Areté, OSCI and SOW collaborate for Payatas youth formation

One month after Dr Jerry Respeto's assumption as the new Artistic Director of Areté, a collaboration in the form of a workshop for the formation of the youth in Payatas, Quezon City, was made between Areté, the Office for Social Concern and Involvement (OSCI), and Solidarity with Orphans and Widows (SOW), Inc. This was held on 6 July 2024 with 21 youth members from SOW participating in different activities. 

Dr Respeto, together with Mr Jethro Tenorio from the Filipino Department, facilitated the workshop, which focuses on basic acting skills. Mr Tenorio is also known as a performing artist and writer.

The workshop began with the introduction of names, which led to the familiarization of the participants with their co-participants standing beside them. This activity also allowed everyone to focus and concentrate as Mr Tenorio complicated the simple name game after several rounds.

Body and face mask exercises followed, which helped them relax and build confidence.

After a short break, they proceeded to group games, namely "Samson, Delilah, and the Lion," "Alien, Tiger, and Cow," "Pass the Message," and "Paint a Picture."

Finally, the facilitators processed the experiences of the youth by asking them about their learnings. 

The youth, aged 13 and above, shared that they learned the values of "pakikipagkwentuhan,"  initiative, cooperation, and teamwork, among others. They also learned skills such as listening, following directions, and creative imagination. Among all the lessons the participants learned on that day, the facilitators emphasized the importance of focus. Dr Respeto shared that this basic acting skill will also help them with their academics and day-to-day activities. 

Dr Respeto hoped that this initial workshop would lead to the formation of a new performing arts group in Payatas where they could freely express their stories through performance.