At a time when the country’s crowd-attracting events have been cancelled amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a student from the University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu found a way to showcase the colorful Philippine festivals through the online platform.
Armed with his makeup brush, computer science student Hueben Kang,19, from Surigao del Norte, transformed himself into several versions of Filipino street dancers featured in the country’s biggest local festivals “Pintados” in Tacloban City, Leyte; “Masskara in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental; “Ati-Atihan” in Aklan, Panay Island; “Panagbenga” in Baguio City; “Sinulog” in Cebu City; and “Bonok-Bonok" in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte province.
Kang drew inspiration from the famous “Choose Philippines” campaign by the Department of Tourism (DOT) back in 2011, where the theme song “Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas” sung by Filipino artist Angeline Quinto drew a big hit on social media.
“I intended to let everyone experience the joy, and the Pinoy camaraderie brought about by the festivities in Pinas, "virtually,” Kang told the Manila Bulletin in an interview.
“I found it very timely since our world, as of now, is unfortunately still under the mercy of this nasty pandemic. We are still scared to go outside our houses and indulge in having fun, let alone experience the spontaneous beauty that Pinoy festivals can deliver,” he added.
Kang also said that he wanted to recognize the contribution of hardworking Filipino choreographers, designers, performers, and makeup artists who are all behind the success of the country’s local festivals.
“Our country and the people have so much to offer. The talent and ingenuity are so underrated at times. I was also hoping to recognize all the hardworking choreographers, designers, performers, makeup artists, and just basically the creative people behind each festival,” he said.
With his very detailed makeup transformation, it took him more than a month to produce the one-minute video.
But his hard work indeed paid off as social media users praised him for making the Philippine festivals be on the spotlight even just virtually.
The Department of Tourism, through its head Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, lauded him for promoting the Philippines, especially now that the tourism industry is slowly recovering from the pandemic.
“I’m so happy to see our youth making the most out of digital platforms to help promote the Philippines during a time when the tourism industry needs a boost. Thank you Hueben Kang for showcasing the fun of the Philippines in such a lively and creative way,” Puyat said in a message.
Kang asked his fellow content creators to use the online platform wisely such as promoting the rich culture and landscapes the country has to offer.