"Kasari-sarian” champions gender equality in its four-day celebration at the PUP College of Communication

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The vibrant spirit of gender equality and empowerment reigned the halls of the College of Communication at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Sta. Mesa as the four-day celebration, the first festival of its kind in PUP, "Kasari-sarian: Gender Equality Creativity Fest," took place from July 25 to July 28, 2023.

A brainchild of Prof. Krupskaya Valila with the help of student volunteers from the PUP College of Communication and PUP Open University, the groundbreaking celebration arose to inspire students to strive for a community that is free from gender-based discrimination, allowing everyone to express themselves in their brightest hues.

Advocates from different walks of life were invited to share their insights and hold impactful panel and room discussions that delved deep into issues surrounding gender equality and sexuality in the Philippines. Also taking center stage was the power of storytelling with the premiere of student-made films, centered around themes of gender and sexuality, which were showcased in the COC Audiovisual Room.

Meanwhile, the COC Lobby transformed into a hub of creativity with student-led booths, artworks, and campaigns that cater to promotion of gender equality. These exhibits provided a platform for students to express their perspectives and encouraged attendees to contemplate their roles in achieving a more equitable society.

The festival also collaborated with HASH - HIV & AIDS Support House, Inc. to offer free HIV testing throughout the celebration, promoting health awareness among the participants.

To end the four-day celebration with the most vibrant hue, "Sari-bration: A Night of Equality and Protest," was conducted on July 28, 2023, at the COC Lobby, which included illuminating drag performances and song numbers from guest performers, celebrating the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. During her closing remarks, Prof. Krupskaya Valila reminded everyone of their responsibility to “magmulat, maglingkod, at makibaka."

The event was also made possible with the generous support of sponsors who believed in the celebration’s cause namely: Midoko, Lauvette, Jack n’ Jill Chocolate Pretzels, Jack n’ Jill Hello!, and Munchy’s Lexus.

Kasari-sarian has already concluded, but its colors prove to not dull. It has inspired the future generation of PUPians to become advocates committed to breaking barriers regarding gender stereotypes and embracing diversity. The event's legacy serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a more inclusive and equal future for all.

SKC Comes Back Stronger and Triumphs at 10th Year - Enjoining the Youth to Unifying Actions Towards Nation Building

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The Sigaw ng Kabataan Coalition (SKC) is poised to celebrate a significant milestone as it marks its 10th Founding Anniversary on August 18, 2023.

In its 10th year, SKC endeavors to revive and strengthen its efforts to empower communities by activating and increasing the engagement of its local leaders and organizing grassroots-level activities anchored on the organizational development priorities: Quality and Accessible Education for all, Climate, and Environmental Action, Poverty Reduction & Access to Adequate Food, Decent Jobs and Sustainable Livelihood, Health and Social Welfare, and Peace in Diversity..

SKC, since its foundation on August 18, 2013, has been a driving force of youth empowerment, creating significant influences on the Philippines' developmental landscape. A non-government organization and national coalition of youth and youth-serving organizations, SKC represents more than 55,000 young people across the Philippines.

SKC’s mission is to amplify the voices of Filipino youth – empowering each young individual to become an active catalyst of change and prime movers of advancements in our country as the younger generation holds boundless potential and optimal ideals. A decade of existence, SKC has been consistent in its actions to empower young people through three major classifications of activities: capacity building, policy intervention, and humanitarian efforts. SKC has been proactive player in campaigning significant national legislations and policies, including the Bangsamoro Organic Law, Republic Act No. 11346 - Increase excise taxes on alcohol and e-cigarettes, RA 10643 Graphic Health Warnings Law, RA 11036 Mental Health Act, and the RA 11223 Universal Health Care Act.

SKC also strived in driving meaningful impact through targeted initiatives aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs), bearing the vision for a stronger and more resilient Philippines, particularly Goal 17 - Partnership for the Goals, which the organization exemplified by collaborating with various youth and non-profit organizations and government agencies both at the local and international level to contribute to the achievement of multiple SDGs.

Over the years, SKC's efforts centered on empowering young people through training, education, and civic engagements – molding them into becoming leaders and agents of change in their communities. SKC has partnered with Action for Economic Reforms (AER), Public Services Labor Independent Confederation (PSLINK), Right to Know, Right Now! Coalition, FOI Youth Initiative, Youth for Sin Tax Coalition, Junior Chamber International - Philippines, Rotary and Rotaract Clubs in the Philippines, and SK Councils and Federations. And today, SKC boasts its members with various representations – public officials, indigenous peoples, young professionals, student leaders, and out-of-school youth.

Ellirie Nicolas Aviles, Founder and Chairman of Sigaw ng Kabataan Coalition, expresses his enthusiasm for the anniversary, stating, “Working with all SKC leaders, members, and allies in the past ten years made every moment of our youth meaningful and enjoyable. By working together, we became better, exceeded our limits, and made the impossible possible. Despite the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to our organization, we made it through. And today, as we welcome the post-pandemic era, we also embrace a more resilient SKC - gleaming with hope and passion.”

