Songs for the Beloved

I'll never forget that night I first heard and experienced the presence of Grace Nono. It was in April 2010, after the first day of epic workshops during the Center for Babaylan Studies Conference. I can hear the sounds of the native instruments and this haunting voice that chanted words and sounds that took me to a special place. It is as if the vibrations and frequencies transported me to the past and the future.

The music was so inviting, it made my body move fluidly, as if dancing from the inside out. Next thing you know, I was joining the rest of the audience by the stage, inner dancing, flowing with the rhythm in kapwa. We started moving around the hall, swaying our hands, inviting others to join. I recall not wanting it to end and when it did, I looked around me and I was surrounded by beautiful smiles and souls that felt what I felt. Now those same smiles I see regularly and I consider my family.

Fast forward 2 years later and I'm asked to join Grace's chorus and learn some songs with some of my favorite people! It is an honor I cannot refuse and an experience I'll never forget...I'm just growing with the flow...

Come see Grace Nono, Charles Wandag and Bo Razon live this Thursday October 15, 2012 at the Cooperage @ Sonoma State University 7-8:30pm. Free admission but donations will go towards the Center for Babaylan Studies
♥ Dream with eyes open ♥

My all time fave Grace Nono song and video! I remember when I first came across this song many moons ago, I thought she was the Filipina "Enya."

The Dreamweaver

Weaving dreams into reality with the tribe of T'boli. So great to see familiar faces I met at Kapwa 3 in this beautiful short.

Oneness in Kapwa

It's been 2 weeks since returning from an epic trip to the Motherland. I'm finally settling to the reality of being back in San Francisco and Los Angeles. There are no words that can describe my diverse experiences or the deep gratitude I feel for this privilege. Being able to attend and connect with the amazing people I met at Kapwa 3 Int'l conference is a rare opportunity and it feels like my life has been changed forever. I saw my past, my present and my future self through the many reflections I came across.  I fell in love with the people, the land and my culture and for the first time (and certainly not the last:) I felt ONENESS...

Ask yourself, when was the last time you felt ONE with nature, the trees, the clouds, the pouring rain, the ocean, animals and people, regardless of background, skin color, or labels? It's time to end duality and separation and live in kapwa, we are all connected, we are all ONE and perfect <3

Fortunately, ABS-CBN's Patrol ng Pilipino documented the whole conference and I get to reminisce and relive the magic of KAPWA (a Filipino cultural concept of interconnectedness whereby other people are not “others” but part of what one is - Eileen Tabios, Blind Chatelaine's Keys). There are no English subtitles, but you'll get the idea! It features interviews with Katrin de Guia, Kidlat Tahimik, Dennis Banks, other indigenous people (IP) and yours truly :)


PART 1 - features an Ifugao school of living tradition (SLT) in Banaue, a cultural exchange between the Ifugao and T'Boli, VOCAS in Baguio, jamming, dancing, textiles, art, music



PART 2 - features a cultural exchange between an Ifugao woodcarver and an Ainu woodcarver and their apprentices, my interview and other Fil-Ams & Fil-Cans, more dancing and jamming :)

Full Moon Intentions

On this auspicious night of the full moon in Capricorn, I set the intention and commitment to the indigenous people of our beautiful planet, Earth. The conference ended 2 days ago and the IPs (indigenous people), delegates, artists and attendees have all parted ways. Today's my first "down time" and the intensity of this past week is starting to hit me. Many questions and thoughts running through my mind, like what now? Where do I begin?

First things first, if I intend to help lots of people, I must take care of myself. Just like if we want to see change in this world, WE MUST BE THE CHANGE. The age of modernity is not sustainable and is creating more harm to people and our planet. Our indigenous elders have known this all along and telling us yet we have refused to listen. I intend to use my skills and knowledge of the modern world to share the wisdom, artistry and beauty of tribal communities. We have so much to learn from them and it's never too late to listen.

hand embroidered headpiece by Panay Bukidnon

choker by Kalinga

necklace, earrings and beaded blazer by the T'boli

Returning to the Motherland

I write this heartfelt blog as I am sitting at my hotel lobby in Baguio after the 1st day of the Kapwa 3 International conference. I knew before I arrived that this is going to be a life-altering trip since it is my first time connecting with the land and the indigenous tribes.  Being here at this moment feels like a dream. I'm surrounded by some of my favorite mentors and friends from the Center of Babaylan Studies, all of whom share the same excitement as myself for making this experience a reality.  I'm meeting tribal elders from all over the archipelago, Thailand, Japan and even Native America. I'm over-stimulated by the amazing and sacred weaving, jewelry, beading and painting, I had to shop as soon as I got to the venue! Every meal is delicious vegetarian from Oh My Gulay and the weather is perfectly cloudy and foggy which creates a surreal atmosphere.

