Pleasurable Entertainment in the 18th Deaf Festival Cultural Show

The well-known School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) department has made a wonderful celebration of the famous annual week-long Deaf Festival inside the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Taft Campus, Manila  with its exceptional theme “18th Deaf Festival: Creativity Beyond Limits”  last November 19-24, 2012. It was a successful event that created more fun and enjoyment.

Ma. Isabel Cabbab, a new Benildean Press Corps (BPC) Deaf writer, was the 18th Deaf Festival chairperson, and Mr. Michael Vea, the current president of Philippines Sports Federation of the Deaf (PSFD) and an SDEAS English faculty, was the festival adviser. The festival's head committees were Roejen Fernandez (Vice-chairperson), Lan Kimura (Secretary), Armhel Joice Ganotice (Marketing), Ira Ortiz (Bazaar), Angelo Maniago (Finance), Mark Daniel Laygo (Promotion), Melvin Orevillo (Exhibit), Paul Bryan Gaveria (Entertainment Program), Grace Pico (Activity), Gladys Bisnar (Logistics), Yobbo Garcia (Documentation), and Mark Gil Punzal (Registration).

The opening program started with a Holy Mass arranged by SDEAS which was held in Augusto Rosario Gonzalez Theater 5th floor, Mutien Marie Hall inside DLS-CSB Taft Campus at 9:30 am-10:30am last November 19, and was attended by numerous BAPDST and DLPC students, SDEAS faculties and administrators, and other visitors and participants. The Holy Eucharist was a peaceful, satisfying and beautiful one because of the wonderful performance by the Deaf performers for the opening and blessing of the Deaf Festival. The exhibit, which was filled of different photos of the past Deaf Festival events, was opened shortly after the mass. The traditional ribbon cutting was made by Ms. Agnes Canayon, Director of Center for Deaf Esteem and Formation (C-DEAF) and Mr. Leonides D. Sulse, Chairperson of Center for Academics (C-Acads). The Deaf Benildean community and SDEAS faculties applauded and were filled of joy.

The week-long event was filled with many different activities such as seminars including “How House Bill Becomes a Law” (HB 6079) prepared by Mr. Mackie Calbay, “Making Your Money Grow” prepared by Center for Partnership and Development, and “Healthy Living Session” which promoted information and awareness on food health and nutritional care, workshops including “Let’s Learn Filipino Sign Language,” “Photography,” and “Cooking with Chef Enriquez," the Deaf Got Talent, Deaf Master Chef, Sports fest on Volleyball and Basketball, Deaf Quiz Bee, Taekwondo Lesson, and selected Deaf fun games including puzzle race, Deaf Whiz Quiz game, and many more.

One of the highlights and best Deaf Festival activities was the closing program entitled “Deaf Festival Cultural Show”  which started at 6:00pm until 9:00pm. The cultural presentation started with the singing of the “Lupang Hinirang” accompanied by a Filipino folk dance by the Silent Steps while the audience stood as a respect to the Philippine national anthem. The opening remarks and inspirational message was given by the C-Acads Chairperson Mr. Leo Sulse. In his speech, he thanked the audience for coming to watch the cultural show. He also praised and congratulated the Deaf Festival head committees for making this big event in triumph through their hard work as a team. “Being hardworking and creative is a pleasing and good characteristic as a team. The theme 'Creativity Beyond Limits' denotes the unlimited skills and creativity of the Deaf, particularly those who are involved in accomplishing and making this cultural show successful. Every Deaf has a hidden talent and we should know the deepest meaning of the theme. I’m hoping that it is not only during the Deaf Festival event that we are always creative but you should use it in many ways at any time to achieve your dreams and goals."

There were many great and beautiful dance presentations that the Silent Steps had performed such as hip hop and Filipino native dance. They did it admirably while they wore different dance costumes. One of these was the Father and Son’s very inspiring performance. Rastaman Landero and his hearing father made the crowd feel overwhelmed with their song number as the father sang and played the guitar while Rastaman interpreted it through singing and using Filipino sign language. The two hosts Ms. Jessel Arriola and Roejen Fernandez asked Rastaman on how he performed concurrently with his father’s tone using FSL despite of being Deaf. He answered, “My father always supports me in achieving what I want to be. He knows I am Deaf and I cannot hear his voice and guitar, but I can feel it and he helped me to work it out until I succeeded in doing it.”

