When I was filling out my application for Clutch Volume 4, we were asked what our expectations of the program was, what did we intend on gaining by joining Clutch? From the beginning, I was aware that this program could offer so many opportunities for networking. I simply knew, that clutch would open many doors for me, but I never expected it’d open a prison cell door.

Prison PROOF, here's a shot by Nicco Lorenzo (who plays Shakespeare in Prison Dancer) rightfully entitled 'Maximum Security Bebot'

Yes, that is correct. Thanks to Kapisanan, I ended up in jail for an entire week. Now, before you get into a tizzy, you have to understand that it was a beautiful, life changing experience. I met some of the most interesting and inspiring people, the food was great and best of all… I SURVIVED.

Confused yet? Don’t be. First you need to click this link and watch this amazing trailer: http://www.youtube.com/prisondancer .Did you catch that? Yes, that is Mikey Bustos… girls feel free to go craycray. Don’t be stingy, LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE.

Mikey Bustos can even make PRISON look attractive. (Ladies, you are welcome)

Thanks to Romeo Candido (director/co-writer), I was able to take part in the creation of this amazing web series/musical called, ‘Prison Dancer’. I was onset as the PA for the Arts Department, Wardrobe Department, Crafts Services and every once in a while I stepped in as the background talent. Being the youngest on a set full of incredibly talented people, I was able to soak in as much experience and street cred as possible, I even acquired the prison nickname ‘Bebot’, hardcore! Over the span of a week, on a prison set, in the very large and shady Fraser Studios, I figured out the three best ways to survive prison.

1. Sing

2. Dance

3. Find Love

The golden pipes of Jeigh Madjus (who plays Lola) could most definitely save him from any situation, unfortunately we’re not all that talented. So, in this case being able to sing simply refers to being able to vocalize your thoughts. Whether it be through the mumbling into headsets or the unmistakable boom of Alejandro Valbuena, our resident megaphone. Whose commands bellowed in and out of each prison cell into every eardrum, causing some unpleasant responses at times which means he was doing his job right; the man got his point across. Loud and clear. With any good production, communication is key. I observed ‘powwows’ held in the wardrobe department, where ideas bounced back and forth. Genuine open mindedness and conversation led to the brilliant execution of a single creative vision.

Could YOU survive prison with these tough guys? You wouldn't know it from the photo, but these sweethearts were ALL smiles on set!

If you’re afraid that your dancing may lead to self inflicted injuries, don’t lose hope! You may still have a chance to survive prison, even if you’re not as suave and sexy on the floor as Joseph Sevillo (as Oo Oo) and Pierre Bayuga (as NaNa), or as innovative as choreographer Diana Reyes. Learning to gracefully jump over obstacles, being quick on your feet or rolling with the ‘Pacquiao punches’ will get you to the other side, safe and sound. A production this large is bound to run into problems here and there, but being able to accept those difficulties and learning to adapt resulted in fruition. Some days, the weather will be horrendous, but being able to dance in the rain will keep you from losing your mind and losing hope.

Note: All videos require Adobe Flash to play. Click here to download.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTva63Eol1w

Lastly, if you want to survive, not only prison but life in general… you must find love. I’m not going to lie to you, Rihanna’s song instantly starts playing in my head as I write about this, which is only fitting; jail can seem like a pretty hopeless place. But sometimes, it’s in the darkest, dingiest areas in life that we find something or perhaps someone, that turns everything around. I’m not saying you need to find yourself a large, bald prison boyfriend, named Bubba; but the reason this production has so much life is because there is love infused into every ounce of it. There’s love in each original song and dance number, love between the entire cast and crew, each character in this web series is inspired by a love, made whole by Carmen DeJesus and Romeo Candido. There’s an undeniable passion and inspiration woven into Prison Dancer to make it what it is. So whether it be finding your love for singing, dancing, conceptualizing a breathtaking production, or a person in an orange jumpsuit with a killer smile… you have to find love.

As Caro always says, Be Inspired.

