MEDIA LOG ENTRY #3: Faith and Religion

JOEY VELASCO'S SA KAMBAS NG LIPUNAN
(On the Canvass of Society)

By: Cham Tibor

Click link for the YouTube video

Joey Velasco, also known as "the Heartist", was a local painter in the Philippines. In 2005, he was diagnosed with a kidney ailment that led him to be more prayerful and be fond of making paintings about Jesus. He was also able to help less fortunate young children, who are the main characters of his works. Aside from inspiring people by his work of arts, he also wrote books, made short documentary films and went into sculpture. His famous work is the "Hapag ng Pag-asa", that was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper". In 2006, "Hapag ng Pag-asa" won the Catholic Mass Media Awards. Unfortunately, Velasco died at the age of 43 on July 20, 2010.

The short film is about the true stories of the young children from his famous work, the "Hapag ng Pag-asa". Joey Velasco has taped the daily life of the children and voice over narration. He was able to interview and talk to the children personally and asked them how do they feel about their lives. The film was more of practicality in living in a world that is full of chaos and poverty. The real condition of the society was portrayed in the video, especially in the scenes where homeless kids and abandoned families were shown. I couldn't imagine that such abject human condition is really happening!

In the making of the film, Joey Velasco was the narrator, cameraman, host and, of course, the painter at the same time. He was the only one who worked for the video itself but I think, many people had supported him financially in order to help the children.

The video really caught my attention and I decided to finish watching it though it took my time. It was worth it and my perception about the kids roaming around and begging for alms changed. I have been thinking many times if I should give coins to street children because they might just use it for drugs, such as rugby. However, I have thought of another way to help less fortunate people. I would just give them food rather than money. Simple yet possible, right? 

The "Sa Kambas ng Lipunan" short film was not only able to help street children, but also actually taught the viewers to realize how fortunate and blessed they are. In return for being blessed by God, people should offer their hands to those who are in need. 

Let us all thank Mr. Joey Velasco for his artworks and for this video that woke us up to reality. Sir Velasco, I know that you are now in God's hands, please pray for our society now so that there would be more people like you. May your "heartistic" works continue to give hope to the abandoned and suffering street children and inspire us all to care for one another.

Reference:

Yuniks. (2006 December 20). Joey Velasco - Sa Kambas ng Lipunan - On the Canvas of Society. Youtube. 
   Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=bzYgSJCPEtY

Howard, C. (2010 July 21). 'Heartist' painter Velasco passes away. ABS-CBN news.com. 
   Retrieved from http://www.abs- cbnnews.com/lifestyle/07/20/10/heartist-painter-velasco-passes-away