What do prominent mentors have to say on nurturing your child’s gift?

Holaina Tan

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What do prominent mentors have to say on nurturing your child’s gift?
A talent development camp mentored by industry greats capped off to thundering applause last November 12 as moms and families celebrated their children’s talent on stage

MANILA, Philippines – Preschool aged children are a joy to watch. This is the time when their personalities take shape, and they are more vocal about the activities and interests that they want to pursue.

This is also the time when parents begin to look at other avenues outside of the school and home where their children can not only expend their extra energy, but hone budding skills as well. After all, children have their own set of talents but it takes the parents’ support first and foremost, in order for them to thrive.

Where children’s talents shine

Last November 12, at 7 pm, 30 awe-inspiring talented kids from all over the country aged 3 to 7 years old had the unforgettable experience of showing off their blossoming talents on the Tanghalang Huseng Batute stage of the CCP. Their 2-day workshop came to an exciting conclusion with the grand finale of this year’s Promil Pre-school I-Shine Talent Camp.

Promil Pre-school I-Shine Talent Camp is a development program crafted by experts that aim to help parents nurture their children’s gifts. The program this year consists of an art camp, a stage camp for budding singers and dancers, and for the first time, a music camp. 

A talent camp by itself is a lot of fun for the participants, but the bonus for the parents are the impressive mentors behind each camp. For art, there’s award-winning illustrator, Robert Alejandro. For stage there’s singer-songwriter Rico Blanco for singing, and sought-after choreographer Georcelle Sy for dancing. For music, the latest addition to the I-Shine talent camps, there’s Maestro Ryan Cayabyab.

MENTORING YOUNG MUSIC LOVERS. Maestro Ryan Cayabyab with the Music Camp kids

Lessons from the Maestro

Ryan Cayabyab, one of the country’s most respected arrangers and composers, is no stranger to spotting and developing young talent. He not only mentored singing groups like the Philippine Madrigal Singers and Smokey Mountain, he continues to share his expertise through the Ryan Cayabyab School of Music. 

“Music education is very important,” Mr Cayabyab shares. Whether a child is studying to play a musical instrument, or is part of a choir or a band, he believes that music contributes significantly to the development of the child as a human being.

“In music, you cannot go from one level to the next without the prerequisite discipline. This is why music is important for children kahit na hindi sila maging musicians (even if they do not grow up to become musicians). As they grow older and become professionals, they will know the value of discipline and hard work,” Cayabyab says.

 ENCOURAGING THE LOVE FOR SONG AND DANCE. Singer-songwriter Rico Blanco, choreographer Georcelle Sy with the Stage Camp kids  

Lessons from the stage

To this day, audiences remain captivated with child singers that can hit all the high notes, as well as boys and girls that can pop and bend their bodies to the latest tunes alongside more seasoned adults.

Singing and dancing is something that comes easily to many Filipino children, and as they grow older, many continue their love for singing and dancing through after-school lessons.

Rico Blanco believes that parents should continue to support their children as they develop their talents and expose them to workshops like I-Shine.

But, he also cautions them against unrealistic expectations. With regard to the children’s performances, for instance, he reminds them that they are not perfect: “Of course the performances are not perfect. How old are these kids? But for their age, to be able to expose them to things like this would do wonders for them in life, not just in singing.”  

Sought-after choreographer Georcelle Sy also echoes a word of caution to parents: “Mayroon at mayroong mangingibabaw.” (There will always be a standout.) However, as a mother herself, she simply encourages parents to help their children activate the talents they have within, and to nurture their gifts. 

INSPIRING LIGHT AND COLOR. Illustrator Robert Alejandro with the Art camp kids  

Lessons from the pallet

Perhaps what’s easy to overlook in workshops and contest like I-Shine is the overall experience of the participant, and not just the end result.

Robert Alejandro expounds: “Kapag serious ka, ‘yung work mo serious din, malungkot. Pero kapag masaya ka, mas maganda ang art.” (“When you are serious, the outcome of your work tends to be serious and somber as well. But when you are happy, the art you produce is more beautiful.” 

In a nutshell, he says, “I just tell the children to have fun.”

STARTING YOUNG. From left, Seth Levi Salada (Music Camp Grand I-Shiner), Sean Hayden Bermudez (Stage Camp Grand I-Shiner) and Alliyah Umandal (Art Camp Grand I-Shiner)  

Lessons for life

When asked, almost all of the mothers or guardians of the night’s winners share that whether it is painting, playing the drums, or singing or dancing, their child’s talent has been what he liked to do since he was small. “Ito talaga ‘yung hilig niya,” one mother said. (This is what he really likes to do.)

They also agree on one thing: supporting their child’s talent is important. Whether it is for a school performance or for other similar workshops, they just let the children join and perform, and enjoy. In the end, it’s what matters most to the child, and what will allow his talent and being to shine. – Rappler.com

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