CLUTCH girls Diane, Vic and Char hard at work as they work on their parols

As I take down our Christmas tree at home, I looked back on the eventful Christmas I had being part of CLUTCH. I remember feeling the Christmas spirit as early as the beginning of November. The CLUTCH girls were all invited to the Kapisanan’s annual Parol workshops that day, along with the past and present volunteers, interns, workshop/program participants, mentors, facilitators, staff, board members and community supporters. Everyone brought their creativeness with them as they work on their beautiful parols to raise funds for Kapisanan.

Choosing materials to use for my parol!

One of the parols I made

Charise, Vic and I were all first timers and it took us a whole afternoon to finish just one parol. I must say, making a parol for the first time can be very tiring and time consuming, but once we got the hang of it, it became a lot easier. Excited after finishing one parol after 5 hours, I went ahead and started another one. I didn’t get to finish the second one that day so I had to come back and finish it. After I’m over and done with it, I thought of another idea and started making another one.

The CLUTCH girls spent some time to make their parols after our workshops every Saturday for the month of November.

Vic working on her second parol

It was perfect because we had all the time in November to make parols. Eager to meet Kapisanan’s crazy goal to make 100 parols, I just kept on thinking of ideas one parol after the other as the time passed by and approached the day that all the parols that have been waiting for their debut have been waiting for.. the Krismas Bazaar!!

Kat arranging the parols

Kat and Melissa displaying the parols outside Kapisanan

When I got there on December 3^rd, everyone was already busy preparing their tables for the bazaar. The parols were already hanged beautifully at the shop waiting for someone to take them and give them a new home. It was the first time the parols were shown and sold to the public. The CLUTCH girls were also busy finishing up their blockprints and helping out in the preparation.

Another one of the parols I made.

While printing our handmade Christmas card blockprints for the bazaar, Kristina told me someone was buying one of the parols I made so I should meet them. Thrilled, I stopped printing and quickly went upstairs to meet the people who are going to give my parol a new home. Alas, I was not quick enough so I didn’t get to talk to them but at least I got to see them as they walk away with the parol I made. That was the highlight of that day! Glad to help Kapisanan in my own little way to raise funds to continue to inspire and support emerging young artists like us through their workshops/programs in Toronto.

ANAKBAYAN-Toronto, in community partnership with Kapisanan Philippine Centre for Arts & Culture, presents, AHON: A Fundraiser for Sendong Survivors

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AHON /verb/ – to rise up from the waters

On December 17, Typhoon Sendong ravaged the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro in northern Mindanao, killing over one thousand people, displacing thousands more, and destroying agricultural livelihoods.

On February 4th, join Anakbayan Toronto, in community partnership with Kapisanan Philippine Centre for Arts & Culture, for an evening in solidarity with the survivors of the typhoon.

Saturday, February 4th
Auction/bazaar, 4 p.m.
Open mic, 6 p.m.
Performances, 7 p.m.
$5 Minimum donation

@ Kapisanan Philippine Centre for Arts & Culture
167 Augusta Ave.
Toronto, ON M5T 2L4

Unique items will be auctioned and performances by your favourite local artists, poets and musicians will take place throughout the evening. A week-long online auction will also be held in anticipation of this event, with all proceeds going to relief efforts in the affected areas.

We’ll kick things off at 4 pm with a silent auction and bazaar featuring an eclectic mix of things to do and see. Open Mic starts at 6 pm, so limber up those vocal chords or flex those joints. The regular program begins at 7 pm and will run until 10 pm.

Suggested minimum donation: $5 (But feel free to be extra generous!)

With performances by:

CHRISTINE BALMES + HANIELY PABLEO
MELVIN BUSLON
JEFFREY CASARENO + JONATHAN NGUYEN
LEN CERVANTES
RHEA GAMANA
CATHERINE HERNANDEZ + ARLENE PACULAN
KIMBERLY HOWELL

& More…

Keep checking the Facebook event for more updates!

See you there!

Note: All videos require Adobe Flash to play. Click here to download.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlI9_As5dn8

Kate Fraser, an arts based coordinator at Schools Without Borders, began our photography workshop by telling us a little bit about herself and the past projects she was a part of. One project was My City My Story, “a community photography project that gives young photographers access to the equipment, resources and mentorship to develop a body of work that contributes untold stories about community and social justice to the public narrative.” Through this project, we were able to see a group of individuals tell their own stories through photography.

Kate helping Renelyn with some settings for her film camera.

