Artists’ Perception

A rainy day. I strolled aimlessly in the mall. Unconsciously, I stood blankly in front of the cart selling cd’s most of which are instrumental. On impulse,I texted an artist friend of mine if I could buy some of his records.

Waway Saway. He is a Datu of a Manobo tribe in Bukidnon province. He composes songs, sings, plays various instruments, paints, designs and makes “borloloys”. He has traveled around the globe because of his talent and yet remained simple, humble and unaffected.

When I checked my mobile phone, Waway said he is in Manila for some projects. We then decided to meet in Quiapo. Even if it was my first time to go to Quiapo and alone at that, I never hesitated. My sense of adventure came back. I always feel excited to be with artists ever since I was 13.

I was in trance while I was in the train, I feel like I wasn’t in Philippines. My eyes saw the usual sights but today, they were beautiful. The railway, the old buildings and the billboards.

Much more when I arrived in Quiapo, I was awed with stalls and the flee market. There was heavy downpour and yet trade still went on. Thanks too to the tarps and umbrellas installed along Carriedo Street, I was saved from getting soaked in the rain.

In the midst of the hustle and bustle, I feel order and peace. Filipino, Chinese and Muslim traders co-existed in blocks of Spanish built community.

I tried to imagine what life was like 200 years ago. If I shot pictures and printed in black and white, maybe it would be difficult to tell which year was it. That is sans Jollibee in the images.

Waway tagged along another artist. Sisco Gerlan was a US Navy who quit in the service to be a musician in Boracay Island. Like Waway, he knows a lot of stuff even the different tools found in a hardware store.

After Quiapo, we met with Jason ______. A guy who turned his hobby into business. He owns Tribu Outdoor Gears.

I always get amazed how these guys turn ordinary things and routinary activities  into  pieces of art and fun filled events.

Life is indeed full of adventure. There are always things to discover and learn each day. It is a matter of perception.

Life shouldn’t be stagnant. Life goes on. Life is good. Life is beautiful. See it with an artist’s eye.