There was also a dance number from a different deaf school that performed a Filipino folk dance (tune of the farm) and the quasi-bird or birdie was dancing. The second was remarkable and eye-catching as they played excellently and expressively. Moreover, the winners of the games and Deaf contests were announced and have been given prizes.

The appearance of the three very amusing and artistic hosts Nathaniel Macariola, Kenneth “Ken” Yadan and Jimmy Cacut tickled the Deaf and hearing viewers and made them burst into laughter with their jokes even up until the last part of the program. It was really one of the most enjoyable entertainments. The three were well suited to each other and they were naturally humorous. They were even being compared to the comedians and hosts of Eat Bulaga Tito Vic and Joey when it comes to making the audience laugh and giggle. However, Nathaniel Macariola, the most humorous, made a remarkable performance on telling  two funny stories, the “Cut Tongue Becomes Deaf Aswang” and “Cop Leo Shoots Zombie." The final program was done by Mr. Mackie Calbay who encouraged the crowd to help him campaign and pursue the House Bill 6079. He explained that if the bill will be passed into law, the Deaf community will receive good benefits from the government and will get equal opportunities. At the end of the show, the video displayed the works and activities of the week-long Deaf Festival and the existence of its adviser, chairperson, vice-chairperson, and head committees.  The hosts were Lan Kimura, Richard Ibazebo, Roejen Fernandez, Nathaniel Macariola, Kenneth Yadan, Jimmy Cacut, Justine Camille Javier,  Ms. Jessel Arriola, and Ms. Diana Pria Banas.

The Deaf Festival is a genuine part of the Deaf culture and will always be a part of the lives of the Deaf community. It symbolizes the unity and harmony among the Deaf Filipinos in all over the Philippines and among the hearing community as well as their hearing parents, friends, and loved ones who strongly support  the Deaf community. I believe that the Deaf Festival is not only for the Deaf people to participate, but also open for the hearing Benildeans and outsiders who want to take a glimpse of the Deaf culture and community. Every person has the right to interact to one another and not to live in marginalization. Deaf Festival is truly an amazing legendary that has remained through the years. The Deaf people love it knowing that it shows their creativity, skills, and cleverness in their own ways. It does prove their self identities as Deaf in capital “D”.  Long Live Deaf Festival! Till we meet again next year.

by: Ma. Jesusa Charisma Nofies

Edited by: Marina Viktoria De Los Reyes

BDA Celebrated Its Five Years of Aspirations in Deaf Leaderships

In line with its five years of serving the Deaf Benildean students and deaf community inside and outside the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde school, the Benildean Deaf Association (BDA) celebrated a four-day anniversary with the theme “BDA 5th Anniversary: Our Aspirations as Deaf Benildeans” last November 7-10, 2012 under the supervision of  Ma. Jesusa Charisma Nofies.

The opening ceremony started with a Holy Mass at the CSB Chapel of the Resurrection, followed by the ribbon cutting headed by the BDA President, Abigail Ablaza, and the BDA Adviser, Ms. Diana Pria Banas, then the showcase of the BDA exhibit, and finally the start of the opening program.

BDA hosted a number of seminars which include "Filipino Sign Language House Bill 6079 Forum" led by Mr. Mark Joseph Calbay, "Deaf Linguistics: Natural Sign Language Forum," which were both held at the CSB Cafeteria Function A & B, and "Deaf K-12-Forum UNCRPD seminar" with guest speaker Yvette Apurado held at the Amphi Theater 12 Floor SDA Campus. They also had other activities such as the BDA Quiz Bee and the Basic Adobe Flash Part 1 & 2 workshop prepared for the BAPDST students of Multimedia Arts. The Deaf Film Festival, which aimed to give entertainment and Deaf awareness to the Benildean community, included the movies “The Hammer” and “See what I’m Saying” with ORDEV A & B accredited.

