By As the Covid-19 continues to immobilize most of us in terms of going out, working, or doing our usual routine, it’s unavoidable to feel a bit miserable about our current situation. But if there’s something that we should all take away from this state is to be grateful for the things that we do have and be thankful for waking up each morning for a chance to be productive.
Speaking of productivity, this is also perfect time to learn a new skill. Thank God for some people who have been going online to either stream live via Instagram or Facebook, post videos on YouTube, or via interactive classes on Zoom to teach a skill that they’re passionate about. Here are those people who have been so generous and passionate that they have been using this time to impart their knowledge for us to learn, feel healthy, and feel good about ourselves.
ROBERT ALEJANDRO (VISUAL ARTIST)
Known as Kuya Robert to those who grew up watching his art show Art is-kool, he started doing online doodles and arts and craft live via his Facebook account. Kuya Robert is a founding member of Ang INK and Papemelroti.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A VISUAL ARTIST?
I’ve always been drawing ever since I could remember. When I was a child, I would draw on walls and my school notebooks.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BECOME AN ARTIST? WHO INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME AN ARTIST?
I don’t think there was a specific moment that I had to make a decision – I was always drawing and creating. I do believe I was actually born an “artist”!
I do remember growing up surrounded by art books (my mother would frame the prints from the books to sell) and so I was always drawn to the “visual”.
WHAT WAS YOUR INITIAL REACTION/THOUGHT WHEN YOU HEARD THAT THERE’S GOING TO BE A COMMUNITY QUARANTINE?
I completely understood. I understood that it needed to be done.
HOW ARE YOU DEALING WITH THE ECQ? WHAT’S THE EASIEST PART FOR YOU TO ADAPT ON DURING THIS TIME AND WHY? AND WHAT’S THE MOST DIFFICULT FOR YOU TO DO DURING THIS TIME AND WHY?
Truth is, I am basically enjoying it – I am quite the introvert and so I relish this quiet time. Also, I’ve always wanted to “slow down” and so this is an answered prayer. I do know that I am incredibly privileged – I have a home with running water, food and a place to sleep. Not all of us have that luxury.
Recently, I do have these sad moments of grief that I don’t know where it is from. This must be the effects of the quarantine lock down.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO TEACH DRAWING ONLINE FOR FREE DURING ECQ? CAN YOU PLEASE TELL ME A BRIEF BACKGROUND ON WHEN, HOW, AND WHY YOU STARTED?
The very day the lockdown started, I saw an Instagram post of someone going “live”. I thought it would be a good idea for kids to have an art class. This truly is an expression of my love and care (sounds incredibly corny but that is the truth). I also know that children need a sense of routine during these times of uncertainty.
I also wanted the kids to have fun and learn at this opportune moment.
WHAT’S THE SATISFACTION THAT YOU GET WHEN YOU SEE VIEWERS FOLLOWING YOU DRAW ONLINE?
After the class, the children send me their work – the artworks are MIND BLOWINGLY beautiful!!!!!! This gives me so much joy!
WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE THOSE WHO ARE HAVING A DIFFICULT TIME COPING ON THIS LOCKDOWN?
It is easier said than done but I believe it is a mindset – you may want to see this as a very unusual opportunity for one to do all these things we wanted to do but we “didn’t have the time”.
WHAT’S THE FIRST THING THAT YOU’RE GOING TO DO AFTER THIS ECQ HAS BEEN LIFTED? WHERE WILL YOU GO FIRST AND WHY?
There’s a dog that has been visiting me here at home all this time. I want to buy her a leash so that I can give her a bath!
Follow Kuya Robert’s on Facebook and attend his free art class.
AHLEX LEYVA (DANCER)
I came upon knowing Teacher Ahlex through my friend and thespian Raf Bravo when she invited me to attend this dancehall class being taught by Teacher Ahlex via Zoom. Dancehall is a music genre popularized and originated in Jamaica. Teacher Ahlex is a member of Dancehall Manila community and is also a pole dancer and member of Polecats Manila.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A DANCER?
I found my interest in dancing when I was five but I formally trained to be a dancer just in college, so roughly 12 years.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A DANCER? WHO INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A DANCER?
