song, which promoted love, peace and unity on earth, won the Grammy Award in 1985 as the
‘song of the year.’ It was extremely popular that people of all ages were singing… “we are the world, we are the children, we are the ones who make a brighter day, so let’s start giving …”
And yet, love, peace, unity remain the world’s no.1 problem.
Last week, another group did a similar attempt to solve this dilemma.
The International Visitors Program–Philippines (IVP), the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the US Embassy in Manila moun-ted a unique program billed “Arts Across Borders” on June 5, at the main lobby of the CCP Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo.
Conceptualized by IVP–Philippines alum-ni headed by CCP president Nestor Jardin and filmmaker Laurice Guillen–Feleo, “Arts Across Borders” was a gathering of artists and art lovers from all sectors of the society intended to promote the arts as an instrument for peace and unity.
“We at IVP-Philippines have different expertise and so we were divided into groups according to our skills. Since I represent the CCP and Laurice is from the film industry, we were in charge of the ‘arts and culture’ projects,” Jardin explained.
IVP-Philippines which was founded in 2001 is an alumni association of the International Visitors Program supported by the US Embassy that brings professionals including people from government and media to the United States for a 3 to 4-week program.
The visitors are given the chance to meet people in their field of expertise in the US and to be exposed to the American lifestyle.
Upon completing the program, they are sent back to the Philippines to share their experiences with the other members of IVP–Philippines.
“Members of IVP–Philippines are international visitors who have been identified by the American mission for their very impressive talent and excellent performance in their line of work,” explained Thomas Krall of the US Embassy cultural affairs office.
“The US Embassy gives them moral and some financial support, although majority of the expenses come from the visitor’s own pocket,” he added.
“Arts Across Borders” was a two-hour program of music, dance, theater performances, poetry and other art forms performed by the Asian Institute for Liturgy and Music Chorale, Tanghalang Pilipino, Ballet Philippines … also, pianist Greg Zuniega, soprano Luz Morete, child harpist Christian Caragayan, US Embassy Press Attache Karen Kelly and US Embassy officer Rick Nelson.
A photo exhibit dubbed “People of the Philippines” by director Anton Juan was likewise mounted in conjunction with the Heritage Month celebration.
“This program is actually called a ‘tertulla’ where you just spend one afternoon enjoying music, poetry, songs, dances, sharing all kinds of food,” said Laurice GuillenFeleo.
“I think it’s a great idea where we can come up with a venue where we can come together and unite regardless of our race, religion, ideology and differences, promoting art and how to foster unity and peace,” she noted.
Organizers of “Arts Across Borders” hope to end the political conflict resulting from the national elections; the dispute between the Muslims and Christians; the ongoing wars in the Middle East, Iraq, Chechnya, southern Thailand, etc.
“We should shed our differences and together reflect on the power of arts as we transcend borders for unity and peace,” Jardin appealed in his speech.
Capping the event was a fiesta of our famous delicacies at the CCP’s Little Theater lobby, a ‘potluck–cum-mini-food festival’ served various Pinoy favorites such as pancit luglog, turon, kakanin, lechon, valenciana, among others.
