The Girl Who Sees - a video game for learning Philippine culture

In a migrants’ world, we see different ways that people employ to connect with their heritage and unearth their identity. Recently, I have come across an ingenious initiative by a Filipino-American based in Washington, Pattie Umali, which uses the medium of video games. Pattie is the creator of The Girl Who Sees (TGWS), which is a “Filipino fantasy game showcasing Filipino history and culture amidst the backdrop of Japanese occupation during World War II”.

As a Filipina-American who loves media and gaming, I have always felt sore about the fact that there is very little representation of Filipinos and Fil-Ams in international media and virtually none in gaming. Given that the Filipino diaspora today is enormous and spread out across the world, I want to help ensure that there are opportunities for young Filipinos around their world to engage with our culture in a fun, interactive way; in hopes that playing a game like this would spark an interest in learning about Filipino history/culture and learning their parents' native tongue.

Pattie sees TGWS not just as a videogame but as a tool for social change. We want this game to serve as a starting point for Filipinos to tell their own stories. Lolos and Lolas can play with their apos, and hopefully the apos would then ask about their experiences during WWII and/or growing up in the Philippines. Filipina nannies and caretakers the world over could play this game with their charges, giving them the opportunity to share more about their home and background.

Pattie in her journey with this project as game creator and project lead, unwittingly becomes The Girl Who Sees, as well. What started as an erstwhile small and summer project became a quest as she discovered that there are no existing games set in the Philippines or based on Philippine culture, and as she researched deeper into Philippine history and ancient mythology. Also in the team are: Jerald Dorado (game & promotional art), Cherisse Datu (game design; media communications), Nathan Hahn (programming; game design), Andrew Pendergrast (music), and Brittany Williams (video) - all contributing their time and energy pro bono to build the game demo. The video game not only features a plot set on Philippine landscape but showcases original music inspired by indigenous music from pre-colonial Philippines.

But a lofty goal and trailblazing project such as this does not come without drawbacks. To be able to fully develop the game, they need $30,000-41,000, which is an extremely lean budget as compared to other games like Angry Birds which cost $140,000, and Nintendo’s Zelda: Breath of the Wild with the amount of $100 million. With the game demo developed, they have now launched a crowdfunding campaign this October, in conjunction with Filipino-American History Month.

Furthermore, although it is exciting that The Girl Who Sees may very well be the first internationally released, kid-friendly adventure game on Philippine culture and language, this fact also posts as an obstacle in the sense that familiarity and awareness of Philippine ancient history and lore by both Filipinos and non-Filipinos are wanting, and may therefore not push appreciation for such an initiative.

With 2 months to go in their crowdfunding campaign, Pattie hopes to raise enough funds to begin full game development and commercial release of the game in December 2018 for Mac and PC, with a further goal of creating a mobile or tablet spin-off. But on the long-term, it is envisioned that The Girl Who Sees will be the take-off point for the development of further inter-ed games, and especially on other lesser-known cultures to increase their representation in communities.

I’ve always admired people who dream and let their imagination soar, are courageous and steadfast enough to push their plans through, and whose objectives are not just for one’s own benefit, but for a virtuous cause. And this campaign of Pattie Umali and her team is one worthy cause - one that aims to increase knowledge of our culture and take pride in it. This is one team whose passion and devotion merits our patronage.

Check out the campaign in Indiegogo [go to www.indiegogo.com and search for The Girl Who Sees] to support this game's development. One can be a sponsor with a $9 - $100 donation, with matching perks. Aside from financial contributions, support the campaign by spreading the word on the game and the goals of the team. For more information: https://www.girlwhosees.com/; Facebook: TheGirlWhoSees; Twitter: The_GirlWhoSees. Try out the demo and experience the fantasy. To quote the creative team's elevator pitch, Let's bring Filipino voices and experiences into the spotlight, so that the rest of the world can appreciate Philippine culture and its awesome people.

This article was published in the October 2017 issue of the Alberta Filipino Journal.