Dancing runs in our blood. My grandfather and father were dancers in their generations. When I was a kid, I danced Macarena in a cinema house for no reason. That’s the first dance I learned. I decided to pursue dancing in college when I became a company member of UE Silanganan Dance Troupe. There are a lot of people who inspired me to dance but I want to give credit to the dancehall community. It’s more of “what” inspired me rather than “who”. Dancehall inspired me to go back to dancing after almost quitting in 2017.
WHAT WAS YOUR INITIAL REACTION/THOUGHT WHEN YOU HEARD THAT THERE’S GOING TO BE A COMMUNITY QUARANTINE?
I was actually worried and agitated because I am a freelancer and I am highly affected by this. I am a “no show/no class, no pay” worker. I do not have a contract or employer that will save me from this situation.
HOW ARE YOU DEALING WITH THE ECQ? WHAT’S THE EASIEST PART FOR YOU TO ADAPT ON DURING THIS TIME AND WHY? AND WHAT’S THE MOST DIFFICULT FOR YOU DO DURING THIS TIME AND WHY?
I am still blessed to be able to have online classes that are actually paid under Polecats Manila. The small amount of money I earn from online classes goes to grocery expenses. I have lost quite a number of lined up gigs because of ECQ but I am still thankful that I am alive, I can eat three times a day and I have a home to stay in. I use this time to fix myself, my clothes, my stuff; to rest and to reflect.
Surprisingly, I handled the situation far from I expected. I am calm and less worried. I have a daily routine that gives me more time to fix my life. I read books, watch movies, spend time with my family while I still have time to dance, to workout, and to teach. Everything is actually in balance.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO TEACH DANCEHALL ONLINE FOR FREE DURING ECQ? CAN YOU PLEASE TELL ME A BRIEF BACKGROUND ON WHEN, HOW, AND WHY YOU STARTED?
It was when I saw a Facebook post of a theatre friend that she’s looking for a free online dancehall class. I messaged her privately and asked if she wants to do it with me because I have been practicing dancehall for a couple of years now. I know that I can share it to her. She’s thrilled to do it and invited more theatre friends to join the class. At first, I’ll be honest – I just want to do it one time since it’s free. In these times, people need money, so offering a class for free is quite hard to swallow. But then, I realized that I want to contribute something in this pandemic chaos. I am not a frontliner, I have no means to donate monetary for PPE sets or testing kits. All I can do is to stay at home. So, I decided to offer free dancehall classes for theatre friends as a contribution to this pandemic chaos. People need to have a breather or a break in all this bad news. This is the least that I can do to keep people sane.
WHAT’S THE SATISFACTION THAT YOU GET WHEN YOU SEE VIEWERS FOLLOWING YOU DANCE ONLINE?
Grateful. We have a lot of rants and bad news posted in social media already, seeing dance videos, even TikTok videos, makes me happy. May you be a dancer or not, a little rusty or just starting to dance – DO IT! You give joy in my feed. You give joy in everyone’s feed. Spread the love!
WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE THOSE WHO ARE HAVING A DIFFICULT TIME COPING ON THIS LOCKDOWN?
Pray. Clear your mind. I know this time of quietness will give you a chance to over think stuff, but breathe. Look on the brighter side. Imagine this time given to you to fix yourself, fix your relationship with your family and friends. Consider this as your second life; make everything count. Acknowledge every little victory, little efforts, and little opportunities.
Everything happens for a reason; you may not figure it out today and that’s fine but believe that everything will be alright.
WHAT’S THE FIRST THING THAT YOU’RE GOING TO DO AFTER THIS ECQ HAS BEEN LIFTED? WHERE WILL YOU GO FIRST AND WHY?
Hit the beach. Haha! That’s the first thing for sure. I want to celebrate summer even in November. Just kidding! Haha. Well, first I will go back to work. I have to. Then maybe visit my favorite coffee shop because I miss it so much. And probably have a whole-body massage. One thing’s for sure after the ECQ has been lifted, I will love and take care of myself more. I don’t want to die exhausted and sad. If I die one day, I want to be able to give the love and care that myself deserve in this lifetime.
