We spent a morning last month with our friends at Cartwheel Foundation, to visit the Sama-Bajau community based in Parañaque, Metro Manila. Largely from the provinces of Zamboanga and Sulu, this community finds themselves within the busy neighborhoods of Metro Manila in search of a better life, fleeing both poverty and civil unrest in their hometowns
If I were to describe it in a nutshell, the heart of Cartwheel’s work is in keeping stories alive. Specifically, the stories it keeps alive are those of underserved Indigenous communities in the Philippines, stories that otherwise may be lost in the loud, fast, and fleeting tales of modernity.
We love story. It’s why we started this newsletter. And our work at Magis is about holding space for stories that share our common humanity. We know that when someone’s story is given space and time to be expressed, their wellbeing is affected in a good way. It’s an affirmation of existence, purpose, and mission. So this session with Cartwheel and the Sama-Bajau community, is definitely a story to tell.
Stories are a map of our culture and lifeways.
The community center’s light cables had been senselessly stolen a few months prior, and no replacements had been provided by the barangay (local authorities) yet. We arrived with our own rechargeable lights; but what was most noticeable were the expansive murals, along with artwork by the children, that effortlessly lit up their space. Being far from their home shores, the Sama-Bajau community is reminded of their story—their culture and identity—through these vibrant murals. Gerilya’s work in this space is crucial in retelling the important reminder of where they’re from.
Stories are mirrors and open doors for us to connect with ourselves and each other.
These stories don’t just come through in words said or read. One of the co-facilitators for the session, TJ, observed the rich connection through non-verbal communication, conveying openness, trust, and love for community.
Stories invite us to listen and be heard.
With Cartwheel’s LAHI books designed especially for the Sama-Bajau community, story grounds the children’s process of learning in lifeways that are relevant to them. The process of artmaking based on the books becomes all the more richer: through art, a child can add on to the story, tell their own, and have the opportunity to share with anyone who’ll listen.
“One memorable moment for me was having a conversation with the eldest student in the room. She shared with me her drawing of a boat that had just docked at the seashore. She also drew herself in the portrait, standing beside their home. She told me stories of how the men in the community would usually go fishing using a pana and when they come back, the women (including herself) cook the tilapia. She particularly enjoys gathering together and sharing the meal with the rest of her family, including nieces and nephews.” (Gia, lead facilitator)
“The memory of Pia spreading the malong on the floor, and the children gravitating around it without doubt or question is wonderfully etched in my memory. The malong was originally meant to be a base for their artwork— both boats and drawings, but without waiting for instruction, they sat around its edges. This immediately spoke to me of togetherness, of community, of closeness, and kapwa. How beautiful it was to witness children coming together, drawn to the center by what feels like home, and finding it in each other’s presence.” (TJ, Facilitator)
Witnessing this intricate work, I realized that the activities we had collaborated on with their team in past trainings were not just activities to fulfill a timetable for learning. They were a means for these children to never forget who they are and from where they have come.
Cartwheel Foundation, Inc. is a non-stock, non-profit organization founded in 1999. Cartwheel has focused its efforts towards giving the marginalized and disadvantaged communities of indigenous peoples the chance to enjoy their right to an education. Working hand in hand with generous partners and sponsors, Cartwheel’s effort is to bring education to the indigenous people who need it most.
To find out more about their work and how to support them, visit their website at cartwheelfoundation.org. Cartwheel Foundation Inc. is also on Facebook and Instagram.