Transcending boundaries

(The exemplary craft of Thomasian artists Lawrence Aliwalas and Milch-Pe Aliwalas are displayed in Talento, a fund raising exhibit)

DANCE, entailed with the virtues of perseverance and discipline, could propel one to become a fruitful member of society who upholds culture and art.

The Quezon City Performing Arts Development Foundation Inc. (QCPADF) in partnership with Lawrence Aliwalas and Milch Pe-Aliwalas, launched on Saturday “Talento,” a sculpture exhibit that seeks to raise funds to train underprivileged youth in the performing arts.

The rich variety of sculptural figures reveals the most lucid mirrors of every scholars’ character — the way they transcend social conditions through grace and kinetic competence.

“The cut-off hands and feet represents their skills in the process of being developed, and flourishing to become full fledge professional performers,” artist Milch-Pe Aliwalas said in an online interview with the Dapitan Post.

Aliwalas shared that the sculptures, which they have named “Harana” and “Indak,” are inspired by the guitar and ballet ensemble of the foundation; both are "representations of the artistic marriage of the foundation, the scholars, and their world-class instructors.”

In engaging in their crafts, Lawrence Aliwalas and Milch-Pe Aliwalas strive not just to capture the profound depth of Filipino talent but also to show their compassion and camaraderie for the scholars.

“We think it’s important to help promote the continuous efforts of foundations like QCPADFI in honing the skills of not just today’s generation, but even the next,” she said.

Their hearts were kindled when they have witnessed the scholars perform in a Christmas presentation last year.

“Their performance moved us, so it’s an honor to witness that same enthusiasm when they performed during the opening of Talento,” she added.

Aside from the dance scholarship offer, the QCPADFI also nurtures the growth of aspiring artists through Voice and Musical Instruments program.

Throughout the sixteen years of the foundation’s tireless efforts and generous contributions, it has become a shelter to more than four hundred proteges who have expanded their personal horizons and achieved their full potential as artists.

Talento exhibit was unveiled last September 23 and will be open until October 8 at the Gateway Gallery, Cubao, Quezon City.