Follow Teacher Ahlex on Instagram for updates on where she teaches dance classes online
ANJO RESURRECCION (FITNESS INSTRUCTOR)
Anjo is one of those fitness enthusiasts who have been encouraging people to stay physically fit during this period by going live via his Facebook at every 5pm. He’s been leading people to workout with him by doing a full body exercise routine.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A FITNESS INSTRUCTOR?
About a year now. I first started teaching calisthenics at Slimmer’s World Elite SM North Edsa last April, 2019.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A FITNESS INSTRUCTOR? WHO INSPIRED YOU TO BE A HEALTH BUFF?
My inspirations for having a healthy lifestyle are my parents. Ever since when we were kids, my parents were really active. They play sports and always go to the gym to lift weights or attend their yoga and Pilates classes and they managed to maintain that lifestyle even now on their senior years.
I decided to become a fitness instructor after years of soul searching on where I really am good at. I pursued the health and fitness industry because one, I love working out and two, I’ve always wanted to help people choose and switch to have a healthier and fit lifestyle.
WHAT WAS YOUR INITIAL REACTION/THOUGHT WHEN YOU HEARD THAT THERE’S GOING TO BE A COMMUNITY QUARANTINE?
I already saw it coming because prior to the virus reaching our country, I saw news and articles saying that there is this corona virus. At first there was little paranoia because of the thought that you will have to stay inside your house for a month. But as for me, it wasn’t that hard to adjust because us gamers are built for this kind of situations as long as there’s internet.
HOW ARE YOU DEALING WITH THE ECQ? WHAT’S THE EASIEST PART FOR YOU TO ADAPT ON DURING THIS TIME AND WHY? AND WHAT’S THE MOST DIFFICULT FOR YOU DO DURING THIS TIME AND WHY?
I really have a simple lifestyle. My top 3 priorities are: workout, play games, and eat and I can do all 3 at home. It was easy for me to adapt because I have all that I need at home.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO TEACH WORKOUTS FOR FREE DURING ECQ? CAN YOU PLEASE TELL ME A BRIEF BACKGROUND ON WHEN, HOW, AND WHY YOU STARTED?
This started as my oath/commitment to my students in my calisthenics class to help them continue progressing with their skills even on a lockdown. I promised to do online workout sessions for them every day. The first live workout was the very first day of the lockdown using my Facebook page. The post was made public but I only personally invited my students to watch. Then to my surprise as I end the livestream, it reached 5k views. I love to work out and it’s always better to workout with someone even if its virtual only.
WHAT’S THE SATISFACTION THAT YOU GET WHEN YOU SEE VIEWERS FOLLOWING YOUR WORKOUTS?
Doing these free live workouts is my own little way to help people stay fit and boost their immune system even if we are all stuck in our homes. It makes me happy because somehow, I am able to help them become the better versions of themselves.
WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE THOSE WHO ARE HAVING A DIFFICULT TIME COPING ON THIS LOCKDOWN?
It’s okay to feel what you are feeling. Every person is undergoing their own process of how to live and cope in this situation. Just take this time to reflect on your current self. Think of the present and enjoy every moment with your family. Best time to reconnect with the fam.
WHAT’S THE FIRST THING THAT YOU’RE GOING TO DO AFTER THIS ECQ HAS BEEN LIFTED? WHERE WILL YOU GO FIRST AND WHY?
It would still be going to my favorite gym and workout then most likely invite people to eat at SUMO NIKU!!
Visit Anjo’s Facebook page to attend his free online workout class every 5pm.
MARA ANDRES (YOGA INSTRUCTOR / DANCER)
I met Mara a few years ago at an event of a TV network but prior to that, I’ve already communicated with her regarding Heneral Luna, where in she’s a talent coordinator of said award-winning movie. She’s such an active soul, loves the beach, and just freedom to create. She’s a dancer (she also teaches too) and she’s currently teaching yoga.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TEACHING YOGA?
I have been teaching yoga for a year and 2 months already.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO TEACH YOGA? WHO INSPIRED YOU TO PRACTICE YOGA?
