Hiraya Manawari is an ancient Tagalog phrase which means sana mangyari/matupad or “hope it come to pass”. I have known this phrase since I was younger because it was the title of an educational program I used to watch before which figuratively translates to “Reach Your Dreams”.
I have always loved arts, whether I knew it or not. I always felt connection with it. I think everyone in their early developing stage had chances of expressing themselves in different forms of art, mostly in drawing first. I was that bubbly little girl who would sneak bond papers out from its marked hiding place by my ina and then draw whatever I wanted to—like a sun at the upper right corner of the paper, a girl wearing pink shirt and blue pants at the middle, few trees at the background, and butterflies surrounding the beautiful flowers over the bushes. The drawings, that my 6-year-old self made to just communicate her feelings, were actually the visual forms of her (my) emotions so that anyone could understand. In those times I didn’t know that I was making art. My emotions since then have always been my spur to create crafts.
In family gatherings, the little me would always be asked to sing and dance since I had an overwhelming confidence. But compared to other kids of my age, I believed they had more potential in singing and dancing which made me step back a little as I grew older. I thought I could not get better. Even so, it did not kill my fire to search for the top outlet of my soul.
During my grade school days, I began involving myself in declamation contests. I got drawn to the feeling of fulfillment once I stepped on the stage and started performing, telling story in front of the crowd. There it is! The search for my soul’s outlet was near to its accomplishment, I thought. My passion in art, especially in performing arts, grew more as I continued to join such contests to hone my talent in acting. I worked hard to get better in my comfort craft and it felt surreal to get recognized by many and how they started to believe in me and in my talent.
And then a dream of an artsy young lady, or maarteng binibini, was created.
✔️ First level: I wanted to be part of a theater student organization once I start my college life, so I aimed what I dreamed of.
✔️ Second level: In years of the making, I realized that I wanted to pursue theater acting (production) even after college, so I chose to apply for an internship in one of the known theater companies in the country. I fortunately got accepted and immersed myself in their big world.
✔️ Third level: I have always been dreaming to be part of a theater company, so I grabbed the opportunity of getting a scholarship for the Lipa Actors Company’s apprenticeship program recently.
Now I am to unlock these…
🔒 Fourth level: I dream to get myself immersed more in the world of art and learn from it. I dream to learn more forms of art.
🔒 Fifth level: I dream to be one of the art advocates in the country who would help promote and enrich culture and arts.
...I believe there are still more levels to unlock as the journey continues.
Pursuing arts is not that as easy as how I listed it above. It was and it will still be a long process for me to take in. As a dreamer, I walked in a long, rocky road in which there were times that I had to pause and take a rest. I also got caught in heavy rains and surprised by loud thunders; but looking at how far I have gone through, my fire faltered no more. Despite the number of rooms for improvement I have yet to open, the views of my family about my dream, and the current standards our society has related to art appreciation, I know to myself that this is the kind of risk I would love to take. With all the values I garnered through the years—faith, passion, discipline, hope, positivity, respect, value, empathy, openness, and commitment—I carry all of these as I reach my dream.
I now see my dream is not that high; it is deep. I chose arts and living to learn about it because I am already at the point of seeing and valuing its significance for the betterment of every individual, our lives, and the world. Art helps me to enrich my purpose and offer my spark to others—creating a progressive, meaningful flame in unity. I dream to grow as a deeply rooted role model in arts to the next generation, my future children and grand children as well.
This is still not the end of the long, rocky road I took years ago. I have yet to climb mountains and cross seas! But with greater faith and commitment, everything will be alright. I strongly believe everything will be! All together, let's dream deep.
Hiraya manawari maabot natin ang mga pangarap natin para sa atin, para sa pamilya natin, para sa Bayan, at para sa Kaniya.
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