Waway Saway: Bukidnon youth should engage in handicrafts as expression of art, for livelihood

MALAYBALAY CITY (BukidnonNews.Net/04 March 2023) The youth in Bukidnon should be taught and should engage in handicrafts as an expression of art and as a means of livelihood, Talaandig artist and musician Rodelio “Waway” Saway said.

He said the youth, especially those who have no means of livelihood, should be trained about handicrafts so that they can put food on their table. He said this can also be done as an expression of their artistic talent.

Artists, he said, should showcase their art so that the youth will be inspired to pursue art. This is one good way to connect the youth to the soil and in the bigger scale help them understand the need to take care of the earth, he added. Arts he said will teach the youth to love and help protect nature.

The youth, he said, should be involved in art or creating beautiful things as people “bow to beautiful things”.

He noted, however, that this call should not be only for indigenous youth but also to Muslim and Christian youth in the province.  

Saway opened an 85-piece solo exhibit entitled the “The House of Soil” from February 6 to March 24 at the Bukidnon Studies Center in Bukidnon State University - his first ever solo exhibit, which showcased his artworks using soil as medium. BSC has organized the exhibit as part of its Arts Month Celebration.

Ms. Loreta Sol L. Dinlayan, BSC Director, in her exhibit notes, said that as a musician and a visual artist, Saway is able to tell stories on the daily life of indigenous peoples in Bukidnon, through art.

”Waway Saway conveys that land determines the cultural identity of people ..and that there are many stories to tell and to hear about the condition of mother earth,” she added.

BukSU VP for Research, Extension, and Innovations Dr. Joy M. Mirasol, Oro-based artist and National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) representative Michael E. Bacol, among others, graced the opening program at the BSC Hall Way.

Saway also noted that work is on-going with the Mayantudog Gallery and Museum in Sungco, Lantapan, Bukidnon. The project is being done with Mindanawon artist Kublai Milan. He said there are still portions of the work, which needs funding and they are waiting for donations for it. But he said they are looking at completing the project this year.  

In his remarks in the opening of the exhibit, he said he was able to pursue his art somehow to deal with stress.

But he clarified in an interview with BukidnonNews.Net that his experience is not merely to deal with any stress. He said he came out with art works in his struggle to  deal with stress and frustrations searching for solutions to address various issues and concerns, such as those concerning the environment.

He said an artist must be free to express himself or herself, how to heal with stress, and how to heal to make him a strong person in the world .

He said art works should also address specific issues on the environment.

He said most of his art works focus on culture and the environment. But he noted that to protect the planned people should not stop at appreciating arts and songs about the environment.

”If we love this planet, let us protect it by action, not just saying we love it but by actions. We need to plant trees,” he said.  

In his public marks before performing with his flute during the exhibit opening, Saway said there should be action beyond advocacy for environmental protection.

”I don’t want to sing my song under the last tree standing. There had  been many beautiful songs that tackled the need to protect the environment. But how come the forest cover now is less than 1 percent (despite that?)”

He said “singing, painting” is only theory. “We need practice”. (Contributed to BukidnonNews.Net by Walter I. Balane with a report from Maricar Dusaban/BA Social Science intern from Bukidnon State University) 

IN PHOTOS: Rodelio "Waway" Saway, speaks during the interview with BukidnonNews.Net during the opening of his House of Soil solo exhibit on February 6, 2023 in the Bukidnon Studies Center in Bukidnon State University in Malaybalay City. Second photo: Saway performs with a flute during the exhibit opening. BukidnonNews.Net photos