There are several Clutch girls who are at home with photography already but we all found it helpful to revisit the basics. With cameras in hand, Kate walked us through exposure settings, aperture settings, what we need to keep in mind when shooting indoors vs. outdoors, if a subject is still or in motion, as well as finding different perspectives to shoot from. With all this information it was time to, “take chances, make mistakes, and get messy.”

We headed to the park and were able to experiment with the setting sun’s rays peeking through the trees, Clutch girls chasing a flock of pigeons, Kat Estacio throwing leaves into the air, wisps of cigarette smoke, and even making use of the park’s playground.

Vic capturing Charise and Renelyn.

Diane outside of the park looking in.

One of the more challenging photo taking moments of the day goes to Diane Guison as she tried to capture a photo of me while on the swings. There were a lot of trial and errors and experimenting of settings on the camera as well as getting varying shooting positions around the swing (on top of trying not to get hit in the face by my feet!) but with the guidance of Kate, Diane was able to take a great photograph full of action!

Experimenting with shooting from above.

Photography is an amazing medium. In an instant you can capture an emotion, an idea, a whole life. It can be quiet and reflective but also loud and powerful. It can create an awareness inside of yourself or bring awareness to the whole world. It can stir up the same emotions in people or it can create a debate, an exchange of thoughts and ideas. Photography is wordless yet it is filled with so much meaning and thanks to Kate Fraser and her informative and hands-on workshop, we are left feeling more confident and more adventurous with our future photography projects.

Thanks Kate!

Daps All Ages Concerts, in community partnership with Kapisanan Philippine Centre for Arts & Culture, presents:

Daps All Ages – Vol. 9!
Saturday, January 21, 2012
@Kapisanan
167 Augusta Ave.

Doors @ 330 p.m.

$7 at the doors
Free for 12 and under!
Cheap yummies available as always!

Featuring music from:

>>>> HIDDEN WORDS <<<< (Alden Penner and Friends, formerly from Unicorns, Islands) http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Hidden-Words/170972952946190

>>>> HOLIDAY RAMBLER <<<< (D.Alex Meeks, Hooded Fang Drummer) http://radio3.cbc.ca/#/artists/Holiday-Rambler

>>>> YOUNG WIFE <<<<
(Allie T.!)

http://www.myspace.com/youngwifeyoungwife

Poster Design by DOORS WIDE OPEN mentor, Christine Mangosing of CMANGO Design

As we get older, we quickly realize how much more career options the world has to offer than just jobs as a teacher, a firefighter or a doctor. At The Making Good Project’s very first event, Doors Wide Open, all youth from ages 18-25 are invited to enjoy a day spent meeting some of the city’s successful professionals and learn not only the details behind a wide range of different careers, but of the paths people took to get there as well.

In classic speed dating style, participants will spend the evening being paired up with mentors of all kinds of job titles from music agents to economists. Within only a few minutes shared with each mentor, feel enlightened and more driven than ever as they each share their personal career journey with you and most importantly, help you start your own.

To end a night of fascinating and beneficial conversations, participants will also be led in a mission session. This will round up all the event’s shared passions and lessons learnt to teach the group how they can then put it all to use in the real world.

This is the best possible oppurtunity to:

-Get inspired!
-Explore your interests and passions.
-Learn the real details schools don’t teach you about careers.
-& Maybe even figure out what you want to for the rest of your life!

All you’ll need to worry about bringing with you is an open mind, for this event is completely FREE!

The event is on January 24th.
It will start at 4pm and end at 8pm
and will take place at The Centre for Social Innovation at 720 Bathurst St.

TTC Directions: Take the subway or streetcar to Bathurst Station.
Exit and walk south on Bathurst Street
CSI Annex is on the west side, between Bloor and Harbord.

REGISTER HERE!

PS. Shoutout to Christine Mangosing of cmangodesign, who designed the awesome-looking flyer for Doors Wide Open!

Yes. This is April Aliermo. At DAPS All Ages Concert (that happens here @KAPISANAN)

About April: Multi-disciplinary Artist Entrepreneur who has several projects on the go: a creative based-playschool (an incorporated non-profit organization), a few bands (Hooded Fang, Phèdre, tonkapuma), a record label (Daps Records) and other random pursuits. She is looking for an volunteer intern.