I have been practicing yoga since 2014 but I considered it more of a workout than a mindfulness practice. I was very inconsistent with my practice. In 2016, I got an injury that caused me to slow down in terms of training. My PT recommended that I do yoga again so I can still work on strengthening my body and gaining more mindfulness about my movement. In 2018, I attended Lalah de Dios’ class back when she was based in La Union (Aquanimous Yoga). Her approach was very technical but also very mindful. It was from there that I started attending classes regularly in Manila and eventually incorporating the practice into my daily life. Same year, JC de Leon of Medicale Yoga Institute messaged me about their Yoga Therapy session, which was something I was actually eyeing. As someone who started Yoga due to injuries, I wanted to involve myself in a Yoga Practice that focused on maintaining the longevity of the body’s state to be able to practice and also avoid the risk of injuries especially for those who cross train.
WHAT WAS YOUR INITIAL REACTION/THOUGHT WHEN YOU HEARD THAT THERE’S GOING TO BE A COMMUNITY QUARANTINE?
I felt so thrown off by the situation because teaching dance or any kind of movement has been part of my daily routine. I was also worried about being able to track the progress of my students.
HOW ARE YOU DEALING WITH THE ECQ? WHAT’S THE EASIEST PART FOR YOU TO ADAPT ON DURING THIS TIME AND WHY? AND WHAT’S THE MOST DIFFICULT FOR YOU DO DURING THIS TIME AND WHY?
The first 2 weeks were tough. At first, I was okay with the situation because I’m usually at home anyway. I rarely go out. However, after a week, I started getting anxiety. I’m usually in La Union for 50% of the time so readjusting my lifestyle was hard. I would work out every day or practice yoga every day to avoid facing my anxieties regarding the situation. The exhaustion from keeping my anxieties at bay caught up to me so I started getting sick. I would feel unproductive because I didn’t have any work. I’ve learned to lessen the pressure on myself to keep my pre-ECQ routine in check. Detaching myself from that made adjusting to this period easier. Creating a new routine and also still being very considerate about my emotional and mental state really helped.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO TEACH YOGA ONLINE FOR FREE DURING ECQ? CAN YOU PLEASE TELL ME A BRIEF BACKGROUND ON WHEN, HOW, AND WHY YOU STARTED?
My fellow teachers and I wanted to start a new routine with our students. A lot of the students were also requesting for classes so at least we were aligned. They wanted to keep the momentum of the growth in the practice. We started posting videos of our routines online during the first 2 weeks. We eventually decided to use Zoom for our classes so that we can somehow have that classroom feel.
WHAT’S THE SATISFACTION THAT YOU GET WHEN YOU SEE VIEWERS FOLLOWING YOUR PRACTICE?
Every time I see my friends and regular students join the practice, my love for teaching gets re-validated. Like after every class I can say out loud that I love teaching and I love seeing the community practicing together despite the tough times. I also love how my friends and students who don’t get to go regular to my classes (or even at all) can join now.
WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE THOSE WHO ARE HAVING A DIFFICULT TIME COPING ON THIS LOCKDOWN?
Honor where you are right now, physically, emotionally and mentally. Yesterday’s you may have been happier than today’s version of you and that’s okay. As for tomorrow, we do not know what it will hold. The uncertainty will always be there but what remains constant is that we are never alone even in uncertainty. Despite being physically apart, we are all finding strength in each other. Most importantly, being in this situation also allows us to have a deeper relationship with ourselves. I believe that all of us will be learning more about compassion during this time and we will emerge in the new world with a new sense of love.
WHAT’S THE FIRST THING THAT YOU’RE GOING TO DO AFTER THIS ECQ HAS BEEN LIFTED? WHERE WILL YOU GO FIRST AND WHY?
I am driving up to La Union after this ECQ gets lifted. I have not been in my La Union home since the lockdown started and I miss it so much. I need to clean up my place there haha! I miss the sunset sessions and just being around nature the entire time. I also need to head up so I can regroup with the Open House team (Open House is the community market/awareness space/farm to table business that I am part of) so we can properly regroup and strategize operations, marketing and sales. Of course, I’m also driving up so I can surf again. It would be nice to be in the vast ocean again after staying within the walls of the city for so long.
Go to the Facebook account of Medicale Yoga Institute to check out Mara’s yoga flow and more yoga and meditation sessions.
