FSL for Inclusive PH (FSL4IPH), a non-profit student organization from the British School Manila (BSM) in Taguig, partnered with Hearlife-Verein for a series of events to promote Deaf inclusion and Filipino Sign Language (FSL).
The three events were an FSL learning exhibit at BSM, an immersive museum tour, and the “Masquerade” fundraising concert—all held to bridge the gap between Deaf and hearing communities in education, art, and music.
DEAF AWARENESS DAY
Last Nov. 28, FSL4IPH hosted a Deaf Awareness Day at the British School Manila, where members of the school community participated in a range of activities designed to promote FSL and Deaf culture.
Participants were taught how to spell and sign their names in FSL, with personalized FSL name stickers printed out as keepsakes.
Dice games engaged young learners in signing numbers in FSL, offering a fun and interactive way to build their skills.
FSL alphabet bookmarks were distributed to attendees to encourage ongoing learning and exploration of the language.
A variety of posters were displayed in the FSL learning exhibit, offering visual aids and educational materials to further deepen understanding of FSL.
Students also learned to exchange basic greetings in FSL with Deaf guests and FSL4IPH members, reinforcing the importance of simple communication in the language.
Deaf guests performed the viral “APT.” dance (the song was released by K-pop artist Rosé and Bruno Mars) in sign language, highlighting the vibrancy and creativity of Deaf culture through performance.
FSL4IPH team with invited Deaf guests and interpreter (from left) Catherine Joy Patriarca, Jefferson Umali, Seth Yang, Kyle Ynson, Lance Anggala, Liam Conlin, Astin Calingo, Johann Chan, Jessica and Mark Laygo (Photo provided by FSL4IPH)
The event was organized by FSL4IPH student leaders Johann Chan, Seth Yang, Lance Anggala, Astin Calingo, Liam Conlin, and Kyle Ynson, under the guidance of club mentor Gemma Mallillin.
At the heart of the event were FSL4IPH Deaf coach Catherine Joy “CJ” Patriarca and Deaf guests Mark and Jessica Laygo, who played a vital role in leading the FSL activities.
Their active involvement underscored the importance of Deaf leadership in promoting their language and culture, empowering participants with firsthand knowledge and insight.
Guest interpreter Jefferson Umali further enriched the experience by facilitating seamless communication between Deaf and hearing participants, fostering an environment of mutual understanding, respect, and connection.
The school community—comprising the school head, teachers, support staff, security personnel, students, and parents—embraced the opportunity to learn FSL beyond the classroom walls, reinforcing their collective commitment to creating a more inclusive and Deaf-friendly environment.
FSL4IPH co-president Seth Yang introducing Deaf guest Mark Laygo to the students (Photo provided by FSL4IPH)
Students, teachers and staff lining up to have their names printed in FSL (Photo provided by FSL4IPH)
Students learning to sign and count in FSL, guided by Deaf coaches and supported by FSL4IPH members (Photo provided by FSL4IPH)
Deaf guests signing the viral dance song "APT." in FSL (Photo provided by FSL4IPH)
YUCHENGCO MUSEUM TOUR
FSL4IPH and Hearlife-Verein opened the door to a truly immersive cultural experience for Deaf students on Nov. 30, beginning with a guided tour of the Yuchengco Museum.
It kicked off with a welcome from FSL4IPH members, who accompanied the guests through the museum’s impressive exhibits.
Event officer Pia Peña-Lejano at the Yuchengco Museum became the guide, sharing valuable insights into the art and history showcased throughout the museum.
Deaf guests and FSL4IPH having fun with with the rock collection display (Photo from Yuchengco Museum)
Yuchengco Museum event officer Pia Peña-Lejano giving the Deaf group and FSL4IPH team an overview about the exhibits on display (Photo from FSL4IPH)
To ensure that Deaf guests could fully immerse themselves with the tour, FSL4IPH interpreter Leah Apuli provided engaging and dynamic interpretation, effectively bridging the language gap and enriching the overall experience for all attendees.
This thoughtful initiative allowed Deaf attendees to explore the museum’s rich collection of art and history, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of the cultural significance within the exhibits, while reinforcing the importance of accessibility and inclusion of the Deaf in cultural and educational settings.
"This was a wonderfully unique opportunity for us students," shared Deaf student Enaual Diby Ravines. "The displayed pieces were incredibly beautiful, and the entire experience was truly unforgettable."
MASQUERADE FUNDRAISING CONCERT
The final event of HearLife-Verein’s Partner Artists Series, “Masquerade” fundraising concert, became an evening of music, art, and inclusivity.
Held on Nov. 30 at Y Space, Yuchengco Museum, the concert brought together 23 classical singers mentored by Perpy Lopez Heath, with Prof. Mary Anne Espina as pianist. a digital art exhibit by Iana Cadhit, a cochlear implantee, and a celebration of community and diversity.
Deaf attendees were not merely spectators—they were active participants in every aspect of the event.