Justice4Vicky

A benefit concert was held for Maria Victoria (Vicky) Venancio last June 27, 2015 at the St. Theresa’s Parish in Edmonton organized by Migrante Alberta, Kabisig Society of Fort Saskatchewan, and Memoria Vita Society of Edmonton.

Vicky’s story has been reported in both news and social media. She arrived in Canada as a temporary foreign worker. She was struck by a car while on her way to work, and suffered a severe spinal cord injury and was told that she will no longer be able to walk. Unable to work, her work visa expired and a decision for her deportation was made in a public hearing last February 16, 2015. There is currently an appeal for her to stay in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.

Vicky with MLA Rod Loyola

With no health care coverage and no disability insurance from her employer, Vicky volunteered in a pilot study at the University of Alberta using the ReWalk Robotics exoskeleton, and is now able to stand and walk a short distance with a walker. Her appeal to the Canadian government is for her to be able to stay in Canada to recover, be able to contribute economically and not be a burden to the Canadian social care system. Like most Filipino migrant workers, she is the breadwinner for her family and elderly parents living in the rural Philippines.

The fundraiser gathered supporters for Vicky in the different circles of Edmonton society politicians,

advocates, Filipino community and migrant workers group. Artists lent their talents to the cause, performing probono: Juno-nominated songwriter Maria Dunn; Chilean guitarist Marco Claveria; the Narra band; and a rendering of the Kalinga Unity Dance, with audience participation.

Councillor Amarjeet Sohi

There were greetings and messages from representatives from the government:

● MLA Rodrigo Loyola, who was instrumental in presenting Vicky at the Legislature and who spoke that night of the importance of solidarity in the community for equal rights and welfare.

● Councillor Amarjeet Sohi: “A society is measured by how it treats its most vulnerable members.”

MLA Christina Gray

● Former MP David Kilgour, an advocate for an exception for Vicky for provincial health care coverage and federal appeal on residency on compassion and humanitarian grounds. In his message, he likened Vicky’s situation to the flight of the Canadian geese when one is weak, some geese will fall out of formation to support the weak one until it’s strong again.

● Health Minister Sarah Hoffman: “Ms. Venancio is an amazingly strong individual, who has overcome a very tragic situation and is making the best of it… She has fallen through the cracks provincially, federally with the temporary foreign worker program and now with applying for permanent status.”

Also present were: MLA Christina Gray, MLA Jessica Littlewood, and MP Tim Uppal.

Maria Dunn

But the most heartfelt moment in the evening was the message from Vicky herself who demonstrated the traits that others have extolled on her: her tenacity, positive outlook, gratitude, and resiliency. And through her tragic circumstances, she has chosen to focus on the angels, known and unknown, who have supported her from the medical practitioners who have provided free medical services and medicine, the numerous people who have provided financial aid for her daily cost of living, to the volunteers and donors for the fundraiser.

It was indeed a night of solidarity, of awareness and advocacy. The benefit concert, together with the silent auction, raised close to $15,000. The funds raised are earmarked for her medical and legal expenses. According to Marco Luciano, Director of Migrante Alberta, it is important to hear and retell the stories of migrant workers. And the awareness and campaign around Vicky Venancio’s plight shows that miracles can happen when people band together.

To know more and to support the campaign, go to justice4vicky.org.

Narra

Filipino-Canadian Gala 2012

Ida & Jojo Lucila

The 2nd Filipino-Canadian Gala was held last September 15, 2012 at the Northlands Expo Centre. Organized by Gala and Event Management lead by Lixmila Serrano and Ramon Cifra, the Gala is an annual event aimed at bringing together Filipinos and friends for a night of cultural feast and dancing, to celebrate the achievements of the Filipino community and at the same time, to support local charitable institutions. It had, as its beneficiary, iHuman, an organization that supports at-risk youth in Edmonton to rebuild their lives through the arts.  Last yearʼs beneficiary was the Edmonton Food Bank.

Philippine Choral

The Gala was held in a sumptuous hall that seats 800, in tables decked in red, white and blue, with the Philippine flag as the pattern for its layout. A tropical hut served as the dance floorʼs center piece, perfect for photo opportunities. Around the hall were booths of Filipino businesses and Gala sponsors, and display items for the silent auction. An added bonus for the night was the grand raffle prize of a free trip to the Philippines.