NITYALILA SAULO (MUSICIAN / BAYBAYIN TEACHER)
I met Nityalila a few years ago when I was still working for a music magazine as an Editorial Assistant. She was doing music. She’s now based in the US and has been teaching Baybayin online when this ECQ began in the Philippines.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING IN BAYBAYIN? WHAT IS BAYBAYIN?
Since June, 2019. Baybayin is the pre-colonial ancient writing script of the Philippines.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO LEARN THIS SKILL? WHO INSPIRED YOU TO LEARN BAYBAYIN?
Since moving to San Diego, California in 2016, I found myself creating art again, particularly line drawings. This art allowed me to create calligraphic works of art and it reminded me of the lines and strokes of Baybayin. I began experimenting with Baybayin characters and started incorporating it with my line art. Realizing my deep connection with Baybayin, I wanted to learn more. While visiting the Philippines last year, I had the opportunity to attend a two-day teacher’s training on Baybayin.
It gave me a renewed sense of appreciation of our identities as Filipinos, and I wanted to share it with fellow Filipinos. There’s a lot of ancient knowledge in it that we don’t even realize anymore, and I wanted to show others this side of our language, the stories behind it, and what it reveals about us.
Being in another country can make us reflect on our own identity. Ever since I moved to California, it made me hold on to my roots even more. Teaching Baybayin made me reaffirm my roots and I hope to help other Filipinos rediscover themselves and understand their culture through the art and power of Baybayin.
WHAT WAS YOUR INITIAL REACTION/THOUGHT WHEN YOU HEARD THAT THERE’S GOING TO BE A COMMUNITY QUARANTINE?
That people will have plenty of time in their hands to do nothing or to do something.
HOW ARE YOU DEALING WITH THE ECQ? WHAT’S THE EASIEST PART FOR YOU TO ADAPT ON DURING THIS TIME AND WHY? AND WHAT’S THE MOST DIFFICULT FOR YOU DO DURING THIS TIME AND WHY?
Mindfulness and my yoga practice are really helping me manage my anxiety and stress during this time of uncertainty. Fortunately, as an artist/digital content producer, I am still able to get work online. As a musician, live events and festivals are cancelled, so that’s more challenging.
What really worries me is being far from my immediate family. This would be a horrible time to lose a loved one, not being able to gather or not be able to say goodbye would be hard for me to bear.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO TEACH BAYBAYIN FOR FREE DURING ECQ? CAN YOU PLEASE TELL ME A BRIEF BACKGROUND ON WHEN, HOW, AND WHY YOU STARTED?
Through my teacher’s training course, I not only learned how to write, read, and teach Baybayin but also learned to connect with my Filipino roots through Baybayin. Baybayin for me is the intersection of art, language, and energy. It’s the kind of beauty that once you see, you can’t unsee. It stirred something in me because I started seeing the ancient wisdom behind the energies of words we use everyday, and when I started sharing it with close friends it had a similar effect on them. Teaching Baybayin is sharing that wisdom, and it’s my way of serving the Filipino people.
WHAT’S THE SATISFACTION THAT YOU GET WHEN YOU SEE VIEWERS DOING WHAT YOU TEACH THEM?
There’s a spark in their eyes when they realize the energies behind the words that they’ve been using all their lives, and to understand it better now gives them a deeper appreciation of the language and their heritage. For example, the word “Bahala” is a combination of the feminine, the masculine, and the divine breath in between those two characters. It shows that what our ancestors considered divine was a balance of these energies.
I hope to be able to give a sense of accomplishment for people who want a “productive” use of their time. I hope that being able to teach others to read a write in a new language, in just 1.5 hours, can be a satisfying goal for those who want to learn new skills at this time. I just hope to give some people something to look forward to learning.
WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE THOSE WHO ARE HAVING A DIFFICULT TIME COPING ON THIS LOCKDOWN?
E – Easy. Take it easy. Take it a day at a time. Don’t be hard on yourself. Use this time to Rest.
C- Create. It’s the only thing louder than destruction.
Q- Quiet. Many answers are found in silence.
WHAT’S THE FIRST THING THAT YOU’RE GOING TO DO AFTER THIS ECQ HAS BEEN LIFTED? WHERE WILL YOU GO FIRST AND WHY?
