In the wake of the 2022 Philippine elections, when misinformation spread like wildfire, a spark ignited the birth of Makiramdam. Our mission is to harness the incredible power of storytelling—kwentuhan—to transform the way young Filipinos understand and engage with the world around them. Even though we faced a lot of skepticism and doubt, our resolve was unshaken. We were determined to inspire a generation that not only questions the world but also actively seeks the truth.
The Community Engagement Fund (CEF) was the perfect opportunity to amplify our voice, connect with like-minded change-makers, and bring our storytelling dreams to life on a grander scale. We knew that with the CEF’s support, we could create something magical—a platform where history isn’t just a boring lesson but a living, breathing story that excites and educates.
Our projects tackled the crucial issue of historical distortion head-on
We decided to use the enchanting world of storytelling to shine a light on the truths of the Martial Law era—a time often shrouded in myths and misconceptions. By sharing stories like “Si Jhun-Jhun, Noong Bago Ideklara Ang Batas Militar” by Augie Rivera and “Edjop: A Child of the Storm” by Ed Maranan, we aimed to spark curiosity and critical thinking among children and teens. These tales weren’t just bedtime stories—they were doorways to understanding the past and guarding against the lies of the present.
Imagine a world where stories aren’t just read but experienced. That’s what our storytelling sessions are all about! We create immersive environments where participants dive into the history of Martial Law, engage in lively skits, and debate current issues. This isn’t just about hearing a story; it’s about living it, questioning it, and relating it to their own lives. By doing so, we empower our young audience to become warriors of truth, capable of discerning fact from fiction in a world full of noise.
Imagine a world where stories aren't just read but experienced. That's what our storytelling sessions are all about!
We create immersive environments where participants dive into the history of Martial Law, engage in lively skits, and debate current issues. This isn’t just about hearing a story; it’s about living it, questioning it, and relating it to their own lives. By doing so, we empower our young audience to become warriors of truth, capable of discerning fact from fiction in a world full of noise.
Young people—children, teenagers, and even those from marginalized communities like orphans and indigenous youth became our audiences and their response was so phenomenal! Take our event at Bantayog ng mga Bayani, for instance. The kids didn’t just listen; they performed skits, debated ideas, and connected historical events with modern-day issues. They weren’t just learning history; they were living it, feeling it, and understanding its relevance to their lives today. This interactive approach didn’t just teach them facts; it ignited a passion for truth and a determination to seek it out.
We realized the immense value of a collaborative approach where different perspectives come together to create something truly impactful.
The experience taught us the importance of age-appropriate storytelling that captivates young minds while conveying powerful messages. We also learned that integrating multimedia elements and real-life testimonies makes history more tangible and relatable, transforming it from a dry subject into a vivid, engaging experience.
Our long-term vision is to build a nationwide network of storytellers, each group bringing the magic of kwentuhan to their own communities.
This means more training, more resources, and more storytellers spreading the word across the country. We’re also planning to immerse and integrate our storytelling sessions into an interactive learning experience through technology to make it even more immersive and exciting. Imagine stepping into a virtual world where you can walk through history—how cool is that?
From a humble group of passionate volunteers in 2022 to hosting 14 incredible events by February 2024, our journey has been nothing short of amazing. We’ve touched the lives of over 350 young people, giving them the tools to question, understand, and combat disinformation. Sigla Research Center has not only amplified our impact but also enriched our methods, ensuring that the lessons of history continue to inspire the leaders of tomorrow.
So, if you’re excited about the idea of changing the world through storytelling, come join us at Makiramdam! Whether you’re a budding storyteller or someone eager to make a difference, we have a place for you. Get in touch at makiramdam2022@gmail.com, and follow our adventures on Instagram and Facebook. Together, we can create a future where the truth isn’t just heard—it’s felt, lived, and shared.
Makiramdam: Bringing history to life through the magic of storytelling. Join us and be part of a movement that’s shaping the minds of tomorrow. Para sa Pilipinas. Para sa Kabataang Pilipino.