One of the highlights of the BDA anniversary celebration was the BDA reunion party held in the Amphi Theater 12th Floor in SDA Campus as the start of the closing program. The event was attended by more than 50 participants including the BDA alumni, BDA Officers and members from first batch to present, SDEAS faculties, and some BAPDST students. Some names on the list of attendees were Mr. Raphy Domingo, former BDA Vice-President of First and second batch, the former presidents Ma. Anaditha Angcay (2nd batch), Rodolfo Iligan Jr. (3rd batch), and Justine Camille Javier (4th batch), SDEAS Faculties Ms. Diana Pria Banas, Mr. Ferdinand Vizmanos, Ms. Rowella Tanjusay, Mr. Alvin Llanares, Ms. Mary Joy Reyes, and Ms. Maricris Galang, and the BDA alumni & current officers and members Anna Salvador, Marl Kelvin Marcial, John Alexis Abad, Beverly Sapno, Roejen Fernandez, Gladys Bisnar, Abigail Ablaza, Morly Canta, Michael Lopez, Nicolaus Alferez, Zaneta Franada, Nathaniel Macariola, Chiellsea Manimbo, Angelica Abayan, Rastaman Landero, Mark Gil Punzal, Melvin Sibay, Maria Elena Lozada, Jon Reuel Santos, and more.

Ana Kristina Arce, the first BDA president, is currently studying World Leadership Training in Gallaudet University in the United States of America. Even though she was not around, she sent an inspirational message video for the said event. She encouraged, commended, and saluted the BDA efforts for continuing to serve and work hard for the common good of every Deaf Benildean and Deaf community.  

by: Ma. Jesusa Charisma Nofies

Edited by: Marina Viktoria De Los Reyes

Philip Waters of Christian Blind Mission visit DLS-CSB

Philip with Raphy and CEAD 

He was an exciting guy. He's always really nice to everyone.

Philip Waters supports Filipino Sign Language.

At Pen-MLC, He was introduced to Ms. Techie Benitez-Dela Torre.

DLS-CSB's Vica Chancellor for Academics, Mr. Robert L. Tang was also introduced to Philip.

Left -- Techie Benitez, Robert L. Tang , Philip Waters and Raphy Domingo

CBM International of which CBM Australia is a part of was also discussed in detail

Hundreds March to Congress to Support House Bill 6079

Update of House Bill 6079 in International Sign Language

 

Last November 5, 2012, around 300 PWDs, advocates, supporters, students, and professionals from different walks of life joined the rally march from Philcoa to the Commission on Human Rights in support of House Bill 6079 also known as the Filipino Sign Language Bill

From the powerful speech by Dr. Liza Martinez, Persons with Disabilities, Deaf Leaders to the strong message by Congressman Tinio the packed audience inside the Commission on Human Rights felt a sense of unity in coming together towards the same goal.With media interviews and coverage, the group then proceeded to the House of Representatives to attend the Technical Working Groups discussion on FSL definition, FSL vs ASL comparisons and further analysis of the FSL Bill hoping to come to a conclusion with the SEE group regarding statements included in House Bill 6079

 Deaf Students Love FSL and are proud of their Deaf Identity and Language.

 Other PWDS show strong support for FSL and the DEAF community.

 The Deaf People's Rally for FSL and Human Rights.

About 300 people march from Philcoa with a line stretching as far as the eye can see.  

 Mobility concerns do not keep supporters from joining the march to Congress. 

 PWDs band together to support the FSL Bill

PFD President Rey Alfred A. Lee lead group march to the House of Representatives

 Students, Professionals, and PWDs of all ages proudly show their support for House Bill 6079

More supporters of the FSL bill 

 Rep. Antonio Tinio supports FSL while addressing the media.

Rep. Antonio Tinio signs "FSL" 

 Cong. Tinio with the Deaf community

Sign Language Interpreting for the Deaf community outside connected from the Technical Working Group.  

  At the Plenary, House of Representatives

   At the House of Representatives

Mr. Reiner Blas interpreting at the Plenary,  House of Representatives 

 At the House of Representatives

 At the Commission on Human Rights 

 Congressman Tinio's speech at Commission on Human Rights

 Meeting with the Commission on Human Rights

 Mackie Calbay with Rep. Antonio Tinio show strong support for FSL 

This is just the beginning. We will continue to defend our Filipino Deaf Identity and Language.

We Love FSL!

There will be another meeting on November 19, 2012, at 1:30 pm, Mitra Bldg, 

House of the Representatives to continue the discussion on FSL definition 

and review of FSL statements of House Bill 6079.

Thank you to the Deaf Leaders, Schools, Organizations, PWDs and Hearing supporters, World Federation of the Deaf, National Association of the Deaf, and Discovering Deaf Worlds in America. We are also grateful to the Deaf members of different organizations for the powerful position papers, online petition signups, research papers, "Support House Bill 6079" pictures and videos.

We look forward to everyone's continued support.

Urgent! House Bill 6079: Filipino Sign Language Act of 2012 in International Sign Language

Ami Patria goes to UPLB

 

There was another journey of Ami Patria Film and advocate on the road of Filipino Sign Language to the hearing students of UP Los Banos and 5 Deaf officials from Laguna of Deaf Association, it was held on August 24, 2012, at  7:00p.m., at UP Los Banos, Laguna

It was a long ride from CSB to UP Los Banos for some of the Ami Patria team.  Actually  53 kilometers is not too bad if there were no traffic.  Mirana Medina, filmaker, went with Giselle Montero of DLS-CSB, Lynn Cappal, Dennis Balan and Myra Medrana ahead to Los Banos for an early set-up. 

But Febe Sevilla, Sign Language Interpreter, Mackie Calbay, a Deaf Advocacy and Aldrin Gabriel, a Deaf Role as Dr. Jose Rizal took the long route and ended up farther away from Los Banos. Nonetheless, they made it to the event. 

 Some 550 students of UP Los Banos watched Ami Patria.  It was organized by Samahang Layb.

 

 Zarah Escueta, former Rizal Shrine curator and present curator of the Miguel Malvar Museum attended. 

Students with Aldrin Gabrial, Deaf actor.

The event was able to raise funds for Samahang Layb and the Laguna of Deaf Association.

Press Conference on FSL Bill

In a press conference last September 4, 2012, ACT Teachers' Cong. Tinio introduced Deaf representatives and Organizations to Assistant Secretary Umali, from Legal Affairs of the Department of Education. 

Deaf Representatives of Philippine Federation of the Deaf discussed issues and concerns in reference to the hiring of Deaf teachers and in relation to the deaf education. Another meeting as such is set up for the near future.  

In the said press conference for House Bill 6079, "An act declaring Filipino Sign Language as the national sign language," 1:30 pm, Media Center, Batasan Pambansa, Q.C. Hon. Tinio introduced and presented the following advocates for Deaf rights: John Xander Balisa, President of Philippine National Association for Sign Language Interpreter (PNASLI); Rey Alfred Lee, President of Philippine Federation of the Deaf (PFD); Dr. Liza Martinez, Director of Philippine Deaf Resource Center (PDRC); and Mackie Calbay, Deaf Advocacy Program Coordinator, School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB SDEAS). Sign language interpreting was provided by Natividad "Naty" Natividad and Jojo Esposa Jr. In addition, a two students from Manila Christian Computer Institute for the Deaf College of Technology, other Deaf Leaders and members of the Deaf community attended the press conference to show their support to the House Bill.  

HB 6079 also mandates the use of FSL in public services, government transactions, and the creation of standards and institutions for FSL interpreting, said Cong. Tinio.

Cong. Tinio also stressed that the " Filipino Sign Language Act of 2012" is based on the rights of Deaf learners to their own culture and identity, and to inclusion in school and society. The bill was crafted upon close consultation with representatives of the Filipino Deaf community, who joined Hon. Tinio in calling for its immediate enactment.

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde supports House Bill 6079: "An Act Declaring Filipino SIgn Language as the National Sign Language of the Filipino Deaf and the Official language of Government in All Transaction Involving the Deaf, and Mandating its Use in Schools, Broadcast media, and Workplace."

Filipino Sign Language is recognized by Benilde and is used as a medium of instruction for Deaf students. it requires faculty members handling Deaf classes to learn Filipino Sign Language; provides competent and professional interpreters to those who are still beginning signers. 

"PDRC was the first to research regarding the system and structure of Filipino Sign Language a decade ago certainly supports the House bill 6079 for that the reason; we use of  FSL in our daily conversation in schools, broadcast media and workplace," said Dr. Martinez.

"PNASLI have the code of ethics to inform all the member of sign language interpreters to translate in Filipino Sign Language; they can understand as well." said, John Xander Balisa.

We support the House Bill 6079 and have pride in our own natural sign language which is Filipino Sign Language. With hands raised up, Mabuhay ang FSL!

Jojo Esposa Jr and Two Deaf students from MCCID

A new team of PNASLI

PFD's big heart and goal to work together and journey towards the future.