How many hours a week approximately is needed?

• Some weeks might be more busy than others, if there is a big project. Other weeks, there may not be any work to be done. But in general, It would be for 3 – 5 hours a week.
• The day is pretty flexible, and also depends on the week.

Bellwoods Playschool making parols @KAPISANAN

What would be some responsibilities be?
Responsibilities vary, especially since this position is to support and learn from several of my projects: Bellwoods Playschool, Hooded Fang, tonkapuma, phèdre, Daps Records.

Admin Responsibilities

• Checking mail + delivering to respective people
• Mailing things
• Photocopying, stapling, binding, etc.
• printing things like posters and putting them up around town
• Updating blogs + websites

Random Responsibilities, every now and then

• picking things up from people, places and/or stores
• dropping things off to people + places
• helping organize spaces and supplies

Arty Responsibilities, every now and then

• silk screen t-shirts and/or posters
• helping with video shoots
• other random art projects
• taking photos

Other Things
If there are other areas someone would like to help in or think they want experience in, April is open, flexible and willing to teach and train! There are also many opportunities to be connected with other artists, musicians and educators in the community. Depending on how things go, could lead to paid work in the future.

If you, or someone you know, is interested in applying please email April Aliermo directly april.aliermo@gmail.com with your resume and a cover letter.

WRITTEN BY CLUTCH VOL. 4 PARTICIPANT, VICTORIA BACNIS

Visual Branding with Christine Mangosing!

“At one point or another, someone or a group of people designed this (table, bottle, chair etc.) to work for people to use… Design is everywhere.”

I got on the TTC right after CLUTCH thinking about everything I learnt that day.  I walked down Dundas St. looking at the buildings, cars, and lights around me with a completely different opinion- with a lot more respect and admiration.

I think Christine was showing us an example of a BAD business card here.

As a visual arts student, I am already a firm believer that art is everywhere… From the colors of the trees, the way people dress, the sounds that the cars make or the multiple conversations that talk over each other in the cafeteria to only create a sound that is no longer clear to understand.

Everything is art. But after Christine Mangosing’s workshop that day, I was convinced that design takes art to a completely different level I never knew existed, I was convinced that the art of design is a lot more than that. She showed us the basic ins and outs, the rights and wrongs, and tips and tricks of how to brand and set you up for a successful business.

Looking at books with examples of different web designs and logos to inspire us!

Plagiarizing a different company’s logo, using fancy, hard to read fonts, use of pictures that have nothing to do with your company’s motto- these are just a few of the common mistakes that many people make. One of the many highlights of the workshop was when Christine showed us examples of bad logos.  Many were too cluttered, visually unappealing, or simply just didn’t communicate what their company or business was offering. One of the logos that had us all laughing was an image of what looked like a chicken, a cow and a dog edited into one creature. We were so thrown off my the image that we had no idea what the business card was promoting.  Another was a logo of a dance company that used two stick figures dancing that ended up looking like a naked woman’s breasts. It’s actually amazing how the smallest details can push your down the garbage.

Listening to the do's and don'ts of branding.

All of us Clutch girls are in the program to find our places within the art industry, but more specifically to promote and share our talents with the big world.  Knowing what not to put on a business card and how to come up with our own logos is a good start but figuring out what abilities we have make us unique and what we have to offer for other people is an even better start. I know all of us enjoyed the workshop and are on our ways to where we want to be. I can’t wait ‘till I get my first business card done. Once that’s done, we’re in business people!- or so I hope.

Despite the technical difficulties we all loved the workshop. THANK YOU CHRISTINE!

As the New Year comes along, so do the New Year’s resolutions. Like the rest of the world, we’re all hoping to work on our health/fitness a little more in 2012. Or maybe you’re looking to explore the Filipino culture.. OR maybe you’re simply just hoping to try something new.

Start the New Year off this upcoming 2012 by getting to do all three, this month at KAPISANAN!

This month, Kapisanan Philippine Centre  for Arts & Culture welcomes the community of all ages, Filipino or not, to join us in further exploring the Filipino culture through one of the country’s most interesting martial arts systems; The Integrated Trankada Aldabon Kali (ITAK) System.

