In the aftermath of a disaster, it’s often the arts that help pick up the pieces. For Jerrey Aguilar, a cultural worker and recipient of the Carlos P. Garcia Award for Excellence in Theatre Arts, the power of creativity is a potent tool for healing. As an engineer by trade, Aguilar has seen firsthand how art can bridge the gap between chaos and calm. His work with Kasing Sining, a theatre group he’s been involved with for years, has shown him that art can be a powerful catalyst for recovery.
Aguilar’s group, Kasing Sining, was there to help Bohol recover from the devastating 2013 earthquake. Founded by cultural worker Lutgardo Labad, Kasing Sining — which literally means “heart of art” — has made it its mission to impart arts with a heart. The group’s workshops focus on self-reflection and processing emotions, giving participants a safe space to confront their feelings and find solace in creativity.
“In the age of social media, we often forget to process our emotions,” Aguilar explains. “We’re constantly bombarded with images and stories, but we rarely take the time to truly feel and process what’s going on inside us. But when disaster strikes, it’s the arts that help us make sense of it all.”
Through role-playing, storytelling, and other creative exercises, Kasing Sining’s workshops help participants confront their fears and anxieties and find ways to move forward. By focusing on the present and letting go of anxiety, the workshops address feelings of hopelessness and empower people to overcome challenges.
“For me, it’s about reminding people that they’re not alone,” Aguilar says. “We’re all in this together, and we can get through it together. It’s about finding that sense of community and connection that helps us heal.”
For Aguilar, community support is key. “As cultural workers, we need the backing of our community and government,” he says. “It’s crucial for us to keep promoting our culture and heritage, and to keep finding ways to use art to make a positive impact.”
And Kasing Sining is doing just that—promoting pride in Bohol’s culture and uniquely Boholano work, one art piece at a time. From traditional dances to contemporary performances, the group’s productions showcase the best of Bohol’s artistic talent. But more than that, they showcase the resilience and creativity of the Boholano people.
As Aguilar looks back on the work Kasing Sining has done, he’s filled with hope. “It’s amazing to see how art can bring people together and help them heal,” he says. “It’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, there’s always a way forward—and that way is often through creativity and community.”
