June 28-30, 2024 – The three-day Aurora Youth for Sports and Arts (AYOS-A) event brought together 154 young artists from across Aurora province. Hosted by ASCOT this year, AYOS-A aims to nurture the talents of Aurora’s youth in various artistic fields. This year’s theme, “United in History and Culture: Celebrating Filipino and Spanish Friendship,” highlighted the deep connections between our cultures.
ASCOT President Renato G. Reyes expressed his gratitude during the closing program. “Nagpapasalamat ako na mayroong mga ganitong programa. Huwag kayong titigil upang mas lalong ma-develop ang inyong mga talento. At higit sa lahat, gamitin ang inyong mga talento para matulungan ang community,” he said.
NCCA Commissioner for Music Arvin Manuel Valino also delivered a speech, emphasizing the importance of arts education in fostering creativity and cultural appreciation among the youth. “Ang sining ay nagbubukas ng mata, kamay at kamalayan ng isang tao. Ito rin ay repleksyon at dapat nagpapamalas ng kung ano at sino ang Pilipino,” he said.
The program featured a diverse array of artistic expressions. Participants from the Basic Filmmaking workshop, led by Mr. Mahar “Butch” Ibañez, an accomplished professional in film acquisition and distribution, presented two short films produced by the participants titled “Diskarte” and “Bukas Palad.”
Visual art participants, under the guidance of Mr. Isidro Diaz Santos, a multi-awarded artist from Angono, Rizal, exhibited their works such as, painting using oil pastel, tie-dye shirt and pencil sketch.
Participants under the Philippine Folk Dance performed traditional dances reflecting Filipino and Spanish influences. They danced La-Jota Rizal to name a few. This is under the guidance of Percival Carel of the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Foundation.
In the Rondalla workshop, facilitated by distinguished musician and scholar Andrew Jaye Ocampo, participants showcased their musical prowess with pieces like “Red River Valley,” “Handog,” “Tuloy Pa Rin,” and “Bahay Kubo.”
For voice lessons, under the guidance of Joey Soliman Jr., the Secretary of the National Committee on Music of the NCCA. Participants namely, Lia Mostoles showcased her skill in singing “Part of Your World” from “The Little Mermaid,” Kurt Urbita performed “Careless Whisper,” Christian Deocarisa sang “Salibis ng Nayon,” and Trexey May Pio sang “Rise Up.”
Scriptwriting participants, guided by seasoned playwright and scriptwriter Bonifacio Ilagan, presented a dramatic reading titled “Sisikat ka, Iha.” Youth engaged in theatrical arts, led by Eduardo Perez, Executive Director of ARTIST Inc., staged a short musical play, showcasing their acting skills.
The event concluded with an energetic Hip-Hop Dance performance under the guidance of Xernan Alfonso, Director of HipHop International Philippines.
AYOS-A is presented by the Office of Senator Sonny Angara, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, National Commission for CUlture and the Arts, ASCOT Socio-Cultural Affairs Unit, and the School of Arts and Sciences. This activity not only provides a platform for young talents to showcase their skills but also cultivates a deep appreciation for arts and culture among the youth of Aurora.
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