When one thinks of martial arts, Filipinos aren’t exactly the first thing that come to mind. With more mainstream forms such as Kung Fu or Karate, it’s not that often that the Filipino culture is recognized for their fair share of creative martial art styles. The Filipino Martial Arts, or the “FMA” styles of martial arts, are of the most varied, innovative and dangerous in the world.

With different styles coming from every geographical block in the country (Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao), the types of martial arts and their levels of difficulty range from very simple to very complex with multiple subsystems attached to them.This particular form of FMA is a style that is much closer to the spirit of the ancient Philippine fighting art systems.

Teaching it this upcoming year is Larry Mitchell, an instructor who has studied Filipino martial arts for 17 years with his personal instructor, Grandmaster Gerry “Nonoy” Galano. Having been involved in martial arts for 4 decades and with his ranks and teaching credentials in a variety of Japanese, Chinese and Filipino martial arts, a great learning experience can definitely be promised.

Some types of weapons you’d be learning to use in combat include:

• flexible weapons (short chain, belt, scarf, sarong)
• sickle (garab)
• short battle axe
• short spear
• short staff and walking cane
• double hook stick
• throwing rods and knives
• composite weapons, i.e. flail
• improvised weapons etc.

Primarily being a blade- fighting one, this “old school” system of Filipino Martial Arts will first be taught using armed combat methods and later on in the program, will begin to introduce unarmed combat techniques as well such as:

• Sumbagan-Sipa (striking and kicking techniques)
• Sumbagan-Torsi (classical locks and holds, reversals)
• Sumbagan-Dumog (striking-grappling)
• Sumbagan-Kuntao (a subset of the system)
• Panumba (takedowns)
• Tapon/haboy (throwing)
• Sakal (choking)
• Pamali (bone breaking)
• Sentido Patama (vital area striking)
• Weapons Disarming techniques
• Multiple Defence

INTERESTED?

Classes are
-$30/ month or
-$10/ drop-in class
******* First session on Jan. 22 is FREE =) *******

Each class runs on Sundays starting January 22, 2012, from 6pm – 8pm and all that is required is that you come dressed in a track suit and a tee shirt with comfortable training shoes (criss trainers, sneakers etc.)

Everything else you’ll need will be available for you to use at the centre.

Hope to see you there!

We are just about to close our doors for the holidays here at Kapisanan, and I can’t help but feel uneasy about the state of emergency back in our homeland. The press has been calling us to see if we are able to mobilize relief efforts within the GTA for Typhoon Sendong (Washi) that struck the province of Misamis Oriental in the northern part of Mindanao, on Friday [December 16].

Although we are not able to mobilize for this typhoon, like we did for Ondoy, there is still a huge need for people to contribute and donate. And I was thinking, if any of you out there are dreading to do that last minute shopping, or can’t figure out what to give that person that has everything…think about donating to the help the victims of Typhoon Sendang on behalf of the person you are buying a gift for.

this is what the downloadable printable PDF card looks like

Would you rather go to a hot, sweaty, crowded mall to try and find fairly meaningless holiday “token,” or would you rather download this printable card that says you have given them the gift of HOPE? I think you know the answer to this question.

(the PDF will print on regular 8.5×11 paper, and will fold in half)

Here’s our recommendation of where you can donate cash. We strongly recommend cash donations, it’s much more immediate, and it’s carbon footprint-conscious.

OPERATION SAGIP MIGRANTE (Operation Migrante Relief) for the survivors of typhoon Sendong. This relief effort is organized by Migrante Canada and its chapters, in cooperation with Migrante International.
Operation Sagip-Migrante is now open for monetary donations.

Donations in cash or cheques can be deposited to the MIGRANTE ONTARIO account. Please write “For Sagip Migrante” on the Memo line.

Migrante-Ontario Account # 0617-5260423
TD Canada Trust Branch 1968
Charitable Receipts for Donations of $20.00 and over

Please ensure that complete mailing address of donor appears on the cheque. For cash donations, email the list of names complete with mailing addresses and cash amounts to migrantecanada@gmail.com.

For more information, please contact Jonathan Canchela at 647-833-1023.

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Another option that’s also very immediate is to donate to our friend, Carlos Celdran’s family soup kitchen that they have set up on the ground in Mindanao. Check out the details here.