Philippines
Metro Manila
Youth org FSL for Inclusive PH champions advocacies for Deaf, hard of hearing
Youth org FSL for Inclusive PH champions advocacies for Deaf, hard of hearing
A youth organization founded by students from the British School Manila in Taguig organized activities for the inclusion of the Deaf and hard of hearing.
FSL for Inclusive PH (FSL4IPH), headed by youth leaders Ethan Chan, Johann Chan, and Seth Yang, created opportunities in July that brought Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing people together through music, film and sign language.
“Hard of hearing refers to people with hearing loss ranging from mild to severe. People who are hard of hearing usually communicate through spoken language and can benefit from hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive devices as well as captioning,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
It added, “Deaf people mostly have profound hearing loss, which implies very little or no hearing. They can benefit from cochlear implants. Some of them use sign language for communication.”
FSL4IPH made a piano concert and classic film screening accessible through Filipino Sign Language (FSL).
Under Republic Act No. 11106, "Filipino Sign Language, hereinafter referred to as FSL, is hereby declared as the national sign language of the Philippines. The FSL shall be recognized, promoted, and supported as the medium of official communication in all transactions involving the deaf, and as the language of instruction of deaf education, without prejudice to the use of other forms of communication depending on individual choice or preference."
Concert
Last July 6, the Sunshine Plaza in Makati opened its doors to a truly inclusive gathering—welcoming Deaf, HoH, and hearing guests to experience music not just through sound, but through shared connection and FSL.
Fantasie, a four-hand piano concert featuring internationally renowned pianists Mariel Ilusorio and Dr. Abelardo Galang II, brought to life the timeless works of Schubert’s “Fantasy in F minor,” Arensky’s “Silhouettes,” and Piazzolla’s “Seasons (Summer & Winter).”
FSL4IPH said the concert was made more meaningful through the generosity of Ilusorio, who opened the event to inclusion by offering complimentary tickets to Deaf and HoH guests.
“I realized that people with Deafness still can experience and enjoy music. I hope [their] presence here will continue to encourage connections among different communities through sign language and music,” she said.
FSL4IPH credited Tosh Jacob-Soliven of Hearlife for paving the way for the team’s introduction to Ilusorio.
Through a collaboration with Vins Balingan, president of the Hard-of-Hearing Group Philippines (HOHGP), FSL4IPH ensured that Deaf and HoH guests—many of whom had never attended a classical concert before—were welcomed into a space intentionally designed with them in mind.
Leandrew Lance Tordillo, a Deaf guest, said, “I saw the pianist, Ms. Mariel, and felt her happiness as she played. Wow—four hands! That looked so difficult, but they did it so well. Their facial expressions were really wonderful. It was so amazing… I loved it.”
Inclusive cinema
On July 13, FSL4IPH helped realize one of its most ambitious projects yet: the inclusive community screening of “The Life of Beethoven” at the International Silent Film Festival Manila 2025, presented by the Austrian Embassy Manila.
At the event, audiences experienced Beethoven’s life not only through the powerful live score performed by Hearlife-Verein partner artists, but also through the expressive visual storytelling of FSL4IPH’s interpreters and Deaf performers.
The film’s narrative, centered on Beethoven’s own hearing loss and lifelong connection to music, found new resonance as it was signed live during the film screening.
With live musical scoring and FSL interpretation by FSL4IPH and Hearlife-Verein partner artists, the film reached audiences across Deaf, HoH, and hearing communities alike.
FSL4IPH mobilized vital support—securing sponsorships for meals and transportation for Deaf and PWD guests, arranging a last-minute follow spotlight for performers, and adding a photobooth.
About 350 guests filled the venue, including over 150 Deaf, HoH, and PWD guests invited through FSL4IPH’s network.
Interpreters were stationed at the registration table to assist guests and maintain crowd flow, especially for the hundreds of Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and PWD attendees who arrived early and filled the cinema.
FSL alphabet flyers were distributed to bridge communication between Deaf, HoH, and hearing guests, while film copies were installed on mirrored devices set on mobile stands to ensure seamless reference for the interpreters.
Onstage, lead interpreters Bayani Generoso Jr. and Leah Apuli, joined by an ensemble of Deaf and hearing performers, turned every musical phrase into visual poetry.
For many of the Deaf performers, it was their first time interpreting music in FSL on a public stage.
“This is my first experience interpreting a song in FSL. I felt it with all my heart,” said Trish Ann Villanueva, while Chricel Caribo said, “I am inspired to make people happy watching me… my first experience is great and helps me improve.”
FSL4IPH collaborated with Art of Silence Photography, led by Deaf photographer Dennis Rhoniel Balan and his wife, Deaf advocate Jennifer Balan, to offer an interactive photo booth experience for cinema guests.
“By integrating sign language and live music, we hope to create a cinema experience that transcends barriers—one that speaks to everyone,” said Ethan Jared and Johann Chan, founders of FSL4IPH.
FSL4IPH thanked the Austrian Embassy Manila, Hearlife-Verein, and the International Silent Film Festival Manila for the opportunity to promote diversity and inclusion.
Free Art Workshop for the Deaf
In partnership with Hearlife-Verein, FSL4IPH is inviting the Deaf community to a free Visual Arts Workshop happening on Aug. 23 and 30, and Sept. 6 and 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at YSpace at Yuchengco Museum, Makati.