(Photo provided by Hearlife-Verein)
Masquerade Concert Playbill (Photo provided by FSL4IPH)
FSL4IPH student leaders Astin Calingo and Liam Conlin promoting FSL to arriving concert guests (Photo provided by FSL4IPH)
Nina “Tosh” Jacob-Soliven, HearLife-Verein program director, with the "Masquerade" performers (Photo provided by FSL4IPH)
Deaf guests pray Pie Jesu in FSL, led by FSL4IPH interpreter Leah Apuli (Photo provided by FSL4IPH)
The communal prayer was conducted in FSL, and each performance was interpreted by Bayani “Bay” Generoso Jr., FSL4IPH interpreter Apuli, and a rotating roster of Deaf students, turning the concert into a vibrant celebration of music and sign language. Their dynamic interpretations brought the music to life, allowing Deaf guests to fully experience and connect with the emotion, rhythm, and meaning behind each piece.
FSL4IPH Co-Founder Johann Chan alongside guest interpreter Bay Generoso brought "Some Enchanted Evening" to life through voice and FSL (Photo provided by FSL4IPH)
Dexter Calixterio, Angel Canoy and Kherbie Nhoel Labiaga are among the Deaf guests who took turns as Deaf relay interpreters, (Photo provided by FSL4IPH)
FSL4IPH team with HearlLife Verein, Deaf guests, and interpreters (Photo provided by FSL4IPH)
Through music, art, and community, "Masquerade" embodied the shared mission of Hearlife-Verein and FSL4IPH: to unite listening, spoken language, and signed languages in enriching and empowering ways.
Johann Chan, co-founder of FSL4IPH, highlighted the magic of connection by serenading the audience with the iconic Rodgers and Hammerstein lyrics: "Some enchanted evening, you may see a stranger. You may see a stranger across a crowded room..."
The song’s sentiment captured the spirit of the night—a celebration of unexpected connections between Deaf and hearing communities, united by the universal language of music and art.
As each performers’ voice filled the space, the interpreters brought the words to life in FSL, adding a visual depth that transcended language barriers.
As the last heartfelt notes of the finale "Masquerade" filled the air, with Bay Generoso interpreting the song in FSL, there was a palpable sense of connection in the room.
"Masquerade" Concert finale (Photo provided by FSL4IPH)
FSL4IPH advocates, friends, and supporters with HearLife-Verein’s partner artists, and mentor Perpy Lopez Heath (Photo provided by FSL4IPH)
FSL4IPH members, guests and interpreters showcasing the organization's sign name in a powerful display of unity and advocacy at the concert conclusion (Photo provided by Michael Potian)
The music, combined with the expressive interpretation, resonated deeply with both Deaf and hearing attendees, creating a shared musical experience that went beyond words. As the performance ended, the audience erupted in applause, a powerful moment of unity and appreciation for the beauty of the evening. It was a perfect ending to a night that celebrated inclusivity and the transformative power of music to bring people together.
Deaf guests shared their reflections about the concert:
“For the concert with us, sir Bayani FSL was the interpreter during the concert and he signed the songs beautifully, allowing us to understand the story of the song. It was a fantastic experience. We enjoyed watching it," said Enaual Diby Ravines
Kurt Andrei Bongat said, "Thank you for the amazing experience at Y Space. I’m so happy I got the chance to sign a song during the event. It meant a lot to me!"
Funds raised from the concert will be used to support the development and expansion of the MED-EL ReDi app, a free tool designed to bring speech rehabilitation into the homes of Deaf families.
The proceeds will also fund on-the-ground training for therapists and families to create personalized learning experiences for Deaf children, fostering language development and literacy.
FSL4IPH thanked Cassie Yang, Global Mission Advocate, and friends from the US, Canada, and the Philippines for their invaluable support in sponsoring tickets, meals, and transportation for the Deaf guests.
ONGOING ADVOCACY: RAISING AWARENESS AND DRIVING CHANGE
The Deaf Awareness and FSL campaign continued with fundraising activities at British School Manila.
On Dec. 8, FSL4IPH student leaders, alongside Deaf guests, will take stage stage to lead the school community in signing the BSM School Song in FSL. This event will mark the last day of the school term, celebrating the school’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusion, raising Deaf awareness, and driving meaningful social impact.
Marites Racquel Estiller-Corpuz, former president of the Philippine Federation of the Deaf, teaching the British School Manila (BSM) sign name to FSL4IPH (Photo provided by FSL4IPH)
FSL4IPH student leaders practicing the FSL of BSM school song with Deaf coach CJ Patriarcha (Photo provided by FSL4IPH)
A CALL TO ACTION: JOIN THE ADVOCACY
FSL4IPH said it is committed to promoting Deaf inclusion through FSL education, advocacy, and community outreach. The organization offers free FSL classes and Deaf Awareness Training to schools, organizations, and communities.
For more information or to get involved in FSL4IPH’s advocacy work, please contact:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.fsl4iph.org
Facebook: @fsl4iph
Hearlife-Verein is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting language learning and speech rehabilitation for Deaf Filipino children.