Go back to the Philippines and build an Ashram (a monastic community) focused on sustainable living and farming.
To join Nityalila’s Baybayin class, you can follow her on her Facebook account for details. She holds her class online every Friday morning (10am Manila Time) through Zoom. Participants register in advance. Number of participants vary from 10 – 30.
RAFLESIA BRAVO (DANCER / ACTRESS)
I met Raflesia a few years ago at the CCP. She’s a powerhouse thespian that I just learned a few days ago, is also a very entertaining host. She, together with a few more dancer friends, started Balik Indak, wherein they offer different genre of dance classes and workshops to those who are beginners or experienced dancers. Raf began offering free beginners dance classes a few weeks ago via Zoom.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A DANCER?
I started late, I started when I was 21 years old. That’s 2009
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A DANCER? WHO INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A DANCER?
What made me decide to dance was when I first step inside a studio as a scholar and seeing kids who can do turns and can raise their legs behind their ears. Also, when I watched the reality show So You Think You Can Dance? made me inspire to take classical dance classes.
WHAT WAS YOUR INITIAL REACTION/THOUGHT WHEN YOU HEARD THAT THERE’S GOING TO BE A COMMUNITY QUARANTINE?
I panicked at first because it will be the first time for us to experience this but was not worried about surviving it.
HOW ARE YOU DEALING WITH THE ECQ? WHAT’S THE EASIEST PART FOR YOU TO ADAPT ON DURING THIS TIME AND WHY? AND WHAT’S THE MOST DIFFICULT FOR YOU DO DURING THIS TIME AND WHY?
At first it was difficult because I’m not use to it, I’m a very sociable person. There’s this time that I felt so miserable because I was already missing my friends, spending my alone time in restos, watching productions, and taking classes. It’s more mentally challenging for me rather than financially. Of course, I have projects that were affected by the pandemic, but I saved enough money to survive and originally, my plan was to have a break from work for about a year. So being mentally stressed, I thought of a way on how to keep my sanity intact that’s why I decided to teach free dancing classes online to keep myself in shape and help people to cope with our situation. Also, I attend free classes online as well like different styles of dancing and song writing.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO TEACH JAZZ CLASS ONLINE FOR FREE DURING ECQ? CAN YOU PLEASE TELL ME A BRIEF BACKGROUND ON WHEN, HOW, AND WHY YOU STARTED?
A friend of mine who was also sad about this ECQ suggested that I teach dance online. I was scared at first because really good teachers in the dance community are already offering free online classes but then I have friends who have no background in jazz dance and wanted something to do to keep them busy and release stress and at the same time. I use Zoom to teach privately rather than broadcasting the class in Facebook or Instagram because in Zoom you can see your students and be able to properly correct them. Jazz class for beginners is what I teach and it really needs teacher’s guidance to properly do it because I think every professional dance teachers want their students to avoid bad habits.
WHAT’S THE SATISFACTION THAT YOU GET WHEN YOU SEE VIEWERS FOLLOWING YOU DANCE ONLINE?
It’s uplifting. Seeing your students improving; seeing them dance with confidence, and wanting to learn more is heartwarming. I love to see that I’m helping myself physically and mentally, as well as other people.
WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE THOSE WHO ARE HAVING A DIFFICULT TIME COPING ON THIS LOCKDOWN?
Find things that will keep you productive. There are a lot of free dance classes available online. Check YouTube and discover new cooking ideas, focus on your health and body by exercising daily, and aside from taking dance classes online there’s zumba on YouTube.
WHAT’S THE FIRST THING THAT YOU’RE GOING TO DO AFTER THIS ECQ HAS BEEN LIFTED? WHERE WILL YOU GO FIRST AND WHY?
Eat samgyup with friends!
If you want to join Raflesia’s jazz dance classes for beginners, follow Balik Indak’s Instagram and Facebook account for announcements.
There are a lot of new skills that you can learn during this time but don’t stress yourself with it if you don’t feel like doing it. Take time to also take care of yourself emotionally and mentally. Here are a few things that my friend and thespian Pepe Herrera shared with me on how to be mentally healthy during these times:
Denise J. Mallabo 