I ask myself several times, is this for real? It's only day 1 of the conference and day 2 of my entire trip! Today was an ice breaker for the attendees and delegates. Most of the day was filled with shopping, dancing, jamming and laughter. It's amazing to watch different tribes converge and unite through music and dance. One of my favorite parts is watching the youth of the various Schools of Living Traditions (SLT) keeping their culture alive. It's refreshing to know that these traditions are being passed on to the next generations.

We all went to the Baguio Museum to check out the "Philippine Living Treasures" exhibit, listen to some chanting and more dancing.  The night ended with a screening from one of my favorite directors, Pala'weno, Auraeus Solito who presented his film, "Busong," which is a cinematic tribute to his indigenous roots. He continues his indigenous storytelling with an upcoming film he's working on entitled "Baybayin," the ancient Pala'weno script. Being in the presence of himself and conference host/filmmaker, Kidlat Tahimik and other film makers in attendance is inspiring since I am also involved in that world. There are so many stories to be told and visually shared that meeting them is opening doors for new possibilities.

As a designer and social entrepreneur, I take pride in supporting these tribal artisans because I know it's all for a good cause. I recognize the fact that they need all the support they can get and so I reach out to my friends and family. If you are interested in any textiles, jewelry, accessories or art, please email me at marybelleb@gmail.com or message me on facebook.

Being surrounded by so much love, passion and creativity fills my soul and knowing that we can easily support them fills my heart.

Dearest Tata (Grandfather)

It's been 3 years since you crossed over

and I feel even more closer to you

I grieve not because you're physically gone

I cry because I miss you so much

I remember the times when you would crush

coke cans with your makeshift can crusher

filling them with rocks so they would weigh more :)

I see you sitting in the garage, wearing a white sando

tweezing away the stubble on your chin

I watch you stuffing homemade longanisa (sausages) on the kitchen table

and smell the sweetness of ensemada (muffins) baking in the oven

I see you riding your bike to Burger King

or Panorama Mall to hang out with your fellow veterans

I miss bringing halo halo to you when I would visit

Oh the memories of a granddaughter,

I could go on and on and on and on...

I hold these memories in my heart for they are now

stories I can pass on to my future family

You are the closest ancestor I know

and the closest to my heart

Through my dreams, rituals and ceremonies

I reconnect with you and feel you

On this special day, I celebrate your life

and ask that you pass on your courage

during this time when I need it the most

As I take your hand to my forehead as a sign of respect 

I send you my prayers for I know you will answer them

As I honor you, I honor Apung Maliari,

You brighten up our lives the way the Moon

enlightens the night

 

Dakal a salamat pu!

~ Atchi

Let's talk about our cultures! Join us and share in this important day as we celebrate Asian Heritage month at Sonoma State University. FREE ADMISSION & it's open to the public!

Peter Jamero is the keynote speaker. His talk is titled "Diversity, Pinakbet and You: A F ilipino American Perspetive." Mr. Jamero will be signing his book "Vanishing Filipino Americans: The Bridge Generation" as well.

The event includes:

- Opening and closing ritual performances by Lizae Reyes with
musicians Alexis Canillo and Titania Buchholdt
- An intergenerational diverse panel with:
Richard Hunt, Michael Uyeno, Jenn DeLaCruz, Jeannette Anglin,
Carol Kawase & Grace Villafuerte
- Group discussions

- Cultural fashion show curated by Marybelle Bustos
Models: Marybelle Bustos, Jay Landayan Malvar, Trisha Hunt,
Andrew Chen, Moe McElhinny, Alexis Canillo, Katherine Wong,
Danielle Zimmerman, Felicia Perez, Christine Jugueta

Featuring special textiles and jewels collected by Thelma & Titania Buchholdt Collection, one of a kind pieces by Native Sol, vintage accessories by Iraya Robles, Tshirts by Buko Tees, Fundtotes by MB, styling by Jay Landayan Malvar & Iraya Robles

Photographer: Lyra Lopez
 

- Traditional Filipino dances by Kapwa
- Tahitian dances by Kimberly Liaz
- Performance by Christine Jugueta
- There will be a "children's section"
- Baybayin by Christian Cabuay
- A community potluck so bring your favorite dish!