Philippine Ambassador Gatan

MP Rona Ambrose

MLA Thomas Lukaszuk

Guests were treated to song and dance performances prior to the official opening of the Gala, which was marked with messages from the three levels of government of Canada and the presence of the Philippine Ambassador to Canada, Leslie Gatan. Guests of honor were: Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works & Government Services, and Minister for Status of Women - Canada; Thomas Lukaszuk, Deputy Premier of Alberta; Stephen Mandel, Mayor of Edmonton; Naresh Bhardwaj, MLA; Richard Andersen, Northlands President; among others. In their speeches, they extolled on how the success of Filipinos all over the world serves as an inspiration and a reminder that much can be achieved through vision and guidance, and the Filipinosʼ reputation to be hardworking, generous and wonderful contributions to society, making Mayor Mandel exclaim

Mayor Stephen Mandel

We need more Filipinos to come to Edmonton! There are currently 330,000 Filipinos in Canada, 70% of which are Philippine-born. And to these people and their Canadian friends, Ambassador Gatan appealed for more Canadian investments in the Philippines, to keep both the cultural and economic ties, and declared that the Philippines is not the sick man of Asia anymore.

After a buffet of Philippine-inspired cuisine, guests were treated with performances by the Philippine Choral and HOJA. This performance of the Philippine Choral marked its transformation from a church choir to a show choir, with a full repertoire suite and choreography. HOJA, on the other hand, is an acapella trio who has performed all over Canada and recorded five cd albums. This followed with everyone dancing the night away, more photo opportunities and revelry. It was good to see the people of Edmonton come together in their evening finery to celebrate Filipino culture and achievements, and support a very deserving local charity. We look forward to the 3rd Filipino-Canadian Gala!

Philippine Choral

HOJA

Post Dinner Dance

Photos courtesy of Kitakits Studio Inc. To view more photos of the event, go to http://

kitakits.smugmug.com.

* This was written and published for the Pinoy Times, October 2012 issue.

In Honor of the City of the River of Gold

Cagayan de Oro has been dominant in our social consciousness lately due to the distressing images of the disaster wrought by Typhoon Sendong.  Fundraising efforts have continued all across the globe.  More recently in Edmonton, Tsada Edmonton (a group of Edmontonians who trace their roots to Cagayan de Oro) organized a drop off event by the 3J Variety Store for donations.  Collected items were sent directly to Cagayan de Oro courtesy of Manila Forwarders , and cash donations were coordinated with the Canadian Red Cross.  On other occasions, free concerts were held at the Millwoods Town Centre and West Edmonton Mall organized by the Pinoy Foundation for the Arts and Pinoy Singing Sensation, with 21 performers and groups involved,  raising $7,195 in cash donations and 37 boxes of relief goods.  

A lot of people, Filipinos and non-Filipinos, have supported these various initiatives. But what exactly are we helping rebuild with our contributions of time, talent and treasure?  Cagayan de Oro is located along the central coast of Northern Mindanao.  It should not be confused with other locations in the Philippines with a Cagayan name - Cagayan province in Northern Luzon and the Cagayan Islands in the Sulu Sea.  This city has ‘de Oro’ appended to its name due to the gold mining activities dating back to the Spanish times.

Known as the City of Golden Friendship, CDO boasts of outstanding scenic places ranging from beaches, mountains, limestone caves, museums, historical landmarks, timeless churches, and rivers.  Among these are: San Agustin Cathedral; Macahambus Hill, Cave and Gorge, site of the famous Battle of Macahambus Hill in June 1900, the first Filipino victory against the Americans; the Huluga Cave, where skeletal fragments were found dating back to 1600 B.C.; the Migtugsok Falls and Palalan Waterfall; the Museo de Oro at Xavier University, and Museum of Three Cultures; the Gardens of Malasag Eco-tourism Village and Mapawa Nature Park; and the Liceo University where most visiting artists from metropolis Manila perform.  Other events and activities are the: Kagay-an Festival, a week long festival honoring the patron Saint Agustin, held every August; arts festivals and heritage celebrations spearheaded by the Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts; Kumbira, the anticipated culinary show & exhibit of the region; and for the adventurous spirits - white water rafting in the Cagayan river, kayaking, river tubing and the dual zip line, which is reputed to be the longest in Asia, as of this writing.  The white water rafting experience has twenty-three rapid count ranging from levels I to IV, the ceiling of most manageable whitewater rapids.

After the devastation of tropical storm Sendong, the focus is now on rebuilding, accountability of public officials, and environmental awareness.  In a joint project between the Ateneo Innovation Center and the CDO city government, a temporary resettlement site located in Lumbia is being designed as a cost-effective and disaster-responsive community - with clean water system, solar powering, rain catchment & wastewater management system, plus composting and solid waste management.

Another initiative further boosting the rebuilding’s media exposure is the involvement of Black Eyed Peas’ member apl.de.ap (Allan Pineda, in real life).  When he visited the city immediately after the December flood, he recognized that rebuilding the Balulang Elementary School was imperative.  Leading the groundbreaking for the construction of a two-story building, he delivered the message that the disaster should not prevent the students from fulfilling their dreams of becoming professionals one day.  This project is funded under the “We Can Be Anything” education campaign in coordination with the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF).

With these rebuilding efforts, let us continue to contribute and hope that soon Cagayan de Oro will be remembered not for the devastation, but once again for its golden treasures - the natural beauty, the peaceful environment and the friendly people.

* This article was written for the March 2012 issue of Pinoy Times.

First Filipino-Canadian Gala

The First Filipino-Canadian Gala was held last September 17 at the Northlands Edmonton Expo Centre.  A night of dinner, entertainment and dancing, it was a celebration of Filipino-Canadian achievements and a way of giving back to the community.  The net proceeds from ticket sales and auctions were earmarked to the Edmonton’s Food Bank.

On hand to deliver special greetings for the event were: Minister of Public Works and Government and Minister for Status of Women Rona Ambrose; Executive Director of Edmonton’s Food Bank Marjorie Bencz; Chair of Edmonton’s Food Bank Board Anne Smith; Ward 12 Councillor Amarjeet Sohi; and President and CEO of Northlands Richard Anderson.

Along with the Philippine cuisine-inspired dinner, guests were treated to a night of Filipino talent: Philippine Choral Group, who sang the Philippine & Canadian national anthems; The Lucila Project, a neo-ethnic dance company; singers Wency Calderon, Jo-Ann Aguilar and Shwag choral group ; Alyssa & Monica Tungul, pianist & violinist, respectively; hiphop groups ILLustration and Hot Sauce; Saranay Kwerdas, an ensemble using traditional Filipino instruments; and bands The Sour Patch Kids and GERIS Project.  The Philippine Outreach Program was also honored and Filipino Canadians who passed away recently were remembered.

Guests may have come to enjoy themselves for the evening but generously participated in the “giving back” portion of the night through the silent auction items and live auction of a Lexus CT200 Hybrid car and some dinner and hotel packages, conducted by Kastner Auctions.

It was a highly successful event with about 800 people in attendance, a third of which were non-Filipinos who came out to support this Filipino fundraiser.  And with this success came pledges of support and participation for next year’s Filipino-Canadian Gala, which is slated for September 2012.  Credit goes to organizer Lixmila Serrano and partner producer Ramon Cifra for their boldness in conceptualizing and hurdling the various obstacles that come in organizing such a massive but elegant event, and for securing major sponsorships from Lexus of Edmonton, Dolce Vita Homes, Wild West Shooting Range and Sun Life Financial.    

The Filipinos are the fourth largest group of immigrants to Canada and many have established their niches in their adopted country.  They are great contributors to not only the Canadian economy but the Philippines as well, supporting family back home and actively participating in various fundraisers and causes in the Philippines.  This event was another manifestation of the Filipinos’ “balikbayan” spirit - that spirit of community and giving.  

* This article was written for and published in the Pinoy Times, October 2011 issue.