The Balikbayan Project Team returned 2 years following its last trip to collaborate once more with their Streetlight Philippines Family. This year’s focus was to implement special needs workshops and seminars with Streetlight and the local community rehabilitation medicine schools, centres, and service providers. The team consisted of occupational therapists, physical therapists, clinical social workers, hip hop choreographers, martial artists, musicians, and volunteers who wanted to share their skills and expertise with the local Taclobanons of all ages. This year, we also had two Pagpasabot Self-Expression Talent Showcases, one on the streets near the original Streetlight Philippines Building and one at Children’s Park near the sea. It was beyond memorable.
Jon Jon Rivero and the rest of the 2016 Balikbayan Team were invited to be guest speakers for the J2911 Hip Hop Crew Team Banquet to honour the parents of their community. As founder of the Balikbayan Project, Jon Jon Rivero shared his story of how the Balikbayan Project came to be and the interwoven events that led to Typhoon Yolanda and the healing journey together. Jon Jon finishes the speech with a tribute to his Filipino Folk Music culture instilled in him by his parents at an early age and a remix that incorporates beatbox.