We call on our fellow youth to join us in our cry “Makialam, makiisa, makibahagi! Sama-sama nating palakasin ang sigaw ng kabataan. (Engage! Unite! Participate! Together, let’s amplify youth voices!)” Mr. Aviles added.

As SKC embarks on the next phase of its journey, the organization invites the younger generations to join in celebrating SKC’s foundation and to take an active part in its advocacies. For partnerships, send an email to skc.correspondence@gmail.com.

Music Export 101: Filipino artists go international this August

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Sonik Session brings together music experts and Filipino creators for a boutique conference and artist showcase

This 18 August, 22 Tango Music Group, the British Council in the Philippines, and Sonik Philippines are hosting Sonik Sessions: Music Export 101, a boutique conference and artist showcase bringing international music experts, Filipino artists and creators to talk about music and how we can bring Filipino talents to the forefront of the global market. The event will be held at Making Space in Cebu City, the first Sonik event outside Metro Manila.

In this 2nd installment of Sonik Sessions, Filipino creators will learn how artists and the music industry can benefit from increased recognition, access to new markets, revenue streams, and cultural exchange. The conference will dive deep into 'music export': the process of promoting and distributing music to foreign markets, showcasing and marketing artists to audiences outside their home country.

The theme was inspired by Filipino music mavens and the organisers' personal experiences as British Council delegates to the recently concluded Great Escape Music Festival in Brighton, England.

Sonik Sessions: Music Export 101 is led by the talented singer-songwriter and founder of 22 Tango Music Group, Cattski Espina, alongside musician-entrepreneur and founder of Homonym, Mike Constantino. Upon their return after the Great Escape delegation, Cattski and Mike organised the event in hopes of sharing their experiences and knowledge with Filipino artist communities.

"I came home re-energized by what I saw and the people I met. After not being able to attend live conferences due to the pandemic, it reminded us that we can do so much more with the EU, especially the UK. We are excited to finally take Sonik outside of Manila and are raring to share what we've learned [in the Great Escape] through Sonik Sessions in Cebu," Mike shares.

Cattski adds, "I’m on a mission to learn more about Music Export to pivot my vision towards learning from other cultures and eventually becoming an ambassador in bringing Filipino music to the UK and the world. I am thrilled to have Sonik Session as an opportunity to kick off our work in music export and bring more Filipino artists to the global stage."

The British Council's Head of Arts, Mich Dulce, elaborates on how the organisation advocates collaborative growth and art between the UK and the Philippines. "There is so much talent and potential in the Philippines that deserves to be shared with the entire world. We look forward to the exciting future of Filipino artists as we continue to work together and share what the UK has to offer and vice versa," she says.

Sonik Sessions will serve as a venue for experienced and up-and-coming musicians, artists, and creators to share their different inspirations and innovations. The event will feature four global and notable artists in their field, sharing industry trends and global practices:



· Fil-Brit publicist, consultant and international music marketeer from EMPIRE Cat Lazarra will elaborate on what music export is;

· Another Fil-Brit – singer and producer RJ Belo of State is Flow London will share his experiences and dreams of bridging UK Asian artists with other cultures

· Founder of SRM Booking and Services and co-founder of AXEAN Music Showcase Festival Satria Ramadhan will share how to grow music and fanbase in foreign markets;

· FOCUS Wales' co-founder and music programmer Andy Jones will talk about applying and participating in music festivals and conferences; and

· Primavera Pro's head of partnerships and programming Camila Anino will discuss how government support fuels the exploration of Filipino music.

The event will conclude with a singer-songwriter and artist showcase, featuring some of the best Cebu-based artists.

Sonik Session: Music Export 101 is a free event and will be simultaneously streamed on the official Facebook pages of 22 Tango Music Group, Sonik Philippines, and Homonym.



About 22 Tango Music Group

22 Tango Music Group is a Music Marketing Agency designed for companies and artists. Using the power of music, we help brands on their mission to build and activate audiences. We develop artists using a holistic approach to strengthen identity and talent with a goal

to breakthrough in the industry by building a fanbase.

www.22tangomusicgroup.com



About Sonik Philippines

Launched in 2019, Sonik Philippines is the country's official Music Conference & Showcase Festival. Presented by Homonym and co-founded by the National Commission for Culture & The Arts (NCCA), Sonik seeks to educate both the business and artist sides of our music eco-system to elevate the entire industry, shaping the future of Philippine Music. Sonik has featured over a hundred of the top music experts from the Philippines and the world and tackled topics like Sonic Branding, Music Licensing, Music Export, Festivals/Live Events, Artist Management, Music PR/Marketing, Audio Platforms, Music Production, Music Distribution, A&R, Label Services, Music Influencers, among many others. In 2023, Sonik launched Sonik Sessions, focusing on Music Export.



About the British Council

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We do this through our work in arts and culture, education and the English language. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories and are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2021–22 we reached 650 million people.

In 2023, the British Council in the Philippines is marking our 45th anniversary, celebrating our commitment to building connections between the UK and the Philippines through our work in education, arts, English, and exams.

www.britishcouncil.org