SPONSORED by:
* FANHS SoCo (The Filipino American National Historical Society)
* FAASSU (Filipino American Association @ Sonoma State University
* CfBS (Center for Babaylan Studies)
* FACSCI (Filpino American Community of Sonoma County Inc)
* Dr. Elisa Velasquez-Andrade, SSU Director of Diversity
* SSU Academic Senate Diversity Committee
* SSU Multicultural Center


More information about Mr. Jamero. The eldest son of Filipino immigrants, Mr. Jamero was raised on a Filipino farm worker camp operated by his parents. While serving as the former assistant secretary of the Washington State Department of Social & Health Services, director of the Washington State Division of Vocational Rehab, executive director of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, assistant professor of Rehab Medicine of the University of Washington and other positions, he did not neglect his Filipino roots. He was previously the founding national vice-president of the Filipino American National Historical Society.

Babaylan Files: Defining Kapwa

Defining Kapwa (source babaylanfiles.blogspot)

Kapwa, meaning 'togetherness', is the core construct of Filipino Psychology. Kapwa has two categories, Ibang Tao (other people) and Hindi Ibang Tao (not other people). Wikipedia

(pronoun) kindred, both; fellow-being, equally (applied to one of a pair) - Kapwa dot Com

...the tendency to see the world with all its beings, both human and lower forms, as a holistic system where everything operates interdependently and inter-relatedly... It is a system where harmony with other people and the environment is a much-needed trait. - Henry F. Funtecha, Ph.D., The News Today, 7/4/2008

...the Tagalog word for "shared identity" or "brotherhood." - DavisWiki

One of the most important features of the Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSP) is the tendency to see the world with all its beings as a holistic system where things operate interdependently. Harmony with other people and the environment is a much-needed trait today in our shrinking global village. This orientation is called "kapwa"—the shared self — in the Filipino traditional value system, as expounded by Sikolohiyang Pilipino (SP). - Leny Strobel, 1/27/2008

One of the most difficult questions and tasks about dismantling privilege is this requirement to shift our understanding of the Self from the "I" to "We/kapwa." In the latter, we (privileged Americans) must begin to know and feel deeply that our affluent lifestyles have a social cost and a social burden that is carried by the poor of the world and the Earth. - Leny Strobel, 1/4/2008

I think the primary action of decolonization for me is this realization that I am not the artifact called 'Filipina,' but a Filipina - one who interacts and is constantly remade as a Filipina with every interaction, every relationship forged, every action I make which ties me to my heritage. Being Filipina isn't defined only by what I do as an individual, but by the living, breathingness of Kapwa that takes into account my environment, my choices, the choices of others, my fears and triumphs, all at the same time, all in constant motion. Rebecca Mabanglo-Mayor

“Kapwa”—a Filipino cultural concept of interconnectedness whereby other people are not “others” but part of what one is. (from the opening page; emphasis in original). - Eileen Tabios, Blind Chatelaine's Keys

Shared identity; fellow being; neighbor; the shared, "including" the Self.  - Katrin de Guia, p. 376 Kapwa: The Self in the Other (Anvil Publishing, Pasig City, 2005)

Invisible Thread

“An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break” - Chinese proverb

Today I got a phone call from a friend who I was just thinking about this morning. I love it when my friends and family answer my psychic calls! She's a friend/mentor that I recently met who's a filmmaker and bright light. She called to share some exciting news and ideas that I had inspired since we met a few weeks ago. I won't share yet since I don't want to jinx anything :)

She did mention the Chinese proverb of the invisible red thread and I had to look it up.  I've been meeting so many amazing people from different or similar backgrounds that's inevitable that we attracted each other because it is our fate. Whether we go deeper with the connection or if it's just for that moment, we somehow affect each other in one shape or form. I'm so grateful for the powerful people in my life and excited to co-create meaningful projects that spread awareness and transformation.

At some point humanity disconnected with each other and the Earth which is why we face our global challenges now.  But if we start to remember that we are all connected to each other and every thing,  then the healing, strengthening and straightening of the invisible thread will begin and we can coexist peacefully.

Zimriding Adventure

 

I just had my 4th Zimride the other day. Some of my friends can't believe that I actually ride with complete strangers to and from Los Angeles and San Francisco. I guess it is the modern day "hitchhiking" but the difference is you pay in advance and you select who you want to ride with by checking out their profiles on Facebook. Call me cray, but I have no problem meeting new people and sitting with them for 5 1/2 hours. It goes by really fast and by the time we all answer the top 5 questions: Where are you from? What do you do? Why are you going to LA/SF? Is this your first time zimriding? What kind of music do you want to listen to? I just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

Through this mini adventure, I've met all kinds of characters - a cinematographer, aerospace engineer, environmental engineer, nonprofit people, a teacher/aspiring model and students. I've shared many laughs, stories and learn new things that I probably would never know if not meeting these people. I know I may never see them ever again but what matters to me is that we reduce our carbon footprint, save money on the ridiculously high priced gas and we get to share a trusted space with each other even for that moment.