Casa San Miguel: House of artists brings San Antonio to life -2

Casa San Miguel opened its

doors to children of farmers,

fisherfolks, security guards

and others who cannot

really afford a violin lesson. “The purpose of the school is

to look in the community for children to be developed as

future writers, musicians, actors and painters, and in all

different aspects of art. A firsthand experience in music

and art leaves an indelible mark on the children’s

psychological and emotional development. Early exposure

to the arts complements and enhances their

understanding of math and science concepts. This is an

experience that they will surely take with them into

adulthood, thus, ensuring an audience for arts and

music.”

In the center, Coke himself teaches children how to play

the violin twice a week. He also has a group of former

students and volunteer-artists who teach the children

how to draw, paint, act and conduct shadow plays.

At long last, his was a dream fulfilled. “Before I went

home to the Philippines, I taught in many parts of the

United States. I was in Kansas for nine months and

taught the children of farmers. I thought: If I can do this

in America, it would be better if I teach in the Philippines

because I am from there.”

Coke has been very happy with the town’s reception. He

now has 40 to 45 children enrolled in the center,

between the ages of five and six. Casa San Miguel

continues to accept more.

Coke has seen the great potential in his students. His

school is more than for just discovering these talents.

“They might have inborn talents, but success is in

developing these talents. To be a true musician, it takes

a lot of hardwork, patience and determination.”

He is inspired by the children from San Antonio because

they are more industrious and eager to learn compared

from those from the city. “The children of San Antonio

have more native sound and feel of their music. Maybe

it’s because of the environment. There are many trees

and mountains here. Their enthusiasm to learn is also

different from those in Manila because in the city,

children are exposed to learning tools and it’s sort of

taken for granted. Add to that the distractions in Manila

like shopping malls and movie houses. The commitment

really comes from the heart of the children.”

Sometimes, if he cannot come to San Antonio to teach,

the children gather themselves and the older students

lead the practice. Coke is even prouder that they have

learned to self-propagate.

Since the center’s inception, the children’s music and art

have become the voice of the community. Their topics

tackle issues like harmful fishing practices, endangered

species like the pawikan, deforestation, and insufficient

waste management.

Outside Casa San Miguel, the children built a mural about

the nearby mountain and sea. Many well-known

musicians and artists have seen them and are amazed by

their talents.

The children have performed in their hometown, mostly

during Pundaquit Festivals, and sometimes as far as

Manila for concerts. They’ve also held exhibits and stage

plays.

Coke is not the only one who is very proud of what the

children have done. Their parents are also ecstatic over

the discovery of the longhidden talents of their children.

Gene, 11, son of a tricycle driver, gets the full support of

his parents in playing the violin. They say this is better

than just playing around with his barkada.

Angeli, 14, daughter of a public school teacher, plays the

violin very well after four years under Coke’s guidance.

She now teaches her older sister to play and aims to be

like her teacher someday.

Marina, 12, daughter of the town doctor, never imagined

that she could play the violin and perform in front of so

many people. With this new-found talent, she developed

a more pleasant outlook in life and she’s not shy

anymore. Her parents promised to buy her another violin

if she becomes better.

Casa San Miguel is a feat for a small fishing village like

San Antonio. Coke Bolipata and his group believe that

they have awaken this sleeping giant. The town is now

bustling with activities that are near the children’s hearts

and that their parents enjoy.

“Here in Casa San Miguel, perhaps, it’s just a matter of

opening up the eyes and talents of the town. Now the

town is having a voice not heard before.”

[ Casa San Miguel Wiki ]