Nobility of spirit

The contents of just one of those infamous Rimowa suitcases would have enabled at least 30 artists and cultural workers to pursue fellowships, apprenticeships and advance studies in the US or around Asia, enhancing their education and training and fostering valuable exchanges with fellow arts practitioners. As anomalies in practically every agency of government continue to be uncovered, we turn to the artists to remind us that nobility of spirit and integrity of purpose are still possible.

- DOREEN G. YU

Last Saturday, the Asian Cultural Council Philippines celebrated its 25th anniversary and not even the threat of an impending super typhoon could dampen the pride and joy of the occasion. As a partner foundation, ACCP funds grants given every year to Filipino arts practitioners, so far numbering 170, out of the over 400 grants given to Filipino artists since Jose Joya in 1967, under John D. Rockefeller III’s Asian Cultural Program (later renamed Asian Cultural Council), established in 1963 to “enhance knowledge of other cultures...as a means to a further end - through knowledge and respect for other cultures we come to respect and appreciate the peoples themselves.”

Joya received another grant in 1969, also the year Alice Reyes headed to New York to discover the world of contemporary and modern dance. Both went on to become National Artists, the highest honor bestowed by the Philippine government (Joya for visual arts, Reyes for dance). Seven other ACC grantees have become National Artists: Jose Maceda (music), Lucrecia Kasilag (music), Lamberto Avellana (film), Alejandro Roces (literature), Francisco Feliciano (music), Ramon Santos (music) and Kidlat Tahimik (film).

The formidable task of raising funds for these grants falls on ACCP’s indefatigable Board of Trustees, now headed by Honorary Chair Liza Araneta Marcos (who has actually been a trustee since 2013 and, even now, faithfully attends board meetings) and founding chair Ernest Escaler (he who pioneered the organic salad bar as a way of life and healthy eating from his Gourmet Farms and Café